The way to Paint a Brown Linen Lampshade White

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In case the brown linen lampshade in your favourite lamp doesn’t suit your present home decor, there’s no need to swap out the shade for a brand new one. Paint the outside of the shade with white spray paint or fabric-ready paint to get an entirely new appearance.

Preparing the Color

If the lampshade was sitting around for some time, untouched, there’s a fantastic chance it’s covered in dust. Brush the shade off outside using a paintbrush or alternative soft-bristled brush, or vacuum it using an upholstery brush attachment along with a low-suction setting. Dust off the interior of the shade also, along with the exposed metal framework that holds the shade onto the lamp.

Straightforward Spray-Paint Makeover

Set the lampshade atop paper or a plastic sheeting outside or within a well-ventilated location. Wrap the shade’s exposed metal parts with paper, and then tape the paper set to protect the metal from overspray. Pick a quality white spray paint, and shake the can for at least a moment. Then paint the shade with slightly overlapping bands of paint. Begin and end your bursts of paint beyond the edges of the shade for an even finish. Hold the spray may parallel into the shade whilst painting for the best outcomes. Several thin coats reduce the odds of drips and blobs. It may take more coats than you would expect because you’re painting white over a darker shade, so buy extra paint, just in case. Set the shade on a stack of empty coffee cans or similar objects so that you are able to cover the bottom edge of the shade should you find it difficult to paint using the shade resting directly on a tarp.

Fabric Paint Freshen-Up

Fabric paints cling to linen lampshades, with no paint additives needed. Squirt some of this fabric paint to a shallow disposable bowl or onto a disposable plate, then dip a foam brush or foam roller to the paint, then applying it in a thin layer all around the outside of this shade. You could use a normal paintbrush instead, but keep the amount of paint on the brush minimal to prevent thick blobs or visible brushstrokes. Once the paint dries, apply a second coat to ensure adequate coverage.

Latex and Acrylic Lampshade Lighteners

Both latex and acrylic craft paints additionally adhere to lampshades. Mix in a bit of a fabric medium first to keep the paint elastic and fade-resistant, following the proportional recommendations about the fabric-medium bottle. The medium is not completely essential, but it is going to help prevent chunky, chippy areas that may flake away otherwise. Pour some of this paint mixture onto a disposable plate or in a paint tray, then utilize a foam roller to apply the paint in a thin, consistent layer. Apply a second coat when the paint dries.

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