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  for Metal Finishing since 1989
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How to paint an antique brass chandelier black?

I want to paint my chandelier (which currently has an antiqued brass finish) black and I would like some advise on how to do it. Can I just spray paint over it? Do I need to prep it by sanding with 000 steel wool ⇦this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] ? Thanks for any help!

Barbara A [last name deleted for privacy by Editor]
- Newbury Park, California
2002

I would like to know if I can paint my brass chandelier. I did see that others had posted the same question. How do I see what the responses were? Thank you.

Terri C [last name deleted for privacy by Editor]
wholesale distribution - Joliet, Illinois, USA
2003

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Although it's hard to get paint to adhere to brass, usually a Self-etching primer ⇦this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] will work, Terri.

Yes, more people want help than volunteer it, so some questions go unanswered for a while. But usually the questions are repetitive and have been answered already if you are patient with the search engine.

Sometimes people may be motivated to answer your question if you take the time to post a picture of the item, or the history of the item, or why it's important to you. Good luck!

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
2003

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The house that we just bought came with a green colored metal chandelier in the dining room. It is still in good condition and I like to keep it, however the color does not go with my decor. Can I refinish it to bronze and how? On a closer look at it, I think it was at one time bronze that has been painted over.

Thanks.

Manisa G [last name deleted for privacy by Editor]
project - Phoenix, Arizona, USA
2004

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Try this web page: www.diynet.com/diy/ll_chandeliers/article/0,2041,DIY_14048_2270201,00.html

Cherie Kelly
- St. Louis, Missouri
2004

Ed. note: Thanks, Cherie. Set your pop-ups blocker first though.

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Thank you for posting this web address! I am going to try mine today. Thank you for helping me save time by the needless hours spent on search engines.

Sincerely,

Kathleen C [last name deleted for privacy by Editor]
- Midland Park, New Jersey
2006

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Chandeliers are quite easy to repaint another color whether it's brass or another finish. First you must clean and dry the piece. Stuff the bulb sockets with "scrunched up" paper towels to avoid paint getting into the sockets. Next, you spray to cover the chandelier with a primer and when dry, you look for rough spots and smooth them out with a fine sandpaper or #0000 steel wool ⇦this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] . Primer again to cover. when primer is completely dry (about 2-4 hours), you can paint with any colour of water based paint. You may apply several layers of paint, making certain it dries in between sprays. Wait 24 hours, then apply a light coat of paint sealer. Semi gloss or flat is a great finish for a clean, professional look.
If you would like the shabby chic look, you can sand the paint on the chandelier before spraying with a sealer. Hang and enjoy!

Corinne Marie
Lani's Floral Designs - Rowland Heights, California
2006

I found a thread on painting chandeliers when I Googled the topic at this URL: community.discovery.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/2151912904/m/4251036

E. Barrett
- Washington, DC USA
October 24, 2008