|
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
| Revamping a Light Fitting |
| An old chandelier gets a French provincial look. |
|
|
|
|
1
Start by removing the crystals from the chandelier and dust it off with a damp cloth. Before you can cover the worn brass with paint, rub a water-based deglossing medium over the surface to prepare it.
2
Next, apply a coat of paint. It is a good idea to first hang up the chandelier to make the process easier. To achieve a chalky appearance, we used a product called Magic Paint. This is basically a thickened acrylic, ideal for items with a lot of detail.
3
While you are waiting for the paint to dry, you can start making the five small, cone-like lampshades. Trace a circle 18cm in radius and then trace an inner circle 5.5cm in radius onto the acid-free watercolour paper. The paper is quite thick, so it should be strong enough for the job. Using a protractor, divide the circles into 16 sections. Cut around the two circles and divide in two, each half making one shade (see diagram). In keeping with our theme, paint the shades in alternate stripes of solid French blue and add a red Empire stencil to the white stripes in between. To hold the shades permanently together, attach them with paper fasteners.
4
Make your frames for the new lampshades from rings of wire (available from craft shops). Cut the craft wire into four equal lengths, allowing for a small overhang to fit into the base. Wrap the wire around the ring and fit over the globes. After that, it is simply a matter of fitting the shades and then finding somewhere suitable to hang your chandelier.
|
Materials
1 brass light fitting
1 litre Magic Paint
3 sheets of Imperial Arch Paper — 300g
1 pencil
1 stencil
For the lampshades
2 x 250ml coloured paint
2 fine brushes
Rivets to pin lampshades together
Wire frames |
Cost
Magic Paint $ 9.50
Lamp wiring $ 8.25
Polyprep $ 9.00
Paper $ 7.90
Rivets $ 3.00
Stencil $ 10.00
Total $ 47.65
|
More Info
Magic paint, glaze and scumble medium are all available from good art supply stores. Wire frames for shades are available from all leading light supply stores. Imperial Arch paper available from all good art supply stores.
Thanks to: Spinner's Building Services, ph: (02) 9438 1788. They specialise in any property repair, maintenance, renovations and upgrading services.
Newtown Art Supplies, 15 Wilson St, Newtown NSW, ph: (02) 9516 2330 for art paper, brushes and pencil.
|
Disclaimer
All Fact Sheets and other material on the Our House website are provided as a general information service only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for the advice of a properly qualified tradesman. Neither ninemsn nor its licensors (including the Nine Network) assume or accept any responsibility for, and will not be liable for the accuracy or appropriate application of any information whatsoever in any Fact Sheet or other material on the Our House web site. Your use of the Our House web site is governed by this disclaimer and the ninemsn's Terms of Use.
|
|
|
|
|
