DIY Oil-Rubbed Bronze

This is one of the oldest DIY tricks in the book, updating brass or gold fixtures to oil-rubbed bronze. You won’t believe how easy it is! Face it, we all have them….ugly brass or gold light fixtures, door handles, bathroom knobs, brass lamps, etc. Most anything could easily be updated to a beautiful oil-rubbed bronze in a matter of minutes.

In my case we have these:

Remedy:

Rust-Oleum Universal All Surface Spray Paint, Oil Rubbed Bronze Metallic

Retailing for approx $8-$10, this is pure magic in a can!

Carefully take down the light fixture. If you are unfamiliar with electrical wiring, call in help! Have an expert or someone you know that understands how electricity works take down the fixture for you. In my case, that would be my dear husband. If you purchase the paint in the image above, Rust-Oleum Universal All Surface Spray Paint, Oil Rubbed Bronze Metallic there is no need to prime. One coat should cover just fine; in fact, I spray everything with this! (We even painted our ugly brass chandeliers at church!)

I’ve even seen images of exterior door handles, and door knockers on Pinterest that have been transformed from faded ugly brass to a sleek oil rubbed bronze using the same paint I’ve used here.
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I would suggest leaving your old light bulbs in or stuffing the light sockets with tissue paper or old newspaper to keep paint from getting inside the sockets.

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In a solid sweeping motion begin to spray paint the fixture.

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Make sure to allow enough drying time before reinstalling./
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{PIN IT!}

Our finished product, although the dome is still covered with etched flowers, it’s much easier on the eyes and up to date. This is a great example of an inexpensive way to spruce up your home one step at a time! Next time, try your gold kitchen knobs, or that brass lamp in the corner. Check out other DIY projects here.