DIY Oil-Rubbed Bronze
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.
You may also want to try this simple DIY Lampshade Revamp with Spray Paint.
Or make this DIY Cake Stand/Jewelry Catch All/
I’m Amber Anderson, I am a pastors wife, mom of 2 lovely boys, and an avid DIY’er. I post regularly about DIY projects, crafts and family life.
Just tried this today. I did 2 light fixtures and some drawer knobs. Still have plenty of paint left and plan to do more next weekend. BIG difference. Looks great! Thank you tor the idea.
Thanks for this post. Will be getting this for my kitchen.
Clean with white vinegar before spraying, finish will hold up longer.
Why not just buy a new light for $14 from Lowes that looks almost the same as the finished product? Unless they don’t have the color you are wanting…
Probably because you can cover multiple “ugly” fixtures for $4-$6 cheaper than buying ONE new light… at least that would be the case for my house (so much ugly gold – all over the place… *shudder).
not to mention updating your current and fully functional fixtures is better than buying new which is a waste of money and tossing the old ones which just adds to landfill waste. Why would you rather buy new when you can make what you’ve got better?
Can you use this on brushed nickel doorknobs, hinges, and faucets?
Love this idea. We have silver fixtures everywhere in my house, and It just doesn’t go with the warm feel I’m trying to create. Would this work for silver chandeliers? Wall sconces?
I’m not sure as I haven’t tried it, but I don’t see why not.
I did my light fixtures as you did, and a chandelier, and my doorknobs, and my hinges, and even bath fixtures.
Awesome! How’d they turn out?
Your light fixture looks awesome. Thanks for posting this. I was looking for a spray paint recommendation for my dining room “goldtone shiny” chandelier. The local re-store here is loaded w/old goldtone fixtures and won’t even accept them from remodelers. :/
Does this product come in a can? I would rather paint from a can, than spray.
Not that I am aware. For this type of application, spray would work much better.
It does come in a can. Looks good on door hardware.. don’ t know how it will hold up.