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.
I needed this right now!!! Awesome idea!!! THANK YOU!!!!
Awesome idea…Thanks!
Great idea! We did this with the door handle and dead bolt on our French doors. The price of a new handle and lock was in the $45-$50 range. We bought the silver spray to match the handles in our kitchen and it turned out great.
I just finished this project throughout my home. Hinges, knobs, tub, shower and light fixtures. Looks amazing and seems to be wearing very well. I primed each item with a car primer from Pep Boys to insure wear-ability. I love the updated look. I’m about to tackle the shower doors. Wish me luck!!
we want pictures lynn!!! So happy you tried it!
Hey Lynn, how has the paint job held up. I’m especially interested in the shower fixtures since those are in a wet high use area.
We did the same thing to our bathroom light and our floor vents…made a HUGE difference for under $10!
I am going to try to find this spray. I tried Brown spray on my old brass lamps and am not happy with the look. This is the look I want THANKS
Exactly what I was looking for to cover our brass light fixtures – I hate them! Thanks!
Use this on your tacky old brass candlesticks too, ya’ll!!
want to paint soem brass lamps.what other colors can you use?
I did this 2 years ago in my kitchen. Painted the hinges & the knobs to all the cabinets. Super easy to do & looks wonderful!! So much cheaper than buying new.
I can not wait to try this! Thanks for posting!
just did all the door handles around the house and they look great!
I’m so going to do this to my brass headboard! Thanks!!
I wish I had thought of this before we went out last month and bought all next ceiling fixtures!! Well now I know, and I will get all the door knobs instead 🙂
Thank you so much. We have 1980 brass hinges and I can’t find new ones to match current drill holes. Too much work to fill holes and drill new just to update, will use your idea for all my brass hinges. Thanks!
Thanks so much. Thanks to you, I did all 5 of our ceiling lights and there is still paint in the can. I learned how to turn off the power and took them down with minimal help from hubby. I didn’t leave the light bulbs in but instead wrapped the sockets with tinfoil. Huge difference. Good bye brass!