Can You Spray Paint A Lampshade? (All You Need To Know)

People often ask me this question, “Can you spray paint a lampshade?”, and the answer is yes! You can indeed spray paint a lampshade. However, there are some things to consider before doing so.

First, if it’s an old lampshade that has been sitting around for years or even decades, it may be covered in dust and grime. This will make it difficult to apply any kind of spray paint to the surface.

If you want to spray paint your lampshade, you have to clean it first. Don’t worry. We’ll show you how to do it. This article will discuss everything you need to know about spray painting a lampshade.

We will also give you tips on what type of spray paint or finish to use when spraying a lampshade. So, let’s start!

Can you spray paint a lampshade?

Yes, you can spray paint a lampshade. It is actually quite simple to do. The only thing you should consider is whether the lampshade is made from metal, plastic, or fabric. It is very important to know the materials used to make the lampshade.

This is because if you apply spray paint that is suitable for metal surfaces on a fabric lampshade, the spray paint will most likely crack as soon as it dries. If you don’t take this into consideration, you could end up with a mess and even damage your lampshade.

Spray painting a lampshade is a great way to update your home’s décor, and it doesn’t have to be difficult or time-consuming. If you know the type of material your lampshade is made of, you can choose the right spray paint or finish.

What type of spray paint or finish should you use on a lampshade?

The type of spray paint or coating you use depends on the type of material your lampshade is made out of. For example, if you are going to spray paint a wooden lampshade, you would probably want to use spray paint made for wooden surfaces.

However, if you are going to spray paint a metallic lampshade, you might want to go for the best spray paint for metal. The same goes for plastic lampshades.

In terms of the finish, If you want to create a shiny effect, you can opt for glossy spray paint. On the other hand, if you want something more matte, you can try using semi-glossy spray paint.

How to clean a lampshade?

Before you start applying any kind of spray paint coatings to your lampshade, it is important that you clean it properly. Otherwise, you won’t achieve the results you were hoping for.

You can clean a lampshade by soaking it in warm water mixed with dish soap. To soak the lampshade, first you need to remove the shade from the lampshade. Make sure to rinse it thoroughly after cleaning it. Don’t forget to dry it completely before applying the spray paint.

You can also use a soft brush to gently remove dirt and dust from the surface. Once you have cleaned the lampshade, you can proceed with the spray painting process.

Also read: Can you spray paint stainless steel?

How to spray paint a lampshade? (Step by step)

Now that you know what type or finish of spray paint to use, and how to clean a lampshade, it is time to learn how to spray paint the lampshade now. Before you begin, you must ensure that you have all the necessary equipment ready. You will need:

• • A good quality spray paint
• • Painters Tape
• • A Primer
• • A rag
• • Safety equipment like masks, goggles, and gloves

1. Start off by removing the shade

The first step is to remove the shade from the lampshade. This is done by loosening the screws holding the shade to the frame. Once the shade has been removed, you can proceed to the next step.

2. Clean the lampshade

Once you have removed the shade, you can proceed to clean the lampshade. To do so, soak the lampshade in a solution of warm water and dish soap. Make sure to rinse the lampshade thoroughly once you have finished cleaning it. Dry the lampshade completely before proceeding to the next step. 

3. Use painter’s tape

To protect the area where you don’t want to apply the spray paint, you can use painter’s tape. You should use painter’s tape to cover those areas of the lampshade. After covering those areas, you can proceed to the next step, which is applying primer.

4. Apply primer

After you have covered the areas of the lampshade that you don’t want to spray paint with painter’s tape, it’s time to apply the primer. The purpose of applying the primer is to make sure that the spray paint will adhere well to the surface of the lampshade. It is always recommended to use the same brand of primer of the spray paint.

5. Spray the lampshade

After you have applied the primer, it is time to apply the spray paint. Start applying the spray paint from one side of the lampshade until you reach the opposite side. When spraying the lampshade, be careful not to miss any part of the lampshade because this could result in uneven application of the spray paint. Try to keep the nozzle at an angle of 45 degrees when spraying. 

Apply multiple thin coats of spray paint on the lampshade. Remember to allow each coat of spray paint to dry completely before moving on to the next coat.

6. Let the lampshade dry

When you have completed applying the last coat of spray paint, wait for the lampshade to dry completely. Make sure to let the lampshade dry for 24 hours before using it again. 

7. Reassemble the lampshade

When the lampshade is completely dry, you can proceed to re-attach the shade back to the lampshade. Follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer to attach the shade to the lampshade correctly.

Conclusion

Congratulations!

Your lampshade is now ready to go out into the world. If you are satisfied with the results, then there is no reason why you shouldn’t share this article with others. Share this article with other people who may also want to try their hand at spray painting a lampshade. 

Spray painting a lampshade becomes fun and interesting when you know the process well enough. You should be able to complete your project by following these steps.

Share your experience below if you’ve tried spray painting your lampshade or have any questions about how to do it. Also, please consider sharing this post with friends and family members via social media.

Thanks for reading!

FAQs