I spent a lot of time during the planning phase of our lighting. I went through the plan and figured out where we needed more light, and what I was going to do for accent lighting. When the planning was finished, I started sourcing what I would use. I figured out quickly, that we would have to be creative for one lighting issue.
The challenge spot was over the sliding glass doors in the beamed ceiling. So, there was not room to do a recessed can, nor the space to do track lighting. (I usually try to avoid those if I can.) The beams ran perpendicular to the way I would need them anyway.
I searched online and at lighting stores, but could not find what I needed. I finally found it in the isles of Lowes, but in the wrong finish. You can see them here. We were doing clean, polished chrome. This fixture was in oil rubbed bronze and not available in anything else.
I set out to learn if I could somehow paint it chrome, without sending it out to actually get it chromed. I found out that if you want to use spray paint to get the chrome effect, you have to start with a coat of gloss black, then you spray your metallic silver. (Can I say how much I love Youtube?!) From my research, I know there is a better chrome spray paint color than what I used. While it’s not perfect, it will work.
I really don’t think it will be a standout, which was the goal for painting them. I wanted them to feel like they blend in.
I’m pretty happy I was able to use a less expensive way (spray paint) to “chrome” these light fixtures! Have you used spray paint to solve any painting issues?
Spray paint helps in so many ways. We are actually going to be re-painting our counters and cabinets in our kitchen and bathroom instead of buying new. I should save us about $5,000. I’ll take that!
Oh, post pictures when you are done! I would love to see how your countertops work out. Will you paint a poly over them to help with durability?
Thanks for this interesting post. I’ve never used spray paint yet but am planning on it – I have an old worn out metal cabinet that I’d like to spraypaint in pink. It must be hard putting so much effort into a home and then having to leave.
I love when people use punches of pink in their homes!
It is hard to leave the homes we have worked on. What is harder, though, is I don’t feel as I can put my stamp on it. I usually keep everything neutral for future buyers.
Wonderful tip on the lighting, never would have thought to paint black first.
I only know because the powers of youtube! 😉
Really amazing how chrome paint can change everything !