DIY spray painted lamp

While we’re making a right old mess downstairs, we’re trying to keep the upstairs of the house as pleasant to live in as possible.

I’ve added a couple of pretty things to my bedroom recently which are helping me cope, and reminding me that the kitchen and lounge will be beautiful too … one day!

My favourite addition of the year is probably this Anglepoise-style lamp on my dressing table, which I’ve spray painted a fresh, pale, sort of duck egg blue.

People seem to do amazing things with spray paint – pretty much any project and any surface goes, it seems. This was the first time I’ve used it, and it’s definitely a quick and easy way to get coverage.

You do need to do the painting in a well-ventilated area, and I had a few drips and spots I’d missed after the first coat or two, but I’m really happy with the result. I think the trick is to do thinner coats and build up the colour, keep the can the recommended distance from the item you’re painting and use even, sweeping movements.

What you need:

♥ lamp – mine was from £8 from Asda

♥ masking tape

♥ primer – I used this Rustoleum one

♥ spray paint – I used Rustoleum Mode in ‘celeste’

1. Make sure your lamp is clean and free of dust.

2. Cover the bits you don’t want to be painted with masking tape. I removed the springs and painted everything except the wire. Put the lamp in a well-ventilated area and make sure you cover floors, walls etc if you need to – anything that might get caught by rogue spray.

3. Apply the primer using even strokes. Use one or two coats, depending on what you need.

4. Follow the recommended drying times on the can, then start applying your coloured spray paint. Again, use as many coats as you think you need. I think I applied three fairly thin coats of colour.

5. Take off the masking tape, admire your handiwork and display with pride!

What do you think? Are you a spray paint fan?

PS I’m a bit in love with my ring pot, from Katherine Lees Ceramics bought at Home Is In The North, and my new Ray-Ban Wayfarers c/o Shade Station – can’t wait to wear them all summer long. You might also spot on my dressing table a great new interiors book ‘Home for Now’ (here’s my review).