How to Paint a Lampshade and Base: Lamp Tutorial (Works on Glass, Metal, Wood, and Plastic Lamps!)

On this episode of Finish Friday, DIY expert Amy Howard shares all about rescuing and restoring lamps. Do you have a few lamps that you want to donate because they’re just… ugly? Don’t toss them out just yet! This week on Finish Friday, Amy Howard is walking you through how to rescue and restore a thrift store lamp or one that’s been hiding in your attic for years. Whether your piece is glass, metal, wood, or plastic, there’s a finish that will work for everyone.
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ABOUT FINISH FRIDAY
Each week, seasoned DIYer and restoration expert Amy Howard shares her tips and tricks for refinishing projects of all types. With decades of experience and several patented high-performance refinishing products to her name, Amy is an engaging teacher ready to show you how to DIY your dream home. Join us LIVE every Friday at noon CST on Facebook and Instagram!
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ABOUT AMY HOWARD AT HOME
Amy Howard At Home provides creatives with a distinguished class of artisan quality refinishing products for furniture and décor. amyhowardathome...
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PRODUCTS MENTIONED IN THIS VIDEO:
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[@nativetexan53]

5 years ago and this is the first time your channel has popped up on my feed.

[@nlm8487]

I just gave you a thumbs up cuz when you introduced your assistance/husband the smile your relationship brought to my face really made up for every sad time this month I’ve had. I know this is two years old but thank you for such a wonderful video and God bless!

[@katrinakitty52]

instead of painting the inside of my old shades, I took scrap rice paper pieces with coordinated colors and used spray adhesive to layer them inside. When the light is on, it makes a very interesting pattern. This works very well for those old shades that have the paper linings. I like to restore the old ones because they go so well with the vintage lamps.

[@voltdivin]

Thank you for this video. We dumpster dive and found a dumpster full of lampshades so our 3-year-old and 17-year-old daughter have been painting lots of lampshades. I just subscribed to your channel and can't wait to check out more videos. Thank you for the great video.

[@amyhowardathome]

That is awesome!

[@sndygskylr]

Soo crazy! I just bought a used lamp today! I’m excited about painting my shade and thanks to your video, I am totally encouraged! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@harrietbissette]

Just found you and I wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed this tutorial!!! I am wanting to repurpose my current lamps to match my new decor and your video helped me so much! Thank you so much Amy! I can’t wait to check out more of your videos. :)

[@valkyriesardo278]

If your shade is very tall, there is another way to support the sides of the shade as you paint...Rest either end of a 2x4 or a closet pole across two chair backs.....Place the shade on your makeshift roller as you would a roll of paper towel or bathroom tissue. You can pad the supporting post with one or more pool noodles if it needs cushioning.

[@Karen-tm1ip]

Thanks for the tutorial. Great help.

[@amyhowardathome]

Thank you!

[@starglaxner3524]

Thank you so much for sharing your artistic knowledge with us! What a beautiful world we live in when we creatively repurpose ~♡~

[@esat189]

Was doing this with homemade chalk paint and fabric paint since 1970s. Love this. Unfortunately living on fixed income cannot afford products

[@AandP4dummieslikeme]

I love how "Martha Stewart" you are, doing this with pearls on, and a manicure 🙂

[@lorriemitchell7567]

Talking about the cracked finish on lampshade, could you imitate the look with some plastic wrap?

[@velmacoffey3763]

Old video to me, just popped up. I subscribed! I have a client who gave me 4 items to transform, , which included 2 old lamps. Lamp bases done with textured paint to look like concrete..and lampshades were gorgeous silk, but totally wrong color. Always looking for new techniques. I used a 40/60 wash of paint/water. They are gorgeous ! Love your tutorials!

[@amyhowardathome]

That is awesome!

[@evamorris8699]

Amy , Just found you ! I am so happy I did ! Will be watching all videos of yours ! Just can’t wait ! Love this one !

[@stephanieadams6461]

Thanks for sharing I enjoyed your demonstration but it would be great if you didn’t keep stopping when answering those daft people who kept asking questions that you have already answered, quite literally the very second before in the case of the interior gilding of the shade aaaargh. Absolutely love your Dr Suess lampshades and the pink transformation was very pretty thank you 😍

[@kimberlydawndavis2489]

Hi, Amy!! Thank you so much for teaching us how to do this! I have so many lamps that I'm excited to transform! Do you have a video on how you painted those bees on that pretty white lampshade?

[@chattykathie7129]

When the light bulb is turned on every brush stroke shows

[@nathalievalade5787]

Wanted to do my counters in the laundry room.I have seen many tutorial...I decided on your product.Must cover this awfulllll Formica.Thanks 😘 Next project 🤔

[@juliahelland6488]

Thanks for sharing this! ❣️

[@esat189]

Lovely tutorial.

[@pameveridge7714]

Love the look

[@KC-qb2bb]

Great Projects

[@lifeby2044]

LOOOOOOOOOOOVE IT thank you so much, I will get in to paint it this Laura Ashley lampshade, that it was seating around❤

[@ooops3632]

YOU GO GIRL!!!!!!!

[@ooops3632]

fAXXXX

[@kathyromack395]

Ah man, I just bought new table lamps and matching floor lamps! As a matter of fact I I just unboxed them. So, I still have my old ones. Hubby will be Sooooooo happy that I watched this video and will consequently keep the old ones for reburb. (or I may just donate them to the Habitat Restore). hahaha! I am watching all of your videos and have made some purchases to get started on a refurb of my dining room table and buffet. I am learning so much!

[@debbiecooper3125]

What lamps should be left alone because of value?

[@ooops3632]

BLUE

[@yolandairizarry5602]

❤😊😊😊😊thank you very much. You sound great and make others motivated.

[@amyhowardathome]

I'm so glad!

[@natashamarano9228]

My first time seeing your video channel. I have no experience or knowledge in interior design. You guys are so informative & adorable. I subscribed & can't wait to learn more with ya'll.

[@theresabaltimore9067]

How can I find a class on DIY decor

[@bethbartlett5692]

Begins @ 5:10 with supplies. (Clean with "gloves on, small amount ammonia water, rinse with vinegar water, let air dry )

[@mohegyptain149]

I would like to record my great admiration for these wonderful works of art. I am from Egypt, and my work is in papyrus, which is made of papyrus, the oldest paper in history. I love handicrafts, and I will try to make one out of papyrus.

[@nccrchurchunusual7990]

Get a respirator rated for paint fumes. Dust masks do not filter vapor or fumes.

[@TexasMom68]

I have that exact blue lamp. Was looking for a way to paint it. ❤

[@midgewalsh9322]

Good information but I think you should hold the questions that double back on the information or go far outside the original content to the end.

[@kathywinter424]

could we use the color transfers on lampshades

[@ooops3632]

idk u tell me

[@linneamedia]

Great video! Keep these coming! Thank you

[@hazelweatherfield2854]

Where can I find either the stencil or the rub on for that lampshade?

[@mariaceciliariveramedina5493]

Yo conozco de sus pinturas por el canal de Marcela de Honduras...son bien versátiles...pero donde vivo en Puerto Rico no las hay ni aun en HomeDepot...🙂

[@michellemarine2518]

Thank you so much the tutorial was great & very much needed

[@maureenamos7868]

Hi grim Australia. Great ideas 💡

[@amyhowardathome]

Glad you like them!

[@luxter4375]

Yay.Igot several lamps which needs To be painted.

[@Kelly-lo6cz]

Just painted a yellowed lamp shade from goodwill a pure white... inside and outside... it looked great.. much whiter... until I placed it on the actual lamp... and it was just as yellow as before... am I missing something? Maybe there's a yellow lining that I couldnt get to ib between the front ans back fabric? Have you ever had this problem? Anywho, the lampshade is being thrown away now.

[@klee6024]

I have a very old (60's?) style hanging lamp. the shade is in horrible condition. It's a pleated plastic and under it, the lining is also plastic, but yellowed. I intend to make it a cloth shade, but what can I do to improve the base/lining?

[@jessicabailey6792]

I have a faux suede lamp shade that I'd like to redo. I thought about covering it with a self-adhesive wall paper, but I'd really like to try painting it. Can you offer some suggestions about what kind of paint I should use? The suede lamp is kind of tobacco-colored.

[@summerstarr3230]

Hi Amy, maybe you answered this but I wanted some clarity- I painted the outside of my lamp and when I turn it on then paint shines through really patchy and ugly. Would painting the inside a darker or lighter color fix this?

[@amyhowardathome]

Yes, painting the inside of the lamp a darker color will help to hide the patchy paint on the outside. The darker color will absorb more light, which will make the patchy paint less noticeable.

[@klee6024]

My first time watching you, and within minutes I got an idea, but I need your guidance. I have a teakwood carved elephant that stands about 8" tall. I thought it would be cool to make a lamp out of it. How would I do that, or who would I go to for further guidance?

[@ilmpsalmistadmin]

Amazing 💕🎈

[@mariarobbins8546]

Hi, My lampshade has a painted pattern on it. I believe it is done in acrylics. Do you have a method of removing it.

[@philipsabatino180]

What materials is. paint are you using ?

[@marciagiller3072]

I have a large lamp shade, 40 years old BUT still in good condition, just discoloured....looks beige or dirty - outside of it is like a burlap bag....the lamp is dark pine wood that so far, i've painted (with a brush) a coat of primer on it. What do you suggest I use to (a) paint the shade and (b) finish the wooden lamp? I want the lamp to be gray in colour, trying to be a bit nautical.....

[@rachelthomas7001]

Are there any paints that allow light to shine through?

[@corinnestevens4705]

Found you from Katcha’s video. 🤗❤️🦋

[@knut982]

What a great mentor you are Amy! Just discovered your channel and I’m luvin it.

[@ranjinigovindan3797]

You keep us waiting

[@lifeisgood7740]

What did you use to make the stripes so even? Tape?

[@joys8689]

Is there a certain kinda paint to use for shades

[@user-vu6br6sm8c]

Are you using acrylic?

[@ondinadixon1875]

Hi Amy what to do when using a black paint and it seeps through to the inside 🤔

[@krh3033]

What kind of paint for the lampshade? So never spray paint?

[@amyhowardathome]

It's just one step paint!

[@meeranatarajan4487]

Hi Amy, If one is using fabric which is the best fabric to use. Can we use oil paint on Fabric. Please let me know

[@songbirdisland]

Hi Amy, I love your videos! Can I paint over a fabric shade that has a textured damask type pattern on it?

[@margaretandruchow9323]

Why didn’t you use primer on lamp before spraying?

[@deborahtomlinson238]

Love it! Where do you purchase the paintable shades that aren't fabric?

[@lindajtoth]

If you are painting outside and inside, which side first?

[@izzy9309]

Hi Amy, I watch another video of you and another gentleman paint another lamp shade and you said to stipple not brushing it. Just wondering how you decide on when to do stipple or brush paint on. Thanks

[@colinelliott8886]

Where are these products available in Queensland Australia ?

[@nathalievalade5787]

What do I use for a more shiny finish since marble is not flat. Thanks

[@catherinebullock9748]

Why use lacquer instead of regular spray paint

[@sarahperkins2340]

I have lampshades that already have a print on them but I'm not fond of the colors is there any way to recycle them?

[@shiningskiess]

wait so what kind of paint are you using? just want to make sure i'm using paint that's safe, i'm scared of the lampshade getting too warm and possibly being a fire hazard because of the paint

[@zeearts9484]

I know I'm a year late but I've heard fabric paint and even acrylic paint can work

[@lifeisgood7740]

I want to paint a lamp that’s made of clay. What kind of paint would I use? Thank you.

[@brendabaker1342]

Can you use Ann Sloan chalk paint on shades??

[@amyhowardathome]

Sure!

[@marciagiller3072]

What colour blue did you use? on the striped shape?

[@adelinevasquez8784]

What kind of paint are you using? Is it oil based, acrylic, house paint, etc.

[@meganneugebauer1470]

Her one step paint is a chalk style paint. Not oil based. But, water based. :) Hope that helps!

[@kathleenmcneil5388]

I need the name and color of the paint you just used? Kathleen

[@ekajaparidze3315]

What kind of paint are you using for fabric?

[@amyhowardathome]

You can use our One Step Paint!

[@lisasclafani5185]

I painted my lamp shades once. Soon as I turned the light on, I could see what a mistake I made. All you could see was the paint streaks when illuminated. How is this paint different?

[@jameley5]

Lisa I just painted one as well and had the exact same issue. Light off....it looked great, Light on.....all I could see were the streaks and it looked terrible. Hope she answers

[@lisasclafani5185]

@@jameley5 she won't lol. That's why I asked the question, because I knew the answer. Sometimes people just want to sell you their product and anything can be painted really but does it look good. it's like we say a woman can wear any outfit right, but if she doesn't have the figure, it won't look good and then that means we really can't wear anything can we. That's how I feel about it.

[@dsteph2789]

@@lisasclafani5185 I spray painted white shades black and they look perfect with the light on or off. I sprayed a fine water mist first and immediately sprayed the first coat of paint and waited until the next day to apply the second coat. That I used black may have been a factor. Have you thought about using fabric spray paint, like she did for the outdoor cushion? Or, painting the inside the same color or gold to mask the uneven area if safe? Final suggestion, emailing Amy Sloane's help desk or calling one of their local vendors for suggestions using chalk paint.

[@lisasclafani5185]

Well when they explained how to paint it they tell you to use a brush and brushes makes streaks. Maybe because you're using black spray paint I don't know. But what kind of light can you get from a black lamp shade. I am not the only one who made this observation I am simply the only one who has stated it obviously. And I don't think I would go through the trouble of wasting more paint to paint the inside which is by the way material. Plus you said you was material paint but they're advertising chalk paint and so when applied as they advertise it it leaves streaks when the light is turned on. I don't think customer service is going to change my mind on that because I've done it.

[@dsteph2789]

@@lisasclafani5185 Did you use a stipple brush to apply the chalk paint? I thought using a regular paint brush was not recommended. My living room is large and everything is oversized. My lamps are 30+ inches tall and along with my floor lamp lighting is not a problem. Only a few family members have visited since March, Covid-19 compliance. We spend most of our time in the family room. The link below has really good tips for painting shades and recommends before applying the second coat of paint, putting the shade back on the lamp, turning the light on and identify areas deficient and a few other tips. Good luck! www.hunker.com/12003087/what-kind-of-paint-to-use-to-paint-a-lamp-shade

[@anastasiarn7781]

Paint inside lamp shade first?

[@karenjohns8859]

Just found your channel! Can you use any of your paint on outdoor furniture? If you can, if there are chips do they have to be taken care of first?

[@GettingCraftyDIY]

#Replay. Looking for the video where you stenciled the lampshade. How do I get the Arabic writing off the screen?

[@luxter4375]

Hi!Amy!It's Kency from Perth.R u using fabric paint? Can we use normal paint?

[@lorettagalloway3330]

What kind of paint is she using? I missed what kind of paint?

[@jjm823]

This is a pet peeve of mine. On 99% of all videos particularly DIY - you talk too much. I'm halfway through the video and your haven't even started the project. My comments are not directed at you - just happened to be looking for lampshade decorating. AND now halfway through it still hasn't started. I know some people must love the chit chat. I'm just saying from my point of view. Now I'm off to find a video that gets right to the point. Just sayin'!

[@franciemc2812]

JJM I so agree

[@Jackieteresa1223]

😂😂😂

[@wendyplewa9205]

I was going to say the same thing. To much talking. No action. Such a turn off. Don't even feel like watching it.

[@ITSMEBETTY50]

I totally agree… way too much chit-chat. Why show us the beautiful butterfly 🦋 lamp shade if that’s not the one you’re working on?? At least show us the final “pink lamp” reveal? Especially after watching that guy do such a terrible job spray painting. I was waiting to see all the drip marks 🤭

[@mariarussell5882]

This is a good point some people who are dyxlesic like to get to point. It is a problem on most of these videos….

[@deniseblunt7329]

❤️

[@luxter4375]

Will normal paint work?

[@estegraff9894]

Hi, I just discovered your site and I am so impressed with your and James's creations. I inherited two bridge lamps but sadly my father-in-law spray painted one of they gold. Yikes 😂 it's horrible. What advice can you give me to save it? I have the other one in my living room, it is the original metal. I need to make if possible

[@estegraff9894]

, shade for it do you have any ideas for that.🙌🌹🙋

[@deblokting8885]

❤❤❤

[@pilarsosabolio6524]

En Mérida Yucatán venden esas pinturas?

[@estegraff9894]

I was trying to say I needed to make a shade for my bridge lamps as wondered if you had any ideas for that?

[@MysticalKitty666]

What type of paint did you use?

[@amyhowardathome]

The paint used is our High Performance Lacquer!

[@donnarusk1298]

How do i paint a cane lamp base

[@dreamyiscool]

Will this work on shades that have previous designs on it???

[@ooops3632]

no

[@krh3033]

❤️❤️

[@krh3033]

Great information.

[@maryspires7138]

Cover my lamp shade s

[@brendasimmons1639]

Wish she would of put the lamp on with the shade painted..I painted a shade and it looked like wet spot on the inside..

[@luxter4375]

How do we get connected to your fb page Amy? Ineed to post my lamps after painting them.

[@tinak768]

I live in a apartment can I still do this

[@amyhowardathome]

Sure! As long as you have a safe working environment. Preferably where there is good ventilation 🙂 Stay safe while having fun creating!

[@marynicosia525]

💗

[@esat189]

Us a respirator. Dust mask is not enough protection. Pulmonololist even says so

[@lisasclafani5185]

talking about dirt on the shade. What if they have smoke stains? I've seen that. Can you just paint over it?

[@ooops3632]

They might have poopies stain

[@sweyer954]

Where is the before and after FB link?

[@amyhowardathome]

facebook.com/groups/ahahbeforeandafter

[@terrygriffiths7499]

can you spray paint shade

[@amyhowardathome]

Yes!

[@chelseazaydaraensehon1198]

Great video! Thank you! ❤️

[@ooops3632]

anytime clinton