How to spray paint light fixtures

Not every home improvement project has to be big or take a lot of time to do.

You can easily make a huge difference in your backyard decor by taking an hour or two this weekend.

And applying some colorful spray paint to the surfaces on your outdoor light fixtures. read further down for details.

In this post of mine, I will guide you on how to spray paint light fixtures in a very easy way without creating any mess.

This guide will be helpful for newbies and for those who are newcomers in this field and want to do the job very efficiently and in a satisfactory way.

Our bathroom light fixtures often fall behind on what the current style is and we want to be able to find an easy way of changing it up a little.

Without breaking apart our bathrooms so we begin by looking for something new.

Sometimes people will do this for a specific party or wedding, which is why many how-tos are written as guides for replacements in preparation for color-themed weddings.

If you have been wanting a new bath light fixture this post provides an informative piece of advice that can provide you with creative ideas.

And what steps, and tools, to use in order to make the change from one type of fixture to another.

How to spray paint light fixtures?

Tools need to spray paint fixture

• Circuit tester
• Tape for masking paper to cover the surface
• Screwdriver for unscrewing fixture
• Towel for cleaning purposes
• Masking paper to protect from paint
• Painter’s tape for masking paper
• Drop cloths for protection of paint
• Scrub brush for cleaning fixture
• Stiff wire brush for cleaning purposes
• Sanding pad for sanding the surface
• Scraper for scraping old paint
• Dust mask for protection of your own self
• Safety goggles for the protection of the eyes
• Rust remover

Remove the fixtures or mask them

When painting a ceiling fan, you really need to detach and wash the fixture. But keep in mind that before you do anything with your fan it should have been removed from its mount.

Or you have properly masked any nearby walls so that there is nothing for the paint to adhere to but the fixture and not whatever has been covered.

Let’s face it; it’s usually easier if the fixture is off but if you can’t take it down or don’t want to.

The only thing left to do is make sure the area you are covering up (i.e. Walls) is kept free of any stray paint drops.

If you plan to remove a light fixture, turn off the power to the fixture at the circuit breaker.

Or fuse box. Use a high-voltage neon circuit tester to verify that the power is off before proceeding.

As you’ll need the fixture off the wall and unbolted, start by using a screwdriver to remove the mounting plate from the wall.

Carefully unplug it from that until you can see all of its connections inside, then use your screwdriver again to unscrew both wire connectors which are holding it in place.

Now, once these are removed finally as well, you should be able to tug on the fixture’s wires until it comes loose.

Remove the lights from the fixtures’ frame and set them aside.

If you cannot or do not want to remove the lights, apply painter’s tape to mask them, otherwise, you can use masking paper cut to fit the light shades and keep them paint-free.

Remember to cover any surfaces around your workspace with drop cloths or tarps. Choose an open area in which to work to avoid overspray on nearby surfaces.

As you may be able to see around your house, there are several fixtures that can become painted without removing them from their location.

To protect the adjacent surfaces around a fixture before painting it, one can utilize masking paper to cover the area properly and make sure all surfaces have been protected.

Be sure that the masking paper is big enough to cover all areas around the fixture and use tape to secure the masking paper – here are links to some great tapes:

Clean the fixtures

It’s important to clean off surfaces regularly as this helps keep them looking great.

To start, mix a solution of vinegar and water (50/50) or you can use a regular all-purpose cleaner to tackle dirt, grime, and some tough stains.

If there is mold or mildew on the fixtures, clean them with a bleach and water solution or use a commercial mold remover.

Remove old paint and rust from the fixture

Removing rust and peeling paint can be a big undertaking. The two usually go hand-in-hand, and removing either may end up taking more time than you’d like to spend on it.

But if you’ve got a rusted exterior (or interior) that needs some work, then you’ve come to the right place because.

I’ve got all the information that you need to know about getting rid of both rust and paint with just materials from your local hardware store.

Method to remove rust from the fixture

Use vinegar to remove rust from fixtures. While it may sound like a simple solution.

It actually works! Just get a small container, fill it with vinegar, and put it in the room with the rusty fixture.

Leave it there for at least 24 hours. You can leave it there for up to a week if you want. Overnight will remove the majority of the rust.

You can just wipe it off with a cloth after a few hours. If you want to make your own vinegar, mix 2 cups of distilled white vinegar with 4 cups of warm water.

This chemical reaction will help remove most of the rust.

To get started, though, it’s important to have an idea about what kind of redecorating project you’re dealing with.

Is it mostly just surface rust on the door handle or do your windows look like they haven’t been cleaned in years?

Is it painted metal or concrete that needs some attention, or is it wood siding? This will make all the difference in whether you choose steel wool, sandpaper, or even a hammer and chisel.

Apply Primer on the surface

Spray a light dusting of rust-inhibiting spray paint over the rusted areas first. Then, apply a light coat of sea salt with a cheese grater to the entire surface and allow it to dry.

Apply another light spray layer of rust inhibitor over the surface for extra protection. Allow 48 hours for the salt residue to be thoroughly washed off before applying silicone lube.

Apply topcoat

Now you can start painting! Consider how you want your finished product to look. Aerosol paints come in flat, semi-gloss, or high-gloss finishes.

Also, take some time to think about what color you’re going for and how it will work on the fixtures and with the rest of the house colors and patio decorations, etc.

Spray on a coat of True Value X-O Rust Paint & Primer in One – hold the can 8″-12″ from the object you’re painting and keep moving so as not to cause any drips.

Apply several light coats – if applicable, let the paint dry 24 hours before using.

Reinstall the fixture

Today, some of you may have taken down your fixtures to paint them, now that you have completed the painting process it is time to put the fixture back together.

How do we accomplish this?

First, locate the wires that are now coming out of your wiring box and connect them to your new light fixture wiring.

The fixture should come with attached wires with connectors and a mounting plate. Electrical cables will not fit into these slots so remove any extra wire slack.

Next, remove any excess painter’s tape or masking materials (this can wait until after this process is complete).

Now place the mounting plate in its designated position making sure it lines up before it into place with screws that were included in the box.

Once the plate is snugly secured we move on to installing the light lens bulbs or shades depending on what type of light you purchased;

Then push all the wires back through and reinstall all hardware by hand or use the Allen key to adjust each for optimal fitment.

What kind of paint do you use on metal light fixtures?

For metal light fixtures, you should use a paint that is specifically designed for metal surfaces, such as an oil-based enamel or a rust-inhibiting paint.

These types of paints will adhere well to the metal surface and provide a durable finish that can withstand heat and wear.

It is also important to properly clean and prep the surface before painting to ensure proper adhesion.

Can you spray paint metal fixtures?

Yes, you can spray-paint metal fixtures. Spray paint is a great option for metal fixtures because it can provide an even, smooth finish and it is easy to apply.

Before you start spray painting, it is important to properly clean and prep the surface to ensure proper adhesion of the paint.

You will also want to use spray paint that is specifically designed for metal surfaces, such as oil-based enamel or rust-inhibiting paint.

Additionally, you should use the spray paint in a well-ventilated area, and be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the best results.

Can you spray paint chrome light fixtures?

It is possible to spray paint chrome light fixtures, but it is not recommended as chrome is a type of metal that is highly reflective and has a very smooth surface.

Which makes it difficult for paint to adhere to it properly.

Additionally, chrome has a unique finish that is hard to replicate with paint.

If you still want to paint chrome fixtures, you will need to use a special type of spray paint that is specifically designed for chrome surfaces.

Use the spray paint in a well-ventilated area, and be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the best results.

It’s also worth mentioning that chrome is often considered an aesthetic feature, so painting it may affect the appearance of the light fixtures.

A better option may be to consider other methods, such as chrome plating or painting the fixture with chrome-like paint.

How do you spray paint a bathroom light fixture?

Here is the general process for spray painting a bathroom light fixture:

• First, remove the light fixture from the bathroom and disassemble it. This will make it easier to paint and allow you to reach all areas of the fixture.
• Clean the light fixture thoroughly with a degreaser or a mixture of water and vinegar to remove any dirt, grime, or oil from the surface.
• Sand, the surface of the light fixture with fine-grit sandpaper to create a rough surface for the paint to adhere to.
• Wipe down the light fixture with a damp cloth to remove any dust from the sanding.
• Cover any areas that you don’t want to be painted with masking tape and paper.
• Use a spray paint that is specifically designed for metal surfaces, such as an oil-based enamel or rust-inhibiting paint.
• Spray the light fixture in a well-ventilated area, and be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the best results. It’s a good idea to apply multiple light coats, allowing the paint to dry between each coat.
• Once the paint is dry, reassemble the light fixture and install it back in the bathroom.

It’s important to note that you should use paint that can withstand the humidity and heat of a bathroom.

Also, it’s always a good idea to test the paint in a small inconspicuous area first to ensure it will look the way you want.

FAQ’s of How to spray paint light fixtures

Conclusion on How to spray paint light fixtures

Here is the complete guide to spray painting light fixtures for newbies and for those who don’t know how to spray paint them.

This step-by-step method is very helpful and you must follow each step mentioned in this post of mine.

If you have any questions post them in the comments section, and I will try to answer them as soon as possible.