
Today I thought I would share a little project I recently completed to try and pretty up my front veranda. The outdoor light was in rather a sad state, with the previous owner painting it to match the bricks. In my continued (and deepening) love affair with chalk paint, I thought this was the perfect opportunity to experiment a little more. So here is a makeover of my outdoor light with chalk paint. This is the before photo, as you can see its rather an ordinary brass outdoor light. It’s nothing special and really needs replacing. However, I haven’t been able to find a light I like and thought this the perfect opportunity to experiment on one that really … if I’m honest … couldn’t look any worse!

The light is modeled on an old-fashioned carriage lamp, the sort they used on buggies and early motor cars. The idea is to modernises it, but keep the “antique” feel of the lamp.
I started by pulling the whole thing apart, which was very easy … the key is remembering how it fits back together … thank goodness for the “before” photo. The only part left attached to the wall was the mounting bracket. After sanding with medium sandpaper (about 180 grade) to remove the old flaky paint, I gave the individual parts 2 coats of Annie Sloan Chalk Paint (ASCP) in Graphite. Once dry, I gave the whole lot a light sand with a very fine sandpaper (about 210 grade) to show a little of the original brass.
I then applied a coat of ASCP Duck Egg wash, lightly wiping away excess with a rag, leaving just a hint of colour. The wash was about 1 part paint to 2 parts water.
Allow the base coat to dry thoroughly … at least overnight. I was too hasty applying the duck egg wash. Wiping away some of the graphite colour and revealed too much of the original brass underneath.
I left the light as it was, thinking it might look all right once I reassembled it. But even mounted back on the wall, there was too much brass showing. I touched up these areas … allowing ample dying time! I was pleased with the contrast of the darker colour again the brickwork. However, I wanted some more colour, so using the dry brush technique, I applied more ASCP Duck Egg on a couple of the edges and surfaces. The dry brush technique is basically loading your brush with a little paint, and wiping off any wet paint or use a rag to blot your paint brush before painting. Then lightly, almost in a flicking motion, paint the protruding surfaces. This allows a lot of control over the amount of paint and a natural blend of colour.
I have a covered front entrance, so the light doesn’t see much rain. To be honest, I don’t know how chalk paint on brass would last out in the open.
Looking back, perhaps a hint of purple might have given a great patina look. I’ll leave that too next time.
My little light looks better after my makeover. It’s not perfect, but at least all the dead bugs are gone! Plus I feel more confident now experimenting with different painting techniques and colours. I need to remind myself there are no rules when it come to the creative process!
Do you have any tips for paint on brass or metals?
Also sharing at
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Good job! Look very nice now!
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Thank you 😃
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It looks great. What an awesome transformation. I need a new one as well. If the glass wasn’t broken…I would paint it.
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Thank you! I’m pleased with how well the light turned out. Thanks for stopping by 😀
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Jane, that came out so well! What a great idea!
Thanks for sharing on Something to Talk About!
Pinning!
Karen
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Thank you for pinning!
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Looks pretty neat! I love that you gave it a ‘chance’ 🙂
Chalk paint is an awesome invention 😉
I hope you will share your post with our Link Up – Idea box:
http://milaslittlethings.com/2015/05/idea-box-thursday-link-party-9.html
xx
Mila
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Thank you 🙂 I’ll hop over and party with you guys … thanks for the invite!
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What a great save of an old, but useful light fixture. It looks much better. 🙂
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Thank you 🙂 it looks much better now!
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It definitely looks better with the new paint job. It looked a little sad before.
Visiting from Pieced Pastimes.
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Thanks for stopping by 🙂
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Great job!! Looks very nice! Thanks for partying with us at Idea Box!
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Thank you 🙂
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gotta love when a 2nd chance turns out so well! such a lovely ‘new’ lamp and sure to give a bit of satisfaction every time you see it 🙂 If you haven’t yet, we would love you to drop by on Fridays for our upcycle link party – Creative Challenge. While this month is silverware, any upcycled craft is welcome!
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Thank you 😀 I’ll hop over and link up to your party … thanks for the invite!
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Amazing makeover on your outdoor light Jane. I’ve been looking at mine, and trying to decide whether to replace it or paint it. It’s b.a.d.
thanks for sharing at catch as catch can!
catching you
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Thank you … it really made a difference to my front entrance!
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