Create Something New with Something Old — How to Paint Brass Fixtures

If you want to do a quick update to a room, a fresh coat of paint and some spray paint over some old fixtures can create a new look without breaking the bank. Our "kid’s bathroom" was covered in 1960s floral print wallpaper and tired brass fixtures when we moved in. Not ready for a total bathroom overhaul I opted for some bright paint and some "updated" fixtures.

I chose Benjamin Moore’s Blue Lapis  2067-40 for the walls. I never get tired of this color — I love it!

This left us with the old brass fixtures. We updated the sink with chrome fixtures with white accents leaving the brass light fixture as my next DIY project.

I  felt the detail in the fixture made it interesting enough to keep — only it desperately needed some help. I opted to paint it bright white to provide a nice contrast to the Blue Lapis paint color.  For the cost of a can of spray paint it was worth a try.

Laysville Hardware suggested Rust-Oleum's Universal Gloss Spray Paint and some steel wool for the project.

BEFORE - Brass Light Fixture

AFTER - Sprayed with Rust-Oleum Glossy White and walls painted with Benjamin Moore's Blue Lapis

How to Spray Paint Your Brass Fixtures

What you will need:

• Rust-Oleum Universal Gloss Pure White (or your color of choice)
• Steel wool
• Newspaper or drop cloth
• Painter's tape

How to:

1. Remove the fixture from the wall and clean it with soapy water and a sponge/cloth making sure not to get any of the electrical wires wet. Dry it.
2. Use steel wool to ruff up the surface
3. In a well ventilated area (outside is best if it is not windy) put down your drop cloth, remove and tape up any areas with the painter's tape that should not be painted
4. Spray away following the instructions on the Rust-Oleum can
5. Let it dry, reassemble and install
   

Here's more information on Spray Painting from Rust-Oleum and a "How to" video from Rust-Oleum on YouTube for more detailed instructions. (just click on the highlighted links)

I was amazed with how easy and fast this project was. Of course now my mind is scanning the house to find the next spray paint DIY project. I am thinking of finding some objects and painting them brass to update the living room area in keeping with realtor.com's 2014 Remodeling Trend #2 — Brass Accents. Maybe I can find an old vase or bowl and give it a try.