Lamps are one of those things that you keep for years because they offer the light you need to see or read at night. But what happens when they no longer match your decor? If you’re like most Americans, you likely store the old lamp in your attic or donate it and then go out and buy a new lamp that better matches your style. Amy Howard believes you can bring new life to old lamps, though. That’s why she’s sharing this simple DIY lamp lacquer project with you today.

Materials You’ll Need

• Clean Slate™
• Furniture Lacquer Primer
• High Performance Furniture Lacquer™ in your choice of color
• A lamp of your choosing
• Lint-free rags
• Tack cloth

You’ll also need a painting booth or ventilated area to paint.

How to Lacquer Your Lamp the Right Way

1. With a clean lint-free rag and Clean Slate™ solution in hand, gently wipe away the dust, dirt, and grime from your lamp.
2. If your lamp has a raw, wooden surface, it is also recommended that you prep the surface with Furniture Lacquer Primer™ once the Clean Slate™ has dried. If you do not have a raw wood surface, skip to Step 3.
3. To ensure optimal performance, thoroughly shake Amy Howard at Home© Furniture Lacquer™ vigorously for 2 to 3 minutes before beginning. Hold the can 8 to 10 inches from the project surface and spray lacquer in even bursts, spanning its length from one end to the other. Aim to overlap paint edges without overspraying, maintaining that wet edge Amy always advises in lacquer projects. Once the piece has been completely coated, allow it to dry for 45 to 60 minutes, or until the lacquer is completely cured.
4. In areas where drips or overspraying is visible, lightly rub out bumps with a 400 grit sandpaper to achieve a smoother surface. Wipe the surface down with a clean tack cloth to remove the dust.
5. Using the same steady swiping technique, apply a second coat of your lacquer.
6. Repeat drying, sanding, and application until desired coverage is achieved.

With a little attention to your technique and with the help of the right products, you can bring new life to an old lamp. The best part? You get the same light, size, and placement you’ve loved about your lamp… with a fresh new look to make your room pop.

Show off your new lamp and decor on social media! Don’t forget to tag Amy Howard At Home so that we can see it on Facebook. Share your project on Instagram with #amyhowardathome and tag @amyhowardhome on Instagram for a chance to be featured.