How to Transform $5 Goodwill Lamp Bases into High-End Designer Decor
, by Ryan Casuga,
3 min reading time
Are you ready to turn outdated, thrifted, or uninspiring home decor into something chic and trendy?
In this blog post, Amy takes us through an easy and satisfying lamp transformation using One Step Paint, Milk Paint, and finishing products to create a sophisticated, on-trend look.
Whether you're working with ceramic, iron, or clay, this finish can completely revamp your decor and bring a designer aesthetic into your home.
The $5 Thrifted Lamp Challenge
Amy recently scored a pair of lamps at Restore for just $5! While they had potential, the finish was outdated and uninspiring. But with a little creativity and the right products, she was able to give them a brand-new, high-end look that mimics expensive finishes found in designer stores.
Before starting, clean your lamp base thoroughly using
Clean Slate to remove any dirt, grime, or waxy residues that could interfere with paint adhesion.
Step 2: Apply One Step Paint in Black
Using a
Natural Bristle Chip Brushes, apply a single coat of Black One Step Paint to your lamp base. This creates the perfect matte foundation for the layered finish. Let it dry completely—about 20 minutes.
Step 3: Mix & Apply Your Milk Paint Glaze
For this step, Amy mixed A Praying Wife Milk Paint with Venetian Brown Pigment for a rich, earthy hue. Milk Paint should be mixed at a 1:1 ratio with water, creating a glaze-like consistency.
Apply the milk paint glaze over the black-painted lamp base using a chip brush. Cover the entire surface and allow it to dry fully.
Step 4: Reactivate & Distress with Antiquing Glaze
Once the milk paint is dry, use
Antiquing Glaze and a lint-free cotton rag to gently press and lift sections of the glaze. This process reveals the black One Step Paint underneath, creating a layered, distressed effect that mimics vintage European pottery.
Step 5: Add Depth with Wax & Dust of Ages
After allowing the glaze to dry, use
Light Antique Wax to add richness and depth to the finish. Apply the wax in circular motions using a natural bristle brush, then offload excess before applying.
Once the wax becomes tacky, sprinkle
Dust of Ages over the surface. This softens the finish and enhances its natural patina. Buff lightly to create a soft, timeworn sheen.
The Final Reveal: A Luxe, Designer Look for Less
Amy’s $5 lamps went from dated to designer-worthy in under an hour! The new finish features deep, rich tones with a textured, artisanal look perfect for any home decor style. This technique isn’t just for lamps—you can use it on clay pots, furniture, and even metal pieces!
