How to Transform a Plastic Lamp into a Rustic Aged Farmhouse Piece
, by Ryan Casuga, 3 min reading time
Are you looking for an easy DIY project to transform a basic, inexpensive lamp into a stunning rustic farmhouse piece?
In this tutorial, Mary Corrado from Mary Corrado Designs shows you how to give new life to a plastic lamp using Amy Howard at Home One Step Paint and wax.
With just a few materials and a little creativity, you can create a piece that looks like aged, weathered wood straight from a farmhouse.
Materials You'll Need:
-
Amy Howard at Home One Step Paint
- Colors used: A Good Man is Hard to Find, Almond Days
- Amy Howard Clean Slate
- Amy Howard Light Antiquing Wax
- Amy Howard Dark Antiquing Wax
- Amy Howard Dust of Ages
- Chip brush
- Lint-free rags
- Painter’s tape
- Small container for mixing paint
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Clean the Lamp Base
Start by cleaning the lamp base using Amy Howard Clean Slate. This will remove any dirt, grease, or fingerprints that could affect the paint adhesion. Use a lint-free rag to apply Clean Slate and thoroughly wipe down the surface. Afterward, dry the lamp with another clean rag.
2. Apply the Base Coat
For the first coat, use Amy Howard at Home One Step Paint in the color A Good Man is Hard to Find. Pour the paint into a small container and thin it out with a little water if necessary. Using a chip brush, apply a full coat of paint, ensuring you cover the entire lamp base evenly. Let the base coat dry for about 20 minutes. You may use a heat gun or hairdryer to speed up the drying process.
3. Add the Second Coat
Once the first coat has dried, apply a second coat of A Good Man is Hard to Find to achieve full coverage. Let this second coat dry completely before moving on to the next step.
4. Create the Aged Wood Look
Now that your base coat is dry, it's time to create the aged farmhouse look. Mix a small amount of A Good Man is Hard to Find with Almond Days to create a lighter gray shade. Using a dry-brushing technique, gently apply the lighter color over the textured areas of the lamp. Make sure to offload most of the paint onto cardboard before applying it to the lamp to avoid heavy brushstrokes.
5. Apply Light and Dark Antiquing Wax
Once the paint has fully dried, apply Amy Howard Light Antiquing Wax. Load your brush with wax, offload the excess onto cardboard, and gently brush the wax over the entire surface of the lamp. This will add depth and a subtle sheen to the finish.
Next, use Amy Howard Dark Antiquing Wax to highlight specific areas of the lamp. Apply the dark wax to areas where natural wear and tear would occur, such as the edges and corners, to create a beautifully aged effect.
6. Add Dust of Ages
For the final touch, apply Amy Howard Dust of Ages to give the lamp an authentic aged, dusty look. Using a dust brush, generously apply the dust over the waxed areas. Once applied, take a lint-free rag and buff the surface using a back-and-forth motion, focusing on the edges and crevices where dust would naturally collect.
7. Personalize the Lampshade
To tie everything together, Mary added a simple band of color around the lampshade. She used A Good Man is Hard to Find for the band to match the lamp base. Simply apply painter’s tape to create clean lines, and use a brush to paint the band. Allow it to dry completely before removing the tape.
Final Reveal
With a little creativity and the right products, you can turn a plain, plastic lamp into a rustic, aged farmhouse piece that looks like it's made from real wood.
This easy DIY project is perfect for upcycling inexpensive lamps or other accessories in your home.
Don't forget, you can use Amy Howard at Home One Step Paint on fabric and upholstery as well, making it a versatile option for all your home decor projects.
