AboutEileen Cronk Expertise If you are decorating your home on a budget I can answer most questions about what to look for when buying "good old stuff" at garage sales, yard sales or auctions. I can answer most questions about the refinishing, and repairing of wood items. I have had lots of experience in this area and made lots of mistakes over the years which I may help you avoid.
Experience I have been haunting auction sales,flea markets etc. for 30 yrs. I have worked extensively at refinishing, and repairing all the old stuff I bring home. I also work for other people, and do repairs and refinishing for several antique stores.
Expert: Eileen Cronk Date: 11/7/2007 Subject: painting a ceramic lamp
Question I read your answer to this question from another lady. You said ceramic lamps could be painted. My questions are... What kind of paint should be used? Is spraying the best way to paint? Should the surface be sanded first? Thank you for your help. The man at the paint store said it could not be done. GFM
Answer Hi Gayle
Nice to hear from you.
Well the man at the paint store is wrong.
In that letter, I said I had done it, and I have...many times.
If you can sand the surface a bit, all the better, but if not, just make sure the lamp is clean. A degreaser of some kind in the wash water.
Spray paint is best. Just very light coats as the paint does not absorb into the ceramic or glass as it would wood...good grief thats a mouthful LOL.
You do not want runs in the paint.
I recently painted a shiny lamp base with craft paint as it was the only way I could get the color I wanted...did not sand just washed. So you have that option too as the spray paint colors are limited.
And think about this Gayle...Have you ever had to paint windows and gotten paint on the glass?
We all know it sticks. Have to scrape the darn stuff off LOL
I have only used water based spray paint, but there again have you ever tried to get oil based paint off of glass?
So oil based paint will be fine too.
Good Luck and great question
