Ceramic Lamp Makeover With A Terra Cotta Finish

Michelle Meyer

12 months ago

I’m so excited to share my ceramic lamp makeover with a terra cotta finish with you today. It seems like it’s been a while since I posted a good upcycle project, but this one is worth the wait.

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Ceramic Lamp Makeover With A Terra cotta Finish

I’ve been wanting to find a lamp that’s a neutral color and goes with anything for the table next to our sofa. The two lamps that I switch back and forth from the living room to the entry table are pretty, but neither one are right for the space.

My approach with this lamp project was to search for a really good bargain, knowing I could paint it if necessary. If I can find a lamp with the perfect shape and size, regardless of it’s color, I can make it work.

I picked up this cute gray and red lamp at HomeGoods. It has plenty of character with interesting indentions, a good shape and tall enough for a table lamp. It’s also $200 less than one I’ve been admiring at Pottery Barn. That’s what I call a bargain!

Now for the process of getting that rustic terra cotta finish that I love so much.

Supplies

painters tape
FolkArt matte acrylic craft paint in wicker white
FolkArt Terra Cotta craft paint in adobe white
1″ or 2″ chip brush
paper sack, cardboard or plastic to protect for workspace

First cover you workspace, then tape off any areas of your lamp that you want to protect such as the cord, vase cap, neck or base.

Next apply a base coat of matte acrylic paint using a chip brush, keep your brush strokes moving horizontally. Let the paint dry between coats. Note it may take more than one coat to achieve complete coverage.

After your base coat is dry go ahead and apply the terra cotta craft paint. Once again keep your brush strokes horizontal, working your way around the lamp. You’ll see texture building up with each layer, which will add lots of character to your finish.

When the terra cotta paint layer dried, I felt like it was too yellow. So I lightly went back over random areas with the matte wicker white, but not enough for complete coverage. The results is a tone on tone finish that has depth.

This is one of those project that you may have to play with a little to get the look you’re after. To see more projects like this one check out my post, Easy Thrift Store Vase Makeover.

In the next week or so I’ll be concentrating on summer decorating, but you can still get an idea of how it looks. Luckily the lampshade on the previous lamp sitting on this table is the same size, so I didn’t have to buy a new one. Score again!

Be sure to follow Thistle Key Lane on Pinterest, where the boards are up to date with my favorite seasonal inspiration!