I’m still changing things in the living room. The triangle lamps I made just weren’t perfect in the room. Quite honestly, they got knocked over a lot because the bases are very light weight.
I still love them, so they’re in our bedroom and out-of-the-way of little hands. While dropping a few things off at the thrift store, I spotted this lamp for five bucks.
Instantly loved the shape, but not the design. If it were only leaves, I think it would have looked beautiful. The flowers and orange were too much for my taste. So, I changed it up, inspired by pretty zinc lamps like this:
And this Zinc lamp from A Place in the Garden:
Before I could start spraying, I taped off the socket, cord and wood base.
Then gave the lamp two coats of gray primer, holding it upside down for the second to get the undersides.
To create the aged effect, I diluted white craft paint with an equal amount of water. Using a 1/2 inch craft brush, I applied the mixture to 4 inch sections all around the lamp. Don’t go for even here and let it puddle and drip.
I followed up with a very crumpled, slightly damp paper towel. Lightly blotting pulled off the extra, but I left enough to look worn.
Here it is after it dried:
Liking the finish, I pulled the tape off and realized I didn’t want to keep the wooden base. So I taped off the upper lamp and sprayed just the wood base gray. After the faux finish, I had a zinc looking lamp that won’t tip over easily.
I also swapped the shade for a white drum I had for a sleeker look.
For added protection, I sprayed the lamp with three coats of clear matte.
For $5, I’m super happy with the look. What do you think? Have you tried a faux zinc finish? Now to find the perfect floor lamp for the other side.
ourhumbleabodeblog.com 
Great job!! It looks very convincing to me!
Thanks, Adrienne! I’m so happy with how real it looks. 🙂
I was very skeptical while scrolling through the in progress photos, but the result looks very real. It looks wonderful!
Kathleen, I was worried, too. But I figured if it didn’t work, I could easily paint over it. 🙂 Thanks for your nice comments!!
Thanks!
Amanda
Wow! Now that’s cool Amanda! I love it. It looks like marble to me too. Totally like this one more than the last lamp in the space. It’s a bit more substantial:)
Thanks, Shavonda! It does have a marble look, too. I love the lamp in here for the same reason. 🙂
Thanks!
Amanda
That “zinc” finish is gorgeous! Great job!
Hi Mariah!
Thanks so much! Super simple, too.
Thanks!
Amanda
oh wow i was unsure at first but you really did a great job making it look like zinc!
Looks crazy before, right?! Once it dries it all blends and looks more subdued and natural.
Thanks!
Amanda
Dang! Like totally perfection for $5 bucks! Love it.
Thanks, lady! Not bad for five bucks, right?!
Love! You have me wanting to go by the Goodwill to find a lamp to paint.
Well what are you waiting for?! 😉 Glad you like it, Glossedmimi!!
Thanks!
Amanda
I was a little nervous about where you were headed with this one. I mean, I wouldn’t have looked twice at that “before” lamp in a thrift shop. But, WOW, I just love it all zinced up! Good job!
Thanks so much, James! The process made me nervous, but I’m so happy it all worked out. 🙂
Thanks!
Amanda
Do you think this diy process could work for a dining table top? Any different steps you’d advise?
Hi Domesticphilosophy!
Sure, I think I’d follow the same process, but add several layers of good polyurethane. I prefer polycrylic. Basically you’d just need something that will hold up to wear and tear over the finish. I hope that helps, but I’m happy to answer questions. I’d love to see pictures if you do it!
Thanks!
Amanda