How to Paint a Chandelier Shabby Chic White

Shabby Chic decor combines rustic or slightly worn objects with the occasional ornate embellishment. A sparkly chandelier provides a suitably elegant foil to a muted, casual interior. You can find an appropriate version at a garage sale or a thrift store. Although you may happen to come across the perfect Shabby Chic chandelier, applying a coat of white paint helps integrate just about any light fixture into this decorating style. You can even dress up a simple chandelier with a flourish of glass beads or strings of pearls.

Drop cloth
Rag
Mineral spirits
Paste wax
White spray paint in matte finish
Steel wool

Instructions

- 1
  Set up a well-ventilated work area. Use a drop cloth to protect all the nearby surfaces.
- 2
  Remove crystals and other decorative trimmings from the chandelier. Store anything you remove in a safe place.
- 3
  Wipe the chandelier off with mineral spirits. A small amount of mineral spirits on a rag is sufficient to remove any oil or dirt.
- 4
  Apply a coat of paste wax to the chandelier with a clean rag. This makes it easy to remove paint for a distressed look.
- 5
  Spray the chandelier with spray paint. Apply a few thin layers of paint rather than one thick coat, which might drip and run. Allow the paint to dry.
- 6
  Rub the painted surface of the chandelier with steel wool. Remove some of the white paint, allowing the metal to show in spots. Keep removing paint until your chandelier is as distressed-looking as you'd like it to be.
- 7
  Reattach the crystals and other elements you removed or add new embellishments.

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