How to Paint a Light Fixture That Is Peeling

Set up a work surface outside. Cover it with old newspaper or drop cloths. You will use spray paint; painting the light fixture inside could lead to splatters on the walls and furniture.

Take the pieces of the light fixture apart. Depending on your light fixture, you may need a screwdriver to do this. Set aside the pieces you don't want to paint, such as glass panels and light bulbs.

Rub the surfaces of the light fixture you want to paint with fine steel wool to remove the old, peeling paint. Some paint might still remain on the light fixture.

Apply chemical paint stripping liquid to the surfaces of the light fixture to remove any remaining paint. Despite the fact that the paint remains even after rubbing steel wool against the light fixture, it may fail in the future. If the layer of paint underneath fails, your new paint layer will also fail. Various paint strippers have different application requirements, so follow the instructions on the packaging label closely.

Paste masking tape over sockets, connectors and other parts you don't want to paint.

Spray a primer all over the surfaces you want to paint. Keep moving while spraying so you apply only a light coat. You could come back and spray another coat, but don't stay too long in one area because it could lead to drips and puddles. Let the primer dry for at least 4 hours.

Apply spray paint to the light fixture when the primer coat is completely dry. Again, do several thin coats rather than one heavy coat to get a smooth result. Let the paint dry for at least 24 hours.

Remove any masking tape from the light fixture and put the light fixture back together.