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[Mom2Dogs]

I am going to paint my 'brass' floor lamp, as soon as the weather straightens up.... but I am concerned about leaving brush marks...for those who used chalk paint or traditional paint on non wood furniture items did you have brush stroke problems.?

I have stripped, painted, stained, lots of furniture in my day but I have never painted a metal lamp. There are a lot of intricate places in the lamp.   I have not looked at colors so I am not sure if I will be using chalk paint or traditional paint, but I do not think it will make a difference in answering my question......

Advice from those that have done this would be appreciated, thanks.

[Kachina624]

I've painted metal lamps and always use a primer first to make sure the paint will adhere.  So far, I've had great luck.  I use the stuff in the spray can. 

[Q4u]

@Kachina624 is absolutely right!!  Use a primer prior to the paint, you'll stop the paint from chipping off so easily..... 

[Q4u]

Forgot to add that there are no brush marks when you use a spray on primer and spray on paint... looks really good when done!!  Make light spray overs (don't hold the can and spray heavily or it'll drip).... better to make several spray overs until you get the color you want.  

[flickerbulb]

You can also use a foam brush or roller, depending on the size and shape. If you go with chalk paint, I don't think a primer is required. I watched several videos before I bought some, and that is why it is somewhat easier.

I buy big packs of foam brushes at the Dollar Tree.

[flickerbulb]

I want to add that I am a huge fan of spray paint! There are so many interesting colors, textures, and finishes available, you will likely find something that appeals to you.

Plus, no brush strokes! There are enamels, metallics, and so many more!

[Mom2Dogs]

Thanks for all the advice.  I have never been a spray paint user so I will take a look at the spray paint aisle!

[Lucky Charm]

I've used chalk paint on metal (brass maybe?) drawer pulls on old old old furniture.

They are very intricate with the designs, very fancy.  The chalk paint adhered very well, has never chipped off and gets almost daily use.

I did the pulls (wondering if I'm using the right word!) in a different paint shade than the rest of the drawer front so I just dabbed it on with a drier paint brush.

Chalk paint colors totally took, no dark metal showing through and all the delicate work on the pulls shows beautifully.

If you're going to paint something and could use chalk paint, I'd say 'do it'.  Less toxic than regular paint.

Side note, the TSV is a air cleaner/fan and one of the things it removes from the air along with mold, spores, pet dander, etc., .....is paint pigment.  !!!

[151949]

I painted a small brass lamp with chalk paint. The brush marks just disappear. It took 2 coats and then I used the clear wax over it. Easy peasy and looks beautiful.

[sabatini]

I've painted lamps w/ chalk paint, and have also used spray paint.

I had a funky, old floor lamp w/ lots of intricate details, so used a brightly colored chalk paint, & after it'd dried well, did a white wash over it which brought out the detail nicely. Sprayed w/ satin polyurethane to seal.

Just last week I updated my 2 of my dad's gold-tone floor lamps that flanked his sofa. I used satin nickel & they look brand new!

Have fun! 

ETA: If you go the spray paint route, cover the bulb fixture w/ some foil before spraying.