People often ask if they should paint a certain something and of course the answer is ‘It depends.’
I’m not trying to be elusive, it really does depend on several factors.
Most anything can be painted if you use a chalk-based paint, but not everything should be painted.
I’m planning to paint my brass candlesticks and brass clock. Why? Because I want them to look like wood pieces and with the correct paint finish I believe they will look like carved wood. This is one that I’m a bit torn on, but I think they will look amazing with paint.
They don’t look bad the way they are, but I believe the right paint finish will elevate them to a new level. You could argue against painting the candlesticks and clock because they are old. The candlesticks have more of a patina than the clock. This is a judgement call. I could go either way, but I have a good feeling these are going to look awesome.
And I have already painted quite a number of things, and let’s talk about why I thought they were good candidates to paint.
This first picture is of a light sconce that is in bad shape. The light sleeves are torn, and the color is out of style. BUT the shape is one that is super in style and classic. So I thought, what if this were white or gray, would I like it? I decided that yes I would!
I added new wax looking candle sleeves and paint, I thought it was so much better looking.
The wood fragment was dark and you could barely see the carving.
With the paint, the carving pops. The carving is much more easy to see now that it is painted a lighter color.
Now I rarely, rarely paint antiques, but this was an exception. It was very, very dark and really too dark for me. I thought the detail was amazing, and knew that detail would be beautiful in a lighter color where you could see the design.
The detail on the drawer for example was difficult to see on the dark wood, but with a light gray paint, you can really see it.
This candlestick had great detail. The problem was that I did not like the color. The color is easily fixed with paint and wax. It is a reproduction piece.
Well I think it looks very different with a coat of paint and wax.
Here’s another piece and well I was conflicted about painting this piece because of the beautiful walnut wood. I did in the end paint it so it would work above my kitchen stove. Had I left it with the stain it would not look like it was meant to go over my vent hood. I waited a long time before I painted this piece.
With the paint and wax, it looks like a piece that was custom made for my vent hood.
Now I have another piece that is really too dark. The basket is just too dark.
But with paint to lighten it, the color is just right.
To summarize — paint a piece if
- the stain is too dark
- the stain looks dated
- the form of the piece is lovely but the color is not
- you want it to look like a wood piece
- the piece is a rescue piece and needs a new look
Now what would keep me from painting something?
I would NOT paint a piece that already has an awesome old patina. It will be ruined if you do. Some examples of awesome patina are these very old balustrades made into candlesticks, the antique ceiling tile on the wall, and this amazing antique Louis Philippe mirror.
These silver candlesticks are just perfect the way they are.
The old ladder already has an amazing patina and old bits of paint on it. I would hate to cover that up.
These very old frames (one brass and one gesso) look perfect the way they are.
The antique pine dresser is stunning and I wouldn’t dream of touching it with a paint brush.
Here we have a gold mirror with original paint that I would leave as it is.
The antique finial I plan to leave as it is. I’m not saying I won’t ever paint it, but I rather like it that way it is.
So I suggest you leave a piece alone if it already has a beautiful old patina. Painting will cover that up.
Of course there are always exceptions to the rule, but those are my thoughts on the matter. How do you decide whether or not to paint something?
LAST CALL!
I have just a few of these left, so if you want one, be sure to get it now.
Thank you for a helpful post… Alexandra
Hi Anita, yes! To paint it not to paint is the question….
Most of all the vibe your home takes on is most important…I having a predominantly painted home can pretty much paint anything that comes into my home, yet often a piece screams to be left alone especially if the piece is painted of old world and the original old world paint finish does not date itself with garish tones that fight with the pieces in a homes designs…. I rarely find that perfect painted patina that works with my home so I do tend to paint it…. The wall sconce chandelier would have been one of those hard choices to paint for me! It s muted sage grey’s, and naturals, and wheat creams would have anchored a tone in my raw and painted pieces.
I love painting and make my own type of chalks and lime waxed finishes but more old world studio paints that nothing will lift or damage the woods. I love painting everything my hands touch…. I purchased the most killer iron wall sconces in Gold, could have sold them in a second for $500.00 pair….yet my $25.00 storage container purchase sconces were of an aged gold bronze patina and so not my home, and buy tearing the wiring out, and shortening the lighted sticks and turning them into candle wall sconces and painting them a whitish Grey they truly speak to me loudly so much more so then golds.
Love that you too are a brave painter, and what matters is the beauty that touches your soul when a piece has taken on a new look and feel of old. My painted sconces appear in a post.
And you know, I rarely change out the plastic candle stick covers, I take them off and just use the old cardboard underneath …I love that raw look!
Keep on painting my dear, we love your sharing.
Xx
Un Joyeux Noël
Doré
Dore,
This is so helpful thank you so much for sharing your thoughts on painting. You have a stunning home, so clearly you know what you are doing.
Anita, This is an excellent post and you provided great examples and illustrations on the age old question, “to paint or not to paint” I’ve found that with a couple of architectural salvaged pediment pieces just stripping the dark stain on it to reveal the lighter wood underneath was just the look I wanted. I once stripped a piece, painted it and then decided that I like the natural wood with a bit of paint left on looked perfect. I’ve painted dated garage sale brass lamps that looked wonderful afterward. I love a mix of painted and unpainted pieces in my home. I can’t wait to see what your clock and candlesticks will look like once you paint them.
Good article and pics. Do you have any examples of items that you regret painting? And if so, why?
Oh good question. I don’t think so. But I need to think on it.
Hi! I have the same brass tray (large one sitting on top of cabinet you painted gray) and wondered if you would ever paint it? I’m thinking of it, tired of the brass patina and cleaning it. I don’t think it goes with anything in the house, thinking of “bringing forward the design” of it with a little paint. Thoughts? Thanks!
I would not paint that tray, but you are welcome to paint yours! It’s all about making your house reflect your tastes.
Thanks! I guess if I’m on the fence about it, I shouldn’t. Usually I see a piece and paint it to my vision, this tray is just a lot of work to maintain, not really a good enough reason.