Advice on repurposing an old lamp.

[Adam West]

I have an old 1950's lamp that belonged to my uncle, really ugly to a lot of people, but I like it for some reason.

It actually worked for a while, but I think the socket and wiring is toasted so I am going to rewire and I thought in the process, repaint it so it looks better in the room I plan on having it.

It looks like it is enamel type paint that is light pink, the paint is chipped in a lot of places. Since I know a lot of you deal with various types of paints and projects, wanted suggestions on how I can remove as much of the remaining paint without damaging the lamp and what type of paint I should use.

I started to pull it apart and it appears that the metal looks like light steel. I wasn't sure if using a regular grade paint remover will do the trick or should try sanding it off as best I can. For repainting should I prime it before painting? I am probably going to paint it in an antique white and then stencil over top so wasn't sure if a primer and a few coats of enamel paint would make it look right. It doesn't have to be perfect and the lamp doesn't have any collectible value....just trying to repurpose an old lamp that I kind of like that my uncle gave to me years ago when my wife and I were first married and accepting all hand me downs to help furnish our house before we could buy furniture.

Thanks

[megojim]

need some pics!!! i'm sure this group will have plenty of suggestions, . . . good and , . . . . well not so good

[Adam West]

Thanks...I wasn't looking for suggestions on ideas on how to design but just simply best way to remove paint, etc.

I bought a can of potent paint remover which took the paint off without much effort, sanded some of the rust away but kept a few flaws in it so it will still appear to be old. Didn't realize the large selection of spray paint colors available at Hardware stores. My kids are involved with repurposing it....it won't look perfect, but rather have something that my kids helped have a hand in than perfection. My 12 year old is into it and is proud of his work so far.

[wayne foundation 07]

Sand blasting it with glass bead powder is the best way to go,soft enough to not damage the base metal but will quickly remove the paint. Use "GLASS BEAD" Some other materials might pit the metal and misshape it. If you don't have access to a blaster , I would use a dremmel motor tool with sanding pads.Might take longer but will get the job done.Good luck with your progect.Please share pics when your done, I love seeing old items reused.