I’ve been getting a few requests about how I updated an old Holtkotter Wurzburg Brass Chandelier (a very traditional style) on my show last week. It wasn’t a real Holtkotter, which is a collector’s piece and runs anywhere from $1000 to $7000, it was a Home Depot knockoff so I didn’t feel like I was defacing history as I spray painted it.

If the original design has crystal elements, it’s not impossible to paint but it takes patience and a little research (and sometimes trial & error). The bones and shape have to work with a saturated paint color like black or white, otherwise it could be a lot like putting lipstick on a pig. We’re looking for an interesting outline. Send me a photo of a chandelier you’d like to paint and I’ll give some feedback on whether it’s worthy or not.

Here is the Room Recipe on making an old brass chandelier modern:
- Hang fixture outside on a clear, dry day a good distance from the outside of your house
- Clean it with a dry rag to remove all dust
- Cover or fill open electrical elements (like candle snuffers) with a piece of dry clothe or paper towel
- Spray entire piece with primer, I used Rust-Oleum Clean Metal Primer
- Drying time: 30 minutes
- Spray paint entire piece with paint color, I used Krylon Indoor/Outdoor Gloss White

Any questions? Email me at krista@roomrecipes.com…

Also this episode Old and New Dining Room Episode HSTEL-107 will re-air on June 24, 2010.

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Author: Krista Watterworth

Krista Watterworth considers herself a true multi-tasker: mom, author, television personality, and interior designer. Krista starred in four seasons of HGTV's Save My Bath as host-designer and her new HGTV show called Splurge & Save airs Tuesdays and Thursdays at 1:30pm EST. She has quickly gained celebrity for branding her unique aesthetic. "I like to find out your intimate secrets, and then create an entirely personal world around that."

Krista Watterworth has written 194 articles for us.