This chandelier in my parents’ dining room started out as a run-of-the-mill brass chandelier (of course, I have no before photos), and around the same time as the ceiling fan makeovers, I decided to give it a little makeover with some gold rub-n-buff and some photocopied sheet music.
And here are the after photos:
This was a relatively quick and easy makeover – a tube of rub-n-buff is about $4 at the craft store, and the sheet music and the sore neck muscles were free. It’s a great project to update a slightly boring light fixture!
I love what you've done w/this chandelier it looks fantastic (i found you via the YHL forum).
Thanks so much for stopping by and for the kind words!
Looks great. I like the musical note feature. I've seen some fixtures I've passed on because of not knowing what to do to cover the cardboard sleeves. Your idea has given me some inspiration to try something similar, maybe with old maps.
Thank you JPG! I think old maps would be a fabulous idea!
I'm a music junky, so I think this is such a cute idea! Thanks for stopping by my blog today! We don't live too far apart….I'm in Wichita Falls. 🙂
Thanks Kassie! I'm so glad you came over – it's great to hear from another North Texan 🙂
Did you use Rub and Buff on the entire chandelier or just add highlights here and there tot he exiting finish? Love it! I have one that is bright brass color and I want to do either silver or pewter. I’m thinking I like this idea better than spray painting. What do you think? Love the sheet music idea! I have family heirloom letters from 1870s in French that I may use photocopies of…
Oops..Should have proofread before I sent….to the existing finish…
Hi Debbi,
I used it on the entire chandelier. Sometimes I think spray paint can look a little flat, whereas Rub n Buff can have a lot of variation – so it really depends on the color you’re looking for! But one huge “pro” in my book is that I was able to do the entire project indoors without un-installing the chandelier! And antique handwritten letters in French that are family heirlooms?! What a dream! That sounds just perfect!
Thanks, Brynne! Sorry to bother you again, but I have a few more questions 🙂 I’m going to get the rub and Buff today. How many tubes did it take and did you put it on with your finger or a soft cloth or makeup sponge, or….??? I’ve only used it once before and it was just to highlight the design on some furniture knobs. Never tried it on a larger, flat surface. Did you buff when it was set? Do I need to put any other finish over it to make it “dustable” with a damp cloth?
Thanks for sharing your expertise!
Of course! Happy to help!
I used my finger and a few q-tips if I remember correctly – although it’s a pain to get off of skin! 🙂 And yes, once it’s dried you can buff with a soft cloth. I’ve never topped it with anything else – the rub n buff should harden and be able to be dusted just fine!
Thank you again
! I’m starting it tomorrow!!
This looks exactly like my chandelier. Did you have to prep the metal? Did you do anything with the chain?
Hi Marie,
I didn’t do anything to prep the metal besides giving it a good dusting beforehand. And it has been a few years, but I think I just used a little Rub ‘n Buff on the chain as well!
Hi! I found this while cruising for ideas to redo a brass chandelier. I LOVE the use of the sheet music & how this looks. How did you apply it to the candle sleeves so it would stay on and is there any issue with it getting to hot? Thanks in advance.