--- title: "How to Paint a Brass Bathroom Light Fixture: An Easy DIY Makeover" description: Learn how to paint a brass bathroom light fixture white with this easy DIY tutorial. Give an outdated Hollywood vanity light a budget-friendly makeover. image: https://manorandmeadow.com/hubfs/blog/hollywood-style-brass-vanity-light-fixture_1200x600_01.jpg --- [Skip to content](https://manorandmeadow.com/blog/how-to-paint-brass-bathroom-light-fixture#main-content) [![Where handmade meets home](https://manorandmeadow.com/hs-fs/hubfs/logo_transp_500x500_12.png?width=200&height=200&name=logo_transp_500x500_12.png)](https://manorandmeadow.com/) - [HOME](https://manorandmeadow.com/) - [SHOP](https://manorandmeadow.com/shop) Show submenu for SHOP - [Shop All Categories](https://manorandmeadow.com/shop) - [Seasonal & Holiday](https://manorandmeadow.com/shop/seasonal-holiday) - [Accent Lamps](https://manorandmeadow.com/shop/lamps) - [Tea Cozies](https://manorandmeadow.com/shop/tea-cozies) - [Trays & Risers](https://manorandmeadow.com/shop/trays-risers) - [Throw Pillows](https://manorandmeadow.com/shop/pillows) - [Teapot Mats](https://manorandmeadow.com/shop/teapot-mats) - [Decorative Signs](https://manorandmeadow.com/shop/signs) - [Decorative Coat Racks](https://manorandmeadow.com/shop/coat-racks) - [Totes & Accessories](https://manorandmeadow.com/shop/accessories) - [THE INSPIRED HOME](https://manorandmeadow.com/blog) - [ABOUT](https://manorandmeadow.com/about) - [CONTACT](https://manorandmeadow.com/contact) Open main navigation Close main navigation - [HOME](https://manorandmeadow.com/) - [SHOP](https://manorandmeadow.com/shop) Show submenu for SHOP - [Shop All Categories](https://manorandmeadow.com/shop) - [Seasonal & Holiday](https://manorandmeadow.com/shop/seasonal-holiday) - [Accent Lamps](https://manorandmeadow.com/shop/lamps) - [Tea Cozies](https://manorandmeadow.com/shop/tea-cozies) - [Trays & Risers](https://manorandmeadow.com/shop/trays-risers) - [Throw Pillows](https://manorandmeadow.com/shop/pillows) - [Teapot Mats](https://manorandmeadow.com/shop/teapot-mats) - [Decorative Signs](https://manorandmeadow.com/shop/signs) - [Decorative Coat Racks](https://manorandmeadow.com/shop/coat-racks) - [Totes & Accessories](https://manorandmeadow.com/shop/accessories) - [THE INSPIRED HOME](https://manorandmeadow.com/blog) - [ABOUT](https://manorandmeadow.com/about) - [CONTACT](https://manorandmeadow.com/contact) Nov 9, 2026, 7:58:03 PM # How to Paint a Brass Bathroom Light Fixture: An Easy DIY Makeover [Angela Propes](https://manorandmeadow.com/blog/author/angela-propes) Share: [facebook-f icon](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https://manorandmeadow.com/blog/how-to-paint-brass-bathroom-light-fixture) [linkedin-in icon](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://manorandmeadow.com/blog/how-to-paint-brass-bathroom-light-fixture) [Twitter icon](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https://manorandmeadow.com/blog/how-to-paint-brass-bathroom-light-fixture) [pinterest-p icon](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/link/?url=https://manorandmeadow.com/blog/how-to-paint-brass-bathroom-light-fixture) [envelope icon](mailto:?body=https://manorandmeadow.com/blog/how-to-paint-brass-bathroom-light-fixture) # How to Paint a Brass Bathroom Light Fixture: An Easy DIY Makeover One of my passions in life is interior decorating, especially redecorating. What I love even more is finding ways to give a room a fresh new look without spending a ton of money. In other words, I like to redecorate as cheaply as possible! When I decided to update our master bathroom on a budget, I knew I didn't want to tackle a complete bathroom renovation. Instead, I started looking for simple, inexpensive changes that would make a noticeable difference. One of the first things that caught my attention was our brass Hollywood-style vanity light fixture. There wasn't anything particularly wrong with it. It wasn't even that old. But the shiny brass finish no longer suited the look I wanted for the bathroom. Rather than spend money replacing a perfectly good light fixture, I decided to give it a makeover with spray paint. And I'm so glad I did! ## An Easy DIY Bathroom Light Fixture Makeover Along with being a budget-conscious decorator, I'm also a bit of a lazy DIYer. I'm always looking for the easiest way to improve something without making a big production out of it. Of course, that doesn't always work in my favor. Sometimes my brilliant money-saving ideas end up costing more time, effort, and money than if I'd just bought something new. Fortunately, this DIY bathroom light fixture makeover was a definite win! With a little preparation, some primer, and a few light coats of white spray paint, I transformed our shiny brass Hollywood vanity light into a fixture that looks fresh, clean, and much better suited to our bathroom. The white finish blends beautifully with the white trim and simple, minimal décor. Best of all, I was able to update the bathroom without purchasing a new light fixture. Honestly, I wish I'd done it sooner! ## Before and After: Brass to White Bathroom Vanity Light **Before:** Our bathroom had a traditional Hollywood-style brass vanity light with a long metal backplate and a row of exposed globe light bulbs. ![hollywood-style-brass-vanity-light-fixture\_1200x600\_01](https://manorandmeadow.com/hs-fs/hubfs/blog/hollywood-style-brass-vanity-light-fixture_1200x600_01.jpg?width=1200&height=600&name=hollywood-style-brass-vanity-light-fixture_1200x600_01.jpg) **After:** The very same light fixture, painted white for a cleaner, more updated appearance. ![hollywood-style-brass-vanity-light-fixture\_1200x600\_02](https://manorandmeadow.com/hs-fs/hubfs/blog/hollywood-style-brass-vanity-light-fixture_1200x600_02.jpg?width=1200&height=600&name=hollywood-style-brass-vanity-light-fixture_1200x600_02.jpg) What a difference a little spray paint can make! ## Supplies You'll Need This simple DIY project doesn't require many supplies. Here's what I used: - 220-grit sandpaper - Spray paint primer suitable for metal - White spray paint suitable for metal - Newspaper or a protective drop cloth - Fishing line, an old chair, or another suitable support for painting - A clean cloth for removing sanding dust You'll also need a safe place to spray paint, preferably outdoors. ## How to Paint a Brass Bathroom Light Fixture The process is surprisingly simple, and the actual painting doesn't take much time. Most of the project involves preparing the fixture and allowing the paint to dry. ### Step 1: Turn Off the Power and Remove the Fixture Before beginning, turn off the power to the light fixture at the circuit breaker and verify that the power is off. I started by removing all the light bulbs. Next, I removed the collars, which are the round pieces that fit around the bases of the bulbs. Then I removed the long brass metal strip that forms the decorative backplate of the fixture. **Important:** Only remove decorative components that can be safely detached without disturbing the wiring. If removing the fixture requires disconnecting electrical wires, have a qualified electrician handle that portion of the project. ### Step 2: Lightly Sand the Brass Once I had the brass strip and collars removed, I took them outside and gave them a light sanding with 220-grit sandpaper. The idea wasn't to remove the brass finish completely. I just wanted to prepare the surface so the primer and paint would adhere better. After sanding, I wiped everything down to remove any dust. ### Step 3: Prepare the Pieces for Spray Painting Now, this is where my slightly unconventional DIY methods came into play. I strung the long brass strip underneath our deck using fishing line. I tend to come up with some pretty odd ways to accomplish things, but it worked! A more conventional approach would be to prop the metal strip against an old chair or another sturdy object you don't mind getting paint on. For the collars, I spread newspaper on the ground and arranged them on top. An old table covered with newspaper or a drop cloth would work just as well. Make sure each piece is positioned so you can apply the paint evenly. ### Step 4: Apply Spray Paint Primer With everything ready, I sprayed the brass strip and collars with white primer designed for metal surfaces. I applied light, even passes rather than one heavy coat. The trick is to get good coverage without applying so much primer that it runs or builds up too thickly. Follow the primer manufacturer's instructions for application and drying times. ### Step 5: Paint the Fixture White After allowing the primer to dry for the recommended amount of time, I was ready for the fun part! I decided not to sand between coats because I knew the fixture wouldn't be subjected to much wear and tear once it was back on the bathroom wall. Then I applied a few light coats of white spray paint to the brass strip and collars. Again, it's better to apply several thin coats than one heavy coat. This helps prevent drips and creates a smoother-looking finish. Be sure to follow the paint manufacturer's instructions for recoating and curing. **Safety note:** Paint only the removable, non-electrical metal surfaces. Keep paint away from bulb sockets, electrical contacts, wiring, and any required safety or identification labels. ### Step 6: Let the Paint Dry and Reassemble After painting, I allowed all the pieces to dry thoroughly before putting everything back together. Make sure the paint has reached the level of drying or curing required by the manufacturer before reinstalling the parts. Once the fixture was safely reassembled, the makeover was complete! ## Can You Spray Paint a Brass Bathroom Light Fixture? Yes! Spray painting can be an inexpensive way to update the appearance of a brass bathroom vanity light, provided you're working with suitable, removable metal components and following the paint manufacturer's instructions. For the best results, choose a primer and paint designed for the particular metal surface. Proper preparation is important, especially when painting a smooth or glossy finish. Also, avoid painting electrical components or surfaces that become too hot during normal use. ## How Long Does It Take to Paint a Bathroom Light Fixture? This is a relatively quick DIY project in terms of hands-on work. Depending on the primer and paint you choose, you may be able to complete much of the preparation and painting in a single day. However, drying and curing times vary, and you may need to wait longer before reinstalling the painted parts. I recommend choosing a dry day with mild temperatures and little wind if you're planning to spray paint outside. If you can't work outdoors, use an appropriately ventilated area specifically permitted by the spray paint manufacturer. Always follow the product's safety instructions. ## A Budget-Friendly Bathroom Update That Was Worth the Effort Sometimes the smallest changes make the biggest difference when you're redecorating on a budget. Painting our outdated-looking brass Hollywood vanity light was one of those projects. Instead of buying a brand-new bathroom light fixture, I was able to reuse what we already had and give it an entirely different appearance. The white finish works so much better with the bathroom's white trim and minimal décor, and the project was much easier than I expected. As you can see from the before-and-after photos, it was definitely worth the effort! If you have a brass bathroom light fixture that no longer matches your decorating style, a little spray paint might be all you need to give it a fresh new look. And who doesn't love a simple DIY project that saves money? ![pinterest\_hollywood-style-brass-vanity-light-fixture\_1000x1500\_01](https://manorandmeadow.com/hs-fs/hubfs/blog/pins/pinterest_hollywood-style-brass-vanity-light-fixture_1000x1500_01.jpg?width=1000&height=1500&name=pinterest_hollywood-style-brass-vanity-light-fixture_1000x1500_01.jpg)   [budget-friendly decorating](https://manorandmeadow.com/blog/tag/budget-friendly-decorating), [diy home decor](https://manorandmeadow.com/blog/tag/diy-home-decor), [upcycled projects](https://manorandmeadow.com/blog/tag/upcycled-projects) ## Related posts [![spring-summer-living-room\_1200x630\_01](https://manorandmeadow.com/hs-fs/hubfs/blog/spring-summer-living-room_1200x630_01.jpg?height=200&name=spring-summer-living-room_1200x630_01.jpg)](https://manorandmeadow.com/blog/winter-to-spring-decor-swaps) [design trends](https://manorandmeadow.com/blog/tag/design-trends), [seasonal decorating](https://manorandmeadow.com/blog/tag/seasonal-decorating) ## [From Winter to Spring: Simple Décor Swaps That Make a Big Impact](https://manorandmeadow.com/blog/winter-to-spring-decor-swaps) [Angela Propes](https://manorandmeadow.com/blog/author/angela-propes) Jun 25, 2026, 5:58:14 AM As winter begins to fade, I always find myself craving a home that feels lighter, softer, and full... [Read more](https://manorandmeadow.com/blog/winter-to-spring-decor-swaps) [![bedroom-decorated-for-spring\_1200x630\_01](https://manorandmeadow.com/hs-fs/hubfs/blog/bedroom-decorated-for-spring_1200x630_01.jpg?height=200&name=bedroom-decorated-for-spring_1200x630_01.jpg)](https://manorandmeadow.com/blog/spring-home-decor-refresh) [interior decorating](https://manorandmeadow.com/blog/tag/interior-decorating), [seasonal decorating](https://manorandmeadow.com/blog/tag/seasonal-decorating) ## [Refresh Your Home for Spring: Décor Ideas to Welcome the Season](https://manorandmeadow.com/blog/spring-home-decor-refresh) [Angela Propes](https://manorandmeadow.com/blog/author/angela-propes) Jun 25, 2026, 5:44:03 AM As the days grow longer and the light softens, spring invites a natural reset, not just in how we... [Read more](https://manorandmeadow.com/blog/spring-home-decor-refresh) [![what-is-my-decorating-style\_1200x630\_01](https://manorandmeadow.com/hs-fs/hubfs/blog/what-is-my-decorating-style_1200x630_01.jpg?height=200&name=what-is-my-decorating-style_1200x630_01.jpg)](https://manorandmeadow.com/blog/what-is-my-decorating-style) [interior decorating](https://manorandmeadow.com/blog/tag/interior-decorating), [design trends](https://manorandmeadow.com/blog/tag/design-trends) ## [What Is My Decorating Style? | Find What Makes Your House a Home](https://manorandmeadow.com/blog/what-is-my-decorating-style) [Angela Propes](https://manorandmeadow.com/blog/author/angela-propes) Jun 24, 2026, 8:39:50 PM I always love hearing how others make their space feel like home, leave a comment below and tell me... [Read more](https://manorandmeadow.com/blog/what-is-my-decorating-style) --- [Follow us on Pinterest](https://www.pinterest.com/manormeadow/) [Follow us on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@manorandmeadow) [Follow us on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/manorandmeadow) [facebook-f icon](https://www.facebook.com/manorandmeadow) [Policies](https://manorandmeadow.com/policies)          [Gift Cards](https://manorandmeadow.com/shop/p/gift-cards)   [Back to Top ▲](https://manorandmeadow.com/blog/how-to-paint-brass-bathroom-light-fixture#top) ©2026 Manor & Meadow ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Angela Propes", "url" : "https://manorandmeadow.com/blog/author/angela-propes" }, "dateModified" : "2026-11-10T03:39:48.241Z", "datePublished" : "2026-11-10T02:58:03.000Z", "headline" : "How to Paint a Brass Bathroom Light Fixture: An Easy DIY Makeover", "image" : [ "https://manorandmeadow.com/hubfs/blog/hollywood-style-brass-vanity-light-fixture_1200x600_01.jpg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://manorandmeadow.com/blog/how-to-paint-brass-bathroom-light-fixture", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://manorandmeadow.com/hubfs/logo_transp_500x500_12.png" }, "name" : "Manor & Meadow" } } ```