Painting lava lamp bases

[Ian]

I was thinking it would be really nice to paint my Grande base a different color, so I was wondering, what kinds of paints should I use? Spray paint? Acrylics? Watercolors? lol jk. But I don't want to set anything on fire, or have the pain melt or change color or something crazy and unexpected because of the heat. So those who have had experience with painting the bases, do you have any tips? Anything is appreciated.

Thanks!

[Jim]

The ones I have used with great success is the Rustoleum Hammered Series spray paints.  Hammered Copper and Hammered Black to be specific.  Most likely any Rustoleum spray paint will do.  A few things I do to get a nice finish.

• Lightly sand the base and cap to remove the shine
• Clean the base and cap to remove sanding residue
• I create some templates to protect certain elements
  • A paper disk to tape over the felt on the bottom
  • A cardboard disk slightly smaller in diameter than the mouth of the base to prevent a sloppy finish on the upper part of the base.  Creates a small 1/2 inch or so over-spray area inside the mouth of the base, but it will look neat and tidy.  This will allow you to get the rim of the base coated in color.  Cut hole in cardboard to allow for easy removal of cardboard disc.
  • A second card board disc as above but for the underside of the cap.  All notes above apply.
• Wrap the cord tensioner and first few inches of cord in blue tape to prevent your cord from being painted.
• Start spraying and have fun!  Lay some newspaper in work area to prevent pissing off your significant other, parents, landlord, etc.

Here is the finished product.  This was the first Neon Grande I made.  Hammered Copper is what I chose to make the green lava pop.

[Jim]

Now, if you have mad mad skills like Mandy (and likely Chonzo), you can really go nuts painting a base.  Huge shout out goes out to Blind Faith for allowing me to add this gem to my collection.

[SCOTT13A]

Here is what I have from her. (Middle three in the first picture) I haven't seen her around here in years.

 

Jim said.

Now, if you have mad mad skills like Mandy (and likely Chonzo), you can really go nuts painting a base.  Huge shout out goes out to Blind Faith for allowing me to add this gem to my collection.

[Jim]

Awesome bases Scott - especially fond of the black cat ones.

SCOTT13A said:

Here is what I have from her. (Middle three in the first picture) I haven't seen her around here in years.

[Tim Gill]

Painting is fun, haven't done stenciling or awesome airbrushing like the other designs, just block color for me. 

What I do to prepare the lamp base is to cover the felt bottom and cable (half) with masking tape or PVC tape (cutting the excess off from the base) then make sure its clean and start spraying. A fue light coats will be fine but don't do it in one big go otherwise there will be drips etc. 

If you haven't got a room to paint in then paint outside but it is weather dependent - you don't want dust blowing into the fresh paint or rain etc (this is why I haven't been painting much recently)

[Ian]

Those are amazing! I think Im going to paint at least a few lamp bases.. :) not with crazy awesome designs or anything, but just colors. Maybe I'll do some designs, just depends on what I come up with. Maybe some paint splatters, or tie-dye stuff, depends on the globe for the lamp too!

[Tim Gill]

It has to be done, so many bases are boring and often dont match the globes at all, just a single color will make them look much more intresting

I would love to see a tye dye style painted base - that would be awesome.

Ian said:

Those are amazing! I think Im going to paint at least a few lamp bases.. :) not with crazy awesome designs or anything, but just colors. Maybe I'll do some designs, just depends on what I come up with. Maybe some paint splatters, or tie-dye stuff, depends on the globe for the lamp too!

[Dr. WHAT?!]

Jimbo has it right. I usually use Rustoluem too its a good paint all around no matter which one it is. You can also use clear coat on bases to preserve your painted look. I did that with my floyd lamps and my metallic grande.

[Todd Miller]

Awesome...

Who is this 'Mandy' you speak of ?

I like the two black cats on the pumpkin with a bat overhead.

I would I contact her to commission a job ?

I have a black cat and love the Halloween theme(s).

[064idi3z31saf]

Go to home depot- lowes-tru-valu etc. and look for paints like Rust-Oleum HIGH HEAT paints.  These new paints can withstand heat up to 1200 degrees.  VHT engine spray paints are also excellent but Rust-OLeum has some really nice colors.  There are other brands available.  I spray painted many objects and several lava lamps and even covers for my stove in white to match and so far no browning, chipping,bubbling, peeling or flaking. You can also purchase brush on paint that can withstand high heat. Just ask the tech at the counter. Just make sure you allow 48 hours for the paint to dry.  Sooner and paint might have problems even though instructions on the can say less time. Make sure the lamp is cool not warm not hot and not freezing cold. Only apply one coat of paint at a time no matter how anxious you are to apple several during the first application otherwise you risk bubbling and peeling on contact. If this happens wipe affected area off asap and wait till paint is dry and then sand the area and re-spray. If done correctly you will have an awesome custom looking lamp.

I hope this helps. 

[064idi3z31saf]

Then you can paint over the base color you choose with most acrylic paints or airbrush paints. 

[Dr. WHAT?!]

I remember back when I started doing custom bases everyone always said to use a high heat paint which is fine to use, by all means, but its not necessary.