HOW TO USE DECO FOIL FOR A THRIFTED LAMP MAKEOVER
If you’ve ever wondered how to use deco foil on home decor, this thrifted lamp makeover is such a fun place to start. I recently gave a plain porcelain lamp a beautiful marble-ish finish using a decorative foil, and I honestly cannot stop staring at it. The glossy shine and soft veining make it look like a high-end designer piece!
Today I’m sharing the full process for this lamp makeover with foils, including the products I used, how I applied the foil, and how I sealed everything for that gorgeous glossy finish.
If you love creative home decor projects, this is definitely one to try!
How To Use Deco Foil On Lamp – Supplies Needed
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- LAMP W/ SHADE
- CREAM CHALK PAINT (can be used for both lamp and shade)
- FINE GRIT SANDPAPER (I used 420 grit)
- FOIL
- FOIL ADHESIVE
- FIRM BRISTLE BRUSH OR TOOTH BRUSH
- SEALER
- SEALER FOR SHADE
- EPOXY RESIN (optional)
- HEAT GUN
- DISPOSABLE GLOVES
- RUBBING ALCOHOL/PAPER TOWELS
- SYNTHETIC PAINT BRUSH
Thrifted Lamp Makeover: How To Use Deco Foil Video Instructions
How To Use Deco Foil To Makeover A Lamp – Step By Step Instructions
Step 1: Clean the Lamp
Before beginning your Deco Foil lamp project, clean the lamp base thoroughly with rubbing alcohol to remove dust, oils, or residue. Whether you’re painting your lamp or not, this step is important.
Step 2: Paint the Lamp Base
I started by applying two coats of white chalk paint to the lamp base. While you don’t necessarily have to paint before applying foils, I wanted a neutral base underneath in case the foil didn’t adhere perfectly in every area.
After the first coat dried, I lightly sanded the surface with 220-grit sandpaper to smooth everything out before adding the second coat.
Once the second coat dried, I sanded again very lightly and checked the surface with my hands to make sure it felt smooth.
This prep work really helps create a beautiful finish when using deco foil on lamps.
Step 3: Apply the Deco Foil Adhesive
Next came the deco foil adhesive, which is the key to making the foil stick.
Using a brush, I carefully applied one even coat of adhesive over the entire lamp base. Since the adhesive dries clear, good lighting is really important so you can see where you’ve already applied it. Make sure to get good coverage.
The adhesive will dry clear but remain tacky. That tackiness is what allows the foil to transfer onto the lamp.
Because my basement was humid, I let the adhesive cure for about 48 hours before applying the foil. Normally, 24 hours is enough, but humidity can slow the drying process.
Step 4: Apply the Deco Foil
Now for the magic! This Foil is called Coral Onyx and it is gorgeous! You can find many more beautiful designs HERE.
The foil comes in thin rolls and can easily curl up. I turn the paper over (wrong side up) and used items in the corners to secure it flat. I then carefully positioned the lamp onto the foil and wrapped the right side of the foil up on the lamp. Take your time here; Remember the foil is tacky. Once you lay it down, you’re committed.
Since the lamp was rounded, I knew the foil wouldn’t go on perfectly smooth. There will be wrinkles —and that’s okay! The finished look still turns out beautiful.
Roll the left side of the foil up and cut off the excess.
To transfer the foil onto the lamp, use any firm brush and scrub the foil onto the tacky surface. I started with an old wax brush that was a bit stiff. For the ridged areas of the lamp, I switched to a toothbrush so I could work the foil into all the grooves.
As you rub, you’ll notice the foil releasing from the backing paper.
If you see missed spots, simply place another piece of foil over the area and rub again. That’s why having good adhesive coverage is so important when learning how to use deco foil successfully.
Step 5: Remove Loose Foil
Once the foil transferred, I used a soft brush to gently remove any loose foil flakes from the surface. If you’ve ever used gold leafing, you’ll know what I’m referring to.
At this point, the lamp already looked stunning with its soft marble-like finish.
Step 6: Seal the Foil
To protect the foil, I first sprayed the lamp lightly with a glossy clear spray sealer. It didn’t dry very glossy.
Then I brushed on a decoupage medium for extra protection and more shine.
You could absolutely stop here and still have a beautiful lamp. But because I wanted an even more dramatic glossy finish, I decided to add epoxy resin.
Step 7: Paint the Lamp Shade & Seal (optional)
Once I placed the white shade on the lamp, I realized it looked a little too bright against the warm cream tones in the foil.
So I painted the shade using a soft buttercream-colored paint.
I applied thin coats using horizontal brush strokes around the shade until I achieved even coverage. It took a couple of coats with some spot painting as well.
After it dried, I lightly sanded the shade with 420-grit sandpaper to smooth any texture.
Then I sealed it using a flat topcoat to maintain that soft matte fabric look.
Step 8: Add Resin for a Glossy Finish (Optional)
For the final step in this lamp makeover with foils, I added a thin layer of epoxy resin to the lamp base.
I mixed equal parts resin according to the manufacturer’s instructions and stirred slowly for several minutes.
Wearing gloves, I applied the resin with my hands, smoothing it evenly over the lamp.
Resin self-levels, so you don’t need a thick coat. Just enough to cover the surface evenly.
Afterward, I used a heat gun to remove any bubbles by lightly passing it over the surface.
Then I let the lamp cure overnight.
If you’re new to resin or have more questions, Grab my Free Beginner’s Resin Guide:
Step 9 – Attach The Shade and Admire Your New Foiled Lamp
Once the lamp shade has dried and the Resin has cured, it’s time to put the two together and marvel at the outcome!
Final Thoughts on Using Deco Foil For A Thrifted Lamp Makeover
I truly love how this project turned out. The soft marble effect from the foil combined with the glossy finish makes this lamp look so high-end and elegant. One thing to note: I painted the lamp base white but it actually would have been better to use the Buttercream color that I used on the shade. Painting the lamp shade was an after thought, but I’ll keep that in mind for my next Deco Foil Lamp Makeover.
If you’ve been curious how to use deco foil, this is such a rewarding project to experiment with. I can’t wait to do another one!
If you try this project, I’d love to hear how yours turns out!
I’ve also used Deco Foils on a Book Cover and Coasters. You can check those out HERE.
If you love DIY Lamp Makeovers like I do, Check out these Blog Posts:
How to Cover A Lampshade With Paper
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Until Next Time!
Love,
Joanie
