Yet another question...

[ChapterTwo]

This time it's about wiring. I have an old brass chandelier over the dining room table and I've been itching to paint it white. However, I know I'm not going to be able to avoid getting paint on the wire that runs through the chain soooooo...

Is it "okay" to paint the wire? My late father, a master electrician, is probably not happy with that question. :eek:
He was always there for big and little questions/problems with everything...:(

I can't afford to have an electrician come in just to disconnect and reconnect, and I've a healthy fear of messin' with electricity, so otherwise, I guess I'll just have to let it be...

Tnx for your thoughts, as always!

[allen820]

If you are talking about the wire that runs from the ceiling mounted junction box (where it connects to the house wiring), through the large chain that supports the fixture, and then on to the actual fixture, then you are good. I assume you want to paint the chain, so in the process you will paint the wire. No problem what-so-ever. That wire should be well insulated.

I know what you mean about missing your dad. I feel just the same about my dad. In fact, the last conversation I had with him was about how to ground a light fixture that I was installing in a basement workshop at the time. Yep. I sure miss him.

Allen

[ChapterTwo]

Yes, Allen, that's exactly the wire I mean...the one that comes down from the ceiling and attaches to the chandelier. Thank you for your reassurance! I can tell you what my next project will be...:)

I'm sorry about the loss of your Dad, as well. I find that people who didn't have a good relationship with their parents don't understand the deep grief. Sure, we go on and make the best of it, but in our hearts we always miss them so much The same goes for my Mom - I was truly blessed and I know it.

[allen820]

Our daughter also lives in a cottage home just a short walk from our house. At one time, she ended up with a small brass chandelier she planned to put over her dining room table (actually planned to have me put it over her table). But, as we thought of it, brass chandeliers are kinda not the thing right now -- especially in cottage situations. So, the fixture became yet another storage shed object. But, reading your post, heck why not paint it! That really never occurred to me. We will paint it wrought iron black (due to the history of this town, most all original hardware, light fixtures, etc, were wrought iron). It will work great.

Thanks for giving me the thought!

Allen

[shabbychick]

Spray paint is one of those miracle products that hides a multitude of sins and can really give something a new life. What I wish I really understood is how to wire a light fixture. I'd love to hang chandeliers all over my place and have the toggle switch (or whatever you call it) on the cord itself instead of having to wire it into the ceiling, and I know there are lamp kits you can buy, but I still live in fear of electrocuting myself or causing a fire. Maybe I should go take one of those classes at Home Depot so I can do my first rewiring project under expert supervision.

[ChapterTwo]

Hi - I use a lot of spray paint too, shabby, but I don't think I'd use it for the chandelier because of all the chemicals that would be left in the house. I only spray outside.

I also have a healthy fear of doing electrical or plumbing work! ;)

[AmyBrown12]

I definitely agree that spray paint can have harmful chemicals that I sure don't want in my house either! You might want to check about renting a paint sprayer. I know of many San Jose remodeling (http://www.angieslist.com/companylist/san-jose/remodeling.htm) companies that rent them! Then you can choose whatever type of paint you want and they could even mix your paints to match better. Just a thought :)