Shining a Light: Antique Light Fixture Restoration

Ongoing from 2019-Present

Location: Kirkland, Washington

Independent Hobby Project

Process

Antiques have always fascinated me, as has sustainability. Naturally, as a teenager with not a lot of money but who wanted to break into antique collecting, I began to collect broken antiques and started learning to fix them. As I pivoted more towards a sustainability model, I thought of discarded but reusable antique light fixtures, which lend a soft and often timeless touch to many homes both new and old. This drove me towards the restoration of antique light fixtures

The process first involves the disassembly of the antique light fixture. This can sometimes be challenging as pieces are rusted together and can break, needing repair and the removal of all paint and old varnish. The original paint unfortunately typically has its own issues, such as toxic materials or rust/tarnish underneath it. After stripping it, I clean the metal of any rust, tarnish, or other blemishes before priming and repainting it in its original colors. I then varnish each piece with a clear coat to protect it from the elements, and then reassemble the lamp as pieces are finished. Lastly, I clean the original sockets and rewire them, or get new sockets if the originals are missing or beyond repair, before inserting them back into the newly restored body of the light fixture.