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Lamp-Painting Sock Trick

June 5, 2012 By Amy @ Positively Splendid

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Today’s quick tip is one that has saved me a ton of hassle in my past lamp-painting projects. Anyone who has ever tried to tape off lamp bulb sockets and cords to prep for spray painting will probably attest that doing so is a royal pain in the neck! My solution: use a sock to cover up those parts of the lamp to protect them when spraying. The sock pieces are easy on, easy off, and paint will only wind up where you want it to!

The longer the socks, the better for this. I have found my son’s old knee-length soccer socks are just right.

Cut off the toe of the sock so you are left with a long tube, and then cut one length from your tube that is 4-5 inches long. This will be the piece you will fit over your lamp’s bulb socket, like so:


Now, take the remaining long piece of your tube, and slide it over the cord of your lamp, as shown.


Grab a can of spray paint and get to work. The socket and cord of your lamp will remain paint-free, and once you’re done painting, you can easily slide off both sock pieces to use again on your next lamp-painting project!


Thanks for stopping in!

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Amy @ Positively Splendid
Amy @ Positively Splendid

Having grown up in a home brimming with sewing notions and paintbrushes, Amy has a deep love for all things creative. On any given day, you’ll find her knee-deep in her latest creative endeavor, with projects ranging from sewing and crafts to home decor and kid-friendly ideas. Amy believes that everyone, regardless of skill level or experience, possesses the ability to create something beautiful, and Positively Splendid was born of her passion for helping others harness their innate creative potential.

EVEN MORE GREAT IDEAS JUST FOR YOU!

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Filed Under: DIY Tagged With: Lamps, Painting, Quick Tips

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Liz says

    June 5, 2012 at 12:31 pm

    Awesome! I have a lamp I’m about to paint and I was trying to figure out how to cover the bulb socket. Thanks!

  2. {northern cottage} says

    June 5, 2012 at 2:40 pm

    OH MY WORD – you are such a smartie pants! how clever and necessary! thanks a ton for sharing! xo

    http://www.NorthernCottage.net

  3. carol jane says

    June 5, 2012 at 5:36 pm

    I am painting an old lamp, but it needs a new socket and cord. I have no idea how to replace those. Any tips?

  4. Heidi @ Decor & More says

    June 5, 2012 at 7:45 pm

    Genius! Pinning this one, Amy! Hope you’re enjoying the summer!
    Heidi 🙂

  5. Bonnie and Trish @ Uncommon says

    June 6, 2012 at 2:18 am

    so needed this Amy..got an ugly lamp to paint soon and will be using this one!! 🙂

  6. Stone Cottage Adventures says

    June 6, 2012 at 2:37 am

    Oh, my! You are an absolute genius! Thank you for the tip! -Marci

  7. Amanda @ Serenity Now says

    June 6, 2012 at 4:46 pm

    Great tip! It does take a long time to tape off all those pieces, and I found that it was really extra hard to get the tape off the cord!

  8. Katie Adams says

    June 14, 2013 at 8:18 am

    This is such a great idea! I wanted to let you know that I Have added this project to my What Can You Make with a Pair of Socks Round Up. If you would rather I delete your project from this round up please let me know.

    Thanks and have a fabulous Day!

    • Amy @ Positively Splendid says

      June 19, 2013 at 9:58 am

      Thanks so much for the share, Katie!

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