How to update outdated candlesticks

I have had these candle sticks for years and while I still love the shape and texture of them, the dark colors look outdated.

I knew I wanted to give them an update but until I found these blush, white, and greige candles I wasn’t sure exactly how I planned to update them.  I found these candles at Target.  Well, I like to think they found me, isn’t that how Target works after all.

 

Using the candle as inspiration, I decided to paint the candle sticks white and add some golden touches.  I first disassembled the candle sticks.  Each consists of 3 pieces.  The center piece is glass so I decided to paint the glass piece with a white chalk spray paint like this one:

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The chalk paint created a matte finish.  I allowed the chalk paint to dry overnight and applied a light overcoat of gold using a spray paint like this one.

While the overcoat dried, I began work on the tops and bases – all of which are wood.  To make sure I didn’t loose any of the depth or detail of the wood, I first brushed on this pickling wash in cottage white.

Then I lightly rubbed the paint with a dry cloth, making sure there were no drips or runs in the crevices.

After I allowed this to dry I applied a light coat of the same spray chalk paint I used on the glass pieces.

After allowing this to dry overnight, I applied gold leafing to the tops and bases of the candlesticks.  Please click here to see the step-by-step process, and a short video, of applying gold leaf.

If you love the look, but don’t quite have the time, some similar candlesticks can be found here.

To see the candlesticks styled in my dining room please click here.