DIY Aged Stone Look Lamps

As the start of any great love story goes,”It all began with a trip to HomeGoods…” and that’s where I spotted these ribbed turquoise lamps on clearance for $13.  I had seen a designer lamp that had the same shape but retailed for upwards of $600, so I figured I would try out a fun DIY on these lamps and give it an aged stone look with some white paint and joint compound.  I love the end result and you can use this method on any vase to create that aged/found look too!

Supplies:

• Spray Paint Primer (I love this Rustoleum one)
• Joint Compound (I used this one)
• Sandpaper (I used 400 grit)
• Flat/Matte White Paint (I used this one)
• Foam Brush

5 Simple Steps to Create the Aged Stone Look

1. Use spray paint primer to cover object.  I wanted to cover the turquoise color before I applied the joint compound since I didn’t want any blue showing through when I sanded it down and thought a flat primer (something without sheen) would work best for adhesion.
2. Apply joint compound.  I found it was easiest to wear gloves and just apply the joint compound with my hands.  It also helped give it a more organic texture than if I were to have used a putty knife. (Note: I think application should be on the thinner side since you are just creating texture).
3. Wait to dry.  The dry time depends depends on how thick or thin you applied the compound, but wait until it is fully dried before proceeding (I just let mine dry overnight).
4. Sand it down.  Using a fine grit sandpaper (400 grit worked for me), I smoothed over the whole surface.  The goal was not to get everything even, but rather leave it imperfect but smooth to the touch.  Make sure to wipe down all the sanded dust.
5. Paint! To achieve that aged stone look, I think a flat or matte paint works best.  I used this one in a creamy white color and applied it with a foam brush to avoid leaving brush strokes. That’s it! Its a paper mâché or aged stone or found look! I don’t know what to call it, but I love how it added so much character to the lamp and I can’t wait to try this method out on vases next!