Colour me beautiful and make me shine bright!

The chandelier was sent to an expert to be stripped of the old paint, revealing a stunning one-of-a-kind hand-made bronze and pewter Art-Nouveau creation. I requested the piece be completely rewired with CSA- (Canadian Standards Association) approved elements. Then the piece was returned to us and hung in our studio for a couple of days while I decided which crystals were to be enameled in what colour. Very carefully, after being photographed and catalogued, the pieces were produced, washed with a solution that contained among other things alcohol and vinegar, and set to dry off on a clean cotton cloth.

To update the look of an old piece from home is better than buying a new one from an unknown source, especially when some retailers claim their products are crystal when they are nothing more than painted ordinary glass fixtures. This is a great example of “They just don’t make things today the way they used to!” If you decide to get crafty, make sure to hire a certified master electrician to take down the chandelier and get an experienced person to rewire and update the electric elements, before you get started.



An intricate process

On a base constructed for each particular chandelier we work on, every independent crystal drop is placed to dry on a rack. Using wires to hold them, the process of enameling starts with dipping and allowing each individual piece to air dry. The whole process may require a couple of weeks to complete a single chandelier, as some crystals will have to be dipped many times to build up the right colour, keeping in mind that each crystal must be fully dry after each coat. Twenty-four to 48 hours are required in between dipping.

Also, you must remove any excess enamel; otherwise it will dry as a clump at the bottom of the crystal. Please note, the room where you are going to do this work must have good ventilation; the air must circulate, but be careful not to move dust around as the newly coated surface is sticky and will attract airborne particles. A spotless working environment is a must.

Crystal enamels are expensive; they can be unstable and need the right conditions to dry hard, if you are to achieve the desired result. The finished crystals are then re-hung on the chandelier frame, a little like a putting together a puzzle to fit. Replacing any missing or broken crystals is a challenge, but not impossible.

Once the chandelier is completely finished, it is tested. To test a unit we must examine it in both natural and electric light. This allows us to see any pieces that need might need more enamel.

To reinstall, you should once again contact your certified master electrician to do the job!

Trust me when I say that the metamorphosis of an old piece into a new object of desire can make just the statement your home needs!

I used to sell chandeliers made by other craft people. However, when their pricing, conditions, and demands started to become unreasonable, we decided to produce our own work and, in all honesty, the results were much better after we perfected the necessary techniques.

A black crystal chandelier can set you back $35,000 for a new piece. Instead, restoration and enameling of an existing piece, may cost only a tenth of that for a piece offering a similar look. Colour combinations are also fun; just imagine having a unique pale pink and emerald fixture, or even purple, coral and orange. Creating new looks for your old chandelier or wall sconces may make a dull room or entrance look majestic.

Here are my final tips. If you are considering doing this work yourself, avoid problems with your insurance company by hiring a certified master electrician to do all electric work, get CSA approved wiring and electric components and respect the wattage limitations of the unit.

• Eros Greatti is one of Canada’s leading interior designers. For more information or to suggest topics please do not hesitate to contact him at 514-272-3767.