DIY Lantern Decor: Easy Metallic Lantern Makeover

Transform a basic metal lantern into trendy gold metallic DIY lantern decor in minutes!

Hey there Darice buddies! It’s Lydi back from Lydi Out Loud and I’m sharing one of my favorite trends with you today… matte metallic… particularly in gold. I can’t get enough! Although my house is full of nickel and silver hardware and accents, I’ve been splashing matte metallic gold on all.the.things!

I’m in love with the brushed matte gold lanterns I’ve seen online but definitely not in love with the price tag, so I figured I would try to transform a basic black metal lantern into a matte metallic gold DIY lantern decor piece and I’m thrilled with how it turned out!

It’s actually super easy to transform metal surfaces into matte metallic since the base is already so matte. Even if your using a regular metallic paint (as opposed to matte metallic) you can still get a matte metallic finish. Score!

Follow along with me to see how easy it is to take a black metal surface and transform it into a beautiful matte metallic accent you’ll be so proud to display in your home.

DIY Lantern Decor Supplies:

Darice Metal Lantern
Gold Metallic Spray Paint
Flathead Screwdriver (not pictured)
Instructions

Painting the lantern is much easier if you remove the glass first. There are prongs that hold each piece of glass in place; gently bend them back with a flathead screwdriver and remove the glass panels.

Thoroughly clean the lantern with warm soapy water to ensure it is free of dust and debris. Allow to dry.

Starting with the lantern on it’s side, paint, making sure to reach the insides of the lantern as well as the the latches that will move up and down.

Once dry, flip the lantern right side up and apply another 2 coats to the entire surface (allowing to dry in between coats).

Once fully dry (overnight is best), re-position the glass panes and bend the prongs back up to hold the glass in place. I have my gold matte DIY lantern decor displayed by my fireplace with a candle. You could also display a plant, succulents or anything else that you like. I’m planning on pine cones in the winter.

I love my matte metallic lantern so much that I’m planning to make a couple more using outdoor metallic paint. I’ll keep the glass panes out of those ones and place citronella candles in them for my patio.