DIY Light Fixture & Switch Plate Painting

Since we didn't plan to renovate the half bath so soon, we really have to be budget conscious with our selections.  I knew that we needed a new switchplate and overhead light in that room since the old ones are pretty rickety (the entire room is honestly, so I am glad we are transforming it simulataneously with our kitchen). 

I shopped around a bit and couldn't find affordable options in a copper finish for a light.  I started thinking about how to solve the problem and decided that although the existing lights throughout the house aren't attractive, we might be able to DIY a paint job to make them more attractive just to have something to install and respect our budget.  The only existing light that was appropriately sized for the room was a builder grade "boob light" found at the top of the staircase (jokingly monickered for it's shape and coincidental erectile structures).  I don't like boob lights.  I think they are rather ugly, but if it's going to save us some money for more important details then I am all for it. 

I decided to buy some copper spray paint to transform the big boob.  I found an antique brass filigree switchplate that has long since tarnished, and figured that would look nice with a shiny new copper finish.

Now, DIY is very new to me.  I hope I did things right, and I hope it will look good once everything is installed.  At least all the metals will match.   So I gathered my stuff...

The BOOB light, screws, and switchplate.

I had to scuff up the shiny surfaces with sandpaper so the paint could adhere better.

After sanding, the nipple and areola...eh, finial, looked like this

I was nervous with the sandpaper and hoped I did it right. 

I gave the items two even coats spaced 10 minutes apart.  The metal looks nicer already!

The switchplate looks especially nice I think.

Once everything is dry we can install it.