Omar Khalid
If you're looking to cover a plastic sconce shade, there are a few methods you can try. You can either create a new sconce shade by removing the old one and using it as a template, or you can cover the existing shade with fabric for a temporary fix. The former method involves removing the old sconce shade, tracing it onto heavy paper, and creating a new frame using wood embroidery hoops or the old shade frame. The latter method involves using spray adhesive or glue dots to attach fabric to the outside of the existing shade, creating a new look without permanently altering the shade.
Characteristics and Values Table for Covering a Plastic Sconce Shade:
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Old sconce shade removal | Trace its shape onto heavy paper to make a template or measure the lamp fixture for desired dimensions. |
| Materials | Heavy paper, styrene or heavy white poster board liner, glue, plastic corner guards, fabric, double-sided tape, glue dots, low-temp hot glue gun, adhesive spray |
| Frame creation | Cut and reshape wood embroidery hoops or use the old shade frame. |
| Shade preparation | Cut and glue styrene or liner to the frame. Smooth and clip fabric onto the shade, or use glue dots or hot glue. |
| Mounting | Screw corner guards into the wall or attach the shade to the mounting hardware. |
| Bulb recommendation | Use LED or compact fluorescent bulbs to reduce fire risk. |
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What You'll Learn
Use a cover plate
If you're looking to cover a plastic sconce shade, one option is to use a cover plate. This is a good solution if you want to remove the sconce but are unable to disconnect the wires. Firstly, it is important to shut off the power and ensure you are not touching any live wires. If the wires are live, it is usually against code to cover them with anything other than a plate.
You can buy cover plates at any big box store. Measure the distance between the holes and purchase a plate that will fit. Blank plate covers are easy to find and can be painted to match the colour of your wall. If you don't want to paint the cover plate, you can also buy modern covers to place over a new larger box that you can purchase separately.
If you are able to disconnect the wires, you can remove the sconce and cover the hole with a plate. You may want to consult an electrician for any electrical work.
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Make a template and cut out the shape
To make a template for your new sconce shade, start by removing the old sconce shade. Place the old shade on a piece of heavy paper and trace around it to create a template for the new shade cover. If you don't have the old shade, you can also measure the lamp fixture directly to determine the desired width and height of the new shade.
Once you have your template, it's time to cut out the shape. Using scissors or a craft knife, carefully cut out the template along the traced lines. If you're making multiple shades, use this initial template to create additional templates for the remaining shades. It's important to be precise during this step to ensure that your new shade fits perfectly.
Now, you will create a pattern on your fabric. Place the styrene, which is the inner part of your shade, adhesive-side down onto the wrong side of your chosen fabric. Use a ruler to smooth it out, removing any bubbles, wrinkles, or creases. On the top and bottom of the shade, measure and mark the fabric, ensuring you have enough fabric to wrap around the rings of the shade. Connect these marks with a line, creating a clear cutting guide.
Finally, cut out the fabric along the lines you've drawn. If you're making multiple shades, you can use this first cut-out as a pattern for the remaining shades. Ensure your fabric is well-pressed and free of any creases before proceeding to the next step of adhering the fabric to the shade.
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Use adhesive to attach fabric
Covering a plastic sconce shade with fabric and adhesive is a simple and quick DIY project. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
Prepare the Fabric and Adhesive
Lay your chosen fabric on a flat surface, with the wrong (back) side facing up. Ensure the fabric is smooth and free of wrinkles, using an iron if necessary. Place your styrene, or the old plastic sconce shade, adhesive-side down onto the fabric. Smooth it out with your hands or a ruler to secure the adhesive bond and remove any bubbles or creases.
Cut the Fabric
On the top and bottom of the styrene or old shade, measure and mark the fabric. For a precise fit, use the fabric removed from the old shade as a guide to determine how much fabric is needed. Connect the marks with a line and cut the fabric along this line.
Attach the Fabric
Spray adhesive onto the styrene or the seam of the old shade. Starting at the seam, roll the styrene or shade onto the fabric, ensuring the fabric adheres to the adhesive. Trim the fabric, leaving about 3/4" to 1" of fabric around the top, bottom, and side seam.
Finish the Edges
Fold the raw edge of the fabric over the styrene or shade, creating a neat seam. Use fabric glue or tacky glue to secure the fabric in place, creating a smooth edge with no bumps or folds. If your sconce shade has spokes, make small cuts in the fabric to divide it neatly.
Mount the Shade
Once the adhesive and glue are dry, mount the new fabric-covered shade onto the sconce. Ensure it is securely attached to the mounting hardware.
With these steps, you can easily give your plastic sconce shade a personalised and unique look using adhesive to attach the fabric of your choice.
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Use glue dots to secure fabric
Covering a plastic sconce shade with fabric is an easy and inexpensive way to update the lampshade and give it a new look. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it using glue dots:
Prepare the Fabric and the Shade
Firstly, measure your lampshade from top to bottom, and cut the fabric to size, leaving about a 1-inch overhang on both the top and bottom. Use your first cut piece of fabric as a guide to cut any additional pieces. Depending on the size of your shade, you will need about 5-6 pieces in total, with some leftover for the trim.
Use Glue Dots to Secure the Fabric
Place the lampshade in the middle of the cut piece of fabric. Carefully roll the fabric around the shade, attaching the end of the fabric to the shade with glue dots. Ensure that the fabric is straight and not crooked as you wrap it around. You can place a glue dot along the seam of the shade – one at the top and one at the bottom should be enough for smaller shades. For larger shades, you may need one or two additional glue dots in the middle along the seam.
Once one end is attached and the fabric is straight, continue to roll the shade, keeping the fabric taut. You can use a few more glue dots to secure the finished edge on top of the first cut edge, ensuring that the adhesive only touches the fabric and not the shade itself.
Finish the Edges
If your shade is straight with no slope, you can use ribbon to finish the edges. However, if your shade is sloped, using a tape trim with some stretch will give a smoother finish. You can continue to use glue dots or switch to a low-temperature hot glue gun for quicker application. Apply a small dot of glue every few inches along the edge, being careful to not get any on the edge of the original shade.
Final Touches
Once the fabric is wrapped around the entire shade, press the raw edge of the fabric under the starting point to create a neat finish. You can use a few more glue dots or hot glue to secure this edge in place. Now your plastic sconce shade is covered with fabric, giving it a fresh new look!
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Use a lampshade kit
If you want to cover a plastic sconce shade, you can use a lampshade kit. These kits are available in different formats, sizes, and shapes. A basic kit should include two rings, a self-adhesive lampshade panel, double-sided tape, and a finishing tool.
To begin, you will need to carefully take apart your existing lampshade. Loosen the adhesive bond between the styrene and the fabric by holding the lampshade under a running faucet for a few minutes. Peel off any trim and gently remove the outer fabric and rings from the styrene, being careful not to dent or crimp it.
Now, you can use the existing edge banding as a template for your new fabric. Measure and mark your fabric, adding an extra 3/8" on the top and bottom of the styrene to allow for wrapping. Cut your fabric, then place the self-adhesive panel from your kit onto the back of the fabric, smoothing out any air bubbles or creases.
Peel away the backing panel from the top and bottom sections, then carefully roll your styrene onto the fabric, ensuring it adheres to the adhesive strip all the way around. Use double-sided tape to join the short edges of the fabric, creating a neat, no-fray join.
Finally, place your rings at the top and bottom of the styrene, ensuring they do not touch the fabric. Gently press the fabric over the adhesive ring, creating a smooth edge with no bumps or folds.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need a glue gun and glue sticks, fabric, and styrene.
Lay the styrene on the wrong side of the fabric. Make sure there is enough fabric to roll the shade from seam to seam. If your fabric has a pattern, be mindful of what will be centred on the front of the shade.
Use spray adhesive or low-temp hot glue to attach the fabric to the styrene. Smooth out the fabric with your hands or a ruler to remove any bubbles.
You can create your own frame for the sconce shade or use the old shade as a base. Apply glue around the top and bottom sections of the shade frame and attach the styrene, holding it in place with bulldog clips until the glue dries.
