I completed this DIY back in May, and I am finally getting around to posting on just how I did it (pretty simple). I surprised even my self when I saw the final product, it was so much better then all the 200-300$ lamps I was seeing everywhere.
I was telling my dad that I wanted to make this lamp and after saying I wanted to use an old surveyor, he actually knew someone who had one and was willing to give it to me! So of course I said YES PLEASE and begun.
I must note I did not take photos of the entire process and all the photos were taken on my phone simply, because it was the easiest thing to use when I was staining, sanding etc.
So here is the before and after...
So where to begin...
1. Find a old wooden surveyor or tripod that you love!
2. Assuming it is made from wood give it a good sanding, in my case A LOT. It was coated in a couple layers of awful neon paint, the sanding took hours I will admit but well worth it in the end.
3. Select a stain. Once I picked one I liked, I used a sponge brush (and gloves!) and coated the surveyor three times, letting it dry in between.
4. Since most of the lamps I liked in store had a glossy finish I decided to do one myself. In the same section as the stain you can find glossy top coats. I did 4 coats, but you can do how ever many you like until you get the "glossy-ness" you like.
5. Buy a lamp kit. They are super simple to install! Luckily my surveyor had a hole in the top so I could feed the wire through. Another option is picking a old lamp you have lying around or thrift a lamp with a harp you like. I found an old lamp with the same worn metal harp as the feet and top that my surveyor had so I used that instead of the brass that came in the lamp kit.
6. Pick a lamp shade. I found mine at Homesense.
And Voila! You have a beautiful reclaimed lamp!
Thanks for reading! - Ally
