Introduction
Have you got some spare light bulbs at home? And do you love to paint on unconventional surfaces? If yes, then you should definitely try painting on a light bulb and you’ll be surprised as to how it glows! When we tried all these tutorials firsthand, we were blown away by the results. Who knew that you could paint on a light bulb with the most basic painting materials?
For painting a light bulb, acrylic paints and applicators like sponges and brushes are the most basic art supplies. It’s best to cover the light bulb with a base of white paint before starting a detailed painting. Craft elements such as pipe cleaners can also be added for diverse mixed media effects.
1. Single shade acrylic painting
Simply painting the light bulb will give a tint and faint glow when you light it up!
Perhaps the best tutorial on painting a lightbulb is to start off simple.
For this tutorial, all you need is one shade of acrylic paint and a brush. Although the applicator used in this art tutorial video is different, it gives the same texture as a brush.
The best part about this tutorial is that you get to see the light bulb glowing. Once the bulb has been painted, you could easily see how the light shines through. In fact, you can also see the brush strokes through the lighting.
PRO-TIP
Mix the colors
Do you want to add some spontaneous color fun to your light bulb? Then try covering it with two colors. Use two brushes and keep each for one color only. Keep switching from one brush to another while painting the light bulb and you’ll get a multicolored glow at the end!
Although you can use normal acrylic paints, we suggest you get this bundle of brushes and craft acrylics !
2. Light bulb galaxy acrylic painting
Do you adore the stars? Then you'll love this galaxy acrylic painting tutorial!
Watch YouTube Video by Art with Eleanor
This tutorial is great for learning to create textures with different types of applicators. Without a doubt, acrylic paints are the most versatile painting medium. You can use them on canvas, fabric, wood, and yes, even glass. These are the things you would need for painting a stunning galaxy on a light bulb:
- Acrylic paints (3 to 4 shades - one color should be the darkest for the background.)
- Sponge (There’s no need to use fancy sponge brushes. A small and normal sponge will work just fine.)
- A tiny brush or dotting tool (A size 0 brush will be the best choice)
Make the perfect stars with this set of 7 small paint brushes .
Transon Detail Brushes (Set of 7)
These brushes can work with any painting medium to create detail: acrylics, oils, gouache and more.
fun twist
Change the color scheme
Galaxies can be in various color schemes. Try painting a slightly lighter shade for the background and go darker for the foreground. Keep the stars white but feel free to experiment with the lightening and darkening of colors.
3. Using paint and glitter together
How about adding some shimmer and shine to your painted light bulb?
This is a mixed media tutorial that combines paint and glitter. So you can say it’s a fusion of arts and crafts. If you love exploring different media in a simple way, this is the video for you.
For this tutorial, you would need:
- Acrylic Paint
- Glue (White glue is the best)
- Dry glitter
- Paintbrush
Although the tutorial makes use of a glue to stick glitter onto the paint bulb, you can try using glitter paint instead.
Here is a good quality glitter acrylic paint set for you to buy.
Glitter Acrylic Pant Set
This set contains 8 glittery acrylic paints that you can use instead of white glue and dry glitter.
4. Making detailed paintings on light bulbs
Miniature paintings make light bulbs look like spectacular snow globes!
Apart from the galaxy painting on a light bulb, this tutorial will introduce you to a variety of landscape paintings. And all of them are super detailed, so you would need brushes of different sizes and follow the color schemes properly.
You may find these paintings slightly advanced if you’ve never done miniature or small paintings before. But we would recommend following this tutorial if you want to improve and broaden your color mixing skills!
PRO-TIP
keep a separate brush for mixing
To avoid getting the colors dirty, use a big brush for quick color mixing. Keep the painting brushes completely separate.
5. Pattern and quote light bulb painting
Follow this tutorial to fuse inspirational words with wonderful illustrations!
This enlightening tutorial features how to create a floral pattern using tiny paintbrushes. Moreover, if you’re a fan of motivational quotes, then look no further. Of course, you can write your own quote, your name, or anything else other than what is shown in the tutorial. This video is a great fit for anyone who loves to fuse words with happy and motivational art.
fun twist
try alternative art supplies
Are you finding it hard to write a quote with a paintbrush? Then use a marker instead as it would give you a much easier grip for writing smoothly.
6. Pink cloud painting on a lightbulb
Don't miss this tutorial if pink is your favorite color!
After the galaxy painting, this one is another tutorial from Art with Eleanor. If you love clouds, then this video demonstrates how to perfectly capture and create the cloud texture. You would need tiny sponge pieces for it, so if you have a bigger sponge at home, simply cut it into small, long rectangular pieces that are easy to hold.
7. Simple floral pattern painting on a lightbulb
Are you fond of creating small and simple repetitive motifs?
This light bulb painting tutorial is the ultimate one for beginners. Although it’s simple, it’s fun and creative. It’s the best for beginners as you don’t need to cover the entire light bulb with color. This tutorial will teach you how to paint small flowers, so it’s perfect if you’re a minimalist that loves floral work.
fun twist
try it on a colored bulb
Since you won't be covering the entire bulb with paint, you can use a bulb with colored light. It will make the final result more colorful.
8. Mixed media painted light bulb
Add a few crafty elements to your painted light bulb!
This tutorial will give you plenty of artsy inspiration for Christmas and the holiday season. The bulb is painted in a shade of single color and the use of pipe cleaners, pom balls, wiggly eyes, and other elements create some fun-looking light bulbs. You can also create your own little your own craft elements using cardstock, paper, etc.
Conclusion
There are many ways to paint a light bulb. At the most basic level, all you need is a big paintbrush or sponge to cover the bulb with a single paint layer for creating colored lighting. The most fun part of painting a light bulb is that even if you apply extremely thick paint on it, you’ll watch it glow when it lights up.
If you’re looking for more art tutorials, don’t miss this post on how to paint wood with acrylic paint .
By Jimena & Iñigo
The Navarro-Rubios
My husband and I are learning how to draw and paint. We wanted to share this learning process with the world and have fun! That's why we created this blog. We'll have drawing contests every week and you'll decide who won that week! Follow along and learn with us!
Jimena & Iñigo
The Navarro-Rubios
My husband and I are learning how to draw and paint. We wanted to share this learning process with the world and have fun! That's why we created this blog. We'll have drawing contests every week and you'll decide who won that week! Follow along and learn with us!
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