Easy Thrift Store Candle Holder Makeover

See how I restored inexpensive, dull, metal thrift store candle holders back into their original luster in just a few minutes with one step! You’ll love this candle holder makeover.

Today marks the beginning of an exciting new link-up I’ll be participating in called “Inspire My Creativity,” hosted by my friend Shani from Sunshine and Munchkins.

Every month we will be DIYing or crafting something new to a different theme and linking up with each other so you can be inspired!  This month’s theme was a thrift store makeover.

Learn how to update dull metal thrift store candleholders using a stunning gold leaf finish in this simple vintage candleholder makeover.

I can’t say I frequent many thrift stores basically for the same reason I don’t go to the Dollar Store – my children would destroy everything in the store.  And that’s basically what happened…

We went to a local thrift store.  I was in HEAVEN and the kids saw a big open space with furniture and thought that meant they should sprint around and jump on everything…

Not only did I find amazing antique candleholders to use for this project, but a bunch of other milk glass vases that I’ll be using for some upcoming projects.  And all for only a couple of dollars a piece!  Of course, I ended up spending $60, so you can imagine all the little antiques I picked up 😉

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Candle Holder Makeover with “Gold Leaf” Gilding Wax

A set of four thrift store candleholders updated to a shiny gold finish using an easy to use wax metallic finish.

The candle holders themselves were in pretty good condition.  They just needed a little help!

I researched online and stumbled upon this Rub n Buff Antique Gold Gilding Wax.  Basically, it’s a wax metallic finish that brings back the shine to old metal decor.

I found the “Gold Leaf” finish at Michaels and went to work!

You can apply the finish using your finger, which I found to be the easiest way.  But this stuff STINKS, so I ended up going outside to apply it.

Step 1: Apply the Gilding Wax to the Candle Holders (That’s It!)

Use your fingers to apply the golf gilding wax finish to the base of the thrifted candleholders, and in just a few minutes, you have a stylish, elegant candleholder makeover.

It says to apply it in a circular fashion, but I just rubbed it on however I could.  You can see an immediate difference!

Two candleholders side by side; the base of the candleholder on the left is updated with a golf leaf gilding wax, giving it a bright, shiny finish.

The Reveal

The gold leaf finish is really just perfect for these candle holders (though they do sell several different finishes).  It makes them look brand new again!

A set of four golf candleholders with while stick candles sit on a wood shelf, a potted ivy plant on the shelf below.

I popped them on the farmhouse shelves in Evie’s nursery.  But, I’m going to be using them in some upcoming flower posts starting next week!

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They would look perfect styled on open shelves, on a tablescape, or even in a wedding centerpiece!

A set of four gorgeous gilded gold candleholders have a new, shiny finish thanks to some metallic gilding wax for an easy thrift store candleholder makeover.
This set of four thrift store candleholders sit on a farmhouse style floating wood shelf, along with other farmhouse style decor. Learn how we gave them a shiny golf finish with this candleholder makeover!
A set of four thrift store candleholders with white pillar candles. Learn how we gave these old candleholders a stunning gold finish with an easy candleholder makeover.

Find more thrift store makeovers like this classy candle holder makeover below…

Now it’s time for the link party!  Check out the hosts below and hop over to see their thrift store makeovers!!

Inspire My Creativity Link Party for thrift store makeovers.
Missy  |  Gypsy Magpie
Meg  |  The Kusi Life
Candice  |  She’s Crafty
Sarah  |  Making Joy & Pretty Things<

 


 

And, stay tuned for next month!  We are working with one of my favorite supplies:

Wishing you a joyful day!

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20 Comments

  1. Love it! I started collecting these old brass candlesticks because I can never seem to pass them up when I see them at thrift stores and yard sales! They just add so much warm to a space! They are darling in your nursery!

  2. I love this update! I have some similiar candle holders that I got from a thrift store too and I’ve been hoping to spruce them up a bit. Thanks for the idea!!