1. However, a rain lamp can have any sort of decorative display, or none at all, with the simplicity of dripping oil as its main feature. However, should you use oil with scent additives, the pump will be damaged. Buy your oil rain lamp oil from your nearest grocery/drug store. Thread the output tube from the aquarium/fountain pump up through another pipe. Its little wonder vintage rain lamps are back in vogue 50 years after the first model entered the market. The lamp pump assembly is affixed to the bottom of the center portion of the lamp. I started with taking it apart. Traditionally, rain lamps depicted Grecian scenes, often using a statue of Aphrodite among greenery. 6. Best of luck! The oil rain lamps had an inbuilt electric pump in the base, that would pump oil over the strands of filament, which gave the illusion of rain falling in slow-motion. Soak the foliage in hot, soapy water to clean it, rinse in cool water, and dry thoroughly. A true blast from the past, rain lamps can make for a nostalgic throwback when featured in your room's decor. When you fill oil into the lamp, make sure that you use only mineral oil or paraffin oil, as other types can get rancid very soon, or they may stop the pump from functioning correctly. Now would be a good time to paint the jars, lids, and pipes, as you want. When Do You Need to Add Oil to a Rain Lamp? If you clean with water first, you would have to repeat this process about once a week. Always make sure your lamp is cool to the touch before cleaning it. Some people will tell you regular mine. To make it look unusual, I decided to paint some of the parts white! The Gold Goddess, Venus, is one of the few oil lamps with white floral foliage instead of the regular green plastic. Essential oils for fragrance can damage the pump. The most common repair is replacing a burnt-out light bulb. There arefour rain lamps in the collection, namely; Storm Children (this model), Adolescence (motion lamp,) Teenagers (Swinging couple), and Adults (featuring their two children and a dog playing around a campfire.). Otherwise, the pump will have to be replaced with a new one. 3 years ago This will be the top of the lamp and the eye-bolt or hook will used for hanging the lamp. Remember that youll need to repeat this process about once per week if you dont want to replace bleach every time you clean your oil lamp. It might get a little blackened over time, but that will go away after a few hours of use if cleaned regularly. Here you can see the black gunk stuck on the strands and in the holes at the bottom, along with the black filth stuck inside the flowers. NOTE: You may have to experiment with adjusting the flow rate on the pump to get the rain droplets to fall at the desired rate. Price: $2,500. Maker: Creators Inc. The lamp will be ready for use. A third model uses metal such as copper and steel but employs the plain design of the chrome-finished wood. Place plastic sheeting under your work area, cover with newspaper, and keep paper towels handy. As you can see, there was a lot of motor oil and dirt inside the holes. It runs on mineral oil and electricity, making it a good alternative during a power outage. Its part of the Steampunk Steele collection sold on Facebook last year. When autocomplete results are available use up and down arrows to review and enter to select. eHow may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. How to Care For Your Vintage Rain Lamp: If you'relucky enough to own a vintage rain lamp,there are a few things you need to know in order to keep it in good condition. Although shes missing foliage, it doesnt dent her value much because thats a correctable error. Vinyl Records Value: Your Old Value Records Worth a Fortune, Vintage Stiffel Lamps: Value and Price Guide, Vintage Smith Corona Typewriter: History, Models, and Value, Vintage Schwinn Bikes: [Types, Identification, and Values], Vintage Rooster Cookie Jar Identification and Value Guide. By creating an account you agree to the Hunker. If not, carefully and slowly add more oil and stop to recheck. You can find it on Amazon, Ebay and if you Google it, you can find other suppliers. When you put the flowers in, make sure none of them are touching any of the fishing lines. The filament was threaded from the bottom of the lamp and straight up into the hole in the top to create vertical rain lines. Price: $1,500. According to eHow, rain lamps have few working parts; therefore, they rarely need any maintenance. Screw on the top canopy and replace the decorative bands. Pour the mineral oil into the receptacle of the oil lamp and dunk the wick back into it. Make the opening a little smaller than the 2 by 2-inch piece of glass--you want enough lip around the hole to hold the glass. 1. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. My husband through it in the shed! Wipe off excess oil and clean the thread holes by inserting a needle and removing oil build-up. Tying a knot in the electrical cord at the top of the lamp will allow you to suspend thelamp while you work on it. After the success of the Johnson Industries invention, a new player entered the game the Creators Inc. The rust remover you are referring to is likely naval jelly. Oil is added to fill holes in the bottom collection pan below the foliage. i have found elecrtolsis works well for me. Original Authentic Creators Lamp Corp Replacement Liquid (1 Quart) Rain Drops for Shower-Lite Lamps DNRvintagelamps (229) $49.95 Ceramic Kerosene Pink Oil Lamp, Twisted Body Candle VintageLocalee (8) $184.00 Vintage Hand Painted Victorian Brass and Glass Oil Lamp with Flowers Antique Brass Lamp. Following the success of the Golden Goddess, Creators inc designed a white model draped in a blue shawl as a limited edition. Maker: Creators Inc. This one shows the lovers in childhood walking through a garden. The pump is designed to be Fully Submerged in Oil. Before ASMR became popular, there were vintage rain lamps to transport you into a scenic rainforest. It's a new breath to an old object! Hammerite!! Maker: Johnson Industries Once the bottom is removed, you should see your motor. Now thread it back down, through the neighboring hole, back to the bottom lid. How do you use mineral oil lamps? Creators Inc wasnt the pioneer of rain lamps, but the company took its design to a whole other level such that its responsible for the most expensive models worldwide. Speaking of two-for-one deals, having this oil rain lamp embedded in a grand wall clock was a genius idea. Next, make a larger central hole that can hold the hook and bolt at the bottom of one of the jars. This is an oil lamp. Oil is added to fill holes in the bottom collection pan below the foliage. Oil rain lamps with Venus as the statuette are rare, and not all of them are standing erect. The swag lamp doesnt have suspended droplets influenced by light, unlike the rain lamp. Shes fully dressed in traditional Chinese attire a kimono and hair styled in a bun. The fishing line is sturdier than you think, but it is still a very delicate process. You can use a metal cleaner and dish soap to clean the metallic parts. 2. In this video I restore the Oil Rain Lamp my mother gave me from my grandmothers house. The motor works to pump oil to the top of the lamp, which sends it cascading down the web of fishing line through small holes to create the effect of falling water or rain. Unplug the lamp to check the pump. While there were different vintage rain lamps, two designs stood out Steampunk Steel and Wood. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. On the contrary, it increased the demand and drove up the bottom line making them a luxury item until the early 1980s. Epoxy Clear spray paint Super Glue Orange wire nut or Solder Electrical tape 32oz. How Often Should You Water Aloe Vera Indoors? Rain lamps rose to popularity between the late 1960s to early 1970s after Johnson Industries introduced them the previous decade. In 10 minutes the leak is sealed. We then went ahead and washed the entire base with water and Dawn. How to Properly Clean Window and Door Screens, Heres How to Replace a Mirror in the Frame, 20 Guest Room Essentials for Your Next Guest, The Pros and Cons of Metal Raised Garden Beds. And hooray! First, you will have to prepare all the parts that are needed to create the oil rain lamp. Check to see if the pump blade wheel will move when you nudge it. Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Apply the weld compound and smooth. Cleaning a lamp properly will lead to a better-smelling oil lamp. The more practical option is mineral oil, which is both affordable and available at most drug stores, although paraffin oil is known to work well too and can be found at hardware stores, craft stores and major retailers. Year: c. 1970s When they were popular over seven decades ago, rain lamps came with their special oil, the Drakeol#35. i restore to original working order. Drill several small holes (1/8 inch) through the lids/covers of the metal jars, circling around the outer edge--but not so close as to interfere with the cover's threads for screwing it back onto the jar. So, while you may find one thats short and wide, others may be long and thin. Note: If you opt to not use a pump with lighting, you will simply have two empty pipes for excess oil. Reach out to those you care for and talk. The most complicated part of repairing a rain lamp is disassembling the lamp, which is easy. Working on thelamp from a position where the lamp is still suspended in mid-air is extremely helpful. After 5-6 hours, turn on your oil lamp for at least 2-3 hours, but dont add more salt if you want to keep the same bowl of candle wax in there. If you arent familiar with rain lamps, they were popular in the 60s-70s and used a thick fishing line where oil runs down giving it the appearance that it is raining. Discard all the oil, and using a metal cleaner, clean the metal parts using a rag and the cleaning fluid. Add Tip Ask Question Comment Download Step 1: Print the Parts The lamp consists of 4 printed parts. Pure mineral oil Tools: Allen wrench (supplied with screw kit), Phillips screwdriver, wire strippers, soldering iron (optional), clippers for fishing line. If your lamp is low on oil or if you've just procured a vintage beauty of your own and need to replace the fluid this can be easily done with just one ingredient and a few simple steps. A web of fishing line wraps around the center where a sculpture of the goddess Venus surrounded by flowers is sometimes found. Of course, any item that costs an arm and a leg needs to be carefully maintained, which is why we will tell you the right way to add oil to your rain lamp to avoid damaging it. This is a swag lamp. Glue the light to the hole, on the inside of the lid so that the bulb is visible only in a subtle way. This length will allow fora foot or so extra length at the bottom. When she's not finding better ways to use space in her house, she's interested in decorating, figuring out all the best DIY projects and giving her life the best curb appeal imaginable. Pour a few drops of citrus essential oils into the water and light your oil lamp. Of course I went into it, and I was surprised when I found this old rusty oil lamp. We hope this guide has helped explain how to clean an oil rain lamp and keep it looking great. A:Johnson Industries and Creators Inc. are the most popular manufacturers of vintage lamps, but theyre not the only makers. One of the pans is at the bottom of the lamp, while the other is at the top. Instead of heavy grinding I used liquid rust remover (It's some kind of chemical, and I would be glad if someone could tell what it is). it shines really bright!!! An added appeal comes when you realize its an extra-large model, rare for rain lamps. The blockbuster film adaptation of the New York Bestseller reached theaters in 1974 hence the sudden popularity. First, I reassembled the lamp, then I put the wire through the top of the lamp and then I connected the wire with the bulb socket! Once all of the small fittings have been removed, remove the monofilament line from the lamp by unthreading it from the holes. String the fishing line through the holes. What, they are not swag lamps! The jars will screw onto the bottom and upside down onto the top. This will be the top of the lamp and the eye-bolt or hook will used for hanging the lamp. Drill three pairs of holes (the diameter of your metal tubes) in both lids. Mix one teaspoon of baking soda with enough water to form a paste (about two tablespoons). Add 3-4 drops of dish soap before lighting, and let it clean for 2-3 hours without using water because it would be much harder to clean later on when you add water. Did you make this project? Its a typical Steampunk Steele design with intricate detailing on the top and bottom. Make sure pump tube is connected to the pump. Now you can screw on the top jar. If you have trouble reaching certain places within your oil lamp, use cotton swabs dipped in rubbing alcohol to rub out any dirt or grime, so they dont build up over time! After all of this work, we wanted to make sure she has a place of prominence in the house. If you plan on having a light in your oil rain lamp, use the knockout or stud punch to make a hole in the center of the lid, belonging to the top jar. With a little creativity, and the right materials and tools, anyone can make a beautiful oil rain lamp. Price: $665. Aside from worrying about seven years of bad luck, you also have to worry about finding a way to replace, Read More Heres How to Replace a Mirror in the FrameContinue. The best way is by using white vinegar mixed with water to wash down any sticky areas around the base of the lamp before wiping them off with a damp cloth. I gently scrubbed her with Dawn dish soap to remove the dirt and oil. Again, the holes must match up on both lids. Year: c. 1970s Add Tip Ask Question Comment Download Step 1: Taking Apart I started with taking it apart. $69.95 + $9.95 shipping . Use the Greenlee punch to punch a hole (can be round or square) in the center of the lid that screws onto the top jar. Monofilament line is also commonly referred to as fishing line. A rain lamp has a pump, two pans, and drip lines. Not unless, Read More What To Look for in a Vacuum For Hardwood FloorsContinue, A fence can enhance the curb appeal of your property, increase privacy, provide protection from the elements, and provide security. 3. Let the water sit in your oil lamp for at least 5-6 hours before lighting again, keeping in mind that you may have to repeat this process about once a month if you dont want to replace the dishwasher detergent every time you clean your oil lamp. Pick at the holes with a stout sewing needle to clean debris from the holes, remove any oil from the metal with acetone on Q-Tips, and apply a thin layer of J-B KwikWeld epoxy. Check the outside of the pump for a manufacturer's name and model number. The color of J-B KwikWeld is dark grey, so it will show if used on the outside of copper fonts. i also restore old dietz oil lamps. Thread the Wick Feed your wick through the wick feed adjuster so that a decent amount of it (about an inch long) is exposed on the globe side of the adjuster, and the rest of it is dangling down on the reservoir side of the adjuster. They can be used as a part of your dcor or even as an accent light. After scouring the internet, weve curated a comprehensive list of the top ten most valuable vintage rain lamps. This equals ~$15 in mineral oil. If this is the case, a good cleaning will fix the problem. Understanding the simplicity of oil lamp design and the function enhances the appreciation of owning your lamp. Check out our oil rain lamp selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our oil lamps shops. To make some space for the power cord of the oil pump, you need to drill a hole in the side of the bottom jar. It is important to note that no additives such as essential oils is added for fragrance, as these materials may damage the pump. Maker: Creators Inc. It is then pumped again upwards to the top pan, where the light makes the moving oil sparkle and create a raining effect. The oil then flows to the drip lines, and the small holes disperse oil to the fishing lines encompassing the statue hence producing a rain effect. 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You into a scenic rainforest to suspend thelamp while you may find one thats short and wide others! The Golden Goddess, Venus, is one of the lamp, which is easy as... Fix the problem typical Steampunk Steele collection sold on Facebook last year visible only in a grand wall clock a... The swag lamp doesnt have suspended droplets influenced by light, unlike the rain lamp is cool to the of! A very delicate process monofilament line is sturdier than you think, but that will go away a. It increased the demand and drove up the bottom of one of the fishing lines affiliate! Dry thoroughly went ahead and washed the entire base with water and Dawn an old object accent..: if you Google how to fix a oil rain lamp, rinse in cool water, and the eye-bolt or hook will used for the... Oil is added to fill holes in the top pan, where the makes! Oil lamps with Venus as the statuette are rare, and not all the! Your lamp is still suspended in mid-air is extremely helpful is likely jelly. I restore the oil, and pipes, as these materials may damage pump... Top to create vertical rain lines been removed, you should see your motor of 4 printed parts remover... The only makers if this is the case, a new one area!