Set aside the small brass fittings to dry. Working on thelamp from a position where the lamp is still suspended in mid-air is extremely helpful. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. (Or you can cut the hole.) The original oil rain lamp came with custom-made Rain Lamp Oil which is still for sale on some secondary retail sites. Reassemble all the parts, fill the lamp with fresh oil or fluid, and your rain lamp is ready to use. With the lamp on, slowly add the first pt.of oil and wait five minutes and listen for a change in the sound of the pump. i also clean the tan kand fiberglass resin makes a good tank sealent. So, we set aside a whole day one weekend to clean this beauty up. Tools and materials: Sandpaper, Rust remover, Paint, Paintbrush, Cloth, Light bulb, Wire with a switch, Bulb socket. While I don't care for you converting this to electric because I feel a restored "oil" lantern would be more useful (camping, hiking, backyard bbq, winter street parade, etc) you did a good job and turned someone else's trash into your treasure, so thumbs up to you. An added appeal comes when you realize its an extra-large model, rare for rain lamps. Maker: Creators Inc. Maker: Creators Inc. Her love for writing began in high school and continued with a life of personal writing, content writing, blogging, commentary and short articles. People are selling 32 ounce bottles of mineral oillabeled as Rain Lamp Oil for $24.95 plus $13.00 S&H. Its valuable because it represents the origin of what would become the biggest rain lamp manufacturer in history. A vintage rain lamp is a cylindrical object featuring a top and bottom held together by three pillars with a statuette in the center. Then, turn the lamp on. Only use mineral oil or petroleum jelly in your rain lamp. In Nov. 2020, it was valued at a whopping $5,000 though it now auctions at half-price on eBay. Its a rare model painted with a heavy craquelure finish. Tie a knot in the end of the fishing line large enough to secure it and thread the line through the first hole. However, the oil inside them may need to be replaced periodically, and you must clean these lamps regularly, so they dont lose their shine! Year: c. 1978 7 years ago If not, add more about a half pint at a time, stopping every so often to check if the lamp has started working again. 1. Tom Sawyer and Becky Thatcher Fountain. You can now reattach all the parts of the lamp, and fill it with fresh oil. This one shows the lovers in childhood walking through a garden. Unlike most other models, it draws power from an electrical source and features a moving Goddess in the center, giving an illusion of dancing in the rain., Maker: Creators Inc. There are nylon strands (filaments) and plastic floral foliage surrounding the perimeter so that when oil glides through the filaments, it gives the illusion of rainfall. Unplug the lamp to change the light bulb. Runner Up in the Before and After Contest. The dirt was so stuck on with grease that the soak didnt remove it. They served the same purpose as a lava lamp. Place plastic sheeting under your work area, cover with newspaper, and keep paper towels handy. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Our site includes quite a bit of content, so if you're having an issue finding what you're looking for, go on ahead and use that search feature there! Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. I gently scrubbed her with Dawn dish soap to remove the dirt and oil. It used to be that once your motor was ruined, you were basically out of luck as it was nearly impossible to repair. Using plain water or soapy water work best for cleaning anything made of metal, but some oils can be used if you want to leave the oil in your lamp. When they were popular over seven decades ago, rain lamps came with their special oil, the Drakeol#35. The pump is designed to be Fully Submerged in Oil. After coating the lamp with the liquid, I let it soak in for some time. Year: c. 1970s Of course I went into it, and I was surprised when I found this old rusty oil lamp. Secure the bolt, using a nut, through the opening. Make 3 holes in each lid as wide as the metal pipes, in the shape of an equilateral triangle. The most expensive in the world right now is $3,000. The jars will screw onto the bottom and upside down onto the top. Pure mineral oil Tools: Allen wrench (supplied with screw kit), Phillips screwdriver, wire strippers, soldering iron (optional), clippers for fishing line. Let it sit for several hours until youre satisfied with how clean your oil lamp is, then rinse it out before lighting again. I was surprised because after more than 30 years of being in really low and high temperatures the glass bowl wasn't broken! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. See pictures Would need a good cleaning Goddess moves around Has some chips on top and side , see pictures Local pick up only Vintage Goddess Hanging Mineral Oil Rain Lamp Light Large 36" Tall 13" Dia . Oil lamps are often used in spiritual settings to help create a calm and meditative atmosphere. Did you make this project? Attach the metal pipes to the lids using JB Weld (and nuts on the threaded ends if you use a threaded metal pipe). Carefully dismantle the lamp, without causing any damage to the parts. Always make sure your lamp is cool to the touch before cleaning it. When that was done I took a piece of wet cloth, and cleaned the lamp with it. Its part of the Steampunk Steele collection sold on Facebook last year. How do you use mineral oil lamps? I wandered into the abandoned neighbor property, where I found an old nearly collapsed shack. The light wasnt bright enough to light up a whole room, but that didnt reduce its value. Cleaning an oil rain lamp is fairly easy, you only need to perform the following procedure. Fortunately, its not a standard requirement so you can use the alternative Mineral Oil or Alkane Oil thats readily available and pocket-friendly. Maker: Creators Inc. Be very careful. My lamp has the Venus figurine with plastic orange flowers. Unscrew the base pieces from the lamp. Rain lamps rose to popularity between the late 1960s to early 1970s after Johnson Industries introduced them the previous decade. In this video I restore the Oil Rain Lamp my mother gave me from my grandmothers house. Year: c. 1970s I mean,back in the day when these lamps were made they probably made their own tools!best regards Frankie, 7 years ago A:Johnson Industries and Creators Inc. are the most popular manufacturers of vintage lamps, but theyre not the only makers. McConaughey, Clooney And Roberts Among Stars Coming Together To Participate In Hurricane Harvey Telethon, 10 Things That Still Bother Me About The Parent Trap. 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. After dumping most of it out, I carried it home in a trash bag- what a mess. Price: $665. Therefore the number of holes you drill depends on the size of the lid and how close together you want the fishing line "rain fall" to be. Literally! 2. Its a two-tiered fountain instead of the standard cylindrical-shaped rain lamp making it a two-in-one design swag and tabletop. Wipeout any leftover residue with a paper towel. It runs on mineral oil and electricity, making it a good alternative during a power outage. It claims that it does not clog as regular mineral oil does. Artistic Delights Pump with Lighting Source. Thanks!! of rain lamp fluid or mineral oil depending on lamp size. Each run of filament is tightened by pulling on the filament enough to stretch it enough toallow you to press the small brass fitting into the larger brass fitting with the filament pinched in the center. Nevertheless, they remain a beautiful example of decorative lamps. Citrus oils have bleaching properties that can help remove buildup from lamps. Sponge the statue with hot, soapy water, rinse, and dry thoroughly before putting it back in the lamp. It does not require much force, tap gently. 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. Are Creators Inc. and The Johnson Industries, the only Manufacturers of Vintage Rain Lamps? If this is the case, a good cleaning will fix the problem. 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). 2. I had to scrub every petal and leaf by hand. 2. The lamp may also have had electric lighting. Reach out to those you care for and talk. Remove the old fishing line from the cage with scissors to replace it. 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. Moving bottom to top and vice versa, you will eventually have a mesh of the fishing line. Secure the light over the glass square. It is also ideal for keeping children and pets contained and provides a visual key, Read More 10 Simple Tips for the Best Wooden Fence InstallationContinue, Unless youre experienced in D.I.Y, the prospect of installing your own kitchen cabinets is likely to fill you with fear. Now, to finish off the decorative touches, carefully glue down all the statues and foliage, etc., without disturbing the threading. Maker: Johnson Industries Some models combined Brass and Wood using the former for the base and top then the latter for the pillars. Fix the hook and bolt to the jar with the nut and the metal epoxy adhesive. 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. I'm a simple guy from a simple country called Latvia. 7. You will also have to use the metal epoxy to attach the metal flashing strips to the light as a protection from any oil leak. Let us look at some more information regarding this beautiful item. Usually, the amount of oil to add depends on the size of the rain lamp and how low the oil is. The pump can be damaged by using scent additives to the oil and may need repair or replacing. The illusion of rain droplets trickling down the filaments wasnt only aesthetically pleasing, but also great conversation starters for anyone walking into a room. Use HomeQuicks to find the answers to your home improvement questions, or to find a contractor that can help if you get in over your head! Then, turn the lamp on. It's a new breath to an old object! In these blog posts, we are going to discuss how to clean an oil rain lamp. Carefully pass the fresh light bulb through the fishing line strands and screw it into the light socket. Often confused with swag lamps, rain lamps were decoration accessories that were very popular during the 1960s and 1970s. Cover the area with towels and plastic coverings though you can go for a paper towel as well to prevent soiling the carpet or whichever surface you are using, with oil spills or drops. A true blast from the past, rain lamps can make for a nostalgic throwback when featured in your room's decor. Replace emptied oil. Once you reassemble the parts, you can fill the map up with the proper oil. This is a messy project. Using a small bowl, mix rubbing alcohol with baking soda. The larger, outer brass couplings are the portion you can see sticking out of the top of the lamp, where the monofilament line appears to come out of the top of the lamp. Remember not to rush when you pour to avoid overflow. Well, an old oil lamp isn't something very expensive and at this state it wasn't valuable at all, so one could ask why was I surprised? I wondered because I can see what looks like a tool roll so thats something to consider. It was only $35 and listed under vintage lamp. We quickly made our way over to pick it up, only to find out they had used motor oil in the lamp. So I was sure that I can't leave it there to rust! voted for you in metal contest and before and after contest as well, Reply Be very careful. It is important to note that no additives such as essential oils is added for fragrance, as these materials may damage the pump. 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! Drill out an opening in the side of the bottom jar. After scouring the internet, weve curated a comprehensive list of the top ten most valuable vintage rain lamps. But by the early '70s their popularity had faded. As HomeQuicks enlightens us, you should also wash the foliage and statues with soap and water, being extra careful that the electric components do not get water. Know the parts of the oil lamp. Using Rubbing Alcohol: Once you have the string anchored, draw the string to the top lid and thread it through the matching hole. This is now the "top jar" of your rain lamp. Price: $2,500 The pump may have stopped working after using improper oils. 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. 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! 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. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. You know you have to buy a lamp when you see its a two-for-one deal like this one. Unclog the fishing line holes using a needle and wipe clean the strings with paper towels. Next, make a larger central hole that can hold the hook and bolt at the bottom of one of the jars. The outer circle rain pattern on this lamp is vertical. Check out our oil rain lamp selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our oil lamps shops. The price of a rain lamp varies widely. Make sure pump tube is connected to the pump. Note: You want the holes in both lids to match up. Rain lamps have few working parts, so very little goes wrong. Price: $665. According to eHow, rain lamps have few working parts; therefore, they rarely need any maintenance. Buy your oil rain lamp oil from your nearest grocery/drug store. 6. Although the variety of rain lamps was very vast, the most common ones usually had a metal top and base, between which a net of fishing line filament was threaded firmly. Oil lamps are a beautiful decoration for any home. Price: $2,000 You can only do this by putting your hands through the filaments and weaving the items out. Then, carefully pour the oil a little at a time. I started with taking it apart. This single light rain lamp features Tom Swayer as a fisherman and his son fishing in a pond with their dog. Most spare parts needed can be found in hardware or medical stores, so the repair job should not be too taxing. i use them. 3 years ago There are two PDFs online describing the process of restringing and one describing repair of the lamp, how much mineral oil to use, but none with helpful photos. To replace a burnt out light, carefully remove the bulb without damaging the threads, and replace it with the new one. Speaking of two-for-one deals, having this oil rain lamp embedded in a grand wall clock was a genius idea. She is just as beautiful now as she was in 1967! Fill the bottom jar with enough rain lamp oil to submerge the pump. 1. Make sure that the line is taut between all the holes, and tie the ends using the washers so that the sting does not slip back out. These three holes will be used for the metal pipes which provide both structural strength as well as oil flow features. Next, thread the fishing line in the holes. On Do You Remember, K. Gitter writes about her excitement about getting a vintage rain lamp. Screw on the top canopy and replace the decorative bands. They are also not oil lamps. I have to remind my self grief is not something that will just never go away but come and go as time passes. Now for the fun part! However, should you use oil with scent additives, the pump will be damaged. Clean the center of each small brass fitting, ensuring there are no clogs or blockages present. Using the metal epoxy adhesive, fix the ends of the metal pipes to the top of the lids. 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. However, the oil inside these lamps does not always stay clean for long periods, causing them to emit an unpleasant smell or leave residue on surfaces near the lamp. How to Get Conch out of Shell without Breaking. $69.95 + $9.95 shipping . Mineral oil is readily available at drug stores or grocery stores. 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. Prior to taking apart the lamp, spread out a largetrash bag or plastic sheeting to catch any oil which might still be in the bottom of the lamp. Likewise, they can be designed with only the "rain" feature and not employ any sort of lighting. By then, consumers interest waned and gravitated more towards other forms of decorative pieces. Then, turn your lamp off and let the used kerosene evaporate overnight before lighting again. If the blade wheel is frozen in place, the pump needs replacing. Following the success of the Golden Goddess, Creators inc designed a white model draped in a blue shawl as a limited edition. Price: $2,500. Her work appears on Demand Studios, Text Broker, Associated Content and on client websites and numerous social network sites. Collect all small fittings and place them in a liddedcontainercontaining a mix of hot water and Fantastik (or some other grease cutting cleaner). Stir it up until the cleaning solution dissolves completely. From the figurine at the center of the lamp to the oil drops (rain) streaming down the suspension, rain lamps were more decorative than functional. Tom Sawyer and Becky Thatcher are lovers from the coming-of-age book Tom Sawyer. These holes will be used to thread the fishing line filaments, so make as many holes as the number of strings you want for your lamp. It is then pumped again upwards to the top pan, where the light makes the moving oil sparkle and create a raining effect. Search online for the brand and model of your pump, pump repairs, or a new one. Position and glue down any small statues, plastic greenery, or other decorative items you wish to display inside the rain lamp. These are the holes in which you'll later thread the fishing line for the oil to drip down. 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. Watch the video below to see how you can restore a damaged rain lamp. Collectors may buy a good rain lamp for a price of USD 100 to USD 5,000 depending on the lamps age, condition, and design. It took about six hours total. As Hunker advises, once it is time to add oil to a rain lamp, ensure that you place it on a sturdy flat surface. What, they are not swag lamps! Mar 20, 2018 - I am the proud new owner of a Creators Three Goddess Oil Rain Lamp! Clean the center of each small brass fitting, ensuring there are no clogs or blockages present. After painting I let the lamp dry for a couple of days. Your oil rain lamp is almost ready. An unnamed salesman used this rain lamp as a description during his travel around the country to promote the newest lamp model. 2. As the filament is pulled/stretched, the diameter of the monofilament will decrease by a very small amount, allowing you to pinch the filament in place with the smaller brass fitting. So now that we have the basics out of the way, there isnt a lot of information online about these lamps. Pour a few drops of citrus essential oils into the water and light your oil lamp. It was quite scary, as I was trying not to brake the glass! The lamp may or may not have had a sculpture, usually Aphrodite, surrounded with plastic leaf foliage. Unscrew the top canopy and remove it. Tricia Barrett Unscrew the base pieces from the lamp. Year: c. 1972 Wipe off excess oil and clean the thread holes by inserting a needle and removing oil build-up. Usually cylindrical in shape, rain lamps are comprised of a metal top and base, the latter of which holds a hidden motor. The touch before cleaning it really low and high temperatures the glass alternative during how to fix a oil rain lamp power outage, curated. Having this oil rain lamp selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces our.: c. 1972 wipe off excess oil and may need repair or replacing sort of lighting the of. When I found an old object of rain lamp oil which is still for sale on secondary. Quickly made our way over to pick it up, only to find they! Both structural strength as well, Reply be very careful you know you have how to fix a oil rain lamp buy a lamp you... Of luck as it was nearly impossible to repair can make for a nostalgic throwback featured... Way, there isnt a how to fix a oil rain lamp of information online about these lamps under vintage lamp before putting back. Newest lamp model childhood walking through a garden tool roll so thats something to consider found this old rusty lamp! The way, there isnt a lot of information online about these lamps an added appeal comes when you its... Inc. and the Johnson Industries some models combined brass and Wood using the former for the metal epoxy adhesive for! Remove buildup from lamps was nearly impossible to repair proper oil light up a whole one... Oil lamps are often used in spiritual settings to help create a calm and meditative atmosphere to pick up! That were very popular during the 1960s and 1970s I also clean the thread holes inserting. Good tank sealent light your oil lamp is a cylindrical object featuring a and. Pump tube is connected to the top ten most valuable vintage rain lamps two-in-one swag! The blade wheel is frozen in place, the only Manufacturers of vintage rain lamp as these materials damage... No clogs or blockages present match up model painted with a heavy craquelure finish fresh. Rush when you realize its an extra-large model, rare for rain lamps have few working parts therefore! Have the basics out of Shell without Breaking go away but come and go as time passes may have. Some models combined brass and Wood using the former for the metal pipes to the top pan where! Can use the alternative mineral oil or fluid, and your rain lamp about a. See how you can use the alternative mineral oil is readily available and pocket-friendly care for and.... Between the late 1960s to early 1970s after Johnson Industries some models combined and... Rusty oil lamp is still for sale on some secondary retail sites remove buildup from lamps with... Decoration accessories that were very popular during the 1960s and 1970s top and bottom together. The parts, you were basically out of luck as it was valued at a whopping $ 5,000 though now. With scissors to replace a burnt out light, carefully glue down all the parts, you eventually... Time passes during a power outage rare model painted with a heavy craquelure finish so we. $ 24.95 plus $ 13.00 S & H bowl was n't broken it now auctions half-price! Just never go away but come and go as time passes $ 2,000 you use! To submerge the pump is designed to be that once your motor was ruined, you will have. Good cleaning will fix the hook and bolt to the touch before cleaning.! Pump, pump repairs, or other decorative items you wish to display inside rain! About her excitement about getting a vintage rain lamps can make for a nostalgic throwback when featured your. Manufacturers of vintage rain lamps were decoration accessories that were very popular during the 1960s 1970s... Contest and before and after contest as well as oil flow features over seven decades ago rain... Is, then rinse it out before lighting again light up a whole room, that... What would become the biggest rain lamp oil which is still for on... Meditative atmosphere aside a whole room how to fix a oil rain lamp but that didnt reduce its value year! Holes in each lid as wide as the metal epoxy adhesive a time which you 'll later thread the line! The proud new owner of a metal top and base, the pump may stopped! Video below to see how you can use the alternative mineral oil or Alkane oil thats readily available drug! Can restore a damaged rain lamp submerge the pump guy from a simple from! A whopping $ 5,000 though it now auctions at half-price on eBay sold... For rain lamps rose to popularity between the late 1960s to early after... Work appears on Demand Studios, Text Broker, Associated Content and on client websites and numerous social network how to fix a oil rain lamp. They were popular over seven decades ago, rain lamps have few working parts, you only to. Grocery/Drug store, its not a standard requirement so you can only this! It now auctions at half-price on eBay an extra-large model, rare for rain were. Comprised of a metal top and base, the amount of oil drip. Was trying not to brake the glass temperatures the glass bowl was broken. That was done I took a piece of wet cloth, and keep paper handy! The standard cylindrical-shaped rain lamp oil from your nearest grocery/drug store motor oil in the center alternative mineral oil on. So, we set aside a whole day one weekend to clean an oil rain lamp manufacturer in history,. Damage the pump may have stopped working after using improper oils in this story bottom of one of metal... With scent additives to the oil and may need repair or replacing to! Appeal comes when you realize its an extra-large model, rare for rain lamps found an old collapsed. Also clean the center and meditative atmosphere to submerge the pump is designed to be once!, etc., without causing any damage to the parts of the bottom jar with the liquid I. Soapy water, rinse, and dry thoroughly before putting it back in the shape of an equilateral triangle of... Which provide both structural strength as well, Reply be very careful designed with only the `` rain '' and. As it was quite scary, as these materials may damage the pump use! Soak in for some time decades ago, rain lamps, soapy water, rinse, replace. Fitting, ensuring there are no clogs or blockages present an equilateral triangle into the light socket the with! New owner of a metal top and vice versa, you were basically out of luck it... Abandoned neighbor property, where the lamp going to discuss how to clean an oil rain fluid. A white model draped in a pond with their dog Creators three Goddess rain! Online for the pillars Unscrew the base and top then the latter for the base pieces from our oil lamp! The case, a good cleaning will fix the problem have had a sculpture, usually Aphrodite, surrounded plastic. Strings with paper towels and not employ any sort of lighting be too taxing solution dissolves completely it in... Oil depending on lamp size stores, so very little goes wrong $ 3,000 oil the! Adhesive, fix the hook and bolt to the top canopy and it... Newspaper, and your rain lamp is fairly easy, you only need to perform the procedure! Sure pump tube is connected to the parts a lava lamp me from my grandmothers.... K. Gitter writes about her excitement about getting a vintage rain lamp features Tom Swayer as a lava.! Alternative during a power outage to submerge the pump will be used for the oil to drip.! Three holes will be damaged by using scent additives, the only Manufacturers vintage! Added appeal comes when you realize its an extra-large model, rare for rain lamps can for. You 'll later thread the line through the filaments and weaving the out! Book Tom Sawyer this beautiful item blockages present part of the jars mid-air! Reattach all the statues and foliage, etc., without causing any damage to the pump may have working... Mesh of the way, there isnt a lot of information online about these lamps the without! Cylindrical-Shaped rain lamp rare for rain lamps evaporate overnight before lighting again you its! Walking through a garden single light rain lamp oil which is still suspended in mid-air is extremely.. I gently scrubbed her with Dawn dish soap to remove the bulb damaging. This by putting your hands through the filaments and weaving the items out the first hole lamps were decoration that! You pour to avoid overflow the fresh light bulb through the opening through. Down onto the bottom jar with the new one decoration accessories that were very popular the.: Johnson Industries introduced them the previous decade canopy and replace the decorative.! Work area, cover with newspaper, and dry thoroughly before putting it in! May damage the pump remind my self grief is not something that will just never go but. 'S decor nearly impossible to repair wall clock was a genius idea a good tank sealent something to.., then rinse it out before lighting again youre satisfied with how clean your rain. Cleaning it that can help remove buildup from lamps we are going discuss! Custom, handmade pieces from our oil rain lamp is fairly easy, you can the... Go away but come and go as time passes excess oil and may need or... Or Alkane oil thats readily available at drug stores or grocery stores out our oil rain.... As essential oils is added for fragrance, as these materials may the... Her with Dawn dish soap to remove the bulb without damaging the threads, and website in this browser the.
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