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I have three lampshades with that translucent plastic inserts which are looking a mit tatty.  Do any of the creative ladies on the forum know where I can obtain more of this plastic from.  Thanks in advance.

If you have saved the inserts you could have glass ones cut

Is the plastic thick and rigid (glass like) or softer and more bendy sort? Are you looking clear or non-clear effect?
Would you be able to supply us a photo of your lamp shade...so it gives more of a idea.

Quote from: goodlife on January 28, 2012, 16:07:49
Is the plastic thick and rigid (glass like) or softer and more bendy sort? Are you looking clear or non-clear effect?
Would you be able to supply us a photo of your lamp shade...so it gives more of a idea.

Clear and pretty bendy but brittle now.

Only bendy sort that comes to my mind that propably would fit your purpose is the plastic what they use for decorating purposes.
I can't get my mind for the correct word for the ''decorating term'' (help!) I just have to try to describe it.. ::)
When you want to make fancy paint effect/pattern on funiture or walls through template..
Anyway..you can buy this "term"- plastic to make DIY templates..its bendy..and almost clear..but not glass like clear...sort of 'bathroom' 'see-image-but-not-details'-clear.
I'll try to have a look a decorating site if I can find it for you...I used to (some years ago now) buy it off from the roll.

..or..you can get polycarbonate sheets in 1mm thickness..but that would be slightly more rigid option...that is glass-like clear.

If you could remember the term and where you got it from I would be most grateful.  Think polycarbonate would be a bit too thick however where would I buy 1mm polycarbonate from?  Thanks for your info.

Sorry lottie, I'm a bloke so excluded from answering.   :-X  But I would keep in mind the melting temperature of various plastics.     :-*      Cheers,     Tony.

Ah..the word I was looking for..stencils!
This is the stuff I was talking about..bendy stuff..
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/5-x-A3-blank-mylar-plastic-stencil-sheet-cutting-your-own-reusable-stencils-/160660141293
And here you might find ideas for some other materials as well as 1mm polycarbonate sheets..
http://www.theplasticshop.co.uk/polycarbonate-sheet-1900-0.html

If you google 'polycarbonate sheets' you get lot of suppliers... ;)..or perharps searching mylar plastics would yield something suitable..

Thank you very much Goodlife.  Tiffany style was the word I was looking for.  There are 6 plastic panels  per shade in and I can't bring myself to throw them out just because they are tatty.  Memo to self: learn to chuck rubbish out.

I noticed the plasticshop link will send some samples..perharps a good idea get some for few different thicknesses and they do cut it into right size pieces too if necessary.
Some 'glass' paints can be use on acrylics too..you could make your own tiffany style coloured covers..and you can buy lead tape too with sticky tape side to create 'proper' lead glass effect...or lead 'in tube'..to make edging for different paint colours to stop them 'bleeding' to each others and use lead tape to cover panel seams....choices, choises..
You could really let your artistic side flow.. ;) ;D

Yay, what a wonderful idea.  I was thinking of using those stick on motifs they sell for brightening up wall tiles but painting is such a better idea.  Thanks a lot.

Have a look for stained glass kits that might suit the purpose?

Can I gently remind you of Kleftiwalla's post?

lottie lou. Take a look at" Chantals stained glass site" There are several designs on there for lampshades. Perhaps you could adapt them for your lamp.I would reccomend using the water based paint that you can cook in the oven. Then they will be washable

I would reccomend using the water based paint that you can cook in the oven. Then they will be washable
Ah..but then she will need the lampshade being made of glass. Plastics and oven don't go well together.. ;D
But I would keep in mind the melting temperature of various plastics.
Very good point..
Supposed it all depends of the size of the shade and how far from the light bulb it will be..

I mentioned the glass paints if she decided to use glass goodlife.