Do you have old non working solar lights in your yard? Or maybe you found some at the local thrift store and you are wanting to give them new life. There is good news. You can and it is a easy project. Solar lighting is great to use as pathway lights and often a great option for outdoor lighting. It can also be a quicker to set up over low voltage lighting. Lights are a great addition to anyone’s yard.
Why Use Solar Lights
Solar power is an amazing invention and is a great idea for outdoor spaces. You can be purchased solar lights at most large box stores including the home improvement type stores, the dollar store along with thrift stores. The solar lights come in all different styles or can be made from all different types of upcycled materials including mason jars and old chandelier. You can find a lot of different solar light project online. They including how to add a whimsical touch to light up fairy houses, have glass rocks glow or add a solar light bulb to make a lantern just to name a few. I have seen an outdoor space transformed at night with a path light or lights shining up in trees.
Most type of solar lights have a small solar panel on top of the light with a battery holder underneath the panel what runs a small solar light. There are also they type with a larger square solar panel that run two or three lights on that string.
To refurbish a solar light it not only is a great way to save money you can customize them to make a complete look. This is a great way to update outdoor living spaces. Here are the easy DIY project steps to follow.
Step 1
Test your lights to see if they are working. If they are not working it could be as easy as needing new solar batteries for the light. Next take the solar lights apart and wash them. There is a good chance that you will need a small Philips screwdriver to fully disassemble the lights. Filled your sink or a bucket up with warm soapy water(I used dawn dish soap). I then soaked the parts but not the top with the solar panel. On the top just used a damp cloth and wiped clean and removed as much buildup or mess on the light. After soaking the parts I rinsed them off and let them dry.
Step 2
Painting your Lights
Once fully dry set up an area were you would like to paint that is out of wind or debris falling on your lights while they are still wet. Choosing to set up on old cardboard boxes helps with cleanup. I cut one side off of the cardboard box so I can rest the tube parts up against the back. For the top of the solar panel I used painters tape and completely covered the solar panel only as you don’t want to paint over this. I did not paint the bottom where the battery pack is or the small solar bulb is as you want to keep that original and is underneath so I was not worried about people seeing that.
To give my lights a fresh new look I picked out a Rustoim spray paint but there are a lot of different brands. Chose a type of paint as it is meant to cover all types of materials including plastic and metal and is a paint and primer in one. There are variety of colors colors to choose from. Pick a color you think would look best for your yard! I choose a color called Rose Gold. I needed one can of paint for two lights but this would depend on how big your lights are and how the paint covers.
For the center part under the light bulb I painted the small reflective piece metallic silver. I used a shoe box and punched a few holes in it and placed these little pieces into the holes. I then was able to get a even coat of paint on them. I did have to do several coats of paint on all parts of the lights. I was going for a look that was new so I wanted to have the paint cover completely, however if you are going for a rustic look you might not need as much paint.
Step 3
Assemble you Lights back together
Now you painted all parts of the light its now time to assemble the solar light together again. Start first with the base of the light with the glass or plastic globe and put the small reflective piece back in. If your lights needed to put a the small screw back into the base of the globe to hold the inside pieces together. Once fully assembled I put new solar batteries into them and placed them back in the yard.
Step 4
Painting clear over the top of the solar panel
Once you have the paint on your new looking light if you feel that the solar panel is looking dingy and worn you should spruce it up. To do this rub the solar panel with a bit of rubbing alcohol to remove any excuse dirt or sap that might be on there. Then make a template out of carboard so you are able to spray clear spray paint only on the solar panel and not the whole solar light.
To do this measure the top square of your solar panel and cut a square the same size out of a old cereal box or any other cardboard you have lying around. Then take the clear spray paint and spray the clear to just cover the solar panel. Do a light coat and let dry. If necessary do another one till you achieve the look you are going for. Now you lights should look new again!
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