This update is such an amazing bang for your buck. One can of spray paint and a little time and my exterior lights look completely new. The poor lights had seen better days:
As part of the curb appeal week, I wanted to rescue them from their dirty, sun bleached life. The process was really easy, but before I outline it, I am not an electrician, please be careful!
1. TURN OFF THE ELECTRICITY TO YOUR LIGHTS by tripping the breaker. My lights were connected on the “entry” switch. Make really, really sure there is not power going before you begin!
2. You’ll need some spray paint. My favorite spray paint, that I have used before like on this project, is Rustoleum Oil Rubbed Bronze. It costs around $6 at Wal-mart.
3. Remove the lights from the house by unscrewing attaching nuts and detaching the wires.
4. Remember to place ALL pieces in a ziploc baggie so you don’t loose anything!
5. Now disassemble the lights:
6. Clean the glass and the lights. I wrapped my wires with baggies and rubber bands before beginning to make sure they didn’t get wet (or later spray painted). Use some mild dish soap and a rag or scrub brush to get the dirt and bird poop off… just this cleaning step will make an unbelievable difference.
7. Fun part. Time to spray paint. After your lights are completely dry, lay out all the pieces to paint. If you are using a plastic drop cloth make sure it won’t blow onto your project and make a mess. Apply two coats.
8. Allow the spray paint to dry and then retrace your steps to put the lights back up. I am amazed at how great they look.
A note on the longevity. I have used this spray paint before on all my interior hardware two years ago and it still looks amazing. As for exteriors, my sister did this same project last year on her home and one year in there is no sun bleaching or wear. It really will hold up, even in extreme weather!
Here are some before and afters:
It’s like new lights for six buckaroos. Love it!
Happy Creating!
Wow! What a difference! Love it.
This is AMAZING! They are gorgeous. Am I reading this right; did you actually spray paint your door knobs, etc. inside? I could have saved a boatload of money if I’d done that instead of purchasing new ones when it was time to say “good-bye” to the brass…alas. Not to mention the new ceiling fans I also bought to replace brass….
I can’t wait to see the finished pics from “curb appeal week”!