How to Rehab Rusty Outdoor Lanterns
$35
30 Minutes
Easy
I have to admit, replacing outdoor decor is always the last thing I budget for. Luckily, I discovered that well-made, durable outdoor pieces are some of the easiest things to update.
A rusty light fixture and lantern were on our back deck when we moved into our home. Who knows how long they'd lived there, with nobody to care for them?
If you've got a drill and an open, well-ventilated area for spray-painting, this project will be insanely quick and easy. Here's what you'll need:
In the past, I've used a sanding block to rub rust off of metal patio furniture. It took forever and I swear, my arm nearly fell off. I mean, it was hanging by a thread.
Once I'd gotten most of the rust off of the metal pieces, I taped off the electric parts on the light fixture. Then, I coated both lanterns with Rust-Oleum Rusty Metal Spray Primer.
I gave the primer a few minutes to dry, then hit the metal pieces with a few coats of my favorite spray paint, Rust-Oleum Universal Metallic in Oil-Rubbed Bronze.
Meanwhile, I still had the glass panels to deal with. I'd removed them first, of course, and they were off on the sidelines waiting patiently for their turn to be spiffed up.
I suppose I could have taped off the glass and spray-painted the metal parts to match, but can you IMAGINE how much precision that would have taken? I'll be honest: I was pretty sure I didn't have the taping skills. So instead, I went over them with ... markers!
It's a subtle update, but looks much crisper and less like it's been sitting outside for 30 years.
Isn't it beautiful?!
Good as new! Or maybe better, actually. I mean ... look at that gold leaf.
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
Comments
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3 comments
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Fabulous idea! Looks brand spankin' new!
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They look great and you have inspired me to do a faux stained glass on my plain glass hanging lanterns- Thank you for posting!
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