How can you brighten faded outdoor Christmas tinsel decorations?

Carol Hartman
by Carol Hartman
  9 answers
  • Hi, Carol!

    Honestly, I didn't think it would be possible but ran a search anyway and came across this article from RustOleum on their Wipe New blog. Though the article talks about painting the ornaments (which is definitely an option!), it reminded me of the product Wipe New which "enhances" faded plastic and may work on the tinsel. I've used it on my car plastic (it works really well) and I can't see why it wouldn't work on your decorations! It can be found in the automotive section of discount or home improvement stores. Good luck with your project - I hope it helps!

  • Mogie Mogie on Dec 30, 2019

    They have a good selection of colors in spray paints, Some adhere strictly to plastic. You could color coordinate your xmas colors this way. Perhaps a pink theme one year, silver the next and so on.

  • I think that spray paint for plastic would be the best way

  • 17335038 17335038 on Dec 31, 2019

    What type of decorations are they- for example, solid, transparent, etc?

    Is the tinsel dangling, or is it glued on? Please post a picture of your faded decorations so that we can see what you have to work with.



    • Carol Hartman Carol Hartman on Dec 31, 2019

      These are my aunt’s decorations so I don’t have a pic. The bows are about a foot high with a plastic frame and narrow 1/2” red tinsel strung across it with green holly leaves. The tinsel is faded from the sun and she asked if she can spray paint it. I was afraid paint would just mat the tinsel together but wondered If a clear spray would darken the color.

  • Kathy Gunter Law Kathy Gunter Law on Dec 31, 2019

    Spray paint should do the trick.

  • Lindsay Aratari Lindsay Aratari on Dec 31, 2019
    Spray paint would work!

  • Simple Nature Decor Simple Nature Decor on Dec 31, 2019

    You can spray a silver paint lightly

  • Lifestyles Homes Lifestyles Homes on Dec 31, 2019

    Spray paint will melt a lot of plastic tinsel types. I would test a section first.

  • 17335038 17335038 on Jan 02, 2020

    Is the tinsel plastic or foil?

    Can the old tinsel be cut off, and new replacement tinsel glued on?