Repaint my outside wall porch lights?

Penny
by Penny

I have outside wall porch lights that are rusted and stained. How do I clean and repaint those outside wall porch lights?


  8 answers
  • Mogie Mogie on May 09, 2021

    Make sure there is no electricity to the light. Tape and cover anything you might get paint on. If you are leaving it up, you will be working overhead, so have a safe surface to stand on. The rust removal can be messy as can the painting. Rustoleum makes some great spray paint once you get all the rust off. The parts of the light that attach to the lights, where they connect should be taped and covered. Wear gloves and eye protection. If you are spray painting, it is a good idea to wear a mask also.

  • Michelle Leslie Michelle Leslie on May 09, 2021

    Hi there, take the porch lights down and remove the bulb and any glass. Scrub the rusty metal areas with a wire brush to remove any rust and wipe clean. Use a rust-inhibitive primer and spray paint to give your lights a new coat of paint. RustOleum is a good brand and you'll find it at most hardware stores

  • After removing it, use a wire brush to remove and loose paint/ rust. Wipe it down well and after it's dry, use an outdoor spray paint.

  • Redcatcec Redcatcec on May 09, 2021

    If at all possible, take them down, you'll have better access to all the areas and not have to worry about overspray or electricity. Scrape off with a wire brush to remove rust, paint, and stains. then wipe them down. You could use a primer and paint in 1, Rustoleum and Krylon make good products, available at diy stores.

  • Vimarhonor Vimarhonor on May 09, 2021

    Hello. It would be best to remove them thoroughly clean them removing the rust prime and repaint. A more careful job could be done while mounted using non-aerosol products.

  • Kathy Gunter Law Kathy Gunter Law on May 10, 2021

    Clean as normal first. Then scuff with fine steel wool. Wipe down with denatured alcohol. Then prime and paint with a high temperature paint like RustOleum. If you can take them down first the job will be easier. If that isn't possible, you need to make sure all the area is covered surrounding because you will be surprised how far overspray will travel.

  • Turn off the power to them at the breaker box before doing anything. If you take them down, which would be easiest, make sure you know how to safely do so and safely put them back up. If that's not an option, tape up newspaper or plastic around them to clean them with a rust remover, then repaint with an oil based paint.