www.hometalk.com
Open in
urlscan Pro
2a04:4e42::347
Public Scan
URL:
https://www.hometalk.com/posts/outdoor/lights/the-best-way-to-restore-outdoor-solar-pathway-lights-44596984?se=fol_new_t-...
Submission: On April 27 via api from US — Scanned from DE
Submission: On April 27 via api from US — Scanned from DE
Form analysis 1 forms found in the DOM
<form class="flex flex-align-center">
<button type="button" class="js-search-btn sl-search-btn" role="button" aria-label="Search">
<svg width="32" height="32" class="search-icon" preserveAspectRatio="xMinYMin meet">
<use xlink:href="#ic-search"></use>
</svg>
</button>
<input type="search" class="js-search-input sl_search_input" name="" id="" placeholder="Search DIY ideas here">
<ul class="js-suggestion-list sl-suggestion-list rs-autocomplete dropdown-menu hidden with-popular-searches" role="listbox">
<li><span>
<script>
setTimeout(() => {
(function(CMS_COMPONENT_ID) {}('cms-OixXan'))
}, 0);
</script>
<div id="cms-OixXan">
<div class="popular-searches-tags">
<h3 class="uppercase fs16 opensans-it bold">POPULAR SEARCHES</h3>
<ul class="search-tags">
<li class="tag shadowBox"><a href="https://www.hometalk.com/search/all?filter=pavers" data-ht-track="{"action":"Click tag Pavers","Element: Position":1}" class="linksBlack" target="">Pavers</a></li>
<li class="tag shadowBox"><a href="https://www.hometalk.com/search/all?filter=floors" data-ht-track="{"action":"Click tag Floors","Element: Position":2}" class="linksBlack" target="">Floors</a></li>
<li class="tag shadowBox"><a href="https://www.hometalk.com/search/all?filter=bathroom" data-ht-track="{"action":"Click tag Bathroom","Element: Position":3}" class="linksBlack" target="">Bathroom</a></li>
<li class="tag shadowBox">
<a href="https://www.hometalk.com/search/all?filter=paper%20bag%20flooring" data-ht-track="{"action":"Click tag Paper Bag Flooring","Element: Position":4}" class="linksBlack" target="">Paper Bag Flooring</a>
</li>
<li class="tag shadowBox"><a href="https://www.hometalk.com/search/all?filter=kitchen" data-ht-track="{"action":"Click tag Kitchen","Element: Position":5}" class="linksBlack" target="">Kitchen</a></li>
<li class="tag shadowBox"><a href="https://www.hometalk.com/search/all?filter=headboard" data-ht-track="{"action":"Click tag Headboard","Element: Position":6}" class="linksBlack" target="">Headboard</a>
</li>
<li class="tag shadowBox">
<a href="https://www.hometalk.com/search/all?filter=shaving%20cream" data-ht-track="{"action":"Click tag Shaving Cream","Element: Position":7}" class="linksBlack" target="">Shaving Cream</a></li>
<li class="tag shadowBox"><a href="https://www.hometalk.com/search/all?filter=storage" data-ht-track="{"action":"Click tag Storage","Element: Position":8}" class="linksBlack" target="">Storage</a></li>
<li class="tag shadowBox"><a href="https://www.hometalk.com/search/all?filter=vinegar" data-ht-track="{"action":"Click tag Vinegar","Element: Position":9}" class="linksBlack" target="">Vinegar</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
</span></li>
</ul>
</form>Text Content
Watch Hometalk
HOW TO
CLEAN
* Silver
* Gutters
* Windows
* Bathroom
* House
* Floors
* Carpet
PAINT
* Cabinets
* Furniture
* Wood
* Walls
REPAIR
* Furniture
* Electric
* Drywall
* Appliances
* Air Conditioning
* Plumbing
* Windows
DECORATE
* Easter Eggs
* Rooms
* Walls
* Tablescapes
* Mirror
* Pillows & Throws
BUILD
* Decks
* Doors & Windows
* Fire Pits
* Furniture
* Planters
* Raised Garden Beds
* Sheds
* Shelves
* Walls
CRAFT
* Candles
* Centerpieces
* Ornaments
* Party Decor
* Wreaths
OTHER
* Grow
* Upcycle
* Organize
* Tile
IN-DEPTH GUIDES
PRODUCT REVIEWS
ROOMS & SPACES
LIVING ROOM
* Curtains
* Furniture
* Lighting
* Fireplaces & Mantels
* Chairs
OUTDOOR
* Garden
* Kitchen
* Walkways & Paths
* Fireplace
* Decor
* Lights
* Porches
* Pools & Ponds
* Patios
BEDROOM
* Bench
* Closets
* Dressers
* Furniture
* Organizing
* Vanities
MORE
* Kitchen & Dining
* Bathroom
* Craft Room
* Laundry Room
* Home Office
* Entryway
* Basement
* Outdoor
* Windows & Doors
* Floors & Ceilings
* Staircases
* Home Tours
* POPULAR SEARCHES
* Pavers
* Floors
* Bathroom
* Paper Bag Flooring
* Kitchen
* Headboard
* Shaving Cream
* Storage
* Vinegar
* Explore Projects
Watch Hometalk
HOW TO
CLEAN
* Silver
* Gutters
* Windows
* Bathroom
* House
* Floors
* Carpet
PAINT
* Cabinets
* Furniture
* Wood
* Walls
REPAIR
* Furniture
* Electric
* Drywall
* Appliances
* Air Conditioning
* Plumbing
* Windows
DECORATE
* Easter Eggs
* Rooms
* Walls
* Tablescapes
* Mirror
* Pillows & Throws
BUILD
* Decks
* Doors & Windows
* Fire Pits
* Furniture
* Planters
* Raised Garden Beds
* Sheds
* Shelves
* Walls
CRAFT
* Candles
* Centerpieces
* Ornaments
* Party Decor
* Wreaths
OTHER
* Grow
* Upcycle
* Organize
* Tile
IN-DEPTH GUIDES
PRODUCT REVIEWS
ROOMS & SPACES
LIVING ROOM
* Curtains
* Furniture
* Lighting
* Fireplaces & Mantels
* Chairs
OUTDOOR
* Garden
* Kitchen
* Walkways & Paths
* Fireplace
* Decor
* Lights
* Porches
* Pools & Ponds
* Patios
BEDROOM
* Bench
* Closets
* Dressers
* Furniture
* Organizing
* Vanities
MORE
* Kitchen & Dining
* Bathroom
* Craft Room
* Laundry Room
* Home Office
* Entryway
* Basement
* Outdoor
* Windows & Doors
* Floors & Ceilings
* Staircases
* Home Tours
* Ask DIY Question
* + Post Project
* Ask DIY Question
*
*
* Join Now
*
* * Brian Fernandes
* My History
* + Post a new Project
* Saved Projects
* Notifications
* Account Settings
* Log out
* Support • Privacy
See Edits
* DIY Projects
* Rooms & Spaces
* Outdoor
* Lights
63K Views
THE BEST WAY TO RESTORE OUTDOOR SOLAR PATHWAY LIGHTS
by Sonata Home Design (IC: blogger)
3 Materials
$10
1 Day
Easy
View materials (3)
Bring your outdoor solar pathway lights back to life with these easy and
affordable steps. Enjoy the long-lasting, bright illumination of restored solar
pathway lights!
Most people love having some gentle illumination in their yard during the
evenings, but sometimes those solar fixtures can appear dull or damaged. Don’t
worry — there’s no need to purchase new ones! In this blog post, you will learn
the best way to restore your home’s outdoor path lighting without spending any
extra money on expensive replacements!
A bundle of silver solar pathway lights in green grass.
This blog contains affiliate links. This means a small commission is earned if
you make a purchase by using this link. The price you pay will be the same
whether you use the affiliate link or go directly to the vendor’s website using
a non-affiliate link.
Newsflash! I bought a new undereye-brightening concealer and am feeling the
miracle!
The shadows under my eyes are gone and I seem to have a little more illumination
for my every day, mid-life eyes. Someone even gave me an “eye compliment” the
other day. You better believe it made my day!
Let’s compare the miracle of an undereye brightener concealer and solar pathway
lights!
Think about it…both brighten, illuminate, and direct (or conceal) shadows in the
right direction!
We have LOTS of solar path lights at our house that have “aged out”. (The same
could be said about my last undereye concealer!)
But I’m not throwing them out! I’m restoring them to new glory!
As we begin the spring and summer months, the idea of eliminating shadows and
adding ambient lighting to the exterior of our home is at the forefront of my
mind.
Solar landscape lighting is the equivalent of lighting a completely dark room in
your home. You want the right lighting with warm light for a lovely glow but
with enough brightness to see the surrounding landscape.
Table of Contents
The Aging of Solar Path Lights
We have very nice solar path lights.
Lots of them. Enough to surround the perimeter of our corner lot home.
Our solar path lights have certainly earned their keep. Purchased 4 years ago, I
think these Energizer stainless steel LED lights are the best outdoor solar
lights available.
Having purchased quite a few different solar lights through the years, I have
found these to be a good value as the most durable and best option for our hot
summer sun, high winds, and winter freezing temperatures.
But, mother nature has had her way and this solar pathway lighting is showing
the effects of aging.
Old solar path light cover with faded copper color and cloudy solar panel.
Exactly what has aged with these lights?
* The copper finish has faded or even completely disappeared.
* The color is uneven and blotchy.
* Some of the poles are bent and dimpled.
* And, for most of them, the solar panel is cloudy and splotchy.
However, even though they are faded, cloudy, and shabby, I love these Energizer
solar path lights!
What is right about these Energizer solar lights?
A copper Energizer solar light.
A group of 10 Energizer copper solar lights.
* These lights project a lovely warm white light.
* The tall height casts a far-reaching light
* The light is cast in a dramatic but not obnoxious pattern
* The bell shape is traditional yet feels updated
* They were a great value and affordable option with 10 lights in a pack.
* They have withstood our severe Nebraska weather conditions.
* These path lights have been like lovely jewelry illuminating the perimeter of
our house.
How to Restore Outdoor Solar Pathway Lights
Rather than buy all new lights, I decided to save my money and restore what we
have!
Before you get started restoring your path lights, approach each step with the
framework of assembly line tasks. Especially if you have a lot of lights.
Tackling each task like an assembly line kept me focused and efficient as I
worked each step.
The first step is to take each light apart, give it a good cleaning, and place
it in line with the others!
Bunches of glass globes and light covers lined up in an organized assembly line
in order to spray paint them.
Poles in one pile, light caps in another, and glass domes in another with the
caps and screws tucked in underneath so as not to lose them.
Taping off the solar panel of a light cap with painter's tape.
Next, tape off the integrated solar panel on each light cap with painter’s tape.
Trim the edge around the panel with a knife and you are ready to paint the
lights!
Painting the Solar Lights
I rounded up a couple of large pieces of cardboard and assigned light components
for each piece.
Light caps on one and screw caps on another. The poles got special treatment by
getting stuck into a large piece of styrofoam that was the inner packaging of
the computer monitor we recently ordered.
I decided to go with classic black for my color choice. Not only is this a
traditional choice, but this color is the best approach for disguising any metal
dents or dimples and a great way to give the lights a quick update.
Using a semi-gloss black protective enamel spray paint by Rust-Oleum, I gave
each component section 4 light coats of spray paint. I have used Rust-Oleum in
so many different projects because they have so many different colors available!
A Patio Table Makeover
A DIY Outdoor Chandelier
Dresser Makeover
Spray painting the tops of the solar pathway lights a semi-gloss black color.
I probably could have stopped at 3 coats but I want this paint to last a while!
Go ahead and spray right over the taped-off solar panels.
And just keep turning the light poles around and restick them into the styrofoam
so you can get both ends covered.
Bentley didn’t quite know what to think!
Spray painting the caps.
Spray painting the connector caps of the lights.
Our dog, Bentley, standing beside a box of styrofoam with light poles sticking
out and ready for spray painting.
Did this take quite a while for spray painting and dry time?
Yes!
Was it worth it?
You bet!
How to Clean and Restore Cloudy Solar Light Panels
I have read about many ways to clean cloudy solar light panels but I think I
have discovered the easiest and most inexpensive way!
Are you ready? This is the coolest hack!
Clear nail polish!
I love how this solar outdoor lighting casts such a nice warm white landscape
path light around our landscape.
Remove the painter’s tape from the solar light and give brush the plastic solar
panel with a coat of clear nail polish.
Brushing clear nail polish on to the solar light panel to restore the light's
ability to gather and store energy.
You see, clean and clear solar panels are able to capture more light throughout
the day. So, applying the clear nail polish was like opening a window to capture
the sun!
Be sure to set them in direct sunlight for at least 24 hours so their solar
cells get exposed to as much sunlight as possible.
Solar path lights put back together after each part is spray painted.
How Far Apart Should You Place Outdoor Path Lights?
The closer you place your lights, the stronger the illumination will be and the
more overlap there will be in the light pattern.
Placing lights 6-8 feet apart seems to be a good distance in order to
effectively illuminate a path, flower beds, or landscape border.
I love solar path lights at dusk…magical!
Refreshed solar pathway lights spaced evenly apart and lining the front house
perimeter.
If you are illuminating a walkway, it is a good idea to alternate the lights
from one side to the other. This distributes the light symmetrically for bet
illumination.
Also, avoid placing the light pole right against the sidewalk or path. The best
place is to set the light back a few inches so light reaches more sidewalk area.
How Long Will This Restored Light Last?
My goal is to give these lights at least one or two more years of life. Believe
me, if I can make them last longer by reapplying the clear nail polish and
additional paint, I’m there!
This is a process of prolonging the life of existing solar lights but it is not
a “forever plan.”
Anything beyond that I will consider a gift!
And that’s it – you now know how to give your solar pathway lights a new lease
of life!
It’s probably the easiest DIY you’ll ever do, but the satisfaction of having
saved yourself a few bucks will be oh-so-sweet.
A painted solar light nestled among a green evergreen bush.
Where Can I Place Solar Outdoor Lights?
Because solar lights have such great ease of use (just stick in the ground!),
the placement possibilities are immense!
Solar lights that are stuck into the ground on a hill.
* Place along a sidewalk
* Outline a flower bed or landscape bed
* Place close a front door step so guests don’t trip in the dark
* Tuck into a flower pot
* Bring attention to a water feature with light
* Sneak into a hanging basket
* Surround a patio table
* Illuminate any outdoor area that is too dark or shadowy
* Highlight an outdoor play area, croquet space, or golf ball putting green
* Pair with string lights and fairy lights for a variety of light sources
A painted solar light tucked beside a green bush.
a solar pathway light that is emitting a starburst light pattern at dusk.
So if your solar pathway lights were looking forlorn and down on their luck, no
doubt they’ll now be lighting up your garden all night long and giving it a
radiant glow. Forget buying new lights; just save money and time by restoring
them instead!
Cheers!
Restore Solar Pathway Lights.
In Case You Missed It…
One Room Challenge Spring 2023 – A Half Bath Makeover
An Astonishing Before aand After Bookcase Makeover
How to Make Dazzling DIY Mirrored Outdoor Hanging Decor
Don’t Forget to Pin It!
TRENDING VIDEOS
ENJOYED THE PROJECT?
WOW 369
SAVE
You can do it! Saved to your projects
Print
RESOURCES FOR THIS PROJECT:
painter’s tape
See More
semi-gloss black protective enamel spray paint
See More
Clear nail polish
See More
Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as
applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Hometalk may collect a small share of sales from the links on this page.More
info
TOP HOMETALK PROJECTS
The Easiest Ways to Grow a Bumper Crop of Tomatoes
These Amazing Vase Ideas Will Blow Your Guests Away!
The Wonderful Things You Can Make With...Paper!
30 Fabulous Wreath Ideas That Will Make Your Neighbors Smile
30 Stylish Update Ideas You'll Want To Use For Your Bedroom
3 Absolutely Adorable Ways To Display Your Plants
31 Space-Saving Storage Ideas That'll Keep Your Home Organized
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
Go
Published April 11th, 2023 9:28 AM
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
HAVE A QUESTION ABOUT THIS PROJECT?
Sign Up to Ask a Question
Ask a Question
3 of 12 questions
See more
* Marilyn Falcone 3 days ago
Wouldn’t one use fine steel wool on the solar panel, because they become
cloudy, before sealing them with a clear coat?
1
Answer this
*
* Sharon 3 days ago
Is there a reason you don't do this when they are new? Also, I must be in
LaLa land, doesn't "solar" mean the energy comes from the sun, not batteries?
1
Answer this
*
* Steven Towner 2 days ago
How did you paint the bases of the light globes? Did you mask them? I think
that was skipped in your instructions.
1
Answer this
*
COMMENTS
JOIN THE CONVERSATION
3 of 19 comments
See more
* Tia33944106 4 days ago
Hello I was wondering if the rustoleum clear coat paint would work and maybe
last longer.
16 Reply
* MISSMAC IN TX 3 days ago
As a Navy electronics technician I must tell everyone here that any any top
coating of a solar cell WILL REDUCE EFFICIENCY. However, it also WILL
IMPROVE WATER RESISTANCE, if that is a concern. It is a tradeoff that may
not be very noticeable. A better answer might be a drop of Liquid Turtle
Wax car coat, buffed on/off…I toss lights that are cracked/not water tight.
2
*
* Katen 2 days ago
With all those solar lights around your yard doesn’t it look like tin
soldiers surrounding the house? Wouldn’t in-ground be more effective? Or
better yet get professional advice. So many products on market that can take
exterior lighting from Costco/Amazon clearance to wow at not significantly
more $’s. Lights on a stick look cheap
Like Reply
*
Sign Up to Comment
POPULAR PROJECT BOOK
14 SHOCKING FURNITURE TRANSFORMATIONS USING FABRIC
View Project Book
POPULAR PROJECT BOOK
WHY EVERYONE IS DECORATING WITH FAKE SNOW THIS CHRISTMAS
View Project Book
POPULAR DIY QUESTIONS
How to get rid of mice?
Answer
Should I paint or stain my oak kitchen cabinets?
Answer
How to whitewash a brick fireplace?
Answer
Next
Prev
RELATED DIY PROJECTS
DIY CEDAR CUBE LANDSCAPE LIGHTS
Handan & Greg @ The Navage Patch
DIY LAMP POST: HOW TO ILLUMINATE YOUR GARDEN IN STYLE
Chas' Crazy Creations
USE DOLLAR STORE VASES TO CREATE OUTDOOR LIGHTING
Michelle James
HANGING OUTDOOR SOLAR LIGHT DIY
Mitchell Couch
HOW TO BUILD BOARD AND BATTEN SHUTTERS
Beneath My Heart
DIY BUCKET A/C
Mother Daughter Projects
THE HARDEST BUTTON TO BUTTON: A DIY TUFTED STORAGE OTTOMAN.
Sarah's Big Idea
FRENCH ANTIQUITY TILE BACKSPLASH ON A HOME DEPOT BUDGET
Iron Orchid Designs
HOW TO HANG A RUG WITH A DOLLAR STORE BELT
Caitlin Bigelow
FIREPLACE MAKEOVER
Frank
THE EASIEST RUST REMOVER
Shawna Bailey
ABANDONED TO REFINED
Felicity Wallace
BUTTON DISH
Rob & Courtney M, Hometalk Team
CREATING A STONE MOSAIC FRONT GARDEN PATH
Kendall K.
HOW TO USE LACE WITH WOOD ICING® TEXTURA PASTE
Wood Icing® Company
MARBLE COUNTERTOP HACK: HOW TO TILE OVER LAMINATE COUNTERTOP
ToolBox Divas
DIY FABRIC COVERED STORAGE BOXES
Kati @ Houseful of Handmade
SHOWER CURTAIN VALANCE
Rob & Courtney M, Hometalk Team
BUILD A SOLAR LAMP
OnTheFly...DIY
MODERN CONCRETE OUTDOOR SOLAR LIGHT HACK
Becky at Flipping the Flip
POST SOLAR LIGHTS USING GLASS CHANDELIER BOWLS AND DOLLAR STORE LIGHTS
GrandmasHouseDIY
CAN LITTLE THINGS MAKE A DIFFERENCE? AT LEAST 2/3 OF THE TIME THEY CAN
KattywhampusLOL
SOLAR LIGHT CREATIONS
Chas' Crazy Creations
HIDDEN DECK LIGHTING
Jim Cox
30 BRILLIANT THINGS YOU CAN MAKE FROM CHEAP THRIFT STORE FINDS!
View Project Book
HOW TO BUILD A FAUX FIREPLACE
Holly Tompkins
CHRISTMAS VASE BEADED PICKLE JAR
Heather Brown
DIY CRATE BENCH
Operation Home Blog
FAUX GALVANIZED HANGING PLANTER
Rob & Courtney M, Hometalk Team
DON'T OVERLOOK THESE 14 COMMON GARAGE SALE FINDS
View Project Book
FALL PUMPKIN WREATH W DOLLAR STORE ITEMS
ConcordCottage.com with Lisa Walsh Huff Kroll
MODERN PATIO DIY INSPIRATION
Escagedo Woodworking
RECYCLED SODA CAN, VINTAGE NUMBER LABELS
ScavengerChic
THANKSGIVING DIY: LETTERED METALLIC MASON JARS
Modern Masters
ELEGANT DIY FALL PUMPKIN TOPIARY
Pam Hoepner
HOW TO MAKE SAND ART WITH SALT!
Susan Myers
BENCH FOR YOUR BACKYARD
Zest it Up
STORAGE HACKS THAT WILL INSTANTLY DECLUTTER YOUR KITCHEN
View Project Book
About Privacy Terms Guidelines Media Support Advertise
Follow us
© 2023 Hometalk.com By Hometalk Inc.