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Landscape Design

Can I Paint Cheap-o Garden Lights?

17 years ago

Last fall, I bought a big box of those black plastic, solar-powered, garden light fixtures, the kind that are about $75 for 10 at any major hardware chain.

They look passable, I suppose, and they were certainly were cheap! But I do not like the color of the light they produce--it is an alien, cold light, kind of a blueish white.

I am wondering if anyone has tried painting the clear part of a similar light fixture so that it could produce a more yellowish glow? I bet one of you have! Did it work? Or did it just peel off and look stupid?

Thanks so much for any advice. I really appreciate it.

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Comments (3)

bahia
17 years ago
Even if you do manage to get the paint to stick, all it would do is dim the already dim light further. In my opinion, these types of solar powered lights are not worth the bother, they only give enough light to see the fixture location, and very little to actually light the way.
littledog
17 years ago
What about using those translucent "paints" designed to create faux stained glass and suncatchers? Sure, they'd probably fade after a season, but so what? The little kits with several colors are inexpensive and easy to find in the children's craft section.

A thin coat might be just enough to warm up the lights without making them *too* dim. Remember, the effect of color on light isn't quite the same as color on paint. I'd definately test one first to see which color you'd want to use. You could end up with a spectacular green glow that has all the cheery ambiance of a nuclear accident.

Here is a link that might be useful: mixing color with light
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xantippe
Original Author
17 years ago
I love the nuclear idea-- I may aim for that instead of the warm candle-y glow I had pictured! :) Seriously, though, I may try that suncatcher paint. What a great idea, littledog.

Bahia, I agree with you. I would never have bought them if I'd known how weak they were. Grrrr.

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