paint or replace outdoor lighting?

[abseptember17]

We have 5 brass wall lantern lights.  My H wants to replace them.  I want to try spray painting them either ORB or black and see what they look like.  This photo is similar to our lights.  WDYT... paint or replace?

[TBM]

I would replace them.

They just aren't special enough to justify the effort. Just the prep for painting something with that much glass and little bitty metal parts is going to be time consuming, (not to mention that painting the inside will be a pita), and the finish won't be as durable as a factory finish.

If you absolutely love them, than it might be worth the effort, but it sounds like your DH might prefer a different look.

[sierramist03]

I'd replace them personally

[mrs.jacinthe]

Replace.

[simpsongal]

The recycling hippie in me says paint, but the lady w/a long to do list says replace. Painting those would be a PITA. Maybe donate?

Probably $20 worth of spray paint & labor versus $80 for new ones?

[younghouselove]

Waste not, want not! I would definitely spray paint those babies ORB. Just drag them out in the yard (remember to cut the power to your whole house before disconnecting!) and spray away.

Here are the easy steps you should follow.

•using super high grit paper (400) sand every last bit of bronze until it doesn't have a sheen so the paint will stick stick (if you see small scratches don’t worry, they’ll be covered with paint- but you definitely want to use high grit paper because low grit can leave deep/big scratches that show through)

•wipe down each knob with liquid deglosser (we like Crown’s Next Liquid Deglosser since it’s low-VOC, they aren't a sponsor we just really like them)

• Use Universal All-Surface Spray Paint (by Rustoleum) in the oil-rubbed bronze finish. This has a built-in primer and sticks extremely well to things – especially metal – so if you’re contemplating using another brand, you might need to spring for a separate primer to apply first if it’s not already included.

•When it comes to how to spray, I just misted everything from all angles. To avoid nasty drips and runny paint, doing several light coats with about 10 minutes of drying time between---works like a charm. Mine are so thin it takes five coats and I keep the can moving around the whole time – like you’d mist your mane with Aqua-Net. I also squat on the ground from all sides.

Total cost for the project: $5 plus about 20 hours of detailed labor that will make your fingers hurt. It will probably not look as good as a factory finish, but the cheap spray paint will hold just long enough to put your house on the market and GTFO before the buyer's wise up.

Hope this helps!

xo
s

[boiler717]

LMAO

[pitterwoo]

I'm with Sherry. Hehe sounds like a great use of time.

I might paint them as long as they are covered because I wouldn't rely on the finish exposed to the elements.

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[auntie]

I'd replace.

The masking of the glass alone is making my head spin.

[magdala]

We had old pitted brass outdoor lighting when we bought the house. The former owners had put in new satin nickel door hardware. The two finishes looked so horrible together. Because we liked the shape of the fixtures, I used a textured spray paint to apply a satin nickel finish. I had to use multiple coats of spray paint. I had to fuss with the taping of the glass and use a razor to remove overspray, but for $20 and two afternoons, I have coordinating fixtures.