Restoring faded outdoor light fixtures can seem daunting, but with the right techniques and products, it is very achievable for a DIYer. Breathing new life into faded fixtures can completely transform the look of your home’s exterior. This guide will walk you through all the steps needed to restore your outdoor lighting to its former glory.
Evaluate the Light Fixture
The first step is to take a close look at the current condition of your outdoor light fixture. Check for any of the following:
Fading or Chalking
Over time, the elements can cause plastic, metal, and painted surfaces to fade, chalk, or oxidize. This usually presents as a dull, whitish, or yellowed appearance. Faded black finishes may take on a greenish tint.
Rust/Corrosion
Rust often occurs on iron and steel fixtures exposed to moisture. It appears as reddish-brown flaking or staining. Corrosion may also affect copper, bronze or aluminum. This can cause pitting, greenish buildup, or blue/white powdery deposits.
Cracks, Chips or Holes
Plastic and ceramic fixtures may become brittle and crack or chip with age. Metal fixtures can develop holes from rust. Inspect for any damage or missing pieces.
Dirt and Grime Buildup
Dust, dirt, spiderwebs, mold, and mildew can accumulate on fixtures over time, especially in damp or shady locations. Gently wipe fixtures to reveal the extent of buildup.
Carefully inspecting will help you determine the best approach. Take pictures of any problem areas to refer to later. Make notes on what needs cleaned or repaired.
Gather Your Cleaning Supplies
Thorough cleaning is the first step toward renewal. Gather the following supplies:
- Bucket of warm water
- Mild dish soap or detergent
- Soft cloths and rags
- Toothbrush or other soft brush
- Vinegar and baking soda
- Rubbing alcohol
- Mineral spirits or paint thinner
- Fine grit sandpaper
- Rust remover solution
- Outdoor powerwash cleaner
- Masking tape
Avoid abrasive materials like steel wool that could further scratch or damage fixtures. Have plenty of clean cloths for washing and rinsing.
Clean the Fixture
With your supplies gathered, you’re ready to start cleaning:
Wash
Mix a few drops of dish soap per gallon of warm water. Using a soft cloth, sponge or brush, gently wash away dirt and grime buildup. Take care around any paper or cloth components.
For glass globes or covers, washing with a soap solution helps remove greasy residue. Rinse well and dry completely before replacing any globes.
Degrease and Disinfect
Wipe down metal surfaces with rubbing alcohol to remove grease and oils. Use vinegar or baking soda solution to inhibit mold and mildew growth.
For brass fixtures, make a paste of vinegar and salt and gently rub stained areas. Rinse thoroughly.
Remove Rust and Corrosion
Apply a rust remover solution with a soft brush for iron or steel fixtures with rusting. Let it sit for 15 minutes before scrubbing and rinsing.
For copper and bronze fixtures, mix baking soda and lemon juice. Gently rub onto affected areas, then rinse. This can help remove greenish oxidation.
Finish Cleaning
Use clean cloths and water for a final wipe down. For fixtures with detailing, use cotton swabs for crevices. Allow to fully dry before proceeding.
Proper cleaning will remove built-up grime to reveal the fixture’s true coloring and condition.
Assess Severity of Damage
After cleaning, you can better evaluate the extent of wear, fading, or damage:
- Is it affecting just certain parts or the entire fixture?
- How severe is the fading or oxidation?
- Are any components broken or missing pieces?
- Can wires or sockets be repaired or do they need replacement?
Make notes on affected areas and what needs repaired versus refreshed. This will help determine the best restoration methods.
Restore Metal Surfaces
For aged metal fixtures, follow these steps to renew coloring and shine:
Remove Flaking Paint and Rust
Use a wire brush or sandpaper to remove any loose, cracked paint or rust spots. Feather edges smooth. Wipe clean.
Tip: For detailed metalwork, use a rust removal gel and fine steel wool for better control.
Prime Bare Spots
Spot prime any bare metal with a metal primer suitable for outdoor use. Allow to fully dry. Lightly sand to feather edges smooth with surrounding paint.
Spray Paint
Apply 2-3 thin coats of spray paint in a satin, semi-gloss, or gloss finish. Choose a paint specifically formulated for use on metal and outdoor surfaces. Allow proper drying time between coats.
Tip: Lightly sand between coats for a smoother finish. Use painter’s tape to mask off non-painted areas.
Clear Coat (Optional)
For added protection on decorative iron fixtures, apply 1-2 coats of a clear sealer after paint is fully cured.
With these steps, you can restore metal fixtures to a fresh, uniform finish that resists fading and rust. Proper prep work and using outdoor-rated paint ensures longest lasting results.
Renew Faded Plastic and Vinyl
Plastic and vinyl light fixtures often become chalky and faded with sun exposure. Follow this process to restore coloring:
Clean and Lightly Sand
Wash fixture thoroughly. While still damp, lightly sand with fine grit sandpaper. This helps rough up the surface for paint adhesion.
Spray with Primer
Apply a bonding-type plastic primer to clean, sanded surfaces. Allow to fully dry.
Apply Color Coats
Spray on 2-3 thin coats of acrylic craft paint in the desired color using sweeping motions. Let dry completely between coats.
Tip: Add a touch of paint thinner for a smoother, bubblem free finish.
Seal and Protect
Once paint has dried for 24 hours, apply 1-2 coats of clear sealer formulated for plastics. This helps protect the renewed finish from sun damage.
With proper prep, you can achieve long-lasting results and restore faded plastics to their original color using spray paints.
Refresh Chalky or Oxidized Surfaces
Chalky powdery oxidation can affect painted metal, plastic, and ceramic fixtures. Here are solutions:
Repaint
Lightly sand away chalking paint or oxidation. Spot prime bare areas before respraying with 2-3 coats of outdoor enamel spray paint suited for the material.
Tip: For a smooth finish on outdoor lanterns or sconces, remove glass panels before painting.
Renew Color on Plastics
Follow steps above for cleaning, lightly sanding, and respraying plastic fixtures using primer and acrylic craft paints.
Remove Oxidation on Metals
For lightly oxidized copper or bronze fixtures, gently scrub with a baking soda and water solution using a soft brush before rinsing and drying. Remove any remaining oxidation with fine grit sandpaper before applying a clear metal lacquer.
Bleach Discolored Grout
For ceramic fixtures with discolored grout, scrub with a diluted outdoor bleach solution. Rinse thoroughly and allow to dry before sealing grout lines with an outdoor grout sealer.
Removing chalky oxidation and properly repainting can restore depth of color on faded fixtures.
Patch Cracks and Holes
Outdoor fixtures exposed to weather can develop cracks, chips, and holes. Here’s how to repair:
Fill Small Holes
Clean dirt from holes before filling with waterproof silicone or epoxy filler. Allow to fully cure before smoothing excess with sandpaper.
Patch Larger Cracks
Clean out cracks and apply a thin bead of waterproof adhesive caulk. Smooth with a wet finger or tool. Allow to dry before painting.
Secure Broken Pieces
For cracked ceramic or glass fixtures, use clear epoxy resin to securely rejoin broken sections. Clamp together until fully bonded.
Replace Broken Surrounds
If fixture surrounds or decorative elements are missing, replace with similar materials orImprove DIY skills with these Quick & Easy Maintenance Tasks new components designed for outdoor use.
Properly filling damaged areas protects fixtures and enhances their appearance.
Upgrade With Improved Materials
Along with restoration, upgrades can enhance faded fixtures:
- Replace old incandescent bulbs with long-lasting, energy saving LED bulbs. Choose bulbs with a warmer color temperature (2700K-3000K) to mimic incandescent lighting.
- For fabric lampshades, add waterproofing spray to prevent mold, mildew, and sun damage.
- Swap out old crazed glass panels or globes with new tempered glass or UV and fade resistant polycarbonate covers.
- Replace damaged sockets, cords, and wires using exterior rated and outdoor approved weatherproof electrical components. Consult an electrician if unsure.
- For fixtures attached to deteriorating surfaces, use anchors rated for the material and weight of the light when re-mounting.
- Adhere silicone gaskets behind fixture plates to seal and prevent water intrusion when mounted on exterior walls.
Upgrading with weatherproof materials better equips fixtures to withstand outdoor conditions.
Maintain the Renewed Fixture
Once restored, keep your outdoor lights looking their best with proper maintenance:
- Inspect fixtures regularly for any new chips, cracks, or gaps in sealant that could allow water intrusion. Make any needed repairs promptly.
- Re-caulk or grout any areas as needed to maintain water tight seals.
- Gently wash fixtures every few months using mild soap and water with a soft brush or cloth. Avoid abrasive scrubbing.
- For metal fixtures, apply a thin coat of car wax or metal polish annually to protect finishes.
- Reapply exterior rated clear coats or paint every 2-3 years or when fading is noticed.
- Check that GFCI outlets powering exterior light circuits are functioning properly.
- Watch for any wiring hazards such as cracked sockets, exposed wires, or loose connections and repair immediately.
With regular inspection, cleaning, and touch-up, your restored outdoor light fixtures will last for many more years while keeping your home stylishly illuminated.
Finding Professional Help
While DIY restoration is possible, professionals can handle more complex fixture upgrades or repairs:
- Electricians can replace outdated wiring and ensure outdoor circuits meet electrical codes.
- Metal fabricators have equipment to re-create custom metalwork matching your old fixtures that may be beyond basic repairs.
- A painter can properly prep, prime, and paint fixtures especially if spray painting isn’t an option. They have professional grade equipment.
- Masons can replace severely damaged stone, brick, or concrete fixture mountings.
Get estimates upfront and check references to find reliable professionals for intricate restoration work.
Restoring faded and damaged outdoor light fixtures may take some elbow grease. But the end results are well worth the effort and cost savings versus complete replacement. With proper products and techniques, you can upgrade lighting fixtures to withstand outdoor exposure for many more years of beauty and illumination.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common causes of fading on outdoor light fixtures?
The sun’s UV rays, moisture, pollution, and temperature fluctuations can fade finishes on outdoor lighting. Plastics tend to chalk and metal surfaces oxidize or rust. Old brittle paint also weathers and cracks.
How can I determine the original color of my faded outdoor fixture?
Look for any hidden areas protected from sun exposure that still show traces of the original color. Check any markings on the fixture’s frame or housing for a color code. Review archived photos of your home’s exterior for visual clues.
Is spray paint durable enough for outdoor use?
Yes, when using paints specifically formulated for outdoor metal, plastic and ceramic surfaces. Look for weatherproof enamels that resist chipping, fading, and general wear and tear. Proper prep and priming also helps spray paints adhere and last.
Can I just spray paint over rust?
No, for longest lasting results, thoroughly remove rust and primer bare metal before painting. Sanding or wire brushing flaking rust and spot priming ensures proper paint adhesion. Special rust inhibiting primers add further protection.
What kind of paint is safe to use on outdoor plastic fixtures?
Acrylic craft paints are formulated to flex with plastic and hold up to sun and moisture exposure. Use a bonding primer first for better adhesion. Clear topcoats also add UV protection. Avoid cheaper vinyl paints.
How do I get a smooth finish when spray painting?
Use light coats, allowing each to fully dry. Gently sand between coats with fine sandpaper. Position nozzle 6-8 inches from surface using smooth motions. Add paint thinner or flow improver for a more consistent spray. Use painter’s tape to mask off unwanted overspray areas.
Can I just replace my old fixtures instead of restoring them?
Yes, if fixtures are severely damaged or badly outdated in style. But restoration is often cheaper than full replacement. And preserving vintage or classic designs maintains architectural character versus modern styles that may not complement your home.
What kind of lighting is optimal for exterior fixtures?
Most experts recommend LED lighting for outdoor spaces. LED bulbs last longer, are more energy efficient, and give off less heat than old incandescent bulbs. Choose a “warm” 2700-3000K color temperature range to mimic the yellow glow of incandescents.
How can I restore a rusted cast iron fixture I can’t remove from the wall?
Use a rust converter gel applied by brush to metal fixtures that can’t be taken down. Allow to fully dry before priming and painting. Or cover less damaged areas with a heavy flexible rust encapsulating paint.
Can I use a powerwasher to clean my outdoor light fixtures?
No, you risk damaging materials and electrical components. It’s best to clean by hand using mild detergent, vinegar, baking soda or mineral spirits and soft cloths, sponges or brushes. Avoid abrasives or high pressure washers.