DIY Outdoor Lantern Makeovers: Quick & Easy Spray Paint Guide

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How To Prepare Outdoor Lanterns For Makeover

First, I was willing to discard the old lanterns because I didn’t want to undertake the tedious task of covering all the glass to prevent paint overspray. Then I investigated the inside of the lanterns and discovered that there are metal tabs at the top and bottom of the glass, and they bend easily with your fingers.

Remove the Glass From the Lantern Frame

Being able to remove the glass made the update so much easier. All you need to do is determine how the glass is being held in the frame. In this case, it was easy to bend the metal tabs away from the glass and then remove the glass. No tools were necessary.

Clean The Lantern Frame

Once the glass is removed, clean the frame and brush away any rusted spots with a steel brush. If the frame is heavily rusted, you may need to use Rust Dissolver before repainting. Note: Follow Rust Dissolver Instructions carefully.

After thoroughly cleaning the lantern, use a tack cloth to remove all dust.

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How To Paint Outdoor Lanterns

The easiest way to paint the outdoor lanterns is with spray paint made for metal. We had just added some copper landscape lights around the pool area, and I decided that painting the lanterns copper would give them a fresh, updated look.

Rust-Oleum has beautiful copper spray paint in a hammered finish. I used this paint for several projects last year and knew it would be a great look on the lanterns.

• First, prepare an area by using cardboard or a drop cloth to cover your work surface.
• Place the lanterns on the prepared area and use the paint according to package directions.
• Hold the can 10-12 inches from the lantern and ensure that you cover both the outside and inside rims of the lantern frame.
• I applied a light coat initially, waited approximately 30 minutes, and then applied a second coat.

See 10 Tips for Free Fall Decorating to learn about more spray paint projects.

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If you prefer to use a brush, you can easily update your projects with chalk paint as well. See this tutorial on How To Use Chalk Paint.

How To Prepare Lantern Glass

If you have had your lanterns outdoors, the glass will most likely need a good cleaning. While the spray paint is drying, you will want to wash the glass. If there is any buildup on the glass, you can use a razor blade to scrape away the residue.

Dry the pieces of glass to prevent any spots.

How to Replace the Glass in the Lanterns

Finally, place each glass piece back into position and secure it by bending the metal tab back in place.

How To Decorate With Updated Outdoor Lanterns

I love using outdoor lanterns to decorate my porches, in the outdoor kitchen, and around the pool. I like to add battery-operated flicker candles, small flower arrangement, or seasonal figurines to the lanterns for decoration.

The updated lanterns add a rustic touch to this picnic tablescape.

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See how I used these updated lanterns on my inspired picnic table setting ideas.

How To Update An Outdoor Lantern With Broken Glass

But how can update a lantern if the glass is broken? This large lantern was a favorite on the porch, but during a wind storm, it fell over, and the glass broke. Instead of trying to replace the glass or throw the lantern away, I decided to remove all the glass.

The lantern was also looking a little tired so I just cleaned it and added some black spray paint.

The open air lantern looks brand new and know one realizes it’s supposed to have glass.

It looks fresh and inviting on the porch coffee table with a vintage planter and fern inside. I combined it with one of the DIY Dollar Tree Lanterns I made earlier this spring.

What Can You Use To Decorate Inside A Lantern?

We usually think of styling a lantern with candles. However, you can get creative and add almost any decor to the inside of a lantern. Here are a few ideas.

• Add a plant or flowers.
• Figurines or concrete statuaries
• Fill with Christmas ornaments
• Vintage books
• Add Vases or other decorative items
• Easter Eggs or other seasonal decorations

You can use your lanterns both indoors and outside for seasonal decorating.

Resources

Thanks so much for stopping by today. I hope this inspired you to think before throwing away old home decor. I look forward to sharing my next adventure with you.

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