We have been looking for a replacement exterior light fixture for our patio. The lamp we currently have has not worked in years and is pretty rusty. This particular light has a motion sensor that turns the light on when someone passes by. We really like the old lantern-style light fixtures, but weren’t loving the idea of spending $99 to repurchase the same exterior light fixture again.
![Exterior Light Fixture Restoration Rusty Exterior Light Fixture](https://www.augustdecemberhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/IMG_5822.jpg)
So I decided to pull it down and see what I could do with it. If you plan to do this, please shut the power off, first. Even if there is a switch, it only takes a second for someone to flip the lights on without thinking about it. Ok, got it Sparky? Here is a great video on wiring an outdoor light. It’s not difficult.
First, I tested a new bulb in my exterior light fixture. I sacrificed an old extension cord so I could use it to test my lamp by plugging it into an outlet.
Troubleshooting the wiring for an exterior light
![Testing an exterior lamp with an extension cord and an outlet](https://www.augustdecemberhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/IMG_5826.jpg)
As suspected, the light didn’t work when I first wired it up. Water likely got inside the electronics. The setting switches were also seized up, confirming my suspicions.
![rewiring an outdoor light](https://www.augustdecemberhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/IMG_5828.jpg)
Lights are pretty basic until you add stuff like motion sensors and photocells. After pulling out all the electronics, I was left with 3 wires (power, neutral and ground). I repeated the electrical cord test, and this time it worked!!
Now, let’s make it beautiful again.
Disassembly and Cleaning
To start off, I removed all the glass panes. If I could use my finger to pry them open, I did that first before resorting to a screwdriver. Use caution here and try to avoid pushing against the glass with the screwdriver. I took a small chip off of one pane. Thankfully it won’t be noticeable
![removing glass from outside light fixture](https://www.augustdecemberhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/IMG_5830.jpg)
With the glass out of the way, I taped up the socket.
![Exterior lamp restoration process](https://www.augustdecemberhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/IMG_5831.jpg)
Restoration and Paint
I sprayed several fine coats of Gloss black paint (I stock up on this stuff; black makes anything look good). I waited between 15 and 40 minutes between coats, depending on how sunny it was and how thick it was looking.
![spray painting a light](https://www.augustdecemberhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/IMG_5833.jpg)
Once I was happy with the coverage, I hung it up to cure for a few hours before handling it. That way, I wouldn’t leave any fingerprints. This paint cures entirely in 24 hours.
![Black Gloss Spray paint on Rusty Light Fixture](https://www.augustdecemberhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/IMG_5838.jpg)
While impatiently waiting for my paint to dry, I cleaned up all the glass panes. They were pretty gross. Some had algae on them?!? I’ve been using this Dawn Powerwash stuff a LOT lately. It costs a little more but comes out in this cool foam and cleans everything (including my BBQ).
![dawn powerwash for glass](https://www.augustdecemberhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/IMG_5842.jpg)
After the designated waiting period, I retrieved my light and returned the glass panes to their housing. They are held in with metal tabs which I bent out of the way.
![Restored Exterior Light Fixture](https://www.augustdecemberhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/IMG_5845.jpg)
Finally, I re-mounted my restored lamp. I stuck in my favorite funky LED bulb and flipped the switch (the power, which the kids reminded me was off, 7000 times in the 5 minutes this took me to hang.)
![Outdoor Porch Light](https://www.augustdecemberhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/IMG_5864.jpg)
WOW!! What a difference a can of black paint and a screwdriver can make!
Hope you loved this old rusty lamp restoration. I spray paint lots of stuff to make it beautiful. Check out this umbrella I did. If you love these, you’ll enjoy our DIY category.
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