Earlier in the summer before it got really hot, I was very busy making some repurposed floor lamps and solar lights. I made these at the same time that I made the solar light chandelier. It’s so easy to change up these old lamps with Krylon Dual Superbond with Paint and Primer.
Repurposed Floor Lamps make great Patio Solar Lights
Because this floor lamp had some rust on it, I did have to do some prep work.
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But I got such a great deal on it, paying only $5—so I didn’t mind doing a little prep work.
I gutted it, removing all of the old wiring.
I used a small wire brush to remove the rust, then I washed the pieces and let them dry.
This is the Krylon Dual Superbond Paint & Primer spray paint I used.
I tried out the solar lights that I bought for the chandelier. I liked them okay.
However, I liked these better!
To get them to stick I used this Silicone. Hindsight 20/20 I should have used Gorilla Glue Epoxy—that’s what I used on the solar light chandelier.
This is how I used the silicone.
One of the arms on this light was bent and crooked, but I couldn’t straighten it. I used some Scotch Blue painter’s tape to hold the light upright while the silicone set up.
This is a small porch that was revealed when I had the bushes removed a couple of months ago. It doesn’t get full sun, but the great thing about these new and improved solar lights? They can charge in the SHADE!
Although I really like this repurposed floor lamp—it’s not the one that I keep on this porch on a regular basis.
This was a more modern lamp I got from a friend. Most lamps are 3 pieces screwed together. On the left is all three pieces, making the lamp very tall. Top right is two pieces, and bottom right is one piece.
Since I was putting on the small porch, I used two pieces. I like that height the best. I have it placed next to my small outdoor garden bench made from reclaimed lumber.
When I round the corner to come home at night, it makes me smile to see illuminate my porch.
I still have some repurposed lamps to turn into solar lights, but I’m waiting till cooler weather so I can spray paint them.
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The solar lamps are so unique !
Thank you! I still have one that lights up every night on my side porch, love it!
gail
Is there any other suggestions to securing the solar lights to the base other than Gorilla Glue? I am concerned the lights will need replacing at some point.
Thank you.
Martha,
I really don’t have an answer for you on that one. The silicone is less permanent than Gorilla Glue epoxy-but the epoxy holds better.
The single lamp is still on my porch and the light still works 2 years later. If you find a better solution, I’d love to hear all about it.
thanks!
gail
I saw your post on Pinterest and was inspired to make my own lamp. Thanks for the great idea!
I’m so happy you saw my Floor Lamps and Solar Lights on Pinterest Emily, and felt inspired to make your own. Friends like YOU are why I do this!
I hope you won’t be a stranger,
gail
Does the Gorilla Glue Epoxy expand 3x’s like the regular Gorilla Glue does?
No, the epoxy does not expand. (Personally, I love the fact that the original Gorilla Glue expands when I use it for repairing furniture)
gail
Do your solar lights really stay lit? I had some a few years back that were awful and a total waste of money. Have they really improved? I’ve been afraid to try them out again. So, what are the best ones to buy?
Debbie,
Yes, the one tall silver one has been on my side porch ever since, and it still lights up every night. 🙂
gail
Thanks! Is there a specific brand you like or a feature you look for when shopping for your solar lights? Or are they all pretty good now?
Debbie,
I don’t really have a specific brand, but I think I’m really loving the ones I just bought at walmart last week. They are round glass globes, and the charging mechanism is inside the glass globe. You can only see it if you look really hard. They have come a long, long way.
gail
I always keep an eye out for solar lights on clearance at places like CVS that don’t keep them around all year. Then I look for odd things to turn into solar lights. Love your lamp!
Thanks for the idea! We are cleaning g out an old (not opened in years) antique shop and the are a few of these!
Oh my… the things you’re apt to find! I’m so excited for you.
Awesome! I have to try this
Mary,
There re so many possibilities with old lamps and chandeliers!
gail
I have the perfect floor lamp and had thought about doing this- and now you’ve shown me how! We plan on re-wiring it, so it’ll just be an outdoor solar lamp for the summer before it becomes a permanent fixture in the house. Thanks for the tutorial!!
What a great idea. It never ceases to amaze me at how crafty and inspiring some people are. My sister got the craftiness and I got the empathy. Great job on the solar power light. Keep up the good work.
This is so cool!! I love it and I live creating it! I also love flee markets and thrift stores for great ideas. Thanks so much!!
Love the way this turned out. Great job! I need to do this! 🙂
That’s such a great idea to glue the lights on. I have solar lights on stakes here and there outside and my boys frequently borrow them for games and lose them (5 acres, so they’re not always easy to find). Lamps like yours would be harder to “borrow” and lose.
Oh my goodness! The 3 light post is so amazing!
I really like this. Thanks so much for sharing..
These are great! I hadn’t thought about doing this … But what a great ideas!
Patricia
Ps: commenting from iPhone no issues:)
Oh, I really love these!!!!
Okay, 1st a confession–I initially got hung up on the stone work of your home…xoxo…before I could get back to topic. I’m sold! I have to do this! Now I’ll be looking through my lighting or in the thrift stores again—thanks…. ; D
Catherine
I love all your solar lights! I HAVE to get my rear in gear and do me one. I like the post one with all the lights. The pattern is so cool on the outside. You’ve become quite the solar lady 🙂
that is fabulous!!! love what you did with both lamps. (i think your cooler weather wish is on its way!!!)
This is such a great idea! I have a lamp I use right now, but someday it would make a great solar lamp! Awesome Gail!
Soooo smart fix, and a GREAT FIND, for only $5.00. You go, Gail.
great idea and i love the second lights better, too!
You’re an inspiration to me… Don’t ever stop!