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.
‘
But I got such a great deal on it, paying only $5—so I didn’t mind doing a little prep work.
Gut the floor lamp by removing all the wiring
I gutted it, removing all of the old wiring.
Use a wire brush to remove rust
I used a small wire brush to remove the rust, then I washed the pieces and let them dry.
Spray Paint Repurposed Floor Lamp
This is the Krylon Dual Superbond Paint & Primer spray paint I used.
Add Solar Lights to repurposed floor lamp
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.
Solar Light Fixture made from a Floor Lamp
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.
Related Content
Doris Haines says
September 3, 2016 at 11:41 pmThe solar lamps are so unique !
gail@myrepurposedlife.com says
September 4, 2016 at 4:48 pmThank you! I still have one that lights up every night on my side porch, love it!
gail
Martha says
July 25, 2016 at 9:29 pmIs 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.
gail@myrepurposedlife.com says
July 26, 2016 at 9:47 amMartha,
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
Emily Myers says
June 28, 2016 at 10:56 pmI saw your post on Pinterest and was inspired to make my own lamp. Thanks for the great idea!
gail@myrepurposedlife.com says
June 29, 2016 at 11:45 amI’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
Heather says
May 22, 2016 at 8:43 pmDoes the Gorilla Glue Epoxy expand 3x’s like the regular Gorilla Glue does?
gail@myrepurposedlife.com says
May 22, 2016 at 11:14 pmNo, the epoxy does not expand. (Personally, I love the fact that the original Gorilla Glue expands when I use it for repairing furniture)
gail
Debbie says
March 19, 2016 at 11:46 pmDo 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?
gail@myrepurposedlife.com says
March 20, 2016 at 10:14 amDebbie,
Yes, the one tall silver one has been on my side porch ever since, and it still lights up every night. 🙂
gail
Debbie says
March 20, 2016 at 5:30 pmThanks! 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?
gail@myrepurposedlife.com says
March 20, 2016 at 5:41 pmDebbie,
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
Michelle says
March 3, 2016 at 1:11 pmI 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!
Virginia says
February 13, 2016 at 9:51 amThanks for the idea! We are cleaning g out an old (not opened in years) antique shop and the are a few of these!
gail@myrepurposedlife.com says
February 13, 2016 at 9:52 amOh my… the things you’re apt to find! I’m so excited for you.
Mary says
February 12, 2016 at 1:35 pmAwesome! I have to try this
gail@myrepurposedlife.com says
February 12, 2016 at 2:05 pmMary,
There re so many possibilities with old lamps and chandeliers!
gail
Sarah R. says
July 26, 2015 at 7:46 amI 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!!
Elizabeth Sunderland says
July 26, 2015 at 4:36 amWhat 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.
Fran says
May 23, 2015 at 9:24 amThis 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!!
Holly says
August 13, 2014 at 11:44 pmLove the way this turned out. Great job! I need to do this! 🙂
Kate says
August 13, 2014 at 12:22 amThat’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.
Robin @ Redo It Yourself Inspirations says
August 12, 2014 at 9:03 pmOh my goodness! The 3 light post is so amazing!
Ella Liddle says
August 12, 2014 at 7:40 pmI really like this. Thanks so much for sharing..
Patricia says
August 12, 2014 at 3:18 pmThese are great! I hadn’t thought about doing this … But what a great ideas!
Patricia
Ps: commenting from iPhone no issues:)
Marti Steele says
August 12, 2014 at 1:14 pmOh, I really love these!!!!
Catherine says
August 12, 2014 at 12:42 pmOkay, 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
Stephanie@cre8tive says
August 12, 2014 at 12:00 pmI 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 🙂
girlfromwva says
August 12, 2014 at 10:24 amthat is fabulous!!! love what you did with both lamps. (i think your cooler weather wish is on its way!!!)
Mindi says
August 12, 2014 at 9:22 amThis is such a great idea! I have a lamp I use right now, but someday it would make a great solar lamp! Awesome Gail!
Mary says
August 12, 2014 at 8:23 amSoooo smart fix, and a GREAT FIND, for only $5.00. You go, Gail.
cassie says
August 12, 2014 at 6:39 amgreat idea and i love the second lights better, too!
Melinda says
August 12, 2014 at 6:10 amYou’re an inspiration to me… Don’t ever stop!