How to Spray Paint Outdoor Light Fixtures

Clean surfaces with a vinegar/water solution (50/50) or use water with an all-purpose cleaner and a scrub brush or rag to remove dirt and grime. If there is mold or mildew on the fixtures, clean them off with a bleach/water solution or use a commercial mold remover.

Paint will not adhere well over rust, so the rust must be removed along with any old, flaking paint. You can remove both rust and paint using a stiff wire brush or an electric drill equipped with a sanding pad or abrasive discs. Emery cloths (cloth-backed abrasive sheets) can be used when there is minimal rust. A scraper can come in handy as well.

Safety Alerts!

Wear a tight-fitting dust mask, safety goggles, and appropriate clothing that covers your skin for the entirety of the project.

After you've removed flaking paint and/or rust, brush on a commercial rust remover. When applying rust remover, always follow the manufacturer's instructions on the label. After it has dried, wipe the surface down with a rag to remove any leftover dust or debris.

Spray metal surfaces with a primer made specifically for metals, such as True Value® X-O Rust rust-inhibiting primer. For best results, apply two coats. When spraying, "back-brush" (painting over just-applied paint before it begins to dry) to work the paint into the surface so it will adhere better and any drips will be smoothed out. Allow primer to dry thoroughly for at least 24 hours. Primer does not always feel wet or tacky before it is completely dry.

Now it’s time to paint. Consider how you want the finished product to look. Aerosol paints come in flat, semi-gloss or high-gloss finishes. Also, take some time to think about the color you want and how the color will work on the fixtures and with the rest of your house colors, patio décor, etc.

Spray on a coat of True Value X-O Rust Paint & Primer in One. Hold the can about eight to 12” from the object you're painting and keep the can moving to avoid excess paint that can drip. Apply several light coats. If you've painted furniture or an appliance, let the paint dry for at least 24 hours before using.

Helpful Tip

For best results, apply a second coat of paint within 1 hour of applying the first coat.

After using aerosol primer (or paint), tip the can upside down and depress the nozzle for a few seconds until paint stops coming out. Next, wipe off the nozzle with a cloth. This prevents the nozzle from being clogged the next time you use the can.

Using X-O Rust Paint & Primer in One allows you to skip priming in most cases, as it is formulated to be both a paint and primer.

If you took down your fixtures to paint them, reconnect their electrical wires to the circuit wires. Connect each fixture wire to its corresponding circuit wire by twisting the wire ends together and then fastening them together with a wire connector. Push the wiring into the hole and then put the fixture’s mounting plate in place. Use a screwdriver to reinstall the mounting hardware. Next, install the fixture shade or shades, depending on the type of fixture. Remove all painter’s tape and masking materials.

Great job! You’ve refinished and refreshed your outdoor light fixtures with a couple coats of spray paint.