How to Make a Christmas Spotlight

Putting in a Christmas spotlight to highlight a decoration or to be a decoration all its own takes only a short time to complete and can help your yard stand out among the rest. Any sort of spotlight can be purchased to begin with so long as it is outdoor safe and the spotlight's face is large enough for your film to be attached. However, dimmer spotlights might be appreciated by nearby neighbors. Dimmer spotlights will not outshine other lights or lit-up decorations in the yard as well.

Things You'll Need

• Spotlight that does not have an exposed light bulb
• Extension cord for outdoor use
• Heat-safe colored film or decorative film with Christmas image purchased at a store
• Ruler
• Spray bottle with water
• New sponge
• Projection surface

Instructions

1. Purchase the decorative film at a department or specialty holiday store. This is a thin sheet of plastic with a decoration or a tint on it that your spotlight will shine through and project on to your projection surface.

2. Mount your spotlight in the yard. It may be placed on the ground on its stand if you wish. Connect the extension cord to the plug on the spotlight and plug it into the outdoor or indoor outlet you will be using to power the spotlight. Adjust the spotlight to shine on the area you want it to.

3. Turn off the spotlight. Allow it to cool for at least one hour.

4. Spray the water on the faceplate of the spotlight. Use the never-been-used-before sponge to wipe the spotlight clean of any dust or lint. Allow the spotlight to remain damp. This will help the film to stick.

5. Spray the back of the film with the water. Place the bottom of the film on the bottom edge of the spotlight's faceplate. Lay the film down with the use of the ruler to smooth any creases or wrinkles.

6. Wait for the film to dry against the spotlight. Test the spotlight prior to show time. If the spotlight needs further adjusting after the film has been applied, adjust it now.

Tips & Warnings

• White sheets or drifts of snow can also be used to project an image upon so long as they are far enough away from the spotlight to allow the entire picture to show up on it.

• Spotlights and floodlights are incredibly hot when in use. If you live in an area that will have the chance of cold downpours, make certain that the light bulb housing area is completely watertight. If it is not, a hot light bulb will explode when cold water strikes the outer glass.

• If your surface is not white or nearly white, you must compensate for the color tint of your surface in your spotlight cover.

References

• Holiday Yard Decorations Chrismtas