How to Paint Street Lights
Although small lamppost-style street lights are usually made of metal and don't accept paint well, you can paint them using the right preparation methods. Standard base primer and paint will eventually peel and flake off. Instead, you will need to condition the light post using a metal-etching primer. This type of primer has acidic qualities that allow it to effectively bond with metal. Once the street light is primed, you may finish it with an enduring oil enamel.
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Things You'll Need
- Degreasing cleanser
- Steel wool
- Water hose
- Canvas drop cloths
- Rust-inhibitive metal-etching primer
- Roller frame
- Nap roller cover
- Telescoping extension pole
- 2- to 3-inch polyester paintbrush
- Step ladder
- Oil-based enamel
- 2- to 3-inch China paintbrush
Instructions
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1
Scrub the lamppost-style street light with a degreasing cleanser. Use coarse, durable steel wool rather than an ordinary sponge.
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2
Rinse the street light, using a water hose. Let the lamp post dry for two hours.
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3
Cover the ground beneath the street light, using canvas drop cloths.
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4
Coat the lamp post with rust-inhibitive metal-etching primer, using a roller. Affix the roller to a telescoping extension pole if necessary. Touch up the street light using a 2- to 3-inch polyester paintbrush. Stand on a step ladder if the light proves too tall to reach from the ground. Let the lamp post dry for two hours.
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5
Paint the street light as you primed it. Use a long-lasting oil-based enamel. Use a China brush instead of a polyester one. Let the lamp post dry for two hours.
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Tips & Warnings
The above steps explain how to paint small lamppost-style street lights that you may have on your property. Large street lights require the use of a telescopic boom lift. While available for rent, this type of equipment is not safe for inexperienced do-it-yourselfers to operate.
Wash your tools after applying primer or paint, using the water hose.
Painting certain street lights may be an illegal activity. Check with local government offices before attempting to paint lampposts along the front of your home.
