Salvaging Old Candescent Lights

[Afroopuff]

So I have 12 Strands of old 25 count C-9 lights that I have used for static displays for easily 20 years. They are pretty beat up, some of the paint on the bulbs are chipped off and what not. As lame as it sounds I would really like to salvage them and use them to line my roof.

Has anyone heard of a way to re-paint them or touch them up somehow? Maybe even repaint some of the Orange ones because I don;t want them for the display next year.

Thanks!!

[jldavis1969]

How about replacing the bulbs with LED versions as the paint/coating gets damaged.

[dirknerkle]

If you have a craft store near you (such as Michael's) you can buy paint that's designed for painting glass. It's called "Delta Air-dry PermEnamel Transparent Glass Paint. Comes in about 50 colors. http://www.deltacreative.com if you want to go there directly.

Others have also used some metallic automotive spray paints to touch-up lites -- found in auto parts stores. I'm sure there are several postings here at DIYC about that, too. The spray would be a lot faster then the other option...

[Afroopuff]

Thanks Dirk, I am going to look into both. I think you are right on it being easier to spray paint.

jldavis - I dont want to have both on the roof because I think it will look too funky. I think I want more of a uniform look. Plus, after 20 years, they are all terrible and ready to be replaced to be honest.


Thanks guys

[Afroopuff]

Dirk, I apologize but I am having some trouble finding the posts about the metallic auto paint. I might just be inexperienced with the forum, but I looked it up on search and there were around 450 results of "spray paint lights." But nothing was talking about what you mean....

Do you have any threads in mind? Thanks

[RavingLunatic]

More info on painting bulbs:

http://www.doityourselfchristmas.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3643

[dirknerkle]

Thanks, RL.... was just about to go find it...

Happy New Year!

[kychristmas]

So I have 12 Strands of old 25 count C-9 lights that I have used for static displays for easily 20 years. They are pretty beat up, some of the paint on the bulbs are chipped off and what not. As lame as it sounds I would really like to salvage them and use them to line my roof.

Has anyone heard of a way to re-paint them or touch them up somehow? Maybe even repaint some of the Orange ones because I don;t want them for the display next year.

Thanks!!

Doesn't sound lame to me at all. Its about doing what works for you and it will certainly be cheaper than replacing them.

[Brad Riley]

I going to do some experimenting with spray paint in the next few months. All my lights are minis and the blue has faded terribly.
I'll definitely post my results.

[JackFrost]

http://doityourselfchristmas.com/forums/showthread.php?3643-Painting-clear-bulbs