Despite their worn appearance, I still value these Energizer lights for their performance and aesthetic appeal. I decided to restore them rather than replace them.
Restoring Your Solar Pathway Lights: A Step-by-Step Guide
1. Disassemble and Clean: Disassemble each light and clean all components. Group similar parts together to keep organized.
2. Prepare for Painting: Use painter’s tape to cover the solar panel on each light cap. This protects the panel from paint.
3. Painting:
- Lay out large pieces of cardboard to protect surfaces.
- Paint the components with a semi-gloss black enamel spray paint for a sleek, updated look. I used Rust-Oleum for its durability and variety of colors.
- Apply four light coats of paint for long-lasting coverage.
4. Clean and Restore Solar Panels:
- Clear the haze from solar panels using transparent nail polish. This method helps the panels absorb more sunlight, similar to opening a window to let in sunlight.
- Allow the panels to dry in direct sunlight for at least 24 hours.
5. Reassemble and Reinstall: Once all components are painted and dried, reassemble the lights. Space them six to eight feet apart to ensure even illumination. Avoid placing them directly on the walkway; position them a few inches back to light up a broader area.
