Do you have old candle sconces you're no longer using? Even if you don't, you can find them for cheap on thrift store shelves. Why not turn them into unique one-of-a-kind solar fence lights for your yard? They are so easy to convert using this simple step-by-step tutorial.

DIY Solar Fence Lights

When adding a privacy screen on our deck (more about that project soon) it was begging for solar lights to flank the DIY Wooden Birdhouse Sign I had hanging. That's when I remembered two metal candle scones I had previously spray painted a creamy white and unsuccessfully tried to sell at a couple of markets.

They would make perfect one-of-kind outdoor lights to add a romantic ambiance to our backyard deck. But using wax or battery-operated candles exposed to the elements would not be wise nor would the hassle of having to turn them on each night. So I came up with a way to convert the sconces into solar fence lights.

Convert candle sconces easily into one-of-a-kind solar fence lights

Budget-Friendly Deck Makeover Series - Project Three
Refreshing our outdoor living space on a beer budget!


Before I get into the how-to, this is what they looked like before, after having been spray painted.

Step 1 - Painting the candle sconces

We've incorporated a seafoam green to match the solid stain skirting on our beer budget deck restoration. I happened to have on hand a custom mix of chalk paint from a previous project that was an almost exact match to the seafoam green stain colour. I brushed three coats to completely cover the creamy white.

Step 2 - Painting tops of solar panel yard lights

I looked everywhere for solar yard lights with a large glass fixture but unfortunately, they only came in large multiples, and I only needed two. I found these plastic ones at the dollar store and while not as classy as glass, they work just fine.

I removed the stems from the lights and painted the solar tops the same seafoam green to match the painted metal sconces.


To add dimension, I layered whitewash glaze with a chip brush onto both the solar caps and sconces, removing the excess with a lint-free rag.


Once the glaze was completely dry, they were protected with Gator Hide, a matte waterproof sealer (link in materials list).

Step 3 - Converting the sconces to solar

The solar light base was attached to the candleholder with E6000 glue. In order to keep the sconce upright during the curing process, I wrapped a soft cloth around the base and held it in place with a vice.


Twist on the painted solar cap and they're ready to head outdoors to catch some rays!

So there you have it, three quick and easy steps to convert candle scones into unique, one-of-a-kind DIY Solar Fence Lights


Here's a close up of one of the solar lights hanging on the privacy screen...


To find the products I used or recommend for this makeover, I've included a materials list below. They are affiliate links which means that if you click on one of the products and make a purchase, I will receive a small portion of any sales at no additional cost to you. See my full disclosure policy.


These easy DIY Solar Fence Lights would look wonderful hanging on fence posts flanking a gate or hanging on a fence flanking a garden bench. Ours look lovely flanking a cute sign on a privacy screen.



In case you missed any of the DIY projects in our budget-friendly deck makeover series, here's a recap:

DIY Birdhouse Sign
Budget-Friendly Deck Restore
Easy DIY Solar Fence Lights
How To Stain A Super Easy DIY Outdoor Rug (the project that had me MIA for two weeks)
A Quick And Easy Way To Re-Stain Adirondack Chairs
A Playful Headboard Garden Bench
How To Add Charm To Boring Outdoor Red Cushions
Deck Privacy Screen From Repurposed Doors