How To Make A Diy Solar Lantern

They make a fast-drying stain that saves me time, and a water-based spar urethane that seals out water. For this project I also grabbed some scrap 1x boards and picked up square dowels, wire hardware cloth, and a solar light bulb.

Steps for Making a Solar Lantern

Step 1: Cut the Parts Download our cut list above. Using a miter saw, cut the parts. To cut the dowels, set the saw to 2.5-degrees. To make the dowels splay outward in both directions, tip the dowel on edge during the cut as shown. Step 2: Drill the Top Hole Drill a hole in the center of the lantern top for the solar light bulb. Step 3: Assemble the Parts Assemble the parts by drilling pilot holes through the top and bottom boards and into the square dowels. Secure the pieces with wood glue and screws. Step 4: Size the Hardware Cloth Trace the inside opening of the assembled frame onto the hardware cloth. Step 5: Cut the Hardware Cloth Cut three panels from the hardware cloth. Step 6: Apply the Stain Sand the parts, and then wipe away any dust with a lint-free cloth. Using a lint-free cloth, wipe on a coat of stain in the direction on the grain. I’m using a Varathane color called Weathered Gray. Let the stain set for two to three minutes. Wipe away the excess stain with a lint-free cloth, and let dry for at least an hour. Step 7: Apply the Top Coat Brush on a coat of Spar Urethane with a synthetic bristle brush. Let dry for an hour. Step 8: Coat the Hardware Cloth Lastly, spray the hardware cloth with two coats of flat black spray paint. Step 9: Attach the Hardware Cloth Staple the hardware cloth panels to the filler strips. Step 10: Secure the Side Panels Secure the assembled hardware cloth and filler strips inside the lantern frame with nails. Step 11: Install the Light Bulb Secure the solar light bulb with glue.

Tools:

Materials:

Varathane® Premium Fast Dry Wood Stain in Weathered Gray Varathane® Spar Urethane in Satin Rust-Oleum® Painter’s Touch® 2x Spray Paint in Flat Black Synthetic Bristle Brush Sanding Sponge Solar Light bulb 1 x 6 Board (or scrap) 1 x 5 Board (or scrap) (2) ¾” x ¾”x 36” Square Dowel (8) 2-inch wood screws 3/8-inch Staples 1¼-inch Finish Nails Wood Glue Lint-Free Cloth