How to Make a DIY Solar Lantern

A solar lantern is the perfect way to add a little ambiance without the hassle of expensive hard-wired lighting. And to give it a finish that’s easy to apply, and will withstand the elements outdoors, I’m teaming up with our friends at Varathane.

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