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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:
Tools & Materials
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