- 1). Collect aluminum cans from friends and family or save your own instead of discarding them after cooking. Cans can be either all the same size for string lighting or vary in shape for individual light features. Remove the can labels and wash the cans thoroughly.
- 2). Paint the cans a base color with acrylic craft paint. Use exterior latex or spray paint if the can lights will be outdoors. You do not need to paint the inside of the cans but may want to for an added flourish of color. Allow the can's base paint color to dry for at least two hours. Leave the can lights a single color, paint a design onto the cans with other colors of craft paint or punch a design into the cans. To punch a design for a more stylish look and to allow light to shine through, free-hand a design or use a stencil. If you use a stencil, trace the shape with a permanent marker and use a hammer and nail to punch holes onto the traced line.
- 3). Spray or brush on a clear acrylic coat sealer to prevent the paint from chipping. The clear coat offers a shiny finish and will protect the can lights from weather when hanging or sitting outdoors. Allow the clear coat to dry thoroughly for 24 hours.
- 4). Turn the cans into lights using one of several options for light sources. Place a small solar orb shaped light inside the can, use tea-light candles or string the cans together with Christmas lights. If you use string lights, miniature light bulbs are likely to show between each can unless you push the cans together firmly and hook them together with craft wire. To push the cans together with craft wire or to make a wire hanger for the lights you will once again need the hammer and nail. Simply measure where you would like the wire to hook onto the cans, mark the spot with a marker and hammer the nail through the can to make a hole.
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