How to Spray Paint Outdoor Light Fixtures Step 1: Remove the Fixtures or Mask around Them. Before painting, you must either take the fixture down from its mount or mask the surrounding surfaces. Step 2: Clean the Fixtures. Step 3: Remove Any Paint or Rust. Step 4: Apply Primer. Step 5: Apply Topcoat. Step 6: Finish Up/Reinstall Fixtures. Click to see full answer. Simply so, can I paint my outdoor light fixtures?No need to buy new outdoor light fixtures when they start to age and get rusty. Try painting them instead using a hammered finish paint. It is easy to do and will transform your light in less than an hour.Subsequently, question is, how do you paint exterior metal? How to Paint Outdoor Metal Scrub away all rust, existing paint and dirt with a wire brush and steel wool. Lay a drop cloth under the metal to keep paint from getting on the ground. Tape off any areas you might not want paint to get on, using painters tape. Simply so, can you paint a metal light fixture? – Since you can’t scratch up the surface on a piece of smooth metal like this light to help the paint adhere – spray on a coat of metal primer first to help the paint adhere. Let it dry thoroughly before applying paint. Spray a light coat of spray paint in a glossy formula over the object you are working on.Can you paint a light fixture without taking it down?Simply apply the paint either long way around the shade or short, up and down strokes, making your way around the shade. Do make sure your paint is not too thick and try to apply evenly. You want it to “soak in”. Several light coats are better than one heavy one.