Christmas Lights on Stucco? Don't Make These Mistakes

Installing Solar-Powered Christmas Lights

The video demonstrates how to install solar-powered Christmas lights on a textured exterior wall and shares lessons learned along the way.

Plan the Display

Sketch and measure the layout to estimate how many lights you’ll need and decide where the strands will go.

Test the Lights Before Installation

Charge the solar lights and confirm they work. Test the programmable settings before mounting them.

Mount the Solar Panel

1. Mark the mounting holes.
2. Drill holes sized for the included anchors.
3. Tap the anchors in gently, then attach the mount with the included screws.
4. Tighten the screws by hand without overtightening.

A hammer drill is recommended for concrete. Mark the required drilling depth on the bit with blue tape.

Use the Right Tools for Masonry

Ordinary drill bits struggled with the concrete, and nails bent during installation. Masonry drill bits made pre-drilling easier. The video advises against attempting the job without bits designed for concrete.

Keep the Strand Tidy and Taut

Secure excess wire with a twist tie. As you hang the lights, use a bulb as a guide to maintain tension and mark where the next nail should go. Add a support where needed to prevent sagging.

Plan Strand Connections

The installer placed the ends of two strands together and used nearby, evenly spaced nails to make them look like one continuous run.

Consider Year-Round Use

The subtle lights can stay up and change colors for different holidays. Because they’re solar-powered, they don’t add to the electric bill.

Products and Presenter

The video features solar string lights with a solar panel, remote control, mounting hardware, anchors, screws, and masonry drill bits. It’s from Kimagine DIY, hosted by Kim.