Imagine a Christmas without a sparkling display of lights around the house; not cool, isn’t it? Hanging Christmas lights in your home may be an uphill task especially when you have no clue of what you are doing. However, you can make the task of hanging outdoor lights easier by using adhesives, clips and hooks. They are very useful when you do not want to drive holes in brick, stones, or stucco. Light clips and outdoor adhesive, which you can get in home improvement sites. The good thing about installing clips is yo do not have to start all over the next year; once you install the clips, you can use them over and over again, and next year’s light-hanging will be faster.
What you need
➢ Ladder
➢ Clips for outdoor lights
➢ Outdoor adhesive
➢ Glue gun
➢ Extension cord
How to attach light strings with clips
Measure the perimeter
It is essential to measure the perimeter you want to decorate so that you can get the right number of strings that will comfortably cover the distance. Know the color pattern you want to display such as using only one color, randomly mixing colors or alternating colors.
Get a sufficient number of clips
Purchase enough number of clips to cover the distance with one clip every 6 to 8 inches; it depends on the type of light you want to use. Bulb-type lights such as C7 use larger clips than mini-lights or icicle lights.
Protect clips with adhesive
Use adhesive along the perimeter you want to decorate to secure the clips. It is advisable to follow the product instructions for applying the adhesive and allowing sufficient time for the adhesive to cure.
Test light string
To ensure there are no burned-out or missing bulbs, test the light string by connecting the lights into an electric outlet. Replace bulbs if necessary, and then unplug the lights and take them outside. Arrange the lights along the line of clips; place the cord in each clip as you go, and then plug the light string into an outdoor outlet, using an extension cord.
How to attach light strings with a hot glue gun
Just like the clips, you need to measure the perimeter and unroll the light string. Also, inspect the string to ensure there is no missing or burned-out bulb.
Apply a line of hot glue along the side of the first bulb socket, and hold the glued side of the socket against the overhang or wall. Hold it for few seconds to cool and set. Continue the process until all the bulb sockets are glued in their positions. Use an outdoor extension cord so you can take the hot glue gun up the ladder.
Connect the light string into an outdoor socket; apply a male outlet to one end and a female socket to the other end before you do it if you are using the type of cord that you cut to measure.
Tips
You can bypass glues or adhesive by using gutter hooks to hang the Christmas lights and other decorations.
The adhesive is permanent, and removing the clips will be difficult. Nonetheless, clips can be used every year, and they enable the light strings to be removed easily.
Hire a professional to decorate your house, while you focus on getting the perfect Christmas gifts for your friends and family, also spending time with them.