A few weeks ago I checked out a local auction house in hopes of finding a nice stool to use with my new work table. This particular auction house is known for selling off returned items from some local and online big box stores so I thought it might be worth a shot.

As I was leaving the preview warehouse, I spotted this pallet of lights at the entrance.

I thought to myself, those are kind of cool, I bet I could repaint them and turn them into a cool, unique, marquee sign. An upgrade from the cheap letters Michaels has been selling and something with a little more decorator flare. I also thought they would make great focal points for the lavish weddings I’ve seen on Pinterest. Then I talked myself out of even thinking more about it.

But I couldn’t resist the call of a good refurbish challenge so I bid on them and got all four, plus a bunch of other lighting, for really cheap. That was exciting, but then I immediately started to panic about how I was going to get them home–and what was my husband going say when came home to a pile of worn out casino lights. Thankfully my two boys were able to help me out and they went and picked it all up for me.

The wiring was more challenging than expected. At one point I tried to use a DIY lamp plug to hard wire the little lights, but as soon as I plugged them in . . . Pop, pop, pop, pow . . .they all blew. . Ugh! These marquee’s also have a yellow neon light on the back that I was too chicken to try and wire so back to the garage they went.

I searched high and low online for some replacement light options and was surprised that I couldn’t find what I needed. The bulb bases were too big or the lights too small with no way to secure them in. After a couple weeks of thinking and searching I finally found these plastic led bulb covers that worked perfectly with some customizable led lights. The light string can be set on a 6 hour timer and operates with either batteries or wall plug.

I’m just waiting on the string lights to arrive so I can finish up the first marquee. My dad showed me how to safely wire the neon and I was excited see that all of the work perfectly.

I’m going to finish off two of lights and leave two in an almost finished state so I can customize the colors for the next buyer. Check out my photos below for my progress so far.

The signs in their original state:

The signs in progress:

An almost completed sign in distressed teal and silver (just waiting for all the lights)

A new color choice of red and silver:

I will be selling these for $200 each through my Etsy Shop. Shipping will vary depending on the service and the distance they need to travel. Message me for a custom quote.

Check back soon for images of the finished products. I have four signs to sell and will customize with your colors.