Is it possible to use plastic instead of glass in an old lantern?

by **JavierC** on Fri Oct 23, 2009 4:54 am

I am in a kind of low budget. Plus its easier to put plastic than glass, my question is . I have Old lanterns but they are outdoors , so I don't want the inner part from the lamp to get wet. Is there another option ratter than using glass.

10 points best answer

by **MutyaP610** on Fri Oct 23, 2009 5:08 am

It is safer to use glass for it might create trouble if use plastic.

by **jivepacketrat093** on Fri Oct 23, 2009 6:01 am

You would have to test the plastic to make sure that it does not melt or burn. You could go to a plastic shop and ask about a plastic that will stand up to the heat, but is not toxic. Just in case someone brings it inside.

I learned this from a heritage town in Cape Breton. If you take a cow's or bull's horn and soak it in water it will peel like an onion and you will be left with thin translucent, but not transparent strips. That is what they used to use to put inside of lanterns that held candles. It probably would not take the heat of a naptha or propane lantern however, I would want to test it.

by **Tim129** on Fri Oct 23, 2009 10:48 am

It is very difficult to find heat resistent plastic but I have heard that there is some out there in some hardware warehouses, but, I am clueless as to find out where in your locality.

It is advisable to try to find a similar lamp/lantern and their appropriate custom made fittings. Otherwise you will really get yourself in a pickle with replacing an old lantern with a plastic cover. It sounds really stupid really but if the shoe fits as they say?

Is it possible to use plastic instead of glass in an old lantern?