Painting cabinet hardware is a simple yet impactful way to refresh the look of your kitchen or bathroom. Whether you’re tired of the outdated color or just want to match your hardware to new decor, this DIY project can breathe new life into your space without breaking the bank. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best techniques and tips for painting cabinet hardware, including the use of spray and acrylic paint. Get ready to transform your cabinets and drawers with ease!
Painting Cabinet Hardware
Thinking of painting your cabinet and drawer hardware? You will face two main challenges: choosing the right paint and ensuring that the paint adheres well to the hardware. Choosing the right paint and painting it correctly is especially important for small, glossy cabinet handles.
What are Cabinet and Drawer Handles Made of?
Most cabinet and drawer handles are made from plastic, metal, or ceramic. Regardless of the material, you can repaint them. However, as mentioned earlier, extra care is needed when painting small, shiny handles, as they can be tricky to work with.
By painting your cabinet hardware, you can give them a fresh, new look and ensure they match the rest of your furniture. But keep in mind, painting small handles may be more challenging than expected. Applying too much paint can cause drips and slow down the drying process. Below, we’ve broken down what to watch out for based on the type of paint. Let’s start by discussing what paint works best for cabinet hardware.
What is the Best Paint for Cabinet Hardware?
The best paints for cabinet hardware are spray paint and acrylic paint. Acrylic paint is a popular choice because it’s easy to work with and can be thinned with water as needed. You can use a small brush to easily apply acrylic paint to cabinet handles.
The second option for painting hardware is spray paint. Spray paint can reach even the tiniest crevices and dries quickly, so you won’t have to wait for hours for the hardware to dry. Which of these two options do you prefer? Below, we explain how to paint cabinet hardware with both acrylic and spray paint in detail, helping you make an informed decision.
How to Paint Cabinet Hardware with Acrylic Paint?
Acrylic paint is one of the best choices for painting cabinet hardware because it’s easy to apply and dries quickly. All you need is a brush and your favorite color of acrylic paint. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when painting with acrylic. Here are the details:
Before starting, inspect the surface of the hardware. If the handle is glossy or coated, lightly sand it to help the acrylic paint adhere better. Sanding the surface will improve paint adhesion and durability.
Next, wipe off the sanding dust with a damp cloth. Apply a coat of acrylic primer and let it dry for at least 5 hours. Then, apply two coats of acrylic paint, waiting 5 hours between coats. Once the paint is dry, apply a coat of acrylic varnish to make the handles more resistant to wear and tear.
You can skip some of these steps if you paint the handles directly. However, we still recommend sanding glossy handles to prevent the paint from peeling prematurely.
How to Paint Cabinet Hardware with Spray Paint?
Spray paint is one of the quickest ways to paint almost anything, including cabinet hardware. While it may seem like a fast solution, spray paint can create a thick layer, leading to drips or streaks. To avoid this, apply thin coats. Here’s how:
First, remove the cabinet hardware and place it on old newspaper or a drop cloth. Apply a thin layer of spray primer and wait 30 minutes. Follow with a thin coat of spray paint and wait 5 hours. Afterward, apply a coat of spray varnish. Let the hardware dry for several hours. If the spray paint is applied too thickly, it will take longer to dry and could chip easily from nail scratches. To reduce the risk of chipping, wait a full day before reattaching the hardware.
Final Thoughts on Painting Cabinet Hardware for a Fresh Look
In conclusion, painting cabinet hardware is a quick and budget-friendly way to refresh your kitchen or bathroom furniture. Both spray paint and acrylic paint are excellent options for this project—spray paint dries quickly, while acrylic paint allows for more control and precision. For small, glossy handles, it’s important to sand the surface and use the right primer for the best results. By following the correct techniques, you can achieve a durable, professional-looking finish on your cabinet hardware. “If your cabinet handles are made of plastic, you may be interested in this article. How to paint plastic?”
