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 Whether you’re tired of the outdated color or just want to match your hardware to new decor, this DIY project can breathe new life into your space without breaking the bank.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 about painting your cabinet and drawer hardware? You’ll encounter two main challenges: selecting the right paint and ensuring it adheres properly to the hardware. Choosing the right paint and applying it correctly is especially crucial for small, glossy cabinet handles.
What is the Best paint for Painting 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 if needed. Using a small brush, you can apply acrylic paint to cabinet handles with ease.
The second option is spray paint, which can reach even the tiniest crevices and dries quickly, so you won’t have to wait for hours.
Which of these two options do you prefer? Below, we’ll explain how to paint cabinet hardware using both acrylic and spray paint, helping you make the best choice for your project.
What are Cabinet and Drawer Handles Made of?
Most cabinet and drawer handles are made of plastic, metal, or ceramic. No matter the material, they can be repainted. However, as mentioned earlier, extra care is required when painting small, shiny handles, as they can be challenging to work with.
Painting your cabinet hardware can give it a fresh, updated look and help it blend seamlessly with the rest of your furniture. But keep in mind that painting small handles can be trickier than expected. Applying too much paint can lead to drips and delay the drying process.
How to Paint Cabinet Hardware with Acrylic Paint?
Acrylic paint is a great choice for painting cabinet hardware because it’s easy to use and dries quickly. All you need is a brush and your preferred acrylic paint color. It’s especially ideal for larger hardware pieces. However, to get the best results when painting cabinet hardware with acrylic paint, follow these steps:
- Prepare the surface: Examine the hardware. If it’s glossy, coated, or has peeling paint, lightly sand it to improve paint adhesion and durability.
- Clean off dust: Wipe away sanding dust with a damp cloth.
- Apply primer: Use an acrylic primer and let it dry for at least 5 hours.
- Paint in layers: Apply two coats of acrylic paint, allowing each coat to dry for 5 hours.
- Seal with varnish: Once dry, apply an acrylic varnish to protect the hardware from wear and tear.
- You can skip some steps, especially if you’re painting directly, but we highly recommend sanding glossy handles to prevent early paint peeling.
How to Paint Cabinet Hardware with Spray Paint?
Spray painting is one of the quickest ways to update cabinet hardware. However, to avoid drips or streaks caused by thick paint layers, it’s important to apply thin, even coats. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Preparation: Remove the cabinet hardware and place it on an old newspaper or cloth. If possible, spray paint outdoors for better ventilation.
- Prime the hardware: Apply a thin layer of spray primer and let it dry for 30 minutes. “Related: Is paint primer necessary?”
- Apply the first coat of spray paint: Spray a light, even coat and wait 30 minutes for it to dry.
- Apply the second coat: Once the first coat is dry, apply a second thin coat and let it dry for another 30 minutes.
- Seal with varnish: One or two coats of spray varnish will help protect the paint.
- Reattach the hardware: After painting, wait 3–5 hours before reinstalling the hardware. To prevent fingerprints, allow at least 5 hours of drying time before handling. “Tip: Apply thin coats of spray paint to speed up drying and prevent fingerprints!”
Final Thoughts on Painting Cabinet Hardware for a Fresh Look
Painting cabinet hardware is an affordable and effective way to update your kitchen or bathroom furniture. Both spray paint and acrylic paint work well—spray paint offers quick drying, while acrylic paint provides more control and precision. For small, glossy handles, sanding the surface and applying a primer are essential for a lasting, professional finish.
With the right techniques, you can transform your cabinet hardware into a stylish, durable feature. “If your cabinet handles are made of plastic, you may be interested in this article. How to paint plastic?”
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Paint Cabinet Hardware?
Yes, you can paint cabinet hardware! It’s an easy and affordable way to refresh the look of your cabinets.
What Kind of Paint do You Use on Metal Hardware?
For metal hardware, it’s best to use durable paints specifically designed for metal surfaces. Here are your options:
Spray paint for metal: Provides a smooth, even finish and is easy to apply. Look for spray paints labeled as “for metal” or “all-surface.” Oil-based paint: Offers excellent durability and a glossy finish. It’s ideal for areas with frequent use. Acrylic enamel paint: A quick-drying, durable option that adheres well to metal and resists chipping.
Does Spray Painting Cabinet Hardware Last?
Yes, spray painting cabinet hardware can last if done properly. When spray painting cabinet hardware, applying a spray primer before painting and a spray varnish after will help the paint last longer.
What Color Cabinet Hardware is Timeless?
Classic finishes like black, brushed nickel, and oil-rubbed bronze never go out of style. They work with almost any cabinet color and give a timeless, elegant look. If you want something warm and inviting, brass or gold tones are also a great choice!
Can Metal Hardware be Painted?
Yes! You can definitely paint metal hardware. With the right prep—like cleaning, sanding, and priming—it’ll stick well and look great. Just make sure to use a durable paint for a long-lasting finish! “Related article: painting a file cabinet.”
Do I Need to Sand Hardware Before Painting?
Yes, especially if the hardware is glossy or coated. Lightly sanding helps the paint stick better and last longer. If you skip this step, the paint might peel or chip over time. So, a quick sanding is definitely worth it!
