The gleam of fresh cabinet handles or the elegant shine of newly painted drawer pulls can breathe new life into your old furniture. But, replacing hardware can be expensive and time-consuming. Instead, grab some paint and get ready to unleash your inner artist! Painting your furniture hardware is a quick, budget-friendly way to refresh your space and personalize your pieces.
Gather Your Tools:
- Screwdriver: Removing and reattaching hardware.
- Cleaning supplies: Degreaser or soapy water and dishcloth.
- Sandpaper: For rough or pitted surfaces, and to add some “tooth” to the surface for the paint to adhere to.
- Primer: For better paint adhesion on slick surfaces.
- Paint: Acrylic, enamel, or spray paint – choose a type suitable for metal or wood.
- Paint brushes or spray can: Depends on your preferred application method.
- Drop cloths: Protect your work surface.
- Toothpicks or skewers: To hold hardware while painting.
- Cardboard box: For holding hardware and catching paint drips.
Step by Step Process:
- Remove the hardware: Gently unscrew handles, knobs, and hinges. Keep track of which pieces belong to where maybe by labelling them with masking tape. I have this Draper Screwdriver Set in the workshop, which covers all manner of screw bases!
- Clean it up: Remove grease, dust, and grime with a degreaser or soapy water. Make sure to get into all the nooks and crannies, use a toothbrush to do this. Let them dry completely. You can find a collection of my cleaning essentials here.
- Prep for paint: If your hardware has a glossy finish or any imperfections, sanding with a 180-grit sandpaper can create a smoother surface for paint adhesion, but also give the surface some “tooth” for the paint to stick to. These sanding sponges are great for this job. Make sure to wipe away all the sanding dust. Apply a thin coat of primer for extra insurance, especially on metal pieces. I use this Rustoleum Surface Primer.
- Hardware: I tend to put the screws back in the hardware and then pop them into a foam pad, or in a cardboard box (whatever I have laying around at the time). This makes them easier to paint/spray. You could also use toothpicks or skewers to hold the hardware upright.
- Painting time! Choose your method:
- Brush painting: Use small, thin coats for better control and avoid drips.
- Spray painting: Work in a well-ventilated area, short bursts from various angles for even coverage.
- Gold Gilding Wax: This is the quickest and easiest method!
This Rustoleum Spray Paint in matt black gives a really modern matt finish to your handles.
Be sure to shake the can well before spraying to make sure the mattifying agent is distributed through the can!
Simply brush the gilding wax onto the handle after cleaning, then buff off with a soft cloth
This gives a lovely metallic finish to the handles
- Patience is key: Let each coat dry completely before adding another. 2-3 coats are usually enough.
- Time to shine! Once the final coat is dry, reattach the hardware to your furniture. Admire your handiwork!
Bonus tips:
- Experiment with different finishes! Metallic paints, chalk paints, or distressed techniques can create unique styles.
- Use painter’s tape to protect areas you don’t want to paint, like screw holes. Here’s some painters tape that I always use.
- If you’re unsure about a colour, test it on a small inconspicuous area first.
- Don’t forget the screws! Paint or dip them in leftover paint for a cohesive look.
With a little effort and creativity, you can transform your worn-out furniture hardware into stunning statement pieces. So, grab your paintbrush, unleash your inner artist, and give your furniture a second life!
Feel free to share your painted hardware makeovers and tips in the comments below!
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See you on the next flip!
Brenda xx
