How to Make Paint Stick to Smooth Polished Brass

It isn't difficult to paint over a smooth brass surface, although it does take some work.

Painting over wood is a fairly simple process, but brass is harder to paint over since it is a slick surface that doesn't take paint as well. It is possible to paint over brass, however. If you want to repaint a brass mirror frame or brass hardware for drawers and doors, you just need to do a little extra prep work. The key to painting over a smooth brass surface is to rough up the surface a little.

Things You'll Need

• Denatured alcohol
• Cleaning cloth
• Self-etching primer spray
• Paint primer (optional)
• Spray paint

Instructions

1. Dampen a cloth with denatured alcohol and clean the brass item you want to repaint thoroughly.

2. Read the manufacturer's directions on the label of the self-etching primer spray. Self-etching primer spray is a corrosive substance that will roughen the smooth surface of the brass and help the paint adhere. The directions will usually advise you to spray evenly over the surface of the item and allow it to dry for twenty or thirty minutes. Follow the directions and apply the self-etching primer accordingly.

3. Determine whether or not you need a paint primer. Most self-etching primer sprays have a built-in paint primer. Read the label on your self-etching primer and determine if you need a separate paint primer. If you do, apply a paint primer and allow it to dry.

4. Apply a coat of spray paint to the brass item. Allow it to dry. Apply a second coat of spray paint if needed.

Tips & Warnings

• If you don't have self-etching primer spray, use steel wool to roughen up the surface of the brass and then apply a paint primer.

References

• Prudent Baby: How to Paint Over Brass