How to Paint Kitchen Cabinet Hardware

Improve rather than replace cabinet hardware.

Improve the look of your kitchen cabinets without spending a lot of money by painting your kitchen cabinet hardware rather than replacing it. While knobs and pulls for your cabinet doors may only cost a few dollars each, the overall cost adds up quickly when you have to replace all of the pieces at once. Painting gives you a chance to express your creativity or test out new looks without making a long-term commitment to a certain style.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver
• Egg carton
• Sandpaper
• Newspaper
• Primer
• Spray paint

1. Remove the hardware from the cabinet doors by unscrewing each piece. Label door hinges and their corresponding frames with the same number or letter to eliminate problems you may encounter when rehanging the doors due to slight variations among door frames.

2. Wash all of the door hardware with a degreaser to remove grease, dirt and other foreign substances. Sand the hardware to smooth imperfections and help the new paint to adhere.

3. Turn over an empty cardboard egg carton so that the bottom of the egg holders faces up. Screw the knobs and pulls onto the egg holders so that the hardware faces up and you can take advantage of the space between egg holders to maneuver while painting.

4. Spread newspaper out on a table or the ground. Work outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. Tape the paper to your working surface or use some other means to prevent the sides of the paper from blowing around or shifting. Place the hinges and any other hardware that do not fit on the egg cartons on the paper. Place your egg cartons atop of the papered working surface.

5. Spray the hardware with a paint primer. Allow to dry in the manner and time specified by the paint manufacturer.

6. Shake the can of spray paint for two minutes. Spray a light coat of paint on the hardware. Avoid hovering in any one spot with the paint. Shake the can occasionally throughout the painting session.

7. Allow the paint to dry and apply a second coat to provide a smoother finish.

8. Leave the paint to cure for at least 24. Replace the hardware on the cabinets.

Tips & Warnings

• Use Styrofoam blocks or cardboard boxes as a substitute for the egg cartons.

• Use the best quality paint you can afford to provide a long-lasting finish that will stand up to frequent use and washing.

References

• Rustoleum: How to Spray Paint Handles
• Krylon; Oil Rubbed Bronze Light Fixture; Pete Rossi

Resources

• Apartment Therapy; How to Spray Paint Like a Pro; Kate Wangsgard; Mar. 2011