How to Make Unique Custom Drawer Pulls

Use a variety of different size brushes for different paint effects.

A piece of furniture or cabinetry can look entirely different with different drawer pulls. Convert your furniture drawer pulls with decorative painting techniques. Use the old drawer pulls or purchase new ones to create unique, innovative designs not found elsewhere. When purchasing new drawer pulls, purchase a few extra as practice pieces.

Things You'll Need

• Drawer pulls
• Drill
• Wood putty
• Latex paint
• Sea sponge, paintbrush or foam brushes
• Bubble wrap
• Unsharpened pencils
• Cotton swabs
• Polyurethane

Instructions

1. Remove the old hardware. Look to see how many holes are in the furniture. If you are replacing the drawer pulls, you will need to purchase hardware that fits into these holes perfectly. Otherwise, fill in the holes with wood putty, let it dry and sand. Drill new holes for where your new draw pulls will be placed.

2. Paint a solid base coat onto your drawer pull with latex paint. Use a sea sponge, paintbrush or foam brush to cover the entire drawer pull with paint. Allow it to dry. When dry, look at the piece and ensure you have covered the entire drawer pull. Add a second coat for added durability and protection.

3. Decorate the drawer pulls with different paint techniques. Sponge on a second, opposing color, or use metallic paint. Stamp designs onto drawer pulls with a solid surface. Use items found at home, such as small bubble wrap, unsharpened pencils or cotton swabs, to stamp different types of circle designs. Hand paint letters or sayings onto the drawer pulls, or paint different sections of each drawer pull a different color. Let the paint dry.

4. Apply a coat of clear polyurethane. Use spray paint, or use a brush to apply the clear coat. The polyurethane will protect the paint from chipping and make the pulls simple to clean. Add several coats for added durability.

Tips & Warnings

• Flip through decorative paint books at your local bookstore or library. Look for innovative color combinations in fabric and your favorite artist's work. Practice on cardboard before painting your drawer pull.

• When repainting your current drawer pulls, ensure they are very clean. Scrub away any dirt and grime with a small toothbrush. Use soap and water to remove any additional dirt. Paint will not stick to an unclean surface.

References

• "Decorative Painting and Faux Finishes"; Sharon Ross; 2004
• "Kevin McCloud's Complete Book of Paint and Decorative Techniques"; Kevin McCloud; 1997