How to Paint Metal Hardware
Many people are surprised to learn that they can rejuvenate old, worn-out metal hardware with a fresh coat of paint. However, it's not as simple as dousing the hardware with spray paint. Metal is smooth and slick, and doesn't hold paint very well. You need a few extra steps of preparation, or your job won't hold up. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Heavy-duty fabric drop cloth or old newspapers
- Rags
- Gloves
- Screwdriver
- Metal hardware
- Mineral spirits
- Etching acid
- Oil-based spray primer
- Oil-based spray paint
Instructions
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1
Work outdoors whenever possible. If you have to work indoors, open the windows to provide ventilation. Use a drop cloth, or spread out newspapers on a table or the floor.
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2
Remove the metal hardware and place on the newspapers. Use mineral spirits to clean the metal thoroughly. Allow about 10 minutes for the mineral spirits to evaporate completely before proceeding.
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3
Following the application instructions on the package, apply etching acid to abrade the metal and promote adhesion. This contributes to a long-lasting finish later. Rinse the metal hardware thoroughly.
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4
Apply a light coat of oil-based spray primer to the metal hardware. Allow an hour to dry on one side of before priming the second side. Let dry an additional hour.
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5
Repeat the previous step, using oil-based spray paint to coat both sides of the hardware. Allow an hour on each side for the paint to dry. Add another coat as necessary.
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Tips & Warnings
Open and close all hinges between each coat of primer and paint to help prevent hinges from sticking shut.
Always read the labels and heed warnings before you apply etching acid. Some etching acids react dangerously with certain metals. For instance, muriatic and nitric acid are generally used to etch steel. However, it will form toxic fumes when used on brass. PCB etch is a type of low-grade etching acid that works safely with most types of metal. PCB is available at painting and home-improvement stores.
