Paint will not adhere to a metal hinge unless it is specially conditioned to accept the paint. Unlike wood, metal is not porous and cannot soak up the adhesives in paint. Before you apply paint to a metal hinge, you must abrade it to promote adhesion. Unfortunately metal is too hard and durable for friction-based abrasion based on sanding. Instead, you must apply a special kind of primer to the surface that etches the metal and gives the paint something to adhere to.
Step 1
Remove the metal hinges with a screwdriver, and take them to a well-ventilated area.
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Step 2
Clean the hinges using mineral spirits and a rag. Allow 15 minutes for the mineral spirits to evaporate before continuing.
Step 3
Lay the metal hinges on top of a fabric drop cloth.
Step 4
Put on latex gloves.
Step 5
Apply a very thin coat of etching primer to the metal hinges. Apply only short, intermittent bursts. Do not spray a steady, consistent stream as this may lead to runs in the finish.
Step 6
Allow the etching primer to cure for four hours. Open and close the hinges every 30 minutes during the dry time to prevent them from sticking.
Step 7
Apply two coats of oil-based spray paint to the metal hinges in the same manner as you did the primer. Allow two hours of dry time between each coat.
Step 8
Allow the paint to cure for four hours before you reattach the hinges.
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