How to Paint Nickel

Alter the appearance of a nickel surface by adding a colorful finish. Before you paint, consider the following: unlike wood an drywall, nickel is nonporous. This makes the surface poorly-suited for new finishes. Improve the nickel's adhesive qualities by applying an acidic etching primer. Once the nickel is primed, you may apply paint. Select a durable, enduring enamel, or cracking and flaking may ultimately ensue. Recognize potential problems before they occur, or you may generate disappointing results.

Things You'll Need

• Waterborne de-greasing cleanser
• Coarse plastic brush
• Sponge
• Water hose
• Rags
• Masking paper
• Professional painter's tape
• Drop cloths
• Cans of galvanized metal etching spray primer
• Cans of spray enamel
• Roller frame
• Nap roller cover
• 2- to 4-inch polyester paintbrush

Instructions

1. Use a sponge to wash the nickel surface with a waterborne de-greasing cleanser. Rinse exterior nickel, using a water hose. Use wet rags to rinse interior nickel surfaces. Allow the nickel to dry for two hours.

2. Protect areas on and adjacent to the nickel surface by covering them with masking paper, drop cloths and painter's tape.

3. Coat the clean nickel surface with galvanized metal etching spray primer. Maintain eight inches between the nickel and the spray nozzle as you apply. Allow the nickel to dry for three hours.

4. Coat the primed nickel surface with spray enamel. Maintain eight inches between the nickel and the spray nozzle as you apply. Allow the nickel to dry for three hours.

Tips & Warnings

• If you need to finish a large nickel surface, use a roller and paintbrush.

• Do not paint un-primed nickel, or the finish will peel.

• Do not use acrylic, oil or latex primers on nickel, or the finish will flake.