I’ve been working on some MAjor projects and some little ones around the house and have noticed that a lot of my hardware on various pieces around my house wasn’t looking so great…. well most of it was having issues. Not cool. I did a little research and found out the RIGHT way to paint hardware! Let’s be honest, when I’m working on a piece of furniture and I’ve spent hours, days, weeks, whatever, cleaning – sanding – priming – painting – the piece… I just wanna spray that hardware and put it back on! No questions asked. Well, my friends, that doesn’t always cut it. You see, if I would’ve done it right the-FIRST-time I wouldn’t be redoing it now… Follow me?
Anyway, here’s what you SHOULD do! I promise you, it’s better to not be lazy in the first place but really, laziness wins sometimes when it comes to little things like this.. Sad but true!
First, remove your hardware. These are some around the house that I originally did with ORB (Oil Rubbed Bronze – my fave!) and sadly enough, it had to be redone. I took the hardware off of my tv console and my living room end table and my kitchen cabinet which I can’t wait to show you!
Next, clean your hardware really well. Use Krud Kutter, 409, or any kind of degreaser/cleanser. I used 409 and Lysol wipes because that is what I had on hand. Any good cleaner will work.
When they’re dry, use Kilz spray primer to prime all sides of the hardware. Make sure you shake your can REALLY REALLY well for 3-5 minutes before you spray your hardware or it will leave a little annoying gritty texture on your hardware. YUCK! Feels yucky and looks yucky! No bueno!
Once your hardware is completely dry, grab your favorite spray paint (most people use metallic finishes for hardware but you can get creative and use different colors to customize your piece!) I love oil rubbed bronze and gold. I usually use one of the two.
When the paint dries, you can choose to spray your hardware with a clear laquer to make it more scratch resistant and make your paint job last even longer. It is really worth the extra step.
I really like this stuff! Works great, dries fast and holds up well!
Finally, reattach your hardware.
Here’s a little sneak peek of my recent cabinet makeover. I’m doing a few finishing touches in the kitchen before I show you the reveal but to say I am LOVING it is a huge understatement. 🙂
I can assure you that these steps will help your hardware look newer, much longer! You can use these tips for painting pretty much any surface. Prep, Prime, Paint, Poly! That’s my story and I’m stickin’ to it!
I seriously canNOT WAIT to show you some of the other fun things I’ve been up to! I have got the
DIY bug right now and I’ve been working my magic all over my house! 🙂
21 Comments
Jenny@NorthwestLovelies
February 7, 2012 at 10:53 pmThis tutorial came at the perfect time for me! I’m about a day away from painting some hardware! Thanks so much!
Andi @ Jane of all crafts
February 8, 2012 at 1:48 amI usually prime but never thought to poly!! Such a great idea!
David Edelman
February 8, 2012 at 6:04 pmAs a fourth generation painting contractor, it amazes me as to how much I still learn. The polyurethane idea never occured to me. Next time I spray kitchen cabinets, I am going to try polying the hardware for extra protection. Thank you.
Judy J.Hill
February 11, 2012 at 1:35 amThanks for another informative blog. The place else may I get that type of information written in such an ideal method? I’ve a challenge that I’m just now working on, and I’ve been on the look out for such information.
Moon Sand Disney Princess
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September 3, 2012 at 7:46 pmhow did you do the handle that moves without getting too much primer and paint on it?? I have some I’m going to redo and I concerned about those
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Ana
July 19, 2015 at 5:42 pmGreat post! I’m looking to update a desk with those L-shaped, gold metal pieces that are pictured on the green dresser. I’ve been trying to find them online but haven’t had much luck because I can’t figure out what they’re called! What are these metal corners called and where do you recommend finding them? Thanks!
Nina
May 18, 2019 at 9:35 amDid you ever find the L shaped pieces on line? Or what they are called?
I have them on 2 dressers
Thank you
Saprena
September 15, 2019 at 1:07 amI’m very late in reading this post and the comments, but those brackets are actually one of the forms of campaign hardware for campaign style furniture. The ones you are inquiring about are called, ironically, an L bracket. There is also an X bracket and a T bracket.
Hopefully you were able to find out the answer to your question long before now, but if not, I hope this helped!
Elvira
August 24, 2015 at 6:31 amI have a dresser to refinish right now, and I’m probably going to spray paint the hardware…so thanks for the tips–yours look great 🙂
Jessica DiMaggio
February 23, 2016 at 2:42 pmLove the idea! Now that a few years have gone by how have they held up?
Mallory & Savannah
March 23, 2016 at 9:43 amIt has held up great!!Thanks for stopping by!
mariam
December 29, 2017 at 7:19 pmWhat do you use to clean the handles on A daily/weekly basis? Does it hold up to the constant wiping? (I have small kids lol)
Mallory & Savannah
February 8, 2018 at 1:10 pmI use Clorox wipes. 🙂
Lucy
January 21, 2018 at 11:24 amCan’t wait to try this. What kind of poly did you use?
Mallory & Savannah
February 8, 2018 at 12:58 pmMinwax Polycrylic 🙂
Candace Pydo
January 22, 2018 at 8:35 amI hope your site is still up and running
Marie
January 26, 2018 at 5:38 amHow has the paint held up to everyday wear and tear? Have you had to redo any of them?
Mallory & Savannah
February 8, 2018 at 12:58 pmIt’s held up great! Its all about proper prep work!
Kathy Culler
April 25, 2020 at 12:04 pmI refinished kitchen cabinets and now are deciding about what to do about the hardware. Have you ever used this process for kitchen hinges? Does it hold up? I’m redoing cabinets at a lake house and many people use the kitchen. I’m concerned about the durability.
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July 1, 2020 at 6:19 am[…] How to properly paint furniture fittings source […]