Your kitchen handles look old and worn. They make your whole kitchen feel dated. You can fix this problem without buying new hardware. Painting your kitchen hardware, it saves money and gives your kitchen a fresh new look.
How to paint kitchen hardware In 5 Steps
1- Remove Your Handles
2 – Clean the Hardware
3 – Spray the Bonding Primer
4 – Spray Paint the Handles
5 – Reattach your handles
How to paint kitchen hardware in 5 Steps
Painting kitchen hardware is easy when you follow the right steps. You need the right tools and materials. This process takes about 2-3 hours total. The results will surprise you.
Start with cabinet pulls and drawer handles. Clean them well before painting. Use primer for the best results. Apply thin coats of spray paint. Let each coat dry completely.
Step 1 – Remove Your Handles
Take off all cabinet handles and drawer pulls first. Use a screwdriver to remove each screw. Keep all screws in a small bowl so you don’t lose them.
Label each handle with tape if they’re different sizes. This helps you put them back in the right spots later. Work slowly and be careful not to scratch your cabinets.
Step 2 – Clean the Hardware
Wash all handles with warm soapy water. Remove grease, dirt, and food buildup. Use an old toothbrush for hard-to-reach spots. Rinse with clean water and dry completely.
For tough grease, use a degreasing cleaner. Make sure all soap residue is gone before moving to the next step. Clean hardware helps paint stick better.
Step 3 – Spray the Bonding Primer
Apply bonding primer to all surfaces. This helps paint stick to metal or plastic handles. Use light, even coats. Don’t spray too thick or you’ll get drips.
Let primer dry for the time listed on the can. Work in a well-ventilated area or outside. Wear a mask to protect yourself from fumes.
Step 4 – Spray Paint the Handles
Apply your chosen paint color in thin coats. Hold the spray can 6-8 inches away from handles. Move the can back and forth smoothly. Don’t stop moving or you’ll create thick spots.
Wait between coats as directed on the paint can. Most spray paints need 2-3 coats for full coverage. Light colors may need more coats than dark ones.
Step 5 – Reattach Your Handles
Wait 24 hours before handling painted hardware. This lets the paint cure properly. Carefully screw each handle back into place. Use the same holes you removed them from.
Don’t overtighten screws or you might chip the new paint. Your newly painted handles will look like expensive new hardware at a fraction of the cost.
How to Fix a Messy Spray Paint Finish
Paint runs and drips happen to everyone. Don’t panic when you see them. You can fix most problems with a little patience.
For drips, let the paint dry completely first. Sand the drip gently with fine-grit sandpaper. Clean off dust and apply another light coat of paint.
Orange peel texture comes from holding the spray can too close. Sand lightly and respray from farther away. Thin coats always look better than thick ones.
If paint won’t stick, you didn’t clean well enough. Strip the paint and start over with better cleaning and primer.
Tips for Successful Spray Painting
Temperature matters when spray painting. Paint between 65-75°F for best results. Avoid windy days if working outside. Wind blows dust onto wet paint.
Practice your spray technique on cardboard first. This helps you get the right distance and speed. Keep the can moving at all times.
Use a spray booth or cardboard box to contain overspray. This protects surrounding areas from paint mist. Good preparation saves cleanup time later.
Shake paint cans for the full time recommended. This mixes the paint properly for even coverage.
Painting Cabinet Pulls
Cabinet pulls are the easiest hardware to paint. Their flat surfaces take paint evenly. Start with pulls if you’re new to painting hardware.
Remove pulls completely before painting. This gives you access to all surfaces. Paint them separately from handles for better results.
Spray Paint Hardware
Choose paint designed for metal surfaces. These paints bond better and last longer. Read labels carefully before buying.
Automotive spray paint works well for kitchen hardware. It’s designed to withstand daily use and cleaning.
Painting Drawer Pulls
Drawer pulls often have more detailed shapes than cabinet handles. Take extra time cleaning all the grooves and curves. Use a small brush to reach tight spots.
Apply primer and paint in the same direction as the handle shape. This prevents buildup in corners and crevices.
Spray Paint Cabinet Pulls
Cabinet pulls come in many shapes and sizes. Some have raised designs that need special attention. Others are simple and smooth.
For detailed pulls, use light coats to avoid filling in the design details. Multiple thin coats look better than one thick coat.
Best Spray Paint for Kitchen Handles
Oil-based spray paint lasts longer than water-based paint. It stands up better to daily use and cleaning. Brands like Rust-Oleum and Krylon make good options.
Satin or semi-gloss finishes work best for kitchen hardware. They’re easy to clean and don’t show fingerprints as much as flat paint. Matte finishes get dirty quickly in kitchens.
Choose colors that match your kitchen style. Black and brushed nickel are popular choices. White works well in modern kitchens. When planning your affordable kitchen remodel ideas, painted hardware can make a big impact.
Consider the finish of other kitchen elements. Match your stainless steel vs cast iron pans and appliance finishes for a coordinated look.
Metallic spray paints give handles a high-end appearance. They cost more but look like real metal finishes. Apply them just like regular spray paint.
Test paint colors on hidden areas first. Lighting in your kitchen affects how colors look. What looks good in the store might not match your space.
For kitchens with best kitchen appliances for seniors, choose high-contrast colors that are easy to see. This improves safety and usability.
Quality paint costs more upfront but saves money long-term. Cheap paint chips and fades quickly. You’ll need to repaint sooner with low-quality products.
Store leftover paint for touch-ups later. Keep the can label so you remember the exact color and brand. Small chips and scratches are easy to fix when you have matching paint.
Your paint kitchen hardware will look great for years with proper care. Clean gently with mild soap and avoid harsh scrubbers. The time and effort you put into this project will pay off every time you open a cabinet door.
