Painting cabinets can be a big project that requires a lot of time and energy. There are many ways to paint kitchen cabinet hardware to make them look new, but we have found the most efficient ways and will discuss them in this article. If your cabinets haven't been completed, you can learn how to paint unfinished cabinets in easy steps and look for further options like painting metal kitchen cabinets, how to paint plastic, painting thermofoil cabinets, how to paint unfinished cabinets and lots more on our blog!
These methods have been tested and proven effective at getting the job done quickly and efficiently. Let's get right into how to paint kitchen cabinet hardware.
Starting the process to paint kitchen cabinet hardware
The first thing you need to do is get the tools and materials for painting kitchen cabinet hardware.
To paint small screws, grab two pairs of needle-nose pliers. You will also need a pair of side cutters or tin snips (they are safer), a magnetic screwdriver, and a spray bottle filled with water. You might also want a couple of paper towels handy so that you can wipe away any excess paint from the container.
We use our cordless drill because it has an adjustable speed setting which allows us to change the torque depending on the material we're working with. But if you don't have one available, using your hands works too. First, remove all items from anywhere they could be affected by the paint. Remove the handles and drawers from your cabinets.
Store the items in another room far away from where you are working so that you don't accidentally paint them too. You also want to put a drop cloth down before you begin anything else in case any of the paint spills.
How to paint kitchen cabinet hardware with spray bottles
After spraying your first piece, wait one minute for it to dry before moving onto the next area (or else you might have smudges). By using the water bottle you will need fewer trips to the sink which means fewer chances of dropping something.
Just point and spray liberally all over each surface where there is hardware until all parts are covered by at least two coats. Then let it dry for about an hour before replacing it in the cabinet. If you don't want to wait that long, then cover your hardware with a drop cloth and leave it somewhere else for an hour or two so it can dry more quickly.
Using a magnetized screwdriver to help with the painting process
First, grab your handle or knob and try placing it on top of the screw head. If it doesn't fit right away then rotate it (or flip it over) so that the other side fits better. Once you have found which way works best for your situation, place the tip of your screwdriver onto the end of the screw.
Be careful not to let any of your fingers get caught between the screwdriver and cabinet while doing this. Now press down slowly until all parts go below the surface. You can repeat with whatever screws are still visible on your first piece by using this method.
The screws should be securely in place once you apply the pressure. If not then keep putting a little bit more on until they are. Any screw that is sticking out too far can be removed with side cutters and trimmed down so they aren't as big or visible.
Does spray painting door hinges last?
In general, it depends on the number of coats you apply. It is always better to apply as many thin layers as you can instead of one or two thick ones. We recommend having at least three thin layers for perfect results every time.
Afterward, when re-installing your hardware be sure not to hit any metal parts against the walls since they may leave scratches. Besides that, everything should look great.
Protecting the surface of your cabinets with tape
While mudding your drawers, doors, and other pieces that you want to paint you will want to use masking tape.
This is especially important when spraying since it can get on surfaces that you don't expect it to and ruin your finish before you have a chance to rub in any touch-ups.
The best kind of tape we have found for this job is blue painters' tape. But if you don't have any, put some plain clear scotch tape over the metal parts first and then add an extra layer of blue painters' tape on top for extra protection.
If there are any areas where the handle connects to the cabinet then cover those up too but be sure not to leave any gaps between the tape and surface.
Protecting your cabinets during painting with plastic sheeting
If you don't want to bother with using tape then try using some plastic sheeting instead.
Cut out a piece that is just slightly larger than the cabinet door below it, or else it won't be able to close properly (or at all).
Place it over the surface when spraying so that there is no chance of water damage (or paint getting on other parts of your kitchen either).
If you have an extra set of hands then this will make things significantly easier since not as much time will need to be spent cleaning cabinets up afterward.
Additional information about spray painting door hinges
The choice to use a metallic color will make your hardware stand out without needing to use dark paint. You can also use other colors if you feel like being more creative and want to match the rest of your kitchen design.
Normally, you wouldn't want to paint any type of metal with spray paint since it could dull the finish or even damage it if not done properly.
It doesn't require a lot either so try to use as few thinners as possible without sacrificing quality, especially when applying more than one coat. If too much is left on too long then you can leave streaks which will have to be rubbed out slowly and carefully until they disappear completely (or your cabinet door will look like it has tiger stripes).
Painting your kitchen cabinet hardware with a brush or roller
If you don't want to take the chance of using spray paint when painting your cabinet hardware, then you have two other options: brushing or rolling. If applying several coats to large surfaces like drawer fronts then it is best to use an angled brush.
This will allow for better coverage in corners and difficult areas without leaving streaks. It is also great if you are painting a dark color since an extra coat can be added quickly when working like this.
For those who would rather use a roller, then just go ahead and do so. You can create the same finish by taping off the area that you don't want paint getting on.
Afterward, apply thin layers just as you would with a brush – you may need to do this one section at a time especially if the surface is big since it could require more paint than that which comes in an average can.
Brushing on metallic finish
If using just a brush then follow these directions: Start by painting over your hinges and handles first so that they are completely covered evenly.
Use thin layers of the coating to avoid making them look shiny and stop when they are still smooth rather than looking wet. If applying another coat, be sure to wait 24 hours before doing so otherwise, they won't stick properly to the previous layer.
Let everything dry for about 48 hours before testing your painted hardware out even though it will probably feel like forever until you get there.
How long does paint take to dry?
The average time that is needed to wait in between coats is six hours, but only if applying one at a time and not multiple layers (also keep in mind that some paints can take 24 hours or more).
The rule of thumb here is the longer it takes, the better it is since you can be sure that nothing will drip or leave streaks when it is applied correctly. It also makes the color more likely to stay consistent and even throughout the surface instead of fading after a while.
Final thoughts to consider when painting kitchen cabinet hardware
After everything is done, put on the hardware and make sure it's secure.
If anything feels loose or starts to come off then that area needs to be redone before something bad happens like it breaking completely out of your cabinet during normal use (this could also mean that you didn't wait long enough for a layer to dry).
So there you have it – everything from the different types of finishes to choosing between painting with a brush or roller.
Just follow this advice and you will have great-looking custom painted kitchen cabinet hardware in no time at all.
If you want to take thing sto the next level, also consider these popular kitchen cabinet handles in your next kitchen renovation session.
