Tips For Painting Old Hardware Gold
Painting furniture and cabinet hardware is a simple, cost-effective DIY project anyone can do! Our step-by-step process will show you exactly how to paint hardware gold for a fresh look!
Gold hardware and fixtures are all the rage right now, so when we were given an old mid-century modern desk a makeover, we knew spraying the hardware gold would be a must.
Key Takeaways
Do you have to use a primer?
If we were painting cabinet hardware, we would recommend using a bonding primer, or an automotive fillable primer beforehand. However, because this was only furniture hardware, we decided to skip straight to using a high-quality gold spray paint.
RELATED DIY – See how to use similar supplies to spray paint a faucet, too!
Supplies You’ll Need
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Before You Begin
Sometimes spray-painted items get a little stuck with extra residue. Setting up a paint station with cardboard or a drop cloth outside can help you paint hardware easily.
Set-Up A Paint Station
Place hardware in the box and stick any visible screws upright into the cardboard for easy spraying.
If needed, you can place craft sticks into foam or cardboard to elevate your cabinet handles and provide full coverage. This will ensure the paint can reach them from multiple angles.
How To Spray Paint Cabinet Hardware
Step 1: Clean Hardware
Remove the hardware from your cabinets. Use a green Scotch-Brite pad to roughen the surface, helping the spray paint adhere better.
Step 2: Wipe Down
Wipe down with a deglosser. No matter what we are painting, we always prep the surface with Krud Kutter. Let the hardware fully dry.
Step 3: Add First Coat Of Paint
Spray a light, fresh coat of paint with large sweeping motions. The first coat will not completely cover the handles. Allow for proper dry time in between (at least 30 minutes).
Step 4: Repeat
Make sure each layer of paint dries. Repeat 2-3 times until all surfaces are covered. We like to wait overnight before handling the newly painted hardware.
PRO TIP – Let your handles and hardware cure as long as possible. We like to let them dry overnight before returning them to the cabinets.
Finish Tips
- THIN COATS – Use thin coats of spray paint.
- DON’T RUSH -Be patient in between coats.
- DIFFERENT ANGLES – Hold the spray nozzle at different angles to help fully paint the hardware.
- 3 COATS – Most likely, at least three coats of spray paint will be needed.
- OUTSIDE CONDITIONS – Don’t try to spray paint on a humid or windy day.
- LARGE MOTIONS – Use large sweeping motions when spraying. It is best to start spraying right before the item and stop past it. This will prevent large droplets from landing on your hardware.
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FAQs
Hammered spray paint gives your hardware a textured look. This is perfect if you have imperfections and want to hide them.
A bonding primer is a good idea. Not only will it stick better than spray paint, but it will also help create a level and rust-free surface. Allow the primer to dry fully for at least 30 minutes before applying your hardware color.
Yes, you can use a similar painting technique to spray your hinges. You may also need to spray the screws if they are external hinges.
Related Projects
- MORE GOLD – Check out our DIY bathroom makeover with gold hardware.
- BUDGET DECOR IDEAS: How To Easily Update Metallic Finishes Without Using Spray Paint
- OUR FAV SPRAY PAINTING PROJECT: Faux Marble Terracotta Flower Pot Tutorial (seriously, you can make these for less than $5)
Painting hardware gold is a great and inexpensive way to get the look you want in your home! You can tackle this DIY project this afternoon with the right supplies and a bit of patience!