Door knobs get a lot of use, and it is natural for them to start looking cracked, damaged and tired looking after a while. Brass, in particular, ages quickly. Spray-painting doorknobs can breathe a new lease of life into them.
Tools Needed
- A screwdriver
- Sandpaper
- A sponge and some soapy water
- Metal primer
- Spray paint
Time Required
The sanding and spraying process takes just a few minutes, but you should leave the door handle to dry and let the paint harden for a couple of days before you re-install it.
Step By Step Instructions
- Remove the door handle from the door.
- Wipe the door handle down with a sponge soaked in soapy water, then blot it dry.
- Sand the handle vigorously so that any dirt that is on it is removed, and it is rough enough to accept the paint. Do not rush this step. Make sure that the entire door handle has been thoroughly sanded.
- Wipe off any dust that is left behind after the sanding is done.
- Spray the door handle with some metal primer, and allow it to dry.
- Once the primer has dried, spray your chosen colour of paint, and again allow it to dry.
- Inspect the paint job, if it is patchy or not thick enough, add a second coat.
- Leave the paint to harden for a couple of days before re-installing the handle on the door.
Some Final Tips
Read the directions on your chosen paint and primer carefully. Make sure that you keep the nozzle an appropriate distance from the handle when spraying. If you spray with the can too close, the paint will run and look bad. If you spray from too far away then the coat will be too thin.
If you have trouble judging how to apply the paint, bear in mind that it is better to apply more coats that are too thin than it is to apply a coating that is too thick in places and uneven.
Do not re-install the door handle immediately after the paint dries. The outer layer of paint will dry more quickly than the under-coating, and if you try to use the handle when the paint has not completely hardened, it could chip, pick up finger prints, or look uneven. It is safest to wait a few days to make sure that the paint is completely hardened. This will ensure that your newly painted door handle looks good for many years to come.
Conclusion
You can spray paint a brass door handle almost any colour, and using any finish of paint, and have it look good. Darker, matte colours tend to look best, and colours with a metallic sheen also suit door knobs, although if you choose a metallic don’t forget that it is more likely to show finger prints and need wiped down more often. If you want something low maintenance, then matte is the best choice!
Photo Credit: http://www.craftylittlegnome.com
