How to Upgrade Door Knobs with Spray Paint, The Tried and Tested Method

 Hey all, it is Corey from Sawdust 2 Stitches! Since I was last here, I have moved to a  new house!  We love it here, but with the move I find myself re-doing projects that I already have done. For example, painting ALL the walls, and changing all the light fixtures.  While it is a little tiring, I am realizing that it is definitely easier this time around!    There isn’t any guess work.  I know what techniques have worked and which ones have not.  Which is why I’m writing today… brass door knobs. Plain, cheap, contractor grade door knobs. Most people have them, and *almost* nobody wants them!   Have no fear, over the years I have tried a few processes, and I am going to show you the one that has worked best for me, with the best long term results.

The Tried and Tested Method to Upgrade Door Knobs with Spray Paint
by Sawdust 2 Stitches

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Supplies Used:

• Foam Sanding Block 
• Wash Cloth 
• Craft Foam  (or  a cardboard box will work) 
• Spray Primer (like this black primer, if you’re painting your knobs a dark color)
• “Very Fine” Steel Wool (grade #00, like this or this)
• Oil Rubbed Bronze Spray Paint (like this or this)

Tools Suggested:

• Screw Driver 
  

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 Step 1.  Remove Hardware

Just DO IT!  I know that some sites might tell you to go ahead and tape it off. “It’ll be fine!”  they say.  EXACTLY , we don’t want “fine”, we want stellar.  I want to know that  I won’t be fixing these things a few months down the road.  So just take them off,  take the time to prep these properly, and you cannot do that when they are attached to your door.  Okay? Okay. 

Standard door knobs only  have two long screws. You do not need to remove them,  just loosen and then turn (the base of the knob) it should pop right off. 

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Step 2. Sand/Scuff

  Basic painting 101, if you want a really good adhesion of paint to a surface it will  adhere much better to a dull surface,  not a shiny one.   I realize lots of  spray paint/primers claim “no sanding required”. Well,  it may not be required, but I highly suggest it.   Now when I say “sand”  it is not a long.  labor intensive  task, it is relatively  quick and painless. I use a foam sanding block.  It helps get in all the curves.

 When “sanding”  you are NOT taking off the finish,  you are just scuffing up the surface enough that it becomes dull. 

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Step 3.  Wipe Down 

After you scuff them up,  you are going to need to wipe them down.   You  just need to remove the dust from sanding, and any  leftover oils or dirt on the surface.  

We are now ready to paint!  Obviously, it is a whole heck of a lot easier to paint a stationary item. I choose to use craft foam.  I holds the knobs steady and there are no runaway screws!  You can also use a cardboard box,  it is all personal opinion. 

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Step 4.  Prime 

 I know what you are thinking,  “but Corey, the spray paint I am using says ‘paint and primer in one'”. Well,  I am just saying, I have done it both ways, and YES just the spray paint will work, it will hold up nicely for quite a long time… but I don’t want “quite a long time”, I want the doorknob finish to outlast the house!  I never want to remove these stinking knobs ever again!

When priming I opted for black primer, because I will be using Oil Rubbed Bronze, and it will cover the black really  nicely.  Like with any spray paint, multiple, LIGHT coats is key!  Don’t try and cover  the whole piece  all at one time.  It will take forever to dry/cure  and you will have drip marks. 

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Step 5.  In-between Coat Sand

 This step is quick and painless.  After the primer has dried I quickly once over the knobs/hinges with “very fine” steel wool.  It  will  make sure that your surface is perfectly smooth before you apply your final coat.  After  you have gone over the  knobs/hinges with steel wool, wipe down with a damp cloth to remove excess dust. 

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Step 6. Paint Those Suckers! 

 You  made it!  You are ready to paint.  (It’s true what they say, painting IS mostly  prep work.)  Again,  when painting use MULTIPLE, LIGHT coats.  Make sure you reference the application instructions on the can to see suggested dry times. Believe me,  those guys know what they are talking about.  Listen to them!  I know being patient is the worst, but it will pay off!  (I used this oil rubbed bronze paint.)

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Step 7. Re-Install

 Once they have had ample time to dry  then re-install!  There you have it, a quick and easy update for door knobs! If you are wanting to spray paint your door hinges no problem!  Follow the same above steps, works like a charm! 

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Now that you’ve spray painted your door knobs… see what else you can spray paint!

A couple coats of spray paint can make a world of difference and turn something dated into something fresh, like:

folding chairs

lamps and decor

 

aged window trim

pillows (yes, you can spray paint fabric!)

countertops — yes, that’s spray paint!

 

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