How To Paint Screws and Hardware

Have you ever wanted to change the color of your hardware or screws? This is an easy tutorial on how to paint screws without clogging the threads and how to paint metal hardware for furniture without leaving any drip marks!

It’s never been easier to customize your hardware! With the right technique, you can paint screws and metal hardware in the exact color you need for a seamless finish.

Project Inspiration

My husband and I were recently hanging some brackets in our master closet makeover to add some shelving. All of the brackets and screws we used were oil rubbed bronze…except two small brackets and screws that we needed to hold up a baseball hat shelf. They were silver and could not be purchased in any other color.

So I took the brackets and screws and spray painted them in oil-rubbed bronze. My method for painting screws to match hardware gained me big props from my hubby! He was really impressed with how I set them up!

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While it was a no brainer to me, I figured I would share my little tip with you all! Because I’m sure someone else out there is in the same predicament that we were in!

Spray paint has come a long way in recent years, and it’s now easier than ever to achieve a professional-looking finish. This simple tutorial shows how to paint screws and hardware without any drip marks!

Prep Before Painting

• Remove the hardware from the door or furniture
• Clean the surface with a degreaser or alcohol wipe to remove grease, grime, and residue
• Secure the screws or hardware by poking it into a cardboard box for stability.For handles, attach them to a screw poked through the bottom of the box
• Spray paint in thin, even layers from 10-12 inches away, avoiding over-spraying
• Let the first coat dry for at least 30 minutes before applying a second coat
• Check the cure time on the spray paint can for best results. Once fully dry, reattach the hardware and enjoy the refreshed look!

Spray Painting Tips

When it comes to spray painting, there are a few things you need to keep in mind in order to achieve a perfect finish.

• If you’re trying to spray paint screws evenly, always make sure to use a light coat and rotate the screws between layers
• Always spray in well-ventilated area
• If you’re spray painting screws or hardware and only need to paint a specific section, use painter’s tape to cover the surrounding areas. This will help prevent overspray and ensure a clean finish without drip marks. Follow these simple tips, and you’ll be spray painting like a pro in no time!

Step-by-Step To Paint Screws and Metal Hardware

• Gather a cardboard box with side flap
• Poke screws through flaps of cardboard box
• Spray with a spray paint that has a primer in it and that bonds to metal. Spray light and long stroke coats. Repeat for complete coverage
• Allow to dry and then use accordingly
• Remove hardware from the cardboard box and use accordingly

Let Me Show You How To Paint Screws & Hardware

STEP 1: Poke screws into the flap of a cardboard box

STEP 2: Use a spray paint that has primer in it and can be used on metal

STEP 3: Spray light and long stroke coats. Hold the can about 10-12 inches away from the hardware. Repeat for complete coverage. Allow to dry and then use accordingly.

And that is it! So simple and easy!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What type of screws or hardware do you want to paint?

A: Any type of metal hardware or screw will work best for painting. In general, cabinet and furniture hardware is some form of hard material; metal, stainless steel, brass, copper, iron and even sometimes wood. These surfaces can all be easily painted.

The most difficult surface to paint is ceramic. For this, I would highly recommend using a fine grit sand paper, 220 grit, and lightly scuff up the smooth, shiny surface before painting. Also, be sure to use either a primer first or a paint that has a primer already mix in.

Q: What color do you want to paint the screws or hardware?

A: This is a question I get all of the time! What paint color did you use? When painting screws and cabinet hardware, my most most used colors are:

• Oil Rubbed Bronze – this is the color I used on these screws and brackets in this tutorial
• Matte Black – my all-time favorite matte black spray paint is actually Rust-Oleum Professional High Performance Flat Black Spray Paint. I used this on my cast iron vent grates and it has held up amazing and to a lot of foot traffic (for the grates that are on the floor)
• Gold – this is a nice, subtle gold that looks good not only on hardware and screws, but on many DIY projects such as picture frames, vases and more

Q: What type of spray paint do you use for screws and hardware?

A: I typically use Rust-Oleum Painter’s Touch Ultra Cover 2X Paint + Primer. This paint resists fading and chipping while providing superior coverage of up to twice the other leading brands. Plus, it has a convenient anti-drip tip that helps avoid drip marks.

I prefer to use spray paint that has primer already mixed into it. This ensures that the paint adheres better and provides better coverage.

Q: How do you avoid getting the paint on your hands?

A: There are a few things you can do to avoid getting paint on your hands:

• Wear gloves. This is the most obvious solution, and it will work if you’re careful. But it’s not always practical, especially if you’re doing a lot of painting.
• Rather than using spray paint, try using a small brush when possible so that you have more control over where the paint goes.
• If you do happen to get paint on your hands, quickly wash it off with soap and water. If the paint does not come off immediately, it will wash and peel off over the next couple of days.
• *If using a can of spray paint or a paint sprayer is your best option, make sure to not spray when there is wind. This will also help ensure paint does not get on your hands, but also your entire body and surrounding items!

Q: How long does the paint usually last?

A: The amount of time your paint will last depends greatly upon how often you use the hardware. You typically do not touch screws very often, so the paint on them should last indefinitely. However, for hardware, such as handles and drawer pulls, the paint may wear off more quickly because of frequent use. Try avoid touching the hardware with dirty hands or hands that have just had lotion applied to them.

Lightly wash your hardware with a mild dish soap and water routinely to keep them clean and free of grime.

Q: Can you re-paint screws and hardware if they start to rust?

A: Yes! However, it will depend on the type of hardware you have. If it’s a rust-resistant metal like brass or stainless steel, a light coat of paint will do the trick. If it’s an unprotected metal like copper or iron, you’ll need to use a more heavy-duty paint or primer to protect it from rusting.

Depending on the amount of rust on the hardware or screws, you may have to lightly sand the rough, chipped paint edges with a 220 grit sandpaper first to smooth out the paint edges.

It’s a good idea to routinely paint your screws and hardware with a rust-preventive paint to help keep them in good condition. This will help to protect them from the elements and extend their lifespan.

In Conclusion

Now that you know how to spray paint hardware and screws without any drip marks, it’s time to get painting! The great part about this project is that you can customize it any way you want. You can use different colors or even add designs for a really unique look.

This simple tutorial makes it easy to change the color of your hardware or screws, and it’s a great way to update your look without spending a lot of money. Have fun with it and be sure to share your finished product with me in the comments below.

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