Update those old hinges
Switching from brass to brushed nickel? There are paints that can do the job
Q I’m in the process of changing the brass-finished door hardware in my home to brushed nickel. I’ve replaced the handles but would like to refinish the hinges, which are steel underneath. Can I remove the brass finish? Should I paint them, and if so, what kind of paint should I use?
A Painting should work, without any need to remove the existing finish, and you have a choice of spray paint or brush-on.
Painting door hardware isn’t a reliably long-lasting solution for high-touch areas, such as doorknobs, but people generally keep their fingers away from hinges. And paint does stick to hinges, as can be seen in any house where people weren’t careful when repainting. Metallic-effect paint won’t look the same as actual brushed nickel, but it will be close. Brass hinges coupled with brushed nickel handles looks jarring, but if all the hardware is about the same colour, it’s unlikely anyone will carefully inspect the finish on the hinges.
Spray paint may seem to be the best option. It goes on fast, covers well and dries quickly. Among the options are Rustoleum All Surface Metallic Satin Nickel Spray Paint and Primer in One, and Krylon Colormaster Brushed Metallic spray paint in nickel.
If you want to paint hinges for only a few doors at a time and avoid the mess and air-quality issues of spray paint, get brushon metallic paint, such as Modern Masters Nickel Water-based Satin Metallic Interior/exterior Paint. This is a semi-opaque paint, though, so you will probably need three coats. A bonding primer, such as Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3, is recommended.
Even though you do not need to strip the existing brass finish for spray or brush-on paint, the paint will stick better if you first scuff up the surface with finegrit sandpaper. Wipe or rinse off the residue and let the metal dry.
Set up a way to elevate the hinges — perhaps by setting them on the tips of nails driven through a scrap piece of wood. Don’t paint hinges directly on paper or cardboard, or the paint will glue them down.
If you plan to spray, rig up a way to contain overspray. Work outdoors if possible because of the fumes. A large cardboard box, open on one side, makes a good temporary spray booth. Wear goggles, and consider putting on disposable gloves so you don’t get spray paint on your trigger finger. Wear a half-face mask with organic-vapour cartridges, especially if you are working indoors.
Read the label before painting. Pay particular attention to instructions for agitating spray paint and waiting the required time between coats.