How to spray paint door knobs

If you want to spray paint door knobs then this guide will help you because I have written this guide in a step-by-step manner.

So that even an amateur could get the best results out of their work after completing the whole procedure.

Follow each step in order to save yourself from a blunder and then later regret that mistake that you did unknowingly.

Spray-painted door knobs that last outlast the house are the latest trend in interior design! 

The benefits are immediate: a shiny, bright new look that’s far more sophisticated and substantial than what you can create with other painting techniques. 

Spray painting door knobs is a quick and easy way to give an otherwise plain door a whole new look.


How to spray paint door knobs?

Tools you need to paint door knobs

  • Spray paint
  • Sandpaper
  • Primer
  • Gloves, glasses, and face mask
  • Painters tape
  • Newspaper
  • Drop cloths

Clean the knobs

Since the door knobs are made of metal, the best way to clean them is with a little bit of paint thinner.

You can also use some mineral spirits if that’s what you have. Just pour a little bit of the solvent into a bowl or cup and drop the knobs into it.

It should come right off. You can use a plastic scraper if the knobs are still stuck on. After you’ve cleaned off the knobs, you have to clean the threads on the backside.

You can use steel wool or a brush to do this, and you also want to clean off the backside of the door to make sure that nothing is sticking to it.

Sand the door knob

Sanding is the process of smoothing the surface of something, in this case, door knob.

For the purpose of making it smooth for the paint to stick or for the ease of a paintbrush to spread the paint evenly.

It is always advised to sand a door knob before painting because it’s a surface that requires accuracy, excellence, and perfection.

If it’s not well sanded, the paint will not be able to stick on well and it will also not cover the knob well.

spray paint door knob

Begin by gently moving the sanding block in circular motions around the knob.

Don’t press too hard or else you’ll end up with bumps on your knob. It is always best to keep the sanding block at a 45-degree angle to the knob.

This ensures that you don’t take off too much of the knob’s material. The goal here is to get rid of the imperfections and not to change the shape of the knob.

Prime the door knobs

You should prime them with a couple of coats of general-purpose primer. Use painter’s tape and plastic to block the door from overspray.

Let it dry and then sand it lightly with sandpaper (around 300 grit). Put on a couple more coats of primer and let it dry again. This should give you a durable base to paint on.

Spraying paint process

Spraying for the door knob is very straightforward. Go to a covered or protected area to spray your knob. You want to make sure you don’t get any overspray on anything else.

You can use the spray can instructions for how to spray and how much fluid to use. After spraying, wait for the paint to dry for about 20 minutes or so.

What kind of paint do you use on door knobs?

A high-quality oil-based paint or a spray paint specifically designed for metal surfaces is recommended for painting door knobs.

It is important to clean the door knobs thoroughly before painting and to use a primer made for metal surfaces to ensure proper adhesion of the paint.

Additionally, it’s recommended to use a paint that is heat-resistant, as door knobs can get warm to the touch when in use.

Does spray paint last on door knobs?

Spray paint can last on door knobs if it is applied correctly and the door knobs are not frequently used.

However, door knobs are frequently touched and can get warm to the touch when in use, so it’s important to use a paint that is heat-resistant.

Additionally, using a paint that is designed specifically for metal surfaces and applying multiple coats can help to prolong the life of the paint on the door knobs.

It’s also important to clean the door knobs thoroughly before painting and to use a primer made for metal surfaces to ensure proper adhesion of the paint.

Even with all these precautions, the paint may not last as long as desired, especially if the door knobs are frequently used.

Can you spray paint door knobs without removing them?

It is possible to spray paint door knobs without removing them, but it may be more difficult to achieve a smooth and even finish.

The knobs should be cleaned thoroughly and covered with a primer made for metal surfaces. Then, you can use a spray paint specifically designed for metal surfaces.

Hold the can 8 to 10 inches from the knob and move the can back and forth in a sweeping motion, overlapping each pass slightly. Spray in a well-ventilated area and avoid inhaling the fumes.

However, if you want a perfect finish and to avoid any overspray, it’s recommended to remove the door knob, and spray paint them in a well-ventilated area.

This will allow you to get into all the nooks and crannies, and you can paint them more evenly.

It’s also important to keep in mind that the door knobs will need to be re-installed after painting, and if you are not comfortable with that process, it’s better to leave it to a professional.

How do you spray paint metal knobs?

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to spray paint metal knobs:

  1. Remove the knobs from the door: Use a screwdriver to remove the screws that hold the knob in place. Be sure to keep track of the screws and any other hardware that is removed.
  2. Clean the knobs: Use a degreaser or soap and water to clean the knobs thoroughly. Then, use a wire brush to remove any rust or lose paint. Dry the knobs completely.
  3. Sand the knobs: Use fine-grit sandpaper to lightly sand the knobs. This will help the primer and paint adhere better.
  4. Apply a metal primer: Spray a metal primer specifically designed for metal surfaces on the knobs. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use in a well-ventilated area. Allow the primer to dry completely.
  5. Apply spray paint: Hold the can 8 to 10 inches from the knob and move the can back and forth in a sweeping motion, overlapping each pass slightly. Use a paint specifically designed for metal surfaces. Allow the paint to dry completely.
  6. Reinstall the knobs: Put the knobs back on the door and use the screws and hardware to secure them in place.

It’s important to note that it is always recommended to work in a well-ventilated area when using spray paint, and to wear protective gear, such as a mask and gloves, to avoid inhaling fumes.

FAQ’s of How to spray paint door knobs

There are some good sprays on the market that will last longer than a standard coat of paint. If you are looking for high quality products, I would recommend Rust-Oleum, Krylon and Valspar. If you want high quality paint that will adhere to almost any surface you are trying to cover, then I would recommend investing in a high-quality spray paint. You can also get a kit that is specifically designed for painting door knobs.

Spray paint the door knob by inserting a piece of cardboard inside the door loop. This is to protect the finish on the door. The piece you use must be long enough to reach the opposite side of the door. Secure the cardboard with pliers so that it doesn’t move while you spray the doorknob. The piece of cardboard should have enough wiggle room to avoid coming off the door. Spray paint the doorknob between the cardboard and the door, leaving the knob itself untouched. Make sure you’re several feet away from the doorknob as you spray it so that you don’t accidentally paint the knob itself.

There are two main kinds of paint for door knob. Firstly, oil-based enamel which is the most durable type of paint. It can be removed later if the door knob is replaced. This can be used for expensive doors. Secondly, latex paint is a single coat paint which is recommended for doors which are rarely used.

Sure, you can spray paint brass door handles. Actually, most handle manufacturers suggest that you spray paint it. The first thing to know is that spray painting it, is going to dull the finish. For example, spray painting a brass handle can make it look like aluminum. This is why manufacturers suggest you spray paint it. You can use any spray paint for this, but I recommend using the lacquer spray paint. Any type of clear coat spray paint will work. Just spray it on, avoid spraying too much paint that it bubbles up. Now, let it sit for a few minutes; this will allow the paint to soak into the surface without dry-spots. Let it sit for a few hours, the paint should be dry by then, but it’s advisable to let it sit overnight just to be safe. After it has dried, you can rub out any wrinkles, or stiff spots. You can add some polishing wax and then buff it for a nice shine.


Summary on How to spray paint door knobs

I’ve found that the most effective way to spray paint a door knobs is to use a spray paint booth.

I spray-painted the door knob for my laundry room a few weeks ago, and since then I’ve written a blog post about how to spray-paint a doorknob.

If you have any questions regarding this post then feel free to comment and I will make sure you get a satisfactory answer as first priority.

Matthew Edward

Matthew Edward is a professional painter who loves to paint and wants to share useful tips and tricks which he had learned in many years of experience in painting. He also used many products that can be used for painting he has tried and tested each and every product to give an unbias opinion about it in his review. This blog is very useful for those newbies who want to learn painting without making mistakes.

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