Should You Paint Hinges on Cabinets?

If you decide to paint hinges, lay them flat on cardboard or another work surface in a well-ventilated area and spray a light coat of primer – be sure to shake the can frequently and apply steady side-to-side strokes when spraying!

Hinges painted with regular paint will deteriorate over time and become unsightly, so for long-term maintenance invest in high-quality spray paints.

Prep

If your hinges don’t blend with your cabinetry’s color scheme, it may be time for them to get a fresh coat of paint. Before beginning this task, however, they must first be thoroughly cleaned first – especially if they feature powder coating as that typically found on more modern hinges. Soak them in an appropriate chemical cleaner such as degreaser or spray cleaner until any built-up residue loosens from its grip; use steel wool pads or toothbrushes to scrub away what remains after that process before thoroughly rinsing them with clean water until all residue has been removed before leaving them to dry completely before leaving them to dry completely before painting them for good!

Once your hinges have been thoroughly cleaned, they require a coat of primer. If reusing existing hardware, choose an oil-based or 100 percent acrylic latex primer and use either a brush for tight spots and edges or roller for larger areas – once dried you can paint over your hinges with paint; just be sure that before painting a small area first with your primer to make sure that it adheres well to its surface.

To completely transform the look and feel of your cabinet doors and drawers, replacing their hinges may also be an option if they look outdated and worn-down. However, this task requires taking more steps and may involve taking apart cabinet doors and drawers before replacing with new hinges. Label each piece before taking this route so as to not get confused when reassembling them later; additionally store all screws and hardware separately so none are misplaced during the process.

Once you are ready to apply your color, ensure a well-ventilated area and use only high-quality spray paints. Read your can of spray paint carefully; follow its directions regarding “spraying from a distance of about 10 inches”, applying thin layers that dry fully between applications as per brand specifications and repeated as necessary until reaching your desired shade and finish.

Prime

Primer is essential when painting hinges. A high-quality primer ensures that paint adheres correctly and lasts, blocking stains and smoothing any rough surfaces. If using spray paint, allow each coat to dry fully before applying another. For optimal results, shake the can frequently while spraying to ensure all parts of the hinge are covered evenly.

To speed up the job, use tape or painter’s drop cloth to mask off areas that do not need painting, such as screw holes. Also consider using degreaser on hinges which will improve their aesthetic appeal and appearance.

Once hinges have been sanded down, it’s time to prime them. Stain-blocking primer is an effective solution as it dries quickly and seals knots or other surface defects which might bleed through topcoats; however, for most projects regular oil-based or 100 percent acrylic latex primer will suffice.

When spraying hinges, be sure to work slowly and apply several thin coats at an even pace. Priming should also take place outdoors or at least in a well-ventilated space in order to prevent large drops of paint landing directly on hardware, which could otherwise chip or peel over time.

Once the primer has set, it’s time to paint your hinges. Select colors that complement your cabinets’ colors or are close enough so as to blend seamlessly; consider applying a protective clear lacquer coat as well. This can prolong their useful life.

When it’s time to reattach the hinges, simply screw them back in place using new screws. Be sure that their holes correspond with those on the cabinet doors so that everything fits seamlessly together. If unsure which direction to go in when attaching hinges back into place, label screws and hinges so you remember where each one goes once the job is complete.

Paint

Paint hinges is a simple way to update your cabinetry without breaking the bank. Whether it be the same hue as your cabinet doors or a bold contrast hue to add drama and interest, following proper steps when painting hinges is essential in order to ensure they have an even and smooth finish that complements the rest of your decor. Failing this could leave brush strokes or an unattractive finish which won’t complement what will otherwise make an otherwise stylish kitchen decor!

Start by taking these steps to prepare the hinges for painting: remove them from the cabinet and clean them with degreaser or spray cleaner; mask off surrounding areas using painter’s tape; then apply primer to them and allow them to fully dry before proceeding with painting process – using spray paint, make sure you shake can for recommended time and use side-to-side sweeping motions as you coat hinges evenly, while for others who use brush, consider multiple light coats of paint rather than one thick layer for best results.

Oil-based spray paints are more durable than latex ones, but require additional preparation and safety precautions before use. If you plan to use this method of application, make sure that hinges are first sanded with fine grit sandpaper to ensure an even finish and invest in high quality spray paint resistant to chips, scratches and fading for optimal results.

If you’re using latex-based spray paint, there is no need to sand your hinges prior to spraying. Instead, it is recommended that you choose a dry day when painting – any wind or humidity could cause the paint to run and splatter – as this could damage its adhesion properties and run. Wear a face mask when spraying to avoid inhaling paint fumes!

Once your paint has set, reattach the hinges to your cabinet door and admire your newly painted kitchen! If the hinges are old and worn out, consider replacing them – but only if there is an appropriate replacement that fits with your current hole pattern; otherwise this project should be relatively straightforward. When installing new hinges be sure to fill any holes left by original screws with wood filler before installing new ones.

Finish

For a modern aesthetic, spray painting the hinges can achieve a glossy finish; for more rustic styles you could leave them unfinished or apply dark bronze or black paint finishes; ultimately the decision comes down to personal taste and the color of your cabinet doors.

If your hinges have become rusty, chemical cleaner can help remove it and make them ready for painting. Be wary when engaging in such projects – always follow instructions on the label!

Refinishing brass hinges using steel paint requires more time and effort. Before applying primer and then painting, ensure the hinges have been thoroughly sanded and cleaned to create an even surface for painting – this will allow for smooth results when completed.

As you work on the hinges, it is a wise move to protect surrounding surfaces with plastic sheets or newspapers in order to prevent overspray from reaching spaces you do not intend for it to reach. Doing this will also prevent overspray from landing where it shouldn’t.

Prior to spraying, give the can of spray paint a good shake and carefully read its label instructions. You may need several coats of paint; wait for each to dry completely before adding another. Use steady side-to-side sweeping strokes for even coverage on hinges.

Once finished, allow the hinges to dry for 24 hours before reinstalling them on cabinet doors. It is a good idea to apply a clear topcoat as protection from stains and scratches.

Prep Hinges Before Installing on Cabinet DoorsIf you plan on switching out your hinges for something different, painting them first might not be recommended as doing so will allow you to fill any holes left by previous screws with wood filler and smooth them before painting begins.

Painting hinges prior to installing them is generally easier, but if you decide to paint afterward, make sure not to forget masking and taping off areas where old hinges were located as this may require additional work in terms of sanding and repainting those areas as well.