Door hinges are an essential part of any door but are often overlooked in the process of sprucing up one’s home. And old, discolored hinges can be such an eyesore. So, can you paint door hinges? Yes, you can!
Getting the hinges on all the doors painted is a great way to elevate the overall décor truly. Door hinges come in a variety of sizes and shapes, which must be taken into account when painting hinges.
Regardless of the type of door hinge you have, you can paint them to upgrade the aesthetic of your home.
But first, you may want to know how a hinge works.
Can You Paint Door Hinges?
Yes, you can paint door hinges. However, there are various factors that should be considered. For example, you have to choose the right paint as well as prep your doors for the process. Painting the door hinges can be a slightly complex process, but it’s necessary to ensure the paint does not peel off or the hinges are not damaged in the long run.
How Do I Prepare The Door Hinges For Painting
If you’re new to dealing with hardware of any kind, you might feel tempted to simply brush a coat of paint over the hinges and call it a day. Don’t.
Your door hinges and the door they’re attached to need to be prepared to ensure a smooth, clean paint job and to avoid causing any damage to the hinges. But don’t worry; it’s not as complicated as it sounds.
With a little bit of prep work, painting door hinges can be a quick and easy way to give them new life. You only need a few simple supplies, and the results will be a beautiful contrast to your old hinges.
Supplies You Will Need:
- Screwdriver/ Flat screwdriver
- Sandpaper (coarse and fine grits)
- Tack Cloth
- Old plastic or wood surface (on which you can paint the hinges)
- Painter’s tape
- Primer
- Special metal paint (either latex or oil-based)
Steps To Prep Door Hinges
Once you have all your supplies, it’s time to prep your door hinges for the paint.
Step 1: Remove the hinges
Use a screwdriver to remove all the door hinges from the door carefully. You may need another person to help you with this step so that they can hold the door still while you remove the hinges.
Removing the hinges from the door and wall will ensure that you can thoroughly clean them and that the paint is applied evenly so that it adheres to the hinges’ metal surface.
Step 2: Clean the hinges
Start by cleaning the hinges with a degreaser or all-purpose cleaner. Make sure you remove any dirt, grease, or grime that could interfere with the paint adhering properly. You may also use some soapy water to get rid of all the dirt or dust.
Step 3: Sand the hinges
Use the sandpaper to lightly sand the hinges. This will create a slightly porous surface for the paint to adhere to.
Wipe the hinges clean with the tack cloth to remove any dust from the sanding.
If you’re in need of an alternative to a tack cloth or want to explore different options, we have a helpful article titled “What Can I Use Instead of a Tack Cloth.“
Step 4: Use a primer
Take the hinges outside and place them on an old piece of wood or plastic board — you don’t want to get paint on your patio furniture.
Apply a coat of primer to both sides of all hinges. Make sure to cover all the nooks and crannies. Allow it to dry completely. It can take a few hours.
If you want to speed up the hinge-painting process and don’t want the hassle of removing the door, you can do that, too.
However, we highly recommend removing the hinges, as painting them in place will not let you reach all the tiny cracks, resulting in a shoddy paint job.
It will also make prepping the hinges very difficult since you won’t be able to sand them properly.
Choosing the Right Paint for Door Hinges
When it comes to choosing the right paint for door hinges, you can’t pick any regular paint. Here are a few things you need to keep in mind:
Type of metal the hinges are made from
If the hinges are made from a softer metal like brass, you’ll want to use an enamel paint that’s specifically designed for metal surfaces. If the hinges are made from a harder metal like steel, you can use either an oil-based or water-based paint.
Finish
If you want a high-gloss finish, choose an oil-based paint. If you want a more matte or satin finish, opt for oil-based or water-based paint. Keep in mind that water-based paints tend to be more durable than oil-based paints.
Brand of paint
There is plenty of good-quality paints out there, so just make sure to read the labels carefully at your local hardware store. You may also want to search for rust-resistant paints for metal.
We also suggest using spray paint, as painting with a brush is not ideal for ensuring a thin and even layer of paint. Use a high-quality spray paint product, like Rust-Oleum Multi-Purpose Spray Paint, to get the best results.
How to Paint Door Hinges
Once you’ve cleaned and prepped the hinges, you can move on to actually painting them. Here’s how you can get the job done in four simple steps.
Step 1: Check your prep
Make sure that you have applied a primer to the hinges before painting them with your desired color. This is to ensure paint adhesion. A primer will also help to protect the finish of the hinge and extend the life of the paint job in the long run.
If you have used the primer indoors, it’s time to take your hinges outside for the actual painting process to avoid inhaling any paint fumes.
Step 2: Paint the hinges
Spread out the hinges on the wood or plastic board, shake the paint can, and spray a uniform coat of paint on the hinges. Avoid concentrating the spray on any one area.
Read the user instructions carefully to maintain the proper distance from the hinges, and do multiple light passes over the hinges to get an even finish.
Step 3: Let them dry, turn them over, and repeat
It will take at least two hours for the paint to dry completely. Then, turn over the hinges and repeat the painting process on this side.
If you’re also painting the screws of the hinges, follow the same process for them, too.
Step 4: Re-install the hinges
Finally, once the paint has completely dried, re-install all the hinges on the door. Be careful not to scratch the newly painted hinges with the screwdriver.
FAQs
How long should I let the paint dry?
The drying time depends on the type of paint you’ve used and the weather. Generally, however, you should wait at least 72 hours for latex paints and at least 24 hours for other kinds of paint before sanding or repainting.
Can you paint the hinges without removing the door?
Yes, but it will be a little bit of a hassle. You will need to use a paintbrush with fine bristles so that you can get into the nooks and crannies of all the hinges. You will also need to use masking tape or a plastic sheet to protect the door from the paint.
How to paint door hinges without removing them?
To paint the hinges without removing them, you have two options. First, you can simply use a brush, as mentioned above, to directly paint the hinges while they are attached. You will also need painter’s tape or masking paper to create a protective layer over your door. You must also ensure that the area is properly ventilated so the paint can dry.
The other option is to remove one hinge at a time. Follow the same process as described above by painting one side, letting it dry, painting the other side, letting it dry, and reattaching the hinges. Then, move on to the next hinge. This will ensure your door is still attached, but you will be able to paint the hinges more thoroughly.
Related read: How to get tape residue off of wood.
How to paint brass hinges?
If your doors have brass hinges, the process is essentially the same. The only additional step will be polishing the brass hinges to remove any residual paint and grease.
Should you paint door hinges?
It is not always necessary to paint door hinges. If your hinges don’t look too old or discolored, it’s best to leave them alone. And if you want the hinges to match your new door but don’t want to deal with the hassle of painting them, you can simply replace the hinges.
Can you spray paint door hinges?
Absolutely. In fact, spray paint is the most popular way to paint hinges, as this method ensures a uniform coat of paint. You can spray paint door hinges with a variety of spray paint products.
Your local hardware store will be able to help you out with finding the right product for your needs. Follow the manufacturer’s directions for using the product, and be sure to clean the hinges and surfaces before painting.
Read also: What router bit to use for door hinges.
Conclusion
So, can you paint door hinges? Painting door hinges can seem tricky, but it’s often a relatively easy and straightforward DIY project.
Just be sure to use the right paints and techniques for the finish you’re aiming for, and you’ll have sparkling new hinges on your doors in no time!