How to Paint Old Metal Cabinet Hinges

Painting old metal cabinet hinges can update the look of your kitchen or bathroom cabinets. With some preparation and the right paint, you can easily transform the hinges to match your cabinets or add an accent pop of color. Follow this guide to learn the process of prepping, priming, and painting metal cabinet hinges for a fresh new look.

Introduction

Over time, cabinet hinges can start to look worn, faded or dated. Luckily, painting metal cabinet hinges is an easy and inexpensive way to refresh them. Painting the hinges is a simple DIY project that can make a big visual impact.

With proper preparation and application, a fresh coat of spray paint can give your old cabinet hinges an updated, polished appearance. The key steps include removing the hinges, thoroughly cleaning and sanding them, applying primer, and spraying on topcoats of your chosen paint color.

This article will outline the complete process for successfully painting metal cabinet hinges, from start to finish. We’ll cover what supplies you need, how to remove the hinges, steps for prepping, priming, painting and reinstalling them. These tips will help you revitalize worn hinges to match or accent your cabinets.

Benefits of Painting Metal Cabinet Hinges

• Inexpensive way to update cabinets – The cost of a few cans of spray paint is minor compared to replacing cabinets or hinges.
• Refresh worn, faded hinges – Paint covers nicks, scratches, tarnish and wear to make hinges look fresh and new.
• Match cabinet color – Paint hinges to coordinate with freshly painted or stained cabinets.
• Add pop of color – Painting hinges a contrasting color is an easy way to add personality.
• Quick DIY project – No special skills required. The process can be completed in an afternoon.
• Subtle but impactful change – Newly painted hinges are a simple upgrade that makes a noticeable difference.

So if your metal cabinet hinges are looking worse for wear, painting them is an excellent way to update their appearance. The transformed hinges will give your whole kitchen or bathroom a more cohesive, finished look.

What Type of Paint to Use on Metal Cabinet Hinges

Choosing the right type of paint is important to achieving a durable finish on metal hinges. Here are the best paints for adhering to metal and standing up to movement:

• Spray paint – All-in-one primer and paint spray is the easiest product for painting hinges. Look for paints formulated for metal, such as Rust-Oleum.
• Enamel paint – Enamel provides a hard, glossy finish. Brush it on for full coverage after priming.
• Acrylic latex paint – For a uniform finish, latex enamel spray paint works well. It adheres better than regular latex.
• Automotive paint – Formulated for metal car parts, automotive spray paint offers a tough finish.
• Hammered paint – Contains metal flakes for an antiqued hammered metal look.
• Metallic paint – Adds a modern metallic sheen. Looks great on contemporary style cabinets.

For most cabinets, an all-in-one spray paint for metal or a latex enamel work well. The spray applicator makes it easy to fully coat the hinges.

How to Remove Cabinet Hinges for Painting

Before painting cabinet hinges, you’ll need to detach them from the cabinets. Taking them off allows you to thoroughly prep and paint all surfaces. Follow these steps:

Gather hinge removal tools:

• Phillips or flathead screwdriver
• Needle nose pliers (helpful for stuck screws)

Remove cabinet doors:

• Open door fully to access hinge screws
• Starting with top hinge, remove all screw securing plate side to cabinet frame
• Carefully lift door off bottom hinge and set aside

Remove hinges:

• Take out screws attaching cup side of hinges to door
• Pull hinges away from door panel and set aside

Organize hardware:

• Keep all hinges and screws grouped together
• Label doors and hinges to ensure proper reassembly

With the cabinet hinges removed, you can now prep and paint them off the cabinets for best results. Lay newspaper in your work area to catch drips.

How to Prepare Metal Cabinet Hinges for Painting

Prepping the hinges well is crucial for proper paint adhesion. Follow these steps:

Clean hinges

• Wipe away any dirt, grease or oils with a degreaser or soapy water solution.
• Rinse and let dry fully.

Lightly sand surfaces

• Use 220 grit sandpaper to scuff up the existing paint finish.
• This helps the new paint adhere better.
• Focus on sanding rough paint edges or chips.

Remove rust

• For surface rust, sand thoroughly or use a wire brush.
• For heavier rust, use a rust remover solution first.

Wipe clean

• Wipe hinges with a tack cloth to remove sanding dust.

Proper prep removes contaminants and dulls shiny surfaces so the new paint bonds tightly. Now the hinges are ready for priming.

How to Prime Metal Cabinet Hinges

Primer creates a bonding layer for paint to adhere optimally to metal. Follow these steps:

Select metal primer

• Choose a spray primer formulated for metal. Rust-Oleum and Krylon brands work well.

Shake can vigorously

• Mixing the primer well ensures even application.

Spray primer in thin coats

• Hold can 6 to 8 inches from hinges.
• Coat all sides with a light, even mist. Avoid drips.
• Let dry 15 minutes between coats.
• Add 2 to 3 coats for total coverage.

Let primer cure fully

• Check label for recommended curing time, usually at least 24 hours.

Primer preps the metal surface for accepting the paint. Once it has fully cured, the hinges are ready for the final paint color.

How to Paint Metal Cabinet Hinges

For great results painting hinges, follow these tips:

Choose spray paint for metal

• Enamel, acrylic or automotive spray paint all work well.

Shake spray paint vigorously

• This mixes the paint pigments thoroughly for uniform coverage.

Hang hinges on wire

• Hang hinges from a wire or stick pushed into styrofoam for easier handling.

Apply paint in thin coats

• Keep spray can 6 to 8 inches away and coat lightly.
• Let dry 10 minutes between coats.
• Add 4 or more coats for best coverage.

Paint all hinge parts

• Don’t forget edges, crevices and knuckles for full coverage.

Let paint cure

• Refer to label for proper curing time before reinstalling hinges.

Painting in several light coats ensures the paint fully adheres to every surface without dripping or running. The hinges are now ready to be reattached to the cabinets.

How to Reinstall Cabinet Hinges After Painting

Once the paint has fully cured on the hinges, follow these steps to reattach them:

Prep screw holes

• Insert toothpicks or golf tees into holes to avoid cracking paint.

Position hinge on door

• Line up hinge over original screw holes.

Attach hinge to door

• Drive screws through the prep sticks into original holes.
• Remove toothpicks.

Mount door on cabinet

• Position door on bottom hinge first.
• Align top hinge plate and screw into cabinet frame.

Adjust door

• Test swing and alignment. Adjust hinges if door doesn’t sit flush.

Take care when reinstalling painted hinges to avoid chipping the fresh paint. Avoid overtightening screws. Then step back and admire your revitalized cabinets!

Tips for Achieving a Flawless Painted Hinge Finish

Follow these tips for getting an immaculate painted metal finish on your hinges:

• Choose high quality primer and paint to get a durable finish.
• Remove hinges and prep the metal properly so paint bonds well.
• Spray paint in light coats and let dry fully between coats.
• Spray from varied angles to reach all crevices. Go slowly.
• Hang hinges while painting for easier handling and uniform coverage.
• Cure paint thoroughly before reinstalling to avoid chips or smudges.
• Carefully realign hinges to avoid cracking paint when screwing in.

Putting in the prep work results in painted metal hinges with a smooth, professional-looking finish. Take your time and use these techniques for great results.

Tips for Painting Cabinet Hinges to Match Cabinets

To make your hinges blend in seamlessly, follow these tips when painting:

• Clean cabinets so you can accurately match colors.
• Bring a door or cabinet sample to the paint store for matching.
• For stained cabinets, use a tinted primer on hinges first.
• Spray paint hinges separately for easier, more precise color coverage.
• Apply multiple light coats to avoid drips or brush marks.
• Use satin or semi-gloss sheens to match most cabinet finishes.

Matching your cabinet stain or paint color takes some finesse. Test spray paint scraps first to compare hue and sheen. With careful application, painted hinges will beautifully blend with your cabinets.

Ideas for Painting Cabinet Hinges as an Accent

Beyond just matching your cabinets, painting the hinges a contrasting accent color is a fun way to add personality. Consider these accent ideas:

• Vibrant hues like red, turquoise or lime green make a bold statement.
• Metallic paint like brass, bronze or silver creates a glamorous look.
• Use black or white for high contrast pop on light or dark cabinets.
• Try hammered or antique paint finishes for visual texture and interest.
• Paint inside of hinges a different color than outside for a surprising peek of color.
• Coordinate accent color with backsplash tile, wall color or other kitchen decor.

Painting the hinges to contrast with your cabinets makes them into an eye-catching decorative detail. Choose a color that complements your overall kitchen or bathroom style.

Common Questions About Painting Metal Cabinet Hinges

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions on painting metal hinges:

Should hinges be removed before painting?

Yes, removing the hinges allows you to clean, prime, and paint them more thoroughly for best results. It also prevents paint from getting on the cabinets.

Can I paint hinges without sanding?

Lightly sanding provides better adhesion by roughing up the surface. Try a quick scuff sand if the metal is already in good condition.

How long does painted hinge paint last?

With proper prep and good quality paint, the freshly painted finish should last for years on cabinet hinges with minimal wear.

What kind of paint adheres best to metal?

Enamel, acrylic, and automotive spray paints formulated for metal have the best adhesion and durability on metal hardware.

How soon can I reinstall hinges after painting?

Check the paint label, but most enamels and spray paints take 24-72 hours to fully cure before hinges can be handled and reattached.

Conclusion

Painting metal cabinet hinges is an easy and affordable way to update your kitchen or bathroom’s aesthetic. With some light sanding, spray primer, and paint in your color choice, you can revitalize worn metal hinges for a durable, freshly painted look.

Use these steps for prepping, priming, painting and reinstalling cabinet hinges to get professional results. Pay attention to proper prep, applying thin coats and full curing times. And consider painting the hinges an accent color for extra personality.

With this guide to painting metal hinges, you can quickly transform the look of your cabinets. So grab some spray paint and give those hinges an easy makeover. In no time, you’ll have beautiful kitchen or bathroom cabinets updated with colorful or matching painted hardware.