Can You Paint Door Handles? Understand the Risks

Homeowners often turn to paint as an easy and affordable way to refresh their dated or worn door handles. However, before you buy a spray paint canister, it's important to understand the potential challenges. In this guide, we'll answer can you paint door handles, and discuss alternative solutions.

 

 

Can You Spray Paint a Door Handle?

Yes, you can spray paint your door handles, but achieving a high-quality and long-lasting finish requires careful preparation and the use of the right materials. Skipping or overlooking these steps can lead to disappointing results, with paint that chips or peels quickly under regular use.

Preparation

Proper preparation is the foundation of a successful spray-painting project. Start by thoroughly cleaning the door handles to remove any dirt, grease, or old finish that might interfere with the paint’s adhesion.

Once clean, lightly sand the handles to create a rough surface that helps the primer and paint stick better. Sanding is especially important for handles with a glossy finish, as paint struggles to adhere to smooth surfaces.

After sanding, apply a metal-specific primer to create a strong base for the paint. This primer helps the paint adhere and prevents rust and corrosion from developing under the paint.

Materials

The quality of the materials you use is just as important as the preparation process. Make sure to choose a high-quality spray paint designed for durability on metal objects. These paints have a higher potential of maintaining their appearance even with frequent use.

When Would You Want to Paint Your Door Handles?

Painting door handles or door knobs can be a tempting option, whether it's to cover up wear and tear, create custom colours, or better match your décor.

Cover Wear and Tear

Scratches, fading, or tarnished finishes can make your door handles look old and tired. Painting them can provide a quick fix, giving the handles a renewed appearance without the need for replacement. This approach can be appealing if you’re not ready to invest in new hardware but want to improve the look of your doors.

Custom Colours

Painting your door handles allows you to choose custom colours that perfectly complement your interior design. Whether you’re looking for a bold statement with a bright colour or a subtle, muted tone to blend with your surroundings, painting offers the flexibility to achieve your desired look.

 

Match Decor

If you’re redecorating and want all elements of your home to be cohesive, painting your door handles can help match them with your new decor. For example, if you’ve introduced new bronze accents throughout your home, you might want bronze door handles to match. Rather than searching for new handles that fit your style and budget, painting your existing handles could be a cost-effective solution.

Risks of Painting Door Handles

While you can spray paint a door handle, can you expect it to last? We cover the potential risks to consider before embarking on this DIY project.

Durability

Painted surfaces are prone to chipping, scratching, and general wear, especially on items that are used frequently, like door handles. Unlike professionally finished hardware, a painted finish could require regular maintenance or touch-ups to keep it looking fresh.

Functional Impacts

This type of quick fix, colloquially called a “landlord special,” might look good at first but can cause more problems over time. A common issue is paint build-up in moving parts, such as around the handle mechanism or where the handle meets the door. This build-up can cause the handle to stick, become difficult to operate, or even damage the internal mechanisms.

Preparation and Application Issues

Even with careful preparation, achieving a durable and smooth finish can be difficult. Errors during the process can result in peeling, uneven surfaces, or other imperfections that spoil the final look. These issues undermine your efforts and lead to wasted money.

What Should You Do Instead of Painting Door Handles?

If you want to update your door handles but avoid the potential pitfalls of painting, here are some alternatives that offer better results.

1. Replace: The best solution is to replace your door handles with new ones. With a wide range of styles, finishes, and materials available, you can easily find door handles that complement your home’s decor without the hassle of painting. This option ensures a durable, professional finish that will last for years.
2. Wait: If you’re not ready to replace your door handles right away, consider waiting until you can invest in higher-quality replacements or when it fits better into your renovation plans. Sometimes, delaying a project can lead to better results.

Explore our range of door handles, available in a wide range of styles and durable finishes, to refresh your doors.

 

 

FAQs

Do painted door knobs last?

The longevity of painted door knobs depends on the quality of the paint, the preparation process, and the amount of use they get. High-traffic areas may see the paint wear off faster.

Does paint come off door handles?

Yes, paint can come off door handles, especially if the surface was not properly prepared or if the handles are frequently used. Chips and scratches are common issues with painted hardware.

Can you paint over stainless steel handles?

You can paint over stainless steel handles, but it requires proper preparation to ensure the paint adheres well. Even then, the durability may not match that of the original finish.

Can you paint over brass door handles?

Yes, you can paint over brass door handles, but like stainless steel, it requires thorough preparation. The handles should be cleaned, sanded, and primed before painting to achieve the best results.