Metal finishing Q&As since 1989

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Painting metal drawer pulls

I would like to have suggestions on painting metal drawer pulls.
What type paint?
What if any primer should be used?
What type sealer?

Thank you so very, JC Daugherty

Jan Daugherty
electrical - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
2003

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August 30, 2009

Hi, Jan. Depending on the type of metal the drawer pulls are made of, priming could be indispensable because most paints will not stick to brass and many other metals at all.

Remove any lacquer with acetone [on eBay or Amazon] or lacquer thinner [on eBay or Amazon], then lightly sand the areas you can reach. Then apply a Self-etching primer [on eBay or Amazon] . Then use any paint that is made for contact as opposed to being made for a wall -- for example, you will see cans of Krylon or Rustoleum with pictures of lawn furniture or wagons, etc. on them. Good luck.

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey

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September 29, 2009

Hello, I am a Home Improvement contractor with over over 25 years experience. In the tough economic times my customers are looking for ways to change the look of their kitchens cost effectively. I currently have a customer that changed counter tops, sink, and appliances and now wants to change the cabinet handles and the least expensive that they could find were around $5.25 each they need 45 of them. $236.45 plus tax and installing them isn't in their budget. Is there a way to paint or coat there existing pulls cost effectively? They want black and the pulls currently are gold plated. Any suggestions would be great
Thank You
Ray Page

Raymond Page
Carpenter,Home improvement - Youngstown, New York

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Hi, Raymond. It's unlikely that the drawer pulls are actually gold plated. But the previous response should address your need. Good luck.

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
September 29, 2009