Spray Paint Doorknobs – Your Guide for How to Paint Door Knobs

Doors are everywhere, quite literally! Every day, it is almost impossible not to use a doorway at some point. Doors are important as they can shut us inside away from the elements, but that does not mean they cannot also be beautiful! Doors offer privacy and security within our office or home spaces, but they also take up a large space, and an ugly door with an ugly doorknob can turn your space from fab to drab in no time. The fact is, chances are, you have neglected your doors, especially the doorknobs you use every single day. Whether you are looking to spruce up your existing doorknobs, or change them to a more decorative style, spray painting doorknobs is one way to do exactly that! It is time to give your doorknobs the attention they deserve, let us dive right into the world of how to spray paint doorknobs! 

Why Spray Painting Doorknobs Is Something You Should Consider

As we mentioned before, we often do not even think about doorknobs, and yes, while their purpose is to be functional, a pretty doorknob can change your space quite dramatically! It is likely you have already glanced over at the closest door while reading this article, and it is likely that you have realized just how boring your current doorknob is! This is where learning how to paint doorknobs comes in, especially if the one on your door is chipped, faded or you just want to introduce some contrast to your living space and improve the aesthetic.

Just as you would give your walls and doors a fresh coat of paint, your doorknobs need it too! If you leave them to be, you kind of defeat the entire purpose of giving your space a makeover! Perhaps you have a beautiful bohemian-style room, have you ever seen a black door with a bright magenta doorknob? Or, maybe, you want a more classic look with ivory walls and brass-colored spray-painted doorknobs. It is interesting how much something so small can change an entire room.

The best part of all? To spray paint a doorknob is an inexpensive way of improving your space in no time! There really is no need to replace your knobs when they look tired! Spray painting doorknobs is a fun way to add some quirk or style to your doorway, and because it is such an easy and simple DIY project, anyone can do it! Of course, if you would prefer to buy brand new doorknobs, just remember that this can cost a small fortune in the end, even if you do not have that many doors with knobs to replace. So, what are the best ways to spray paint doorknobs and other similar fixtures in your home?

This tutorial could even apply to light switch covers, and sometimes it is a nice idea to have these matching your doorknobs.

There are special types of paints one needs to use when restoring old doorknobs, this article will teach you how to treat and spruce up your doorknobs the correct way, ensuring that they last long. After all, doorknobs do take a lot of wear and tear each and every day. Let us get into how to spray paint doorknobs and exactly what supplies you will need to complete your project.

The Types of Coatings to Use on Doorknobs

If you love DIY projects, this one’s for you! There are so many possibilities and so many lovely and beautiful ways when it comes to how to paint doorknobs. We are sure that by now you have thought of many ideas of how you would like to paint your doorknobs, but you still need the correct tools for the job at hand, if you do not do it properly the first time, your spray-painting doorknobs project will likely end in a bit of a disaster. The following coatings are a good option for doorknobs, just bear in mind what your specific doorknob is made of.

Brass Doorknobs

Other than within the commercial industry, brass is not often spray painted. That said, many homes have brass doorknobs and brass door handles installed on their doors. You may be wondering which type of spray paint is best suited for brass doorknobs, and the answer might surprise you! Almost all spray paints work quite well on brass fittings, these include enamel-based paints, acrylic, latex, and even oil-based spray paints. The trick with brass doorknobs is cleaning them properly before priming and spray painting your doorknob.

This will ensure a finish that is long-lasting for years of wear and use.

Plastic Doorknobs

If you have been wondering about plastic doorknobs and how to paint them, It turns out, plastic is one of the easiest materials to work with and spray paint! Most paints will adhere to plastic very well, all that you need to make sure it lasts is a coat of primer! One thing to consider when spray painting doorknobs that are plastic is that shiny or sheen-type finishes do not hold up as well as matt finishes. For this reason, if you decide that you really want a shiny finish on your door handle, make sure the primer you use before you paint the doorknob is of the highest quality. It is also important to sand plastic door handles and finishes before priming.

Steel Doorknobs

Chances are quite high that you have doorknobs made of steel in your home if you have a more modern and newly built place. Steel is practical, affordable, and durable. And, of course, it is also easy to spray paint doorknobs made of steel. The best paint to use on steel door handles and fittings are those with an enamel or oil base. Using these paints will also be beneficial should you like a sheen finish on your steel doorknob.

Take a look at our simple table below which summarizes all the above info in an easy-to-read format: 

Why Spray Painting Doorknobs Is Something You Should Consider

Without a doubt, you are likely wondering just how long-lasting and durable your handles will be once you have spray-painted them. The last thing anyone wants is a beautiful doorknob that quickly shows signs of wear and rubbing. This is a common question as doorknobs are used so often. That said, a simple yes or no answer is not that cut and dried. The true answer lies in your workmanship and of course, the quality of the spray paint used to spray paint the doorknobs.

Hand traffic is something door handles see a lot of, so using paint of lower quality just will not suffice. If you skimp on quality here, you will find yourself redoing and re-spray painting doorknobs all over again just to keep up with the rubbing and scratching. If you want handles and finishes that do not degrade quickly, use the correct paint and a high-quality primer, the first time!

Selecting the Correct Spray Paint for Doorknobs

Your preparation leading to the point where you actually spray paint your doorknobs is so important, just as important as a good primer and paint are! Without good preparation, your doorknob paint job will not hold up. Thankfully, however, choosing the right spray paint for the job is easy now, as so many manufacturers have created spray paints specific to various needs and projects. We have created a list of our favorite paints for painting doorknobs, complete with advantages and disadvantages for each:

Top Overall Spray Paint for Doorknobs: RUST-OLEUM Universal All Surface Spray Paint

As previously mentioned, most people do not spray paint doorknobs in fear of them rubbing or fading after being used so often. While yes, anything used as often as a doorknob will be prone to rubbing and wear, brands like Rust-Oleum have created a formula built to last! The universal all surface spray paint aerosol is by far the best option for most door angels, ensuring a longer life span that has truly stood the test of time! Their special technology was perfected thanks to over 100 years in the business, making this brand one you can trust.

RUST-OLEUM Universal All Surface Spray Paint

• Suitable for almost every surface, including plastic and metal
• The oil-based formula resists fading, rust, and chipping
• The fast-drying formula dries to the touch in only 30 minutes

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The oil-based formula has been perfected and modified, ensuring proper adhesion to your doorknob. Even doorknobs that are exposed to the sun or extremely cold temperatures stand no match against this fantastic product. If you want to spray paint your doorknobs fast, or just have an emergency, this amazing product dries in 30 minutes! This means that you could complete your whole house’s finishings and door handles in a day, easily. The best part? There are also quite a few colors available, there is bound to be something perfect for your home.

Best Value Spray Paint for doorknobs: KRYLON Fusion All-in-One Spray Paint

If you are seeking high value for your money, and only require a basic paint job, look no further than this awesome product from Krylon. Not only will you end up with a decent finish, but it will be long-lasting, too! Just like Rust-Oleum, Krylon has been around for a very long time, which means they know what they are doing! Paint adhesion is their expertise! The all-in-one range works perfectly on almost any surface, wood, plastic, metal, PVC, and even ceramics!

KRYLON Fusion All-In-One Spray Paint

• Delivers fantastic adhesion, durability, and rust protection
• Suitable for almost all indoor and outdoor surfaces
• Dries to the touch in 20 minutes without running or dripping

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This makes it such a versatile product, probably one of the most versatile available. As you probably know, door handles come in a wide variety of materials, and it is likely that this product will work on your doorknob. These long-lasting and super robust spray paints also come in many different finishes, including satin or gloss, metallic and hammered, and even textured finishes. Just like Rust-Oleum, Krylon, as a brand, has perfected the practical aerosol can, making it super easy to use, even for beginners. Not only that, but within 20 minutes you should have a dry, freshly spray-painted doorknob!

Best Finish Spray Paint for doorknobs: SEYMOUR Stainless Steel Rust Protective Spray Paint

If you are looking for a classy, high sheen finish for your doorknobs, look no further. Offering what the above two products do not, this product from Seymour will give you the high-quality mirror finishes you are after. Perfect for stainless steel doorknobs, this spray paint is also hard-wearing and of the highest quality. No need to worry about any fading with this one! This is an oil-based paint which means it is resistant to UV-rays and hard use, perfect for finishes and door handles, of course!

SEYMOUR Stainless Steel Rust Protective Spray Paint

• Fast-drying spray paint produces a glossy, high-quality finish 
• Made with 100% stainless steel pigment for good adhesion
• The paint is resistant to UV light and does not yellow with time

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The finish produced by this spray paint will last as long as your door handle does! There is no need to worry about the peeling, staining, or yellowing of your outside doorknob, as this tough formula is made for the outdoor environment. Not only that, but the Seymour stainless steel spray is also protective to your steel doorknob, and of course, it dries very quickly! Even though this brand is a newcomer to the market, the high-quality high gloss finish from this product is unlike the brass or matte finishes provided by Rust-Oleum and Krylon, you will not be disappointed!

The Effective Way to Paint Doorknobs

You may think of it as an odd DIY project to paint your doorknobs, but really, the change it can make is to be seen! If you are ready to get started with spray painting doorknobs, read on for a basic how-to guide with easy-to-follow steps so that you get your spray job right the first time!

Prepare Your Workspace

Of course, as with all DIY projects, you want to prepare the space you will be working in, and yourself, too! The task ahead is far quicker and easier and will go far more smoothly if you are well prepared before starting. It is important to think about protection when using aerosol-based substances. Before we show you how to paint doorknobs, you should probably prepare both yourself and your work area for the task ahead. When working with any aerosol-based substance it’s important for you to remember to wear the correct personal protective gear. Why you may ask? Because of atomized paint particles.

These particles can enter your airways and eyes quite easily, and this can cause some big issues and discomfort. For this reason, a mask is highly recommended, make sure that the mask you choose has been graded for painting purposes.

Do not forget to wear gloves, too. Now that you have protected yourself, you can begin preparing your workspace for spray painting doorknobs. Another important thing to remember is that aerosol paint does tend to find itself literally everywhere, thanks to the tiny paint particles which are swept up in the slightest breeze. For this reason, some tarp or even newspaper to protect floors and surfaces is a good idea. Last, of all, get some rags ready, paint stripper and some sanding paper. It is helpful to keep these items at hand and easily accessible to your dominant hand.

Preparing Your Doorknobs With Sanding and Cleaning

Once you have removed your door handle and fittings from the door, the very first thing you will need to do is clean your doorknob thoroughly. Some warm soapy water or a metal cleaner should do the trick. Make sure you get into all the small bits, nooks, and crannies of the doorknob. Now that your doorknob is cleaned properly, allow it to dry out fully and you can then begin with the sanding process. Now, you have a couple of options to choose from in order to prep the doorknob with scuffing.

The reason you want to scuff the handle is to help the paint adhere to it. You could use regular sandpaper or even a sanding wheel. Another option is a self-scuffing primer such as the SEM Grey Self Etching Primer. This is a very safe choice; in case you are worried about damaging your doorknob. If the door handle has any existing paint on it, bear in mind that the sanding process will take some time and you may want to use a paint stripper if elbow grease is not doing the trick! If you do choose to use a self-etching primer, you can ignore this next step.

Priming Your Workpiece

If you opted for sanding, your next step will be to apply primer to your door handle. Primer is important, although some spray paints contain a primer and state that no pre-priming is needed, we do recommend a light coat anyway. Primer will help your paint stick even better, along with the pre sanding. Applying the primer is easy and usually comes in an aerosol can. The Rust-Oleum Painter’s Touch 2X Ultra Cover primer is highly recommended. Remember that depending on which primer you use and depending on what your doorknob is made of, the drying rate may differ.

It is very important not to miss any spots when you apply the primer as you will end up with inconsistent paint.

Painting Your Door Knob

Finally, we have reached the most exciting part – actually painting the doorknob! Painting takes time, so be patient and careful. Depending on how detailed your door handle is, and how large, will determine how long the process will take. The larger and more detailed doorknobs may require more control and more range of motion than the smaller ones. As with most spray paint jobs, start spraying off the doorknob and move your wrist in a slow but continuous motion.

You also need to make sure that you have the right amount of pressure or you could end up with overspray and drips, which are not ideal. That said, if you are quick enough, you can fix this before it dries, so make sure to keep a watchful eye at all times.

When the entire surface area of the doorknob has been covered, you can move to the edges and underneath bits of the door handle. While this sounds tricky, once you get going you will quickly get the hang of it! That is the beauty of aerosol cans, they are so easy to use! Make sure, however, that you keep the can in an upright position while spraying.

Whatever you do, do not attempt to “spot spray” your doorknob. You need to use continuous and fluid, swift movements of the wrist at all times. You also want to make sure you use the same amount of pressure at all times. As with most things DIY, less is more. Keep your coats light because, should you need it, you can always apply a second or third coat.

We hope that now you have all the information and know-how, painting your doorknobs won’t seem like such a daunting task. Perhaps you had never thought of painting your door handles until reading this article, in which case we hope that you can see the possibilities this seemingly simple and small DIY project holds! Change up your finishes to match your decor or just give your old shabby doorknobs a fresh new coat of paint to add some sheen, whatever your reason for painting your doorknobs, we are sure you will be pleased with the results! Remember, always follow the instructions given by the paint’s manufacturer, above all else, and do not forget to use proper protection while spray painting, for both yourself and your home. Happy painting!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is It Possible to Spray Paint Doorknobs?

Of course, it is! Spray paint has become so versatile that almost anything you could think of can be spray painted! There are plenty of available products on the market and a wide range of both colors and finishes to suit your taste and decor.

Will Spray Paint Last Long on Doorknobs?

As with most technology and innovations, spray paints have improved in leaps and bounds over the years, so yes, while much hand traffic is expected for most door handles, spray paint over a good, high-quality primer will ensure a lasting finishing on your doorknobs. It is also important to prepare your doorknob correctly to ensure maximum adhesion of the spray paint, this will prevent any premature rubbing or scuffing.

Is It Possible to Spray Paint a Brass Doorknob?

Yes! Most people would not think of spray paint brass doorknobs, but it most certainly can and is done! Even though it is not the most popular type of door handle or fitting for painting purposes, as it is quite beautiful already, sometimes a change is needed and a little color splash on an existing doorknob is all it takes! So yes, it is possible to spray paint a brass doorknob using any multi-purpose aerosol spray paints.