Did you know that you can paint your dated toilet paper holder, towel bar, and towel ring instead of having to buy new ones?
If you're looking to give your bathroom a fresh new look without breaking the bank, painting your bathroom hardware is an excellent way to achieve a budget-friendly DIY makeover.
Whether you want to paint your bathroom hardware a different metallic color, black, or a unique and fun color, the steps are the same.
Here is the step-by-step process of painting bathroom hardware for a fresh new look that will last.
Select Your Paint
Before diving into your painting project, it's essential to select the right paint and finish for your bathroom hardware.
Opt for a durable enamel high quality spray paint #ad specifically designed for metal surfaces to ensure long-lasting results.
Since your bathroom hardware is a high touch point, make sure to spend a little extra money and buy the highest quality paint that is within your budget so that the paint still looks good years from now.
Consider the finish options carefully – satin or semi-gloss finishes are ideal for bathroom hardware as they provide a smooth, easy-to-clean surface that resists moisture and mildew.
Also make sure to get spray primer #ad.
Use a primer that is colored similarly to your desired bathroom hardware color for best results.
If you want silver or nickel bathroom hardware, prime with white spray primer.
If you want oil rubbed bronze, copper, black, or antique brass bathroom hardware, prime with black primer.
While shopping for paint, also get a fine grit sandpaper or a sanding sponge for surface preparation, and a drop cloth or large cardboard box to catch drips.
Remove
Before painting, you must remove your bathroom hardware and take it to a well ventilated area, such as a covered patio or garage.
Your toilet paper holder, towel bar, and towel ring will most likely be able to be removed using only a very small allen wrench, also called a hex key wrench #ad.
Look underneath each piece of bathroom hardware and look for a tiny little screw.
You will most likely just have to loosen the screws instead of completely removing them.
Now would be a good time to touch up any wall paint if the bathroom hardware was not removed the last time the walls were painted and some of the wall paint came off when removing the hardware.
If your bathroom hardware can not be remove with an allen wrench, then try a small screwdriver.
Prepare the Surface for Painting
Proper preparation is key to achieving a flawless finish when painting bathroom hardware.
Begin by thoroughly cleaning the surfaces to be painted with a mild detergent and water solution to remove any dirt, grime, oil, or residue.
Make sure to remove any wall paint that may be on your bathroom hardware.
Once dry, use fine-grit sandpaper or a sanding sponge to lightly roughen the surface of the hardware, creating a texture that allows the paint to adhere better.
Wipe away any dust or debris with a tack cloth to ensure a clean, smooth surface for painting.
Any dust or dirt left on the surface will be very visible if painted over.
Position
Position each piece on a drop cloth, in a large cardboard box, or allow it to hang.
Most parts of your bathroom hardware have a side that does not need to be painted that can be positioned on the floor.
The cylindrical pieces of your toilet paper holder, towel bar, and towel ring should be standing up for the best application of spray paint.
If the cylinders are too unsteady to stand up, consider propping them up against an object so they are not directly on the floor.
Prime
Read the directions on your can of primer before using - it may need to be shaken before applying.
Apply the spray primer in smooth, overlapping strokes, ensuring full coverage and even distribution.
Hold the can approximately 8-12 inches away to avoid drips or runs.
Depending on the desired finish, you may need to apply multiple coats, allowing each coat to dry fully before proceeding.
Allow everything to dry per the manufacturer's instructions. There is usually a dry time before reapplication of paint and a longer dry time for curing.
If there is a side to your bathroom hardware that is not exposed to the primer, wait for it to dry then flip it over and prime the other side.
Paint
Once the primer is dry, apply a light coat of paint on your bathroom hardware.
Make sure to allow plenty of time for the paint to dry, then spray another light coat.
If necessary, flip the pieces over and spray the opposite side.
Allow Sufficient Drying Time and Cure
Once you've finished painting the bathroom hardware, allow it to dry completely before reattaching or using it.
Follow the drying time recommendations provided by the paint manufacturer, typically ranging from 24 to 48 hours, to ensure the paint fully cures and hardens for maximum durability.
If you live in a humid climate, your drying time might be longer.
Avoid touching or handling the painted hardware during this time to prevent smudges or damage to the finish.
Reinstall
Reinstall your toilet paper holder, towel bar, and towel ring only after they have cured.
Take care when reinstalling the hardware to avoid scratching or chipping the freshly painted surface or your wall.
