How To Remove Paint From Cabinet Hardware
In 3 simple steps, bring old cabinet hardware back to life by removing layers of paint that have been there for years. Simple, easy, and transforming! Here’s how to remove paint from cabinet hardware…
Our Fixer Upper had so many lovely original details, and one of them was the cabinet hardware on the super amazing built in closet in the master bedroom. From the second I first laid eyes on it, I knew I wanted to keep the cabinet original, but bring it back to life. Giving the hardware a good scrub was part of that, but I was a little bit intimidated with the different layers of paint showing.
Luckily, my solution was waaay easier than I thought. I put this project off for so long thinking it would be a time consuming pain. And in about half an hour, I had them back to their original condition. Good thing I worried about it! 😉
Here’s how:
First, I added all the hardware (hinges, screws, pulls, and latches) to a metal pot, and filled it with water, leaving about 2-3 inches to the top…
I brought the pan to a full boil, then reduced it to a simmer for 15 minutes. I made sure to keep an eye on the pan, and as the water evaporated, I added a bit more. Make sure your pan doesn’t boil dry!
The longer the hardware simmered, I could see the paint starting to flake off. I pulled out a cup pull, and used a metal spoon to see how loose the paint was getting. Once it began to fall off, I turned off the heat, and drained the hardware on a paper towel…
Once they were cool to touch, I started peeling the paint off. To do this, I sat a metal colander in the sink, ran a bit of cool water, and ran my fingers over the loose paint. It didn’t take very much effort for the paint to start falling off in large chunks…
It even worked beautifully on the screws. I used a small flat-head screw driver to remove any paint in the notches.
With the paint removed from the hardware, I used a brush to scrub any leftover residue, and used a soft cloth to remove any remaining water, and to prevent rusting.
Here are a few examples to show how fabulously this worked…
And of course, here’s a little before and after of the actual cabinet…
Before:
After:
Much better!
I’m so happy we were able to keep this closet the same. It had so much character, and I really didn’t want to change it. It’s one of the only remaining things in the house that didn’t get changed in appearance.
So, moral of the story: Don’t be scared, or worried about removing paint from your existing cabinet hardware. It’s so easy, and worth it!
I love the cabinet! I have heard that a crock pot works well too! Amazing how easy it is.
What finish did you uuse?
What if you wanted to spray these flat black? What paint would you use?
Thanks for sharing!
I left the hardware clean. I loved the aged look of the metal. If you were to paint them, you could use spray paint in a flat black. You can find it at your local hardware store. 😀
Dear Shayna,
Where did you get your heart shaped stock pot?
I want one.
Thanks,
Kay
Hi Kay! My pan is from Walmart. I’ve had it since College, but love it. I believe it’s made by Wearever. 😀
Wow, what a time and labor saver! Did you refinish the hardware in any way? They look very black in the photo.
Thanks.
Nice tips. Did you repaint them ?
No. I left them as is. I loved the aged color of the metal. 😀
Hi Shayna, what a wonderful simple solution. I’ve been considering replacing some 80 year old window pulls. I’m going to try your method this weekend. Thank You! Donna
Amazing!! I love the finish on them when you were done. We have some old hinges from our farmhouse that I’d like reuse and I’ll have to give this a try. Thanks for sharing!
I usually avoid paint strippers by removing paint from old hardware using a hot water bath. I think it quite effective.
Do you know if this method would work on spray paint? ~ Thank you!