How to Paint Cabinet Hinges

Cleaning the hinges

Remove the hinges prior to painting the doors.

Clean the hinges as well as you possibly can. You might find that this requires steel wool pads, some abrasive cleaner, the kind used for sinks and bathtubs and lots of elbow grease. Many nice vintage, even antique and ornate hinges have been found under layers of paint.

Sand the hinges. Once the hinges have been cleaned, rub them with a medium-grit sandpaper to prepare them for the paint. This is termed "priming" and will ensure that old paint, grime build-up and rough surfaces are removed. Wipe with a tack cloth after sanding to clean off the sanding dust. After you've sanded, it helps to wipe it down with some quick-drying liquid like paint thinner or denatured alcohol.

Painting the hinges

Choose a paint suitable for metal (enamel). Decide on the color––do you want to use a metallic paint that mimics the original metal or do you want to paint the hinge the same color as the cabinet or a complementary one? Do not use latex paint as it will affect the movement of the hinge. Spray paint is easier and faster than using a paintbrush and paint, but the choice is up to you. Get some clear metal primer. Placing this on the hinges first will help ensure that the paint stays intact.

Place the hinges on a covered surface. Line a work surface with newspaper or another cover.

Spray or paint the hinges. Paint at least two layers to ensure an even coating. If spraying, keep moving the spray nozzle to ensure that it does not layer too thickly in any one spot. Allow to fully dry between layers. If the hinges have evident nails, paint the nail ends as well, to ensure a whole look.

Place the hinges back on the cabinet once the paint is dry.