How to Spray Paint DoorKnobs Oil Rubbed Bronze ( 7 simple steps)

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Do you want to learn how to spray paint your doorknobs bronze? I have a DIY tutorial that will make sure it lasts and saves you money.

The whole project will only take you about an hour, and the rest is waiting in between coats. Oil-rubbed bronze spray paint is a great alternative to replacing all your doorknobs.

Besides, you can use that money elsewhere, like adding wainscotting or making a beautiful family command center.

Your old doorknobs will look brand new, and these step-by-step instructions can help you through the process to make sure it’s done right.

(As an Amazon affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please see my full disclosure HERE) I only use affiliate links for products I trust and use.

How to makeover over your home with without breaking the bank

I love making my home feel warm, inviting, and expensive without spending thousands of dollars.

There are remodels that require digging into the pockets, while others need a simple makeover. And spray painting the doorknobs are one of those DIY projects.

What is spray paint and why all the fuss?

Spray paint is a type of sprayable colored paint that comes in an aerosol can. It’s an easy way to transform your old items. Spray paint comes in many colors and can be used on just about anything. My go-to brand is Rustoleum.

Using the spray paint method is kind of fun and makes this affordable.

How to Get Started With Spray Painting Door Knobs Bronze

Step by Step: Updating Old Door Knobs With Spray Paint

Step 1: Gather all the supplies you need, including spray paint, a rag to wipe off excess paint, and doorknobs

If you want to know, other colors, finishes, and products check it out here.

Step 2. Remove the Door Knobs

First, grab a screwdriver to remove the hardware from the doors. Then, place the screws for your knobs in a plastic bag so you won’t lose them. ( I ended up spray painting the screws too )

As you remove, the doorknobs make sure you remember which knobs go where. For example, the closet door knobs would be different than bedroom and bathroom knobs.

Step3. Clean your door knobs with soap and water or another type of cleaner.

I mixed TSP in a container and let it soak for a few mins then wiped it with a microfiber rag with deglosser because our knobs were very shiny. Then set the doorknobs to the side to dry.

Step 4. Place your Knobs in a Box for Spray Painting

As you can see in the images, I used old amazon boxes. I put holes in the cardboard boxes so they can stand up.

This helps a ton because it’s easy to miss the spots at the neck on the knobs.

Step 5. Shake the can well for 1 minute, then remove the clip Spray an even coat of paint onto the knob until it is fully covered in color 

When you shake the can, you will hear a rattling sound, just keep shaking for about a minute or so.

Use the primer first let it dry.

Hold the can about 8 inches or so from the surface while spraying in a back-and-forth.

Then go back with your Universal Rustoleum Spray to coat after 30 mins

Make sure you also get under the doorknob… ask me how I know. So turn the box knob upside down to get the ENTIRE knob.

Apply a second coat within 15 minutes.

Step 6. Let dry for at least 24 hours before installing on your door to avoid any damage to your newly painted knobs.

My teenage son was so eager to get his doorknob back that he didn’t wait for 24hr. I believe he tried to reinstall his doorknob after 8 hours. So by day 3, the bronze paint was already wearing off.

Let your hardware dry for a full 24 hours before reattaching them to the dresser.

Be patient and let them dry.

According to Lowes, we should have also finished with polyurethane spray paint, so there is another layer of protection to prevent scratches and chips.

Step 7. Repeat steps 1-5 if you’re doing more than one doorknob

– Shake the can well for 1 minute, then remove the clip and place the can upside down inside a cardboard box (for safety)

Tips to make your spray painted door knobs last

Note: Other tips and tricks for successfully painting door knobs with spray paint

(i) Add a primer to them in a well-ventilated area like outdoors,

(ii) Spray from about 8- 12 inches away from the surface of the knob,

(iii) Apply at least three coats of paint with a 15 min break between each coat.

(iv) Add a finishing coat

(V) Let it dry completely for at least 24 hrs

Common Questions/FAQ About Refinishing Door Knobs

Does Spray Painting Door Knobs Last?

(this is after 1 year we used it to redo our home which is now a rental property)

For us, the ones that really stood up are the ones that were left the longest to dry. And for the first set I sprayed, I didn’t use a primer.. a big mistake. So if you want your doorknobs to last, then remove the gloss and use primer!

Can you spray paint the knobs without removing them?

I am sure anything is possible, and it would require you taping off the door, so you don’t get spray all over.

But, let’s be honest, if you want it to look good, then take the time to remove them. It would be worth it.

Can you spray paint the door hindges hardware?

I guess you can spray paint the door hinges, but I didn’t. The previous owners already painted ours white, so I felt it did not need to remove the door and add new or spray-painted hinges.

But, if your hinges are brass and everything else is bronze, then it would only make sense to replace or spray paint it. Be sure to remove the hinges one at a time and not take off the entire door because getting the door lined back up is a hassle.

The Last Thing You Need to Know when Using Spray Paint to update door knobs

Spray paint is a cheaper route than replacing the doorknobs.

I search everywhere for doorknobs because I wanted them to look like these on amazon, which can run you at least 12 for 1! I had 13 knobs I wanted to change from the brass gold to something more modern.

A can of spray paint is 5.94!

So it made so much sense to remove them and spray paint the knobs for a cheaper makeover.

Besides, oil-rubbed bronze is an extremely popular color right now. Which also used to spray paint my outdoor chairs.

So I saved myself several hundred dollars using the DIY spray paint method.

Spray Paint Supplies Checklist

• Black Automotive Spray Primer – I used black because it made it easier to add a coat of spray.
• Rustoleum Universal Oil Rubbed Bronze Spray Paint – This is my go-to brand and I only used 1 can for 15 knobs. But get 2 to be safe.
• Sand Paper– I had tons of sandpaper from existing projects but make sure you use the correct grit. I used 220 and at first, I thought I messed it up because there were scratches on the knob. But the spray paint covered it up.
• TSP Cleaner or Deglosser (optional) – This will be your friend for many projects like painting the bathroom cabinets or wiping down things before painting.
• Repace Oil-Rubbed Bronze plates– This was a simple and easy replacement. I could have sprayed it but with the constant