Cleaning furniture hardware may seem like a trivial task, but it's a crucial step in ensuring your furniture restoration project turns out beautifully. Over the years, I've experimented with various methods, and through trial and error, I've found a technique that never fails to deliver outstanding results. I have to admit, I almost never use the fusion products that I sell for painting hardware. Why you ask? I mean Fusion products work Great for painting hardware, it adheres wonderfully to metal and dries rock hard but I'm just too LAZY and I Like a quick fix! That is the honest TRUTH!
In this guide, I'll walk you through my step-by-step process, including my favorite cleaning product and the painting method I swear by.
**1. Gather Your Supplies:** Before diving into the cleaning process, gather all the necessary supplies: -
Barkeeper's Friend (my holy grail cleaning product)
Container for soaking -
Toothbrush -
Soft cloth -
Spray paint in your desired color -
Cardboard box with punched holes
**2. Remove Hardware:**
Start by carefully removing the hardware from your furniture piece. Separate the screws from the knobs or handles to ensure thorough cleaning.
**3. Clean with Barkeeper's Friend:** Fill a container with water and soak the knobs or handles. Apply a small amount of Barkeeper's Friend onto a toothbrush and begin scrubbing the hardware, focusing on areas with stubborn buildup. After scrubbing, return the hardware to the soaking container.
**4. Rinse and Dry:** Once all the hardware pieces are cleaned, rinse them thoroughly under running water. Wipe them down with a soft cloth to remove excess water, paying attention to avoid water buildup in screw holes.
**5. Prepare for Painting:**
Place the hardware on a cardboard box with punched holes, screw side down, to elevate them for painting. Space them apart evenly to ensure even coverage.
**6. Apply Spray Paint:**
Shake your can of spray paint vigorously to mix it well. Test the spray on the cardboard to ensure proper mixing, then apply the first coat of spray paint evenly across all hardware pieces. Allow it to dry for about an hour.
**7. Apply Additional Coats:** While in the past, I have used Fusion Mineral Paint to hand paint hardware, I find it to be a tedious process. Although it's an excellent paint choice for hardware, after painting numerous pieces over the years, I prefer not to spend excessive time on this task. Instead, I love using Rustoleum and Krylon brands because they are easy to use and deliver excellent results! After the first coat has dried, apply a second and third coat of spray paint for optimal coverage and durability. Allow each coat to dry thoroughly between applications.
P.S. Don't forget the back side of the hardware. ;)
**8. Let Dry Completely:**
Once you've completed painting, allow the spray paint to dry for approximately an hour before removing the hardware from the box. For best results, let the paint cure for 24 hours before reattaching the hardware to your furniture piece. It's worth noting that sometimes, I opt not to repaint the hardware if it fits the desired style or aesthetic of the piece. In such cases, after thorough cleaning, I simply add the hardware back onto the furniture for a polished finish.
**Conclusion:**
Cleaning furniture hardware is a crucial step in any restoration project, and using the right method can make all the difference. By following this comprehensive guide and utilizing Barkeeper's Friend and spray paint, you can breathe new life into your furniture pieces with beautifully restored hardware. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your supplies, and get ready to transform your furniture with this tried-and-tested method!