How to Refinish Cabinet Hinges

Quck answer

To paint cabinet hinges, follow these steps:

1. Remove the hinges from the cabinet using a screwdriver.

2. Clean the hinges with a mild detergent and warm water to remove any dirt or grease.

3. Sand the hinges lightly with fine-grit sandpaper to create a smooth surface for painting.

4. Apply a coat of primer to the hinges using a small brush or spray. Allow it to dry completely.

5. Paint the hinges with a suitable paint color using a small brush or spray. Apply multiple thin coats for a smooth finish.

6. Let the paint dry completely before reinstalling the hinges on the cabinet.

Remember to take your time and be patient throughout the process to achieve the best results.


If the color of your existing hinges no longer matches after refinishing your cabinets, you can save money by painting them instead of replacing them. Additionally, painting the hinges allows them to fit into the existing holes, eliminating the need for drilling new holes or filling old ones. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to spray paint your hinges and give your cabinets a fresh new look:

Tip

For repainting hinges, it is recommended to use spray enamel as it is less likely to chip and peel when opening and closing the doors, compared to regular paint, if the hinges are properly prepared.

1. Remove the Hinges

Using a screwdriver, unscrew the hinges from the cabinet doors and remove the doors. Then, unscrew the hinges from the cabinets themselves. It is easier to paint the hinges when they are detached from the cabinets.

Keep all the screws in a safe place, as you may want to paint them along with the hinges. Storing the screws in a labeled zippered plastic storage bag is a good idea to prevent them from getting lost.

2. Strip Existing Paint

If the hinges of your cabinets are already painted, you may want to remove the old paint. To do this, immerse each hinge in paint stripper while wearing rubber gloves. Leave it in for a minute, then take it out and rinse it under water. Use steel wool to remove stubborn paint, and then dry the hinges.

3. Removing All Grease

Regardless of whether the hinges were previously painted or not, it is important to clean them before proceeding. Wipe the hinges with denatured alcohol to remove any grease or grime. Focus on the parts that will be visible when the hinges are installed.

4. Sand the Hinges

Scuff up the existing finish or bare metal of the visible parts of the hinges using 220-grit sandpaper. This will ensure better adhesion of the paint.

5. Paint the Hinges

Place the hinges flat on a sheet of old newspaper with the parts you want to paint facing upwards. If you plan on painting both sides, ensure that the most visible sides are facing up.

Wear a respirator and spray a coat of metal primer onto all the hinges using an aerosol can. Allow the primer to dry for 30 minutes to an hour, then flip the hinges over (if both sides are being painted) and spray the other side.

Apply a coat of metal enamel to the hinges. If you are painting both sides, start with the undersides, wait an hour for the paint to dry, then spray the top sides. Arrange all the screws on the newspaper and spray the heads to match the color of the hinges.

6. Lacquer the Hinges

Wait for the paint to dry for one to two hours, then spray a single coat of clear lacquer. The lacquer adds extra gloss and provides protection against chipping. Allow the lacquer to cure overnight before installing the hinges onto the cabinet.

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