Brass fireplace doors can be painted in almost any color you wish.
Whether your brass fireplace doors have become dingy and tarnished, or you're just ready for a change, painting them is a fairly simple weekend project. Your doors may be solid brass or brass-plated steel -- a magnet will not stick to solid brass -- but in either case the process is the same. Taking the doors off will probably be a longer task than doing the actual painting, and aerosol spray cans will make quick work of the painting.
Instructions
1. Remove the doors and frame. Most fireplace doors are mounted on a metal bracket; you may need a wrench or screwdriver to remove the doors and frame from the bracket.
2. Disassemble the doors as much as possible. If they have black chain or mesh curtains, these will probably be attached to a single bracket to the frame.
3. Clean the fireplace doors well with acetone and a fine sanding sponge. This removes sooty buildup and oil; using the sanding sponge to clean the doors will scuff the surface at the same time so the paint will adhere well. Wipe the surfaces with a clean, dry rag.
4. Mask off what you can't remove, such as the glass fronts. Use masking tape and newspaper to precisely cover the glass on both sides.
5. Lay the fireplace doors on clean dropcloths or cardboard.
6. Spray the doors with metal aerosol primer. There are several types of primer; the paint and the primer you're using must be compatible. Apply several light coats instead of one or two heavy coats, until the brass finish is obscured.
7. Apply several coats of paint in the same way you applied the primer.
8. Apply a coat of clear protective sealant for a glossy, scratch-resistant finish. Not all spray paints require this step.
9. Reassemble and install the fireplace doors after they've dried for 24 hours.
Related posts
Painting doors can intimidate homeowners who have had bad experiences with paint runs and drips. But you can achieve a beautiful, smooth paint finish on either flat or raised-panel doors by learni...
Restore an old brass door knocker with a simple paint job.Shiny, lacquered brass was once popular for many home accessories, especially lighting fixtures such as lamps and chandeliers. As this fin...
Update the look of an old brass or gold fixture with paint.Painting over old brass or gold can be a quick fix for updating the look of a worn or unsightly fixture. Over time, brass and gold will b...
Revive that brass light fixture with spray paint.Have you found yourself in the middle of a remodeling project and just can't stand the old brass light fixture for one more minute? Maybe the probl...
Paint an Old Red Brick FireplaceIf your old red brick fireplace isn't giving your room quite the ambiance you desire, painting is a quick and easy way to improve its appearance without spending a...
