Can Cabinet Handles Be Spray Painted?

Wood

• You can spray paint wood cabinet handles, but you must clean them thoroughly first or you risk getting an uneven or botched paint job. Since wood is so porous, use a primer first. Then spray paint the wood handles. After the coat dries, apply another coat if you desire a darker color. After the spray paint dries, use a coat of sealant to ensure that moisture doesn't get in after you paint the entire handle.

Metal

• Metal cabinet handles aren't porous like wood cabinet handles, so you don't have to worry about moisture at all. Use sandpaper to sand the metal down a little first, just to make sure the primer and the paint have something to hold on to. After sanding, apply primer and let it dry. Spray paint the entire surface and allow it to dry again -- no need for a sealant on top, although you can add one if you like. If you decide you don't like the color, or just want to change it later, then you can sand and primer the metal again and try another color.

Laminate and Plastic

• Laminate and plastic are both slippery substances. Try spray painting laminate or plastic cabinet handles as is and you will get a runny mess that does not stay in place. While you can paint such handles, it requires a lot of sanding to make the surface less slick. Laminate and plastic handles are relatively inexpensive, so replacing them may be cheaper than painting. If you must paint them, then stock up on sanding paper, because you must sand them down quite a bit. You must also use primer -- possibly in multiple coats -- before spray paint will adhere without dripping.

When to Replace

• Some cabinet handles and knobs may not be worth the time and effort to paint. In addition to plastic or laminate knobs, some metal or wood handles may not be worth painting. For wood handles, check for signs of mold, moisture and warps. If any of these conditions are present, then discard the item and start with a new item. For metal handles, look for rust or oxidation. Though you may be able to sand down rust, it may take more effort than it is worth. Depending on the severity, replace the item instead of painting it.