The Color Won't Stick When Trying to Repaint Dresser Knobs

Clean

• In order to properly adhere, paint requires a surface to be clean and free of residues. Residue from prior applications of paint, furniture polish or even household cleaning products that have not been completely rinsed off will often prohibit paint from sticking. Before painting, take the time to thoroughly clean furniture and knobs using a household cleaner with de-greaser that is appropriate for the type of material to be painted. Follow this up by wiping down the entire piece with a damp (though not dripping) cloth to remove any residue left behind by this cleaner.

Sand

• Another important component in creating a paintable surface is sanding. If the knobs are wood, sanding with medium grit sandpaper will remove any lingering varnish or sealers. If the knobs are plastic, sanding will roughen up the surface, giving the paint something to grip. Metal knobs or pulls typically do not require sanding.

Prime

• A step that is often overlooked in the interest of time is applying a coat of primer before painting. When the knobs are plastic or metal, primer will often be the deciding factor between paint that adheres well to the knobs and paint that will never stick no matter how many coats are applied. Wood knobs also benefit from a bit of primer because the porous nature of wood often makes it necessary to use several coats of paint achieve adequate coverage. A quick coat of primer before painting creates a barrier between the wood and paint and gives the paint something to adhere to. Fewer coats of paint will be needed when primer is first applied.

  Primer in a spray can is especially useful when painting something small like dresser drawer knobs. There are spray primers made specifically for a variety of materials. Whether the knobs are wood, plastic or metal, carefully read the back of the can to find the primer that is designed for the type of knob being painted.

Paint

• Selecting the proper paint for the application will also increase the likelihood that the paint adheres to the knob. As with primer, take time to find a paint that is designed for the type of knob being painted. A few extra minutes spent standing in the paint aisle will have been well worth it when it comes time to paint. While a successful application can be achieved with a brush, a can of spray paint is very cost-effective and more likely to produce a smooth, even finish free of brushstrokes. Apply a few light coats rather than one thick coat, and always allow them to dry thoroughly in between applications.