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Painting Over a Brass Finish on Shower Doors

After years of heat, humidity and use, the brass finish on your shower doors may become covered with scum, dirt and tarnish (a darkening that occurs when the brass is exposed to air.) Cleaning the brass finish is not always enough to restore its appearance. Painting allows you to reinvigorate your brass finish while giving your shower doors an inexpensive makeover. Clean and prep the brass finish using the correct products to ensure the paint adheres effectively.

Things You'll Need

  • Heavy paper
  • Painter's tape
  • 1 tbsp. liquid dish soap
  • 4 cups warm water
  • Steel wool
  • Soft cloths
  • 120-grit sandpaper
  • Epoxy primer
  • Natural-bristled paintbrush or small paint roller
  • Metal spray paint
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Instructions

    • 1

      Allow the shower doors to dry completely before attempting to clean them or apply paint. Once dry, cover the areas adjacent to the brass finish with heavy paper and painter’s tape.

    • 2

      Create a mixture of one tablespoon of liquid dish soap and 4 cups of warm water. Dampen a piece of #0000 steel wool with the soapy mixture.

    • 3

      Rub the brass with the steel wool to remove any dirt, debris, grime, soap scum and etching. Rinse away the soapy mixture with water, and dry the brass with a soft cloth.

    • 4

      Sand the brass finish with 120-grit sandpaper. Using a light hand, rub the brass to remove any remaining dirt and create a rough surface for the paint to adhere to.

    • 5

      Wipe down the brass with a damp cloth. Allow it to dry completely, or at least two to three hours, before continuing.

    • 6

      Cover the brass with a light coating of epoxy primer. Depending on the job’s size, use a natural-bristled paintbrush or roller to apply a thin layer of the primer. Allow the primer to dry completely before continuing.

    • 7

      Apply a thin layer of spray paint specially formulated for use on metals. Holding the can at least 10 inches away from the brass, use back-and-forth motions to cover the finish with a thin coating of the paint. Allow the first coat to dry for at least two hours before applying a second and third coat (if necessary.)

    • 8

      Allow the final coat to dry and set for at least 24 hours before using the shower.