Painting objects is a perfect way to renew and liven them up; however, when it comes to brass elements, such as lamps, chandeliers and tools, the procedure gets a little complicated, but it is not impossible. You can apply color to this metal by cleaning and preparing it thoroughly before painting it; in this way the color layer has a good surface to adhere to, remains smoother and lasts longer.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Prepare the Metal
Step 1. Disassemble the element if necessary
It is easier to paint some brass pieces, such as doorknobs, faucets and chandeliers, if you remove them from their housing; other objects, such as furniture, cutlery and lamps, on the other hand, are already transportable.
- If you need to remove screws, nails or other small parts, keep everything in a safe place to be able to reposition it when finished.
- You should also make sure it is real brass. You can perform this test with a magnet. Brass is not a ferrous metal, ie it does not contain iron and therefore has no magnetic properties; it follows that a brass object has no effect on the magnet.
Step 2. Take the piece to a well-ventilated area
All paint projects should be done in a room with excellent air circulation, such as a garage with open doors or a room with large open windows, to limit exposure to paint vapors.
- Spread a towel on the floor to protect it from splashes of color; place the object you want to color on the cloth, on a table or on a workbench.
- Before you begin, open the windows and turn on all the vacuums in the room to rid it of toxic vapors.
- Protect yourself by wearing a mask, gloves, goggles and other personal safety equipment.
Step 3. Scrub the metal with the steel wool
It is one of the most important steps, which not only allows you to clean the element of dirt and corrosion, but also provides the color with a rough surface to adhere to. Scrub all of the brass with a steel wool scourer, paying particular attention to corroded or heavily soiled areas.
- When finished, wipe it with a damp, lint-free cloth.
- The paint needs a rough surface to stick to, which is why you have to use the scourer. This method is only necessary you have to paint.
Step 4. Use a degreaser
Removing oil, grease and dirt is an integral part of the process; if there are traces of grease or other foreign substances, the paint does not adhere well to the metal. Wet a lint-free rag with degreaser and use it to scrub the entire object; then go over the surface with a cloth soaked in water only and wait for the metal to dry for about 10 minutes.
As a degreaser you can use solvents such as methyl ethyl ketone or liquid paint removers
Part 2 of 3: Apply the Primer and Paint
Step 1. Choose a spray paint of the color you prefer
Purchase one for metals, such as enamel, acrylic, oil, or other product that gets stiff as it dries. Most metal paints are available in spray form, but some are liquid and need to be applied with a roller.
Avoid latex products, as they do not adhere well to metals and are not resistant
Step 2. Apply a coat of primer
The best for brass is self-etching, a mixture of acid and zinc that adheres better to this material than other adhesives. Shake the can carefully and spray the product keeping the nozzle 15-20 cm from the metal; apply the primer in smooth side-to-side movements to create an even layer.
- Allow the primer to dry for approximately 24 hours or according to the instructions on the package.
- When working with paints, wear all safety gear, including gloves, goggles and mask.
- Even if it has been rubbed with steel wool, the surface of the brass is not very suitable for painting; for this reason, it is essential to use a self-etch primer.
Step 3. Apply several thin coats of color
Once the bonding agent is dry, apply a first coat of paint using the same technique. Shake the can and spray the contents with fluid movements from one side of the object to the other, keeping the nozzle 15-20 cm from the surface; the coat of paint must be thin and uniform.
- Wait for each layer to dry following the directions on the package (usually 1-2 hours) before applying the next one.
- Depending on the effect you want to achieve, this step may need to be repeated two to five times;
- If you've taken liquid paint, use a paintbrush or paint roller to spread it into thin, even coats.
Step 4. Apply a clear protective polish
Once the paint is completely dry - usually after 24 hours - you can apply this product to complete the job, as it seals the material, protects the paint and makes it shiny; you can choose either an enamel or a specific transparent product for metals.
- Shake the can and keep it 15-20 cm from the brass; spray the clear polish in smooth side-to-side motions to create an even layer.
- Set the object aside to dry by following the instructions on the enamel package; generally, this product dries quickly, even in half an hour.
Part 3 of 3: Finishing the Job
Step 1. Transfer the item to a clothesline
Once the paint is dry to the touch, place the metal on a drying rack to allow air to circulate around it, speeding up a smoother drying process.
It is important to move the piece away from the workbench it was painted on, to prevent it from sticking to the drop cloth or table
Step 2. Give the color time to set
Once spread, the paint goes through two phases, during which it dries and "cures"; the first is quite fast and can be completed in just 30 minutes, but the second is longer. Once the process is complete, the color is set, hard and less prone to damage or dents.
- Depending on the type of paint used, the "curing" could last from 3 to 30 days; check the instructions on the package for details.
- This step is very important especially for elements such as chandeliers, handles, cutlery and other brass objects that are touched often.
Step 3. Return the object to its original location
Once the paint is dry and set, you can re-install the element in its place to use it as usual; do not forget to proceed properly using the screws, nails and all the original small parts.
Step 4. Keep the painted item in pristine condition
The best way to make sure it stays clean and like new is to not touch or bump it with other elements. In some cases, for example with chandeliers, it is easy to avoid contact with them, but for other objects, such as furniture and door handles, you can protect the brass and the paint by cleaning the object in this way:
- Wash it with a towel and soapy water;
- Rinse it off with a clean, wet rag;
- Dry the surface with a cloth to remove excess water;
- If necessary, apply an additional coat of fresh paint to hide scratches and dings.
