Brass is a popular metal used in many different types of products, from jewelry to home décor. While it has a beautiful natural finish, sometimes you may want to change the color of your brass object.
You can spray paint brass with the proper preparation and paint selection. Prepare your brass by scrubbing it will steel wool to remove corrosion and allow the paint to stick more easily. Use a bonding primer first, which will require up to 24 hours of drying time. Then, use an oil-based, acrylic, or enamel spray paint on the brass item.
Before you begin spray painting your brass, there are a few things that you need to do to ensure the best possible results. In this article, we will walk you through the steps of how to spray paint brass so that you can achieve a beautiful, professional-looking finish.
Can you spray paint brass?
Yes, you can spray paint brass. Spray paints are known for adhering to metal surfaces, including brass, and creating a smooth, even finish. When painting brass with spray paint, it’s important to choose a spray paint that is specifically designed for metal surfaces.
These types of spray paints will provide the best coverage and durability.
If you have an old brass door knob or any piece of hardware that you want to update, spray painting is a great way to do it. You can also use spray paint to add a pop of color to brass candlesticks or vases.
Also read: Can you spray paint a lampshade?
Things to keep in mind when spray painting brass:
Spray painting brass is relatively simple and does not require any special skills or tools. However, there are a few things to keep in mind in order to achieve the best results.
1. Test if the material is brass or brass-platted
Before you begin spray painting your brass object, it’s important to test if the material is actually made of brass or if it is brass-platted. To do this, simply use a magnet. If the magnet sticks to the object, it is brass-platted.
If the magnet does not stick, then the object is made of brass, and you can proceed with spray painting it. You can also scratch the surface of the object with a key or a coin. If the object is brass, it will have a yellowish color under the scratch marks. If it is brass-platted, then the scratch marks will be silver in color.
Brass-platted objects are not ideal for spray painting because the spray paint may not adhere well to the surface. If you’re set on spray painting a brass-platted object, we recommend testing the spray paint on a small area first to see if it will adhere properly.
2. Clean the brass surface
The next step is cleaning the brass surface you’ll be spray painting. This is an important step because it will help the spray paint to adhere better and create a smooth, even finish.
Start by wiping down the surface with a clean, dry cloth. You can use a mild soap and water solution if the surface is particularly dirty. Once the surface is clean, allow it to dry completely.
If you’re working with an old piece of brass, you may also want to sand the surface with sandpaper or steel wool before spray painting it. This will help to create a smooth surface for the paint to adhere to.
3. Choose a well-ventilated area to work in
Spray paint fumes harm our health, so choosing a well-ventilated area to work in is important. We recommend doing this project outdoors or in a garage with open doors.
If you’re working indoors, open all the windows and turn on a fan to help ventilate the area. It’s also recommended to wear a safety mask and goggles while spray painting.
This will help to protect your lungs and eyes from the fumes.
4. Cover any surrounding surfaces with newspaper or a drop cloth
Before you begin spray painting, be sure to cover any surrounding surfaces with newspaper or a drop cloth. This will help to protect them from spray paint fumes and overspray.
Take some old newspapers or drop cloths and tape them down to the ground around your work area. You can also use painter’s tape to secure the drop cloths in place.
Once you have your work area set up, you’re ready to start spray painting!
Also read: Can you spray paint laminate furniture?
How to spray paint brass (Step by step)
Now that you’ve followed all of the necessary tips, it’s time to start spray painting. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be on your way to a beautiful, new brass piece.
1. Apply a primer first
We recommend applying a primer before spray painting if you’re working with a particularly shiny or smooth brass surface. This will help the spray paint to adhere better and create a more even finish.
To apply the primer, simply hold the can about 6-8 inches away from the surface and evenly spray the primer onto the brass. Allow the primer to dry completely before moving on to the next step.
Before applying the primer, make sure you sand the old brass surface properly. Also, pick a primer and spray paint of the same brand for better compatibility.
2. Apply the spray paint in light, even coats
Now it’s time to apply the spray paint to the brass surface. Shake the spray paint can well before beginning. (At least for 30 seconds)
When spray painting brass, hold the can about 6-8 inches away from the surface and evenly spray the paint onto the brass. Work in light, even coats and allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next.
It’s important to avoid applying too much spray paint at once. This can cause the spray paint to run and create an uneven finish.
3. Allow the spray paint to dry completely
Once you’ve applied the desired number of coats, allow the spray paint to dry completely. This usually takes about 24 hours.
Once the spray paint is dry, you can go ahead and remove the drop cloths or newspapers. You can also apply a clear sealant to help protect the finish.
And that’s it! You’ve now successfully spray painted your brass surface.
Can you spray paint lacquered brass?
If you want to spray paint lacquered brass, then the only option is to remove the lacquer first. You can do this with a lacquer thinner or by sanding the surface down.
Once the lacquer has been removed, you can proceed with spray painting the brass surface as usual. Just be sure to apply a primer before painting to help the spray paint adhere better.
Do you need to seal the brass after spray painting?
It’s not necessary to seal the brass after spray painting, but it can help prolong the spray paint’s life. We recommend applying a clear sealant or varnish after the spray paint has dried.
Allow the sealant to dry completely before using or handling the brass surface. The sealant will help to protect the spray paint from peeling or chipping.
Conclusion
Spray painting brass is a great way to give new life to old pieces or simply change the look of your home décor. Just be sure to follow the tips and steps outlined above for the best results. And don’t forget to seal the brass after spray painting for extra protection.
Also, make sure that the metal is brass and not brass-platted. The spray paint may not stick well to brass-platted surfaces.
We hope this article was helpful and we have cleared your doubts regarding spray painting brass surfaces. If you still have any queries, then please feel free to ask us in the comments section below. We’ll be happy to help!
FAQs
Do you need to sand brass before spray painting?
Brass surfaces are particularly smooth and shiny, so they do not require sanding. However, if the brass surface is old and has been lacquered, then you will need to remove the lacquer before spray painting.
Can I spray paint brass hardware?
Yes, you can spray paint brass hardware. Just be sure to remove any existing lacquer before painting and apply a primer for the best result.
Can I use any regular spray paint on brass?
No, you just can not apply any regular spray paint on brass. You must use a spray paint specifically designed for metal surfaces.
