DIY: Updated Hardware
After you remove the knobs, clean them very well with soap and water. I actually use very diluted pine sol and water. Sometimes you may need to soak them overnight in your cleaning solution if they are particularly grimy.
After they are clean and dry you need to rough them up with steel wool. This is something you do while you are sitting in front of the TV or sitting in the kitchen talking with the kids. Mindless work but needs to be done so the paint or Mod Podge will adhere well.
Hardware stores will tell you to do a primer coat next. This is a great tip. I, however, am much too lazy or cheap for this step. I like to get right to the fun painting part. It's up to you. My best tip for spray painting get a piece of cardboard or styrofoam and stick the knobs in the top. This allows you to spray paint all the way around and not touch them. Some people use wood skewers stuck into the ground which allows for easy clean up. Weather permitting of course. You will need several coats. Let them dry for a day between coats. Once you think they look right, let them sit for 2-3 days. Lastly, you can coat them with polyurethane. This will keep them from getting chipped. It may sound like a lot but it is so simple. You will take minutes to spray them and then you walk away for awhile. Trust me.
If you are looking for something more custom than just changing colors then you have many more options. You can use permanent markers, craft paint, scrapbook paper, fabric, even little faux jewels to customize your hardware.
If you want to go this direction you need to do this for pieces that do not have alot of "hand traffic" ie; not used a lot like kitchen handles. You will take steps to protect the decorative hardware you create but it will never be as durable as plain metal.
My daughter loves to draw with fine point permanent markers. She used them to customize hardware for her bedroom. Instead of using them for her dresser, we removed the screw and glued a magnet to the knob. Now she has customized magnets for her message board in her room.
I like to hang my jewelry on a cork board in my closet. I use the decorated knobs for my necklaces. If you do this, you need to install the screw from the back of the board and then attach the knob.
Another great project for decorated knobs is as a wine stopper. You can glue the knob directly to a cork. You will need the heavy duty glue and allow several days to cure.
If you plan to use the decorated knobs on furniture, that works too. The process is the same as outlined above for preparation. After they are dry, clean, and "rough' you will be glueing whatever you choose to decorate them with. You apply your decoration with Mod Podge. Be sure to use plenty. Can you really use too much? Just wipe off any excess with a moist paper towel. You will be brushing the Mod Podge directly onto the decoration with an all purpose art brush. Like the paint, you need several coats. Once it is decorated the way you like, you can seal it with polyurethane.
This is the way I do it. This may not necessarily be the way the big box hardware store would tell you to do it. Once you have had some fun repurposing hardware, you may get a little addicted. Not to name names but I do have friends that actually change their cabinets knobs for each holiday. It looks great. I wish I had their energy.
The Habitat Restore has a huge selection of hardware. Next time you want a quick fix for something in your home think about this easy project. You don't have to look for a certain color, just the right size because you can customize the knob, handle, etc. to whatever you like.
If you don't need to update your hardware than do some crafting with your kids, troop, or friends.
Have fun.
For more repurposing ideas, follow Jessica Duce's column in Omaha Family Magazine.
The Habitat Omaha ReStore is starting an exciting new series that will showcase the handiwork of our loyal customers. Each month we will solicit stories from customers that have completed home improvement projects with ReStore materials.
Please send a description of your home improvement or repurposing project to publicrelations@habitatomaha.org and be sure to include any before and after pictures. At the start of each month we will select our favorite ReStories and display them on our website.
Habitat for Humanity of Omaha ReStore's 2011 Commercials
