Faucet Facelift
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by DIYshowOff on 7 January 2010
We're keeping the pedestal sink. It's pretty. It's in like-new condition although I'm certain it is fairly old and I kind of like that it has a history. It stays until big dream-remodel occurs. However the faucets presented a dilemma. Look at the set up. One faucet for cold. A separate faucet for hot. Washing hands is a challenge. It requires a back and forth motion between faucets or hoping that the hot water isn't instant. Or, using the stopper and filling the basin to get a sink full of warm water. I imagine original home owners used it that way. I looked to replace them...but I didn't have any luck in finding separate hot/cold faucets. Now I'm kind of glad that I didn't.
The old faucets are solid and silver. I'm guessing these things are old. I tried looking them up. They say "volverwine". There is an old "Wolverine" brand. ? They're heavy and the quality is awesome. I however want oil rubbed bronze to match other fixtures in the room. I decided that my old trusty favorite DIY magic transformation technique (spray painting) was the answer.
Before:
I tested the process on a gold brassy door stop. I loved the results.
This is my all time favorite spray painting project so far!
I sanded all surfaces of the faucets, drain and metal parts and chain for the plug. I used a 3M sanding block and even an emery board to get every single area. I made sure I got all areas nice and scuffed up.
At this point...they looked beautiful and polished. I almost backed out but I felt like silver faucets and oil rubbed bronze everywhere else just didn't "go together".
I washed and dried them and I taped off the areas I didn't want painted and put the knobs in the "off" position so I wouldn't gum up the opening/closing function.
I start by painting the underneath and sides. Each piece got a couple of lightly sprayed coats of Rustoelum Primer in "rust". I let each coat dry at least 8 hours before applying another. Once the underside was done, I flipped and did the top and sides.
I used a piece of packing styrofoam to hold them upright.
I followed the same steps for the oil rubbed bronze spray paint. (Upside down and sides = light coats, then flip and top and sides = light coats). Once that was dry...
I used a high gloss lacquer and the same steps. It's been drying for about a week. It'll probably two weeks by the time all is said and done and ready for installation. Plenty of time to cure.
This piece was easier painted when hanging.
After:
Here is it against the porcelain:
I LOVE how they turned out. What do you think? The finish is very hard and durable. The faucets open/close without any issues. And now they match the door knobs and light fixtures. I'm happy!
I can't vouch for long term durability just yet. We have many bathrooms and only 3 of us and this is a guest bath, so it won't get tons of use and like I said, I don't think I'd recommend giving it a scrub with an SOS pad...it'll be something I'm really careful with when it comes to cleaning. But with the really good sanding job on it (think days of sitting while watching tv, pick it up here and there) and then leaving plenty of dry time between coats and a high gloss lacquer...it is a hard smooth finish. Keeping my fingers crossed that it stays nice! Also - when re-installing fixtures, be sure to cover tools with fabric/something soft to prevent scratching.
I used:
Rustoleum Rusty Metal Primer
Rustoleum Metallic Brilliant Metal Finish (oil rubbed bronze)
Valspar Lacquer Hi=Gloss (for metal)
I did at least two coats of the primer and ORB then quite a few of the lacquer. I didn't count...I just wanted to be sure everything was protected.
I stayed back about 9-12 inches to keep the spray even and to prevent runs.
Part of the Project
DIY Bathroom Makeover
We're doing a transitional bathroom makeover, something low budget to tide us over until a dream makeover is in the budget. Goal = $500....
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Comments
Mark on 7 January 2010
Skimming this I thought the primer coat was the finished product. lol. That would be interesting to say the least. Milk chocolate faucets anyone?
Aanya on 7 January 2010
Gorgeous "after" shot! The finish appears glittery in the photos. Is it the same in person or does it have more of an oil-rubbed rustic look? I think it would be fabulous either way, just wondering.
Daphne Merkel on 7 January 2010
Well if this spray paint holds up well enough for a faucet maybe I should attempt a cabinet hardware face-lift! Think I could get away with skipping the lacquer?
DIYshowOff on 7 January 2010
Thanks everyone! Mark - they do like like milk chocolate with the primer! haha Aanya - The finish is sort of glittery in bright light (it has some bronze flecks in the dark finish) but overall, you don't see that since the bathroom light doesn't spotlight on the faucets. And Daphne - you can definitely spray paint cabinet hardware! I used the high gloss lacquer to help protect the finish since it's going to get wet and need cleaned often but I don't think it's necessary for cabinet knobs/pulls. You could use a matte lacquer if you wanted more protection though too. :)