Brand New Outlook...

What started out as a weekend project to repaint outdoor patio furniture soon blossomed into a month long project when I ran across a can of Rust-Oleum Oil Rubbed Bronze Spray Paint in my crate of project supplies...you know the rest badda bing badda BOOM! So, out with the Brass look in with the Oil Rubbed Bronze. I thought this would be a great way to get a new look CHEAP, but could I do it without making it look like...well poop. 

I started off with the builders basic round brass finish door knobs. Over the years I did have to replace a few door knobs with a better quality heavier brass finish...you'll see why I point this out as we go on.

This is the better quality knob. They came out beautifully and after over a month of use have helding up great!

Now, the lower quality knob...

at first it looked good BUT after just a week or so of normal use I started to notice the "flaws"

The cheaper knobs were just not holding up with regular use.

 So, decision time. Do I invest a chunk of change into new replacements or live with the "flaws" and needed touch ups down the road? It took me about a week to finally decide that in the long run it would be better to shell out the funds for replacements.  I looked online to find the best price on a style I found and liked 2 years earlier. Kwikset Signature Series Juno in Venetian Bronze (about $18 ea.) is what I went with.  Now all the doors have the same flattened, round shaped knobs.

Kwikset Signature Series Juno in Venetian Bronze purchased at Home Depot

I did paint all the door hinges - turned out great and have held up well. Saving me over $100 over purchase of new hardware.

All in all this project was not a bust...Yes, I ended up spending more than I saved.

Bottom line it's the little details...like this that transformed the look of a home. 

If you take anything away from this for your project, my advice...take a close look at the knob! 

if the rose is not rolled in where the shank will not be scratched...

 but rather cut in a way that every handle turn will scratch paint from the shank (like pictured above)...go into the project knowing there will have to be: A.) work arounds to avoid it B.) touch ups down the road.

*Sanding is key for good paint adhesion...get into every nook.

*after sanding, before painting...wipe the parts down with rubbing alcohol. this will remove oils and graphite dust.

*TAKE IT SLOW...or you are going to have paint runs.

Most important...wear the recommended painting/sanding protection 

Best of Luck!