Can I paint my gold tone shower door metal?

Question

We are looking to sell our home, built in 1996 when gold tone was hot. Now, we are told that our shower door and faucets are outdated. I hate to spend money on new doors and fixtures since they are still working fine, and we won't recoup the money at the sale. Can they be painted?

Janet Pizaro · Answer

Yes they are paintable. Heres the know how. homeguides.sfgate.com/paint-shower-door-frame-29160.html

CK · Answer

Agreed. They can be painted. However now that gold is back in, there are ways to sort of 'age' it for the less bright goldtone than that of the 90's. Sorry I don't have a link to share right now, but I know there are methods that'll do that. However even for painting, I'd try to remove the door from the shower, or at least tape it off really well around it. After cleaning it well, I'd use an automotive spray primer then spray paint in nickel color. It should last quite awhile....at least until you sell and the new owner decides to update anyway :-)

Johnchip · Answer

Be careful not to devalue your home with 'cheap' fixes, many look for that and will make low offers or come back on you after the sale for false advertising.

MN Mom · Answer

If you're selling, maybe focus on the other parts of the bathroom and make it as relaxing an atmosphere as possible. De clutter, maybe a fresh coat of paint, new hand towels, a small plant. If the new buyers are going to pass up your place because of your gold shower door, they aren't the right buyers!

The Redesign Habit · Answer

I agree with Connie about aging the gold. Gold is actually coming back into style, just not the brassy gold. I would do a little research if I were you and see if you can find some tutorials about how to age it to give it a more modern look. It may turn out to be an easier process than actually completely trying to paint them out. Good luck!

Beth H. Makemeprettyagain.blogspot · Answer

I agree with Barbara S. I wouldn't bother with something as minute as the trim. Someone can easily change out the doors after they buy the house. Just leave it as is and make the rest of the space look as updated as possible.

Marion Nesbitt · Answer

Brass is back. Have a 100+ Yr old home ando all the window/door/original light fixtures are brass so have same shower door trim and brass taps, etc. to go.. First time in years, I have seen shiny brass bathroom taps for sale..

B. Enne · Answer

Lisa Laporta did it all the time on the TV show Designed to Sell. She often used chrome paint I believe, and it gave it a brushed nickel look

Janet Pizaro · Answer

At this point reguardless of the negative comments that you are selling the house, I would do what your heart says.If you want to go with the process of painting them go for it.

Christie Connor · Answer

She didn't ask if she 'should' paint, she asked if she 'could'. The answer is yes. I have done quite a bit of research on this and there is a stainless steel paint that holds up well even on faucets and door handles. The paint actually has metal in it and can be used for refrigerators and many other projects and is reasonably priced. There may be other brands, but this one includes video tutorials and info. http://liquidstainlesssteel.com/

Jeanette S · Answer

I had to laugh at this post because it is so ME! I had rustic type hardware in my house I bought new in 1970. Then when brass came in, I put in new everything. Well, sure should have kept those 'out of date' rustic pieces...could update for free now! HA!

Danielle · Answer

Yes, you definitely can paint that gold! There are several products out there that will do a great job and hold up beautifully, it's just a matter of talking to your realtor to find out what the most requested color is, and seeing which of the companies that make these products has the color you want. Krylon industrial has a line that's good, Rustoleum automotive paint works great and holds up beautifully, after all, it's made to handle being out in all weather having things hit it going 55mph! There's lots of options to update that won't cost you more than $25-$30 to do. Good luck with your sale!

Mike Williamson · Answer

Yes those once stylish doors can be painted. The secret is preparation. Sanding the surface and cleaning with lacquer thinner before painting would be my way of doing it. Select a paint which works on metal and use the correct brush for the paint. Good luck and post an 'after' pic.

Debbie Winsett · Answer

I did exactly this and prepped as necessary. It was a disaster and I would not recommend it. Despite adequately masking off the tile, the paint got all over the tile (which cleaned up) and grout (which didn't). We left the painted metal for a few weeks but, when it scratched during cleaning, we had a new one installed. That's a small door and I would not try to 'trick' buyers into thinking it was a real finish.

512181 · Answer

Gold is actually back again. It is more of a champagne brass, but it is back. It is often paired with gray. Maybe the bath walls or the cabinet could just be painted and brand new fluffy white towels can be added. If you add any hooks or anything, do them in the champagne brass. Google champagne brass and items will pop up. Perhaps that would update the bath enough to be appealing. Make the bath a spa look. Don't have shampoo and toiletries around. Think of how a nice hotel room looks when you first walk in.

Kathryn Peltier · Answer

Lynda Davis said exactly what I was going to say. Paint the room instead of the metal - much easier. Are your cabinets wood? Paint those gray. Make the gold look intentional. If you have old, gold-toned faucets, definitely change those out. Updated hardware would be a good investment and doesn't have to be expensive (check out the discount hardware companies online - some you can get for as little as 99 cents each). Or, spraypaint the hardware you have, if the design is up to date. This bathroom is done in Navy, which looks nice, but I would suggest sticking with gray for resale https://www.pinterest.com/pin/176062666659793353/

Cornelia Schott · Answer

I agree with above comments by Kathryn and Lynda, leave the door the way it is and paint the walls and add fresh towels. I find it hard to believe that a shower door will be the deciding factor when it comes to selling your house. Put a bouquet of flowers in the bathroom along with a fresh coat of paint and you will be surprised with your results. Good luck!

Sandy Hartnett · Answer

I agree...the doors are fine.  I happen to like the gold.  Clear out the toiletries.  Fluffy white towels sound great!  Good luck...hugs

Kathy Bitzan · Answer

I would leave it as is, these agents coming in telling you what to do is bogus. If you wanted a new kitchen you would keep the house... I will suggest that keep it neat and clean. It maybe just that they don't like the gold, let the new owner deal with it and don't stress out. You might do other smaller things to distract from those doors if they are really bothersome.

Diana Deiley · Answer

Hmmmmm, my thought is to NOT spend your money. New homeowners will come in and change it the way they want it. A good cleaning, clean counters, and a simple scented candle will freshen up the room. When I purchased my house, the previous owner cleaned the bathrooms and used 100 watt light bulbs. The rooms were so bright and looked huge! Best of luck.

Carole · Answer

I changed mine to silver using paint for metal.

Jean · Answer

I got a mix of replies, some very encouraging and some skeptical. Several gave links and resources which were very helpful! Thanks.

Mike Williamson · Answer

You're welcome Jean. Don't be intimidated by that door. It's only metal and can be conquered. Sometimes when I have a task which isn't my favorite, I'll do one phase at a time: sanding one day, cleaning another and break up the painting over a period of 2 or 3 days. Let me know.

Mike Williamson · Answer

Jean-one more thought-if your shower is deep enough, you really don't need a door. If that's the case, remove it. The remaining mounting holes are an easy fix. Mike

Karen Coulas · Answer

Yes, but the bronze needs to be painted first with a paint used by auto painters so that the new paint will adhere. I wish I could remember the name of this paint. But go to your local hardware store and they should know what you need. It is available in a spray can for about $6.00 cnd.

Mike Williamson · Answer

Again, you're welcome Jean. The way I see it, if you want to make a home improvement you should be encouraged. What you're proposing is not a dangerous job and you should not be afraid to do it. It's only paint. Don't forget, I want to see before and after pics! Mike PS-if you'd like to see some of my DIY pics, let me know. If they help you get started, all the better.

Karen Coulas · Answer

Jean, the paint I mentioned is called a self-itching primer. It will make the bronze let your paint adhere to it. I used this on some outdated brass chairs and they turned out great. I would also suggest a clear top coat since it is a shower.

Sarah A. Victory · Answer

My new-old house was built in 1988 and had the shiny brass shower door trim (actually shiny brass was every where) :) but alas I was unable to clean the 2 ft wide door (hard water scum, etc) so I removed it and put up a shower curtain. You saved yourself $400-$500 as one Hardware store here charges $200 to install. Congrats!

Denise · Answer

Simple fix....simple. New tempered glass door. Lowes and Hme Depot have beautiful selections. No silver, no gold, no colored edges. Google Tempered glass shower doors, see what comes up. Good luck.

Mike Williamson · Answer

Roger that. Best of luck.

Can I paint my gold tone shower door metal?

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Can I paint my gold tone shower door metal?

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