Spray Paint Curtain Rods for a Whole New Look

Porch Daydreamer
by Porch Daydreamer
6 Materials
$12
4 Hours
Easy

Spray painting curtain and drapery rods is an easy and affordable update. Plus it's a lot easier and faster than replacing the rods!


Spray painting curtain rods during room makeovers is one of my favorite budget saving tricks. I've sprayed both metal and wood rods and rings, for a whole new look!


Here I share with you the best gold spray paint color that works with most home decor. It's time to makeover your drapery rods with spray paint!

Spray Paint Step by Step Guide


Spray painting rods and rings is so easy, BUT you have to be a bit methodical about it to avoid drips and over spraying. My number one tip for spraying ANYTHING: 


#1 TIP: Hold the spray paint can 8 to 10 inches from what you are spraying


Not spraying too close to the rods or rings will ensure you apply thin coats and avoid the spray paint color running and dripping.

Best General Spray Paint Tips

Here are general tips that will help anytime you spray paint anything!


How do I know they work? I've made every mistake in the book and learned how to get a smooth finish every time :)







  1. Spray paint outside, but pull items inside to dry to avoid dirt, dust, and bugs from landing on your pretty finish. 
  2. Use a drop cloth that has 2 foot radius to protect the area from over spray.
  3. Choose a fast dry spray paint. I've found Krylon and Rustoleum to be the best on the market. 
  4. Apply 2 thin coats and allow the manufacturer's recommended dry time between those two coats. 
  5. Raise your items up on the lip of a box or use trim pieces, so you can coat all edges and get them off the ground where the spray paint may puddle.
  6. For drapery rod finials, poke them into cardboard or in between trim boards so you can spray all surfaces while they are upright.
  7. Don't forget to spray the screws/hardware the same color!
  8. Use a spray gun for the most consistent finish.

How-to Spray Paint Curtain Rods and Rings


Earlier this year, I painted all of the bedroom furniture to a light bright off-white from a mahogany stain and the rods were the same stain. Here are the rods BEFORE.


After updating ALL of my picture frames with gold spray paint, I knew that Krylon Champagne Nouveau was going to be a perfect color for the curtain rods and rings.


Supplies





  • Drop cloth or tarp
  • Cardboard boxes or trim boards
  • 2 ea. Cans of spray paint 

Step 1


Place a tarp down first and then place trim boards or cardboard boxes on top. You want to protect the area against over spray.


Here I've used a large box that has a deep cover, so it raises the rods up off of the ground. 

Step 2


FIRST, spray the rods. I like to start with the rods when the can is full to get the best coverage. Spray ONE thin coat at a distance of about 8 inches.


Start spraying before the end of the rod and work from one end to another. You start the spray before the rod to avoid spraying too much in one area.


Pull into garage or covered area to dry for 4 hours or overnight (with Krylon and Rustoleum).


Turn over rods to expose side that hasn't been sprayed with paint. REPEAT process to apply 2nd coat and let dry overnight, before hanging.

Step 3


Lay rings flat on a cardboard surface.


Poke finials into cardboard to hold them upright OR find two trim boards and place them in between to hold them up.


Spray rings and finials in a circular motion to coat entire surface. 


Pull into garage or covered area to dry for 4 hours or overnight (with Krylon and Rustoleum).

REPEAT process to apply 2nd coat and let dry overnight, before hanging.

Step 5


Lay brackets flat on a cardboard surface. Spray brackets by starting spray before end of bracket and spraying back and forth end to end.


Pull into garage or covered area to dry for 4 hours or overnight (with Krylon and Rustoleum).


Turn over bracket to expose side that hasn't been sprayed with paint. 


REPEAT process to apply 2nd coat and let dry overnight, before hanging.

How-To Correct Drips


Ok, no matter how careful you are sometimes you get a little too close and the paint runs and drips ESPECIALLY on the rods. Don't worry there are a couple of options.




  1. If the drips are minor, turn that side of the rod or finial to the wall so it's hidden. Easy right?
  2. The drips are major and obvious. Sand down with 220 grit sand paper, wipe dust, and apply two new thin coats of spray paint to that area.


See not so bad! Luckily it's paint and can be fixed with a little sand paper and reapplying the spray paint.

After Spray Painted Curtain Rods

Now you can see the nice change a little gold spray paint created in my bedroom!


It brightened the room and created a more cohesive look with all of the other elements in the room.


Now the rods match the frames perfectly! For how to spray paint picture frames, click here.

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Porch Daydreamer
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Frequently asked questions
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3 of 5 questions
  • Harper Harper on Dec 16, 2018

    It is a truly beautiful look, but is it functional? Do the rings scrap the paint off when the curtains are closed?

  • Alli Alli on Jan 05, 2019

    can you please tell me where you got those beautiful nightstands and the round table in the one picture? just love them both!

  • Tiffany Sweeney Tiffany Sweeney on Jan 09, 2019

    What color is the bedroom wall painted in this photo? Love it.

Comments
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4 of 21 comments
  • Jjo3232456 Jjo3232456 on Dec 31, 2018

    Your whole bedroom is gorgeous. Thanks for sharing.

  • Maureen Barringer Maureen Barringer on Jan 05, 2019

    if use put a sealer on them - they should stand -the wear & tear of using them to close & open curtains ---beautiful job & idea

    • Porch Daydreamer Porch Daydreamer on Jan 05, 2019

      Thank you! The paint I recommend doesn’t require a sealer. I have many furniture pieces painted with cabinet paint that dries hard and is more durable than other paints. If you are concerned, you could add a water based polyurethane top coat

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