Ok. Here we go again. If you didn’t know me you’d think I have something against closets! I don’t, I swear… they do great things like, have doors, and… hold stuff.
But, this one? Urgh. Another antique, brushed, gold… thing. And — I truly LIKE the whole gold movement… but, this isn’t, that. Old-fashioned, brassy and 80s — like a bad, Solid Gold Dancer memory. Did I just date myself? Hey man, I watched that show when I was 4, during the Arsenio years.
Onward!
(This post may contain affiliate links. This means, should you end up making a purchase, advertisers give me a small percentage of that sale, at absolutely NO EXTRA COST to you. Click here for full disclosures). As usual, I did not have much of a budget to change my closet doors. Like none. Like, I walked into the garage and said, “hey, I have black primer and spray-paint already, so I can do this today”
Yes, I said black spray-paint. And, no I did not remove the closet doors first. Crazy, you say! Well, here’s how I did my painted closet doors…
First, everything got a good scrubbing. Then, I used TSP (which is basically a de-glosser) to wipe down the entire metal frame of my closet doors and then rinsed with a clean cloth and water.
Next, I taped things off like my life depended on it. Large trash bags came in handy for the large mirrored doors. I knew the entire room was getting a paint job, so I didn’t worry too much about the walls themselves… but since I was using black I did protect it a little to make sure my wall painting, later on, was headache free.
I used an old chunk of pink fabric on the floor, so I could move it around as I opened and closed the doors, to spray at different angles, and protect my carpet.
Here, you can see I also taped up trash bags on the interior of the closet, so while spraying the closet frame edge, with the door open, the overspray wouldn’t fly around inside the closet, marking up the walls, and damaging the carpet.
Then… spray, spray, spray. And, I gotta tell you, even as I type out this story, about something I did and saw with my own eyes… I’m surprised I attempted this… in my house, In a room full of furniture (I covered the dresser that was close by) and carpet… But I did, and it worked!
And, here’s how she turned out… Ta-Da!
Say whaaaa?? Ohmigosh, it’s so much better! And, yep, you’re totally getting a sneak peek of my new room colours — but, there’s so much more to share — so, make sure you CHECK BACK SOON to see the full nursery reveal… and a kick-butt GIVEAWAY!!!
Not bad, right? Especially since we’re talking about a $5 can of spray paint. Amazing.
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I want to do the same thing without removing my closet doors. How did you paint the bottom rail and inside the top rail while the doors are in place ?
so this is 5 years ago and i’m looking to do this as well. My question is how long did the track painting hold up? I’m thinking the wheels of the door will wear away the black paint pretty fast. How’d it got for you?
Wow, the update actually brings a transformation to the closet doors. Most things that people will throw away can be turned around like this with just a bit of creativity and the right tools
WOW!!! Totally love it!! Turned out perfect!
Thanks so much Christine!
You are brave! But it looks amazing and the sneak peak of the nursery looks amazing too! Great little project with a huge impact.
That looks wicked good in black! Great idea and execution :)
So you’ve just officially added another thing for me to do on my to do list! But in a good way. :) I too have ugly mirrored gold brass closet doors from the 80’s in my hallway that I don’t have the budget to replace. I will definitely be giving them a fresh coat of spray paint this summer. I can’t wait for the transformation!
I did not even think of the notion of painting outdated looking sliding mirror closet doors. you are so innovative and resourceful. I must say it is quite an improvement!
This is awesome Jen! I love the change! I want to do this now!!
Holy smokes! What a difference a little paint can make! They look SO much better!
Looks awesome!!! I am going to attempt this same project. Did you use the black primer first and then black spray paint?
Thanks so much Carrie! Yes I did choose to use the spray primer first. A tip: just watch that overspray! Like I mentioned in the post, I covered a nearby dresser etc… but, even still, after everything dried, and settled, I actually noticed a dust like film on my window ledge. It was totally harmless and just wiped up like any other dust — but it made me realize how far the spray actually travels! :) Good luck! We’re so thrilled with our doors, I’m sure you’ll love it too. :)
Hi! I’m just wondering how the doors have held up with use? Was there much chipping in the paint?
Black classes up a room like nothing else. Just here and there.
right?! Thanks Diane! :)
Such a transformation! I can’t believe the carpet remained pristine…good job! xo, Rachel
I almost can’t believe it either Rachel! :) Thanks so much!
Wow- it turned out so well!! You are brave, but it was well worth it!
Thanks Krista! So worth it ;)
Wow! What a transformation! Looks great and saved a ton of moo-la. My kind of project!
Me too, Corey! And, knocked it out in an afternoon, what’s better? — Thank YOU!
Thanks for the tip about the deglosser. I love the look of black but am thinking for our house a silver might be a better match. Thanks for the boost of confidence to go and try this!
You bet, Jen! Can’t wait to see how it works out for you! Good luck!
That is an insane change Jen! And I love the new colors!! Can’t wait to see it all :)
Thanks, Emily!! I’m pretty pumped to share this one! ;)