How to Paint Curtain Rods Like a Pro (No One Will Know They’re DIY)
Learn how to paint curtain rods instead of buying new ones! This easy guide will show you the best paint and set-up for a simple makeover that looks high-end!
Spray painting your curtain rods is an easy and quick way to give a room a budget-friendly facelift. Years ago, I made my curtain rods out of electrical conduit, and while I love the style, I was tired of the oil-rubbed bronze finish.
Instead of spending $200+ for new gold curtain rods, I transformed my current rods with spray paint for less then $20 in one afternoon!
The new gold finish gives my living room a warmer, more modern look.
Not only did I save money, but I avoided the tedious job of uninstalling old brackets, filling holes and mounting entirely new curtain rod hardware. Win-win!
In this easy tutorial, I’ll show you my best tips and trips for a drama-free makeover. Most of all, you’ll have “new” curtain rods that look high-end for a fraction of the price of buying new!
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Quick Links to Information in this Post
Is It Best to Brush or Spray Paint Curtain Rods?
Spray painting is definitely the way to go with metal or even wood curtain rods? Trying to paint curtain rods with a brush will not only be time-consuming and messy but your finish will be much more prone to drips and brush strokes.
Spray paint is low-cost, quick-drying and leaves a smooth sprayed-on finish for a quick update in a few hours!
Related: Can’t Find Curtain Rods in Your Size? Make Them Yourself in 3 Easy Steps
Best Paint for Metal Curtains Rods
After testing lots of spray paints, I recommend Rustoleum spray paint. Not only is it cost-effective and beginner-friendly to use, but it has great coverage and staying-power on metal. You can’t go wrong with Rustoleum metallic spray paints.
Want to spray paint curtain rods gold?
There is a plethora of gold spray paints on the market and after trying SEVERAL, Rustoleum – Metallic finish gives you the best gold shade that is not too bright or warm. You can find it here: Rustoleum Metallic Spray Paint in Gold
CLICK HERE FOR THE CURRENT PRICE
Want to spray paint curtain rods black?
If you want to go for a matte farmhouse black look, my favorite option is: Rustoleum Matte Farmhouse Black
Supplies Needed: How to Spray Paint Curtain Rods Gold
Water and Dish Soap
Setup Supplies (Optional): 2 long boards of scrap wood, Plant Stakes or Dowel Rods
How To Paint Curtain Rods
Step 1: Lightly Clean Your Metal Curtain Rods
After you’ve removed your curtain rods, also, remove the hardware but leave the screws in place. We will paint those later.
Use a combination of water and a few drops of dish soap to wipe any dust or dirt off each metal rod. Let it dry a few minutes.
Step 2: The Best Setup for Spray Painting Curtain Rods
If you have hollow curtain rods like my DIY Curtain Rods Made From Electrical Conduit, this is an easy way to spray paint them without messing up the finish.
Take two old boards and lay them in the grass. Between the two boards, hammer plant stakes into the ground in a row – one for each curtain rod. Allow about at least a foot of space in between (ideally two feet to avoid overspray).
Line up the boards adjacent to the plant stakes. Put a curtain rod on each stake so that it catches the edge of the board on both sides and doesn’t touch the grass.
Your setup will look something like this.
Step 3: How to Paint Metal Curtain Rods
Spray your hardware on something and set it in the grass. I like these plastic baskets from the dollar store.
The key to a good spray painted finish is using light coats. Spray on a light first coat without trying to get full coverage. Wait 20 minutes and spray on the next coat.
If you have any drips, wipe them with your finger immediately after they start. The next coat will smooth out what’s left of the drip.
I used three light coats on my curtain rods and got a really nice matte gold finish.
I let mine dry to the touch for a couple of hours and brought them in and carefully rehung them. Ideally you should wait 24 hours but our sprinkler system would be coming on in the morning.
Step 4: Don’t Forget to Touch Up The Wall Screws
So, once you get your curtain rods rehung, you are left with some wall screws in the original color.
To give your curtain rods a finished, professional look, you’ll want to paint these.
To do this, go outside in an open area and spray a little bit of spray paint in the middle of the cap. You won’t need very much.
Use a q-tip or a cheap art brush to dab the screw heads with paint.
You might have noticed that I am using binder rings and some paper clips for my curtain hardware! I love using binder rings because I can easily remove one ring from the pole. You can read more about these curtain hardware hacks here: How to Cheat at Pinch Pleat Curtains
I hung some DIY curtains on my painted curtain rods and I’m so happy with their updated look in our living room and breakfast area! They give the room a little warmth and look great against my white curtains.
What do YOU think? Do they look like spray painted curtains or high-end curtains you bought?
One of my favorite aspects of this project was how easy it is. I didn’t have to remove screws, fill holes and hang new curtain rod hardware. Not to mention that I saved a ton of money but just pray painting them myself!
RENOVATE YOUR FAITH: How to Believe God Really Loves You
Intellectually, I knew this statement was true. He has always been faithful to me. I’ve read the stories and memorized the verses about how much God loves me. But especially in difficult times of suffering, it has been hard to rest confidently in this fact. READ THE REST HERE
Most of my projects include a corresponding devotional. For more spiritual encouragement, click here for the rest of my project posts that also include Renovate Your Faith devotionals.
Speaking of easy projects, next week, I’ll show you how I added trim to plain white curtains for an easy curtain makeover.
More Posts Related How to Paint Curtain Rods
How to Whitewash Your Fireplace (With Paint and Glaze)
Easy DIY Curtain Rods Made From Electrical Conduit
How to Cheat at Pinch Pleat Curtains (Best Curtain Hardware Hacks)
How to Hang Wall Art Easily (Game-Changing Tips & Tricks)
My Best Spray Paint Home Decor Projects
Final Thoughts Spray Painting Curtain Rods
I love how this painted curtain rod project gave my home a high-end update without breaking the bank! If you’re looking for more easy and budget-friendly projects to transform your home, be sure to check out my other spray paint tutorials linked here.
I love to hear your thoughts and questions! Scroll down to leave a comment and I WILL reply! ❤️
Blessings,
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Karin Peters is a DIY expert and the creator of Renovated Faith. She is a furniture painter, a home design consultant, and a tenacious problem solver determined to help you transform your house into a home. With 17 years of experience with DIY home improvement, she researches and analyses professional processes to adapt them to be easy and cost-effective for DIYers. She then tests every project and product before it appears on the site in a detailed, step-by-step format. After attending Texas A&M University, she received her Master of Divinity with Biblical Languages at Southwestern Baptist Theology Seminary. Her passions unite in Renovated Faith, which shows readers how to create a home that serves them so they can pursue their God-given purposes. About Renovated Faith | Editorial Policy | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn