We all have a box filled with old, tarnished jewelry that has seen better days. While some have the heart to throw them away, the rest keep them stored just in case they might wear them someday. The good news is you can breathe new life into your old accessories with a single can of spray paint!
You can easily spray paint jewelry to make it as good as new. All you need is a can of primer and colored paint. Start by cleaning your trinkets with rubbing alcohol to remove any dirt and grime. Remove any parts you don’t want to paint or cover them with painter’s tape. Apply primer, followed by two coats of spray paint.
Colorful jewelry can elevate the look of any outfit, but even though spray painting is a quick way to spruce things up, you need to ensure the results also last.
How to spray paint jewelry
Although using spray paints is pretty straightforward, a few little tricks can make the process easier and also help you get the perfect finish. Check out the instructions below to transform your old jewelry pieces.
Step 1: Remove anything you don’t want to paint
Start by removing or covering any hardware you don’t want to paint. It will help you save hooks and clasps that still look fresh. You can also experiment with different color combinations and designs to create two-toned looks with painter’s tape.
Step 2: Wash with water and soap
It’s no news that old jewelry is usually dusty and dingy-looking. You can prepare the surface of your jewels by cleaning them with soap and water. The baubles need to be clean for the paint to stick to the surface and deliver even coats.
Step 3: Clean with rubbing alcohol
Dirt is one of many things you need to remove from old jewelry. When you don’t wear pieces for some time, it accumulates grime and oils. Rubbing alcohol is the best way to get rid of impurities to reveal a clean surface ideal for painting.
Step 4: Prime the surface
Priming the jewelry is essential as it protects the paint from chipping and forming uneven layers. Remember, your trinkets are not something you place on a table and touch occasionally. Instead, you wear them for extended periods, often bringing them in contact with your skin, water, and other environmental factors.
For this reason, you want to ensure the paint job lasts through wear and tear and remains looking fresh throughout.
Apply a coat of primer using a light hand. Make sure to cover all of the sides of the jewelry, so the primer doesn’t collect in a single spot. Keep the primer spray can moving for an even coat. Allow the surface the dry for at least an hour before you start painting.
Check the label on the can to determine exactly how long you should wait for the primer to dry.
Step 5: Start painting
When painting smaller objects, it can be challenging to achieve an even layer. If you spray for too long in a single spot, the paint will collect and result in an uneven finish. Hence, constantly move the can in a sweeping motion so that the coat is thin and even.
Apply two coats of paint to ensure your jewelry is covered from every angle but remember to leave enough time between coats to let each layer dry.
If you’re painting a beaded necklace or bracelet, move the beads around for after an hour to ensure they don’t stick to each other because of paint.
Enamel spray paint takes a long time to cure and fully harden, so you may need to wait for at least 48 hours before you start using the painted jewelry. You will be amazed by the paint’s durability once it has had enough time to cure.
Step 6: Seal the deal with a top coat
While using a top coat isn’t absolutely necessary, applying a sealer is better to make your spray paint extra glossy. The top coat protects the paint from rubbing or wearing off due to contact with the skin. It also keeps the surface safe from scratches and nicks, increasing the life of your newly painted jewelry.
How to paint fake gold jewelry?
Gold has a timeless charm that’s hard to beat, but not everyone can afford gold jewelry. The solution? Faux gold jewelry!
Fake gold trinkets can sometimes look as great as the real deal, but when it gets old, the color transforms into a sad copper, silver, and green mess. Luckily, there’s a way to get your fast-fashion or costume jewelry bright and shining again.
Here’s a quick guide to help you revamp your worn-out fake gold jewelry.
Step 1: Wash the jewelry
Clean your jewelry using warm water and soap to remove any dust, oils, and grime. You can even use an old toothbrush for a thorough clean-up.
Step 2: Tape off areas you don’t want to paint
There might be gems or clasps that you want to avoid spraying. Therefore, it would be best to cover them with painter’s tape to avoid painting them accidentally.
Step 3: Use a metal primer
A primer will help you achieve an even and lasting finish. Apply a thin layer of primer designed for metal surfaces to get the job done.
Step 4: Paint the surface
Spread your necklaces, bangles, etc., on a big piece of cardboard and start the painting process by spraying on a thin layer of gold paint. Depending on your preference, you can choose between a high-gloss gold finish and matte gold. Make sure to pick quality paint formulated for metal surfaces and gives a gold-like finish.
Allow the first layer to dry for 15 to 30 minutes before applying a second one. When it is dry to the touch, flip the jewelry and repeat the same process on the other side.
The Krylon Spray Paint and Primer in Metallic Gold is a popular choice for spray painting gold jewelry. Rust-Oleum’s All Surface Pure Gold is another excellent pick for this job.
Step 5: Apply a Finishing Coat
Apply a final coat of clear enamel spray paint to seal the deal and protect the paint from rubbing off.
You can use the same process to refresh your old silver jewelry. All you need is silver metallic spray paint instead of gold.
What do you spray jewelry with?
Once you decide to refresh your old jewelry, the first question that comes to mind is: what kind of paint do you use on jewelry? The answer would depend on the material of your jewelry.
If you want to paint metal pieces such as bangles and rings, you need something that works well on metals. However, when painting plastic jewelry, you can opt for a paint designed for plastic surfaces.
Another factor that you have to consider is the finish you’re after. Do you want a high-gloss metallic finish, or would you prefer a matte pastel color? Honestly, it’s all about your personal preference.
Spray paints for Jewelry
1. Krylon Premium Metallic Spray Paint
If you’re looking for a stunning finish that mimics shiny, high-end metals for your jewelry, this metallic spray paint is a great choice. It is available in various colors, including 18K gold, copper, gold foil, chrome, plum purple, white copper, and sterling silver.
The paint can transform both plastic and metal jewelry so that it resembles actual metallic plating. So, if you want an on-trend finish at home, choose the Krylon metallic paint for your DIY project.
2. Rust-Oleum High Performance Enamel Spray Paint
This is another great spray paint option if you want to experiment with different colors and finishes. From gloss black to aluminum, hunter green, regal red, and flat red– there are over 15 hues to choose from. The paint’s formula works well on wooden and metal surfaces and also protects against rust.
It’s a high-quality, durable oil-based formula that dries to the touch in 15 minutes. This means you can quickly refresh the paint on your old jewelry in a day.
3. Rust-Oleum Painter’s Touch 2X Cover
Do you prefer matte colors for your jewelry makeover? Try the Rust-Oleum ultra-matte spray paint to give your trinkets a no-shine, vintage appearance.
The paint works on wood, plastic, and metal surfaces, and the oil-based formula offers long-lasting protection. You can try more than 10 exciting colors, including rustic pink, slate, grape, golden leaf, deep teal, etc.
FAQs
What paint can I use for jewelry?
Enamel paint is best suited for painting jewelry. Just make sure that the color you select is compatible with the surface you’re about to paint.
Is spray paint permanent on metal jewelry?
Spray paint lasts a few years on metal jewelry, provided you prepare the surface correctly. Using a primer and top coat helps increase the life of your spray-painted jewelry.
Can you spray-paint a chain necklace?
Yes, you can renew the color of your chain necklaces with spray paint. Remember to buy paint designed for metal surfaces to ensure it sticks properly to the surface.
Is gold spray paint waterproof?
Most enamel spray paints used for painting gold jewelry are waterproof and don’t need any primer or top coat. The only type of enamel paint that’s not waterproof is acrylic enamel paint. However, by layering it with a primer and top coat, you can make it withstand water.
Conclusion
Spray painting old jewelry is a quick and budget-friendly way to add a new life to your worn-out accessories. As long as you use the right paint and follow the complete process, you should end up with statement pieces that make you proud.