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There's a Better Way - Fine Homebuilding Reader Quick Tips

Spray-painting screw heads

By austin669, member

In response to Emma Kirk’s innovative way of painting screw heads (FHB #206, Nov 2009), I’d like to offer the following method which I have used numerous times that I feel is easier and more effective. Instead of using something like a plastic bag, I suggest grabbing a piece of cardboard and pressing the screws right into it before painting. An added benefit in addition to reducing the amnount of time setting up a rig is that the cardboard will actually absorb any overspray, and also pull paint off of the threads by capillary action thus reducing buildup that might cause a mess when replacing the screws at a later time. This same setup can also be used to paint door hardware by threading the screws through the opposite side of the cardboard into the handles or knobs. The hardware will stand upright allowing you to paint the whole part at once rather than painting one side, allowing it to dry and flipping it over to paint the other side.

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  1. DesignJohn | Nov 02, 2009 08:19pm | #1

    You could also use clay or pieces of styrafoam

  2. cmiller | Nov 06, 2009 01:31pm | #2

    very nice Austin669. Less work with better results using recycled materials is a nifty trifecta.

  3. denmos | Nov 22, 2009 06:09pm | #3

    we regularly have to paint large amounts of screws at one time and i use pegboard- predrilled masonite for shop wall displays.we only replace the piece every couple of years when the paint builds up too much!!!

  4. denmos | Nov 22, 2009 06:09pm | #4

    we regularly have to paint large amounts of screws at one time and i use pegboard- predrilled masonite for shop wall displays.we only replace the piece every couple of years when the paint builds up too much!!!

  5. crossman | Nov 24, 2009 12:44pm | #5

    Pimp my Screw

  6. scott53715 | Mar 05, 2013 09:12pm | #6

    Used cardboard for years-- good trick. Styrofoam can melt!

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