How to Paint Curtain Rods

Instead of buying new curtain rods for a room makeover, why not just paint the existing ones to blend in with the new color scheme? Spray paint curtain rods for the best and fastest curtain-rod refresh; just be sure to paint outdoors on a non-windy day. If that's not an option, work in a well-ventilated area, such as a garage with the door open.

Preparation is the key to a good paint finish; in other words, if the curtain rods are old, don't paint over all the dust that's accumulated on them over time. If the rods are still in use, carefully remove the rods and the curtains from the window area, setting the curtains where they won't get wrinkled or dirty. If the curtain rod has hooks on it, remove those as well, and prep those for painting if you'd like to refresh them to match the rod.

New or old, give the curtain rods a gentle but thorough cleaning using a damp cloth. Clean the finials or end pieces on the rods, and remove them if you don't plan to paint them. Wipe each rod down with vinegar if it's metal or plastic to help remove any film-like coating. This also helps remove any greasy residue. Let it air dry.

Find a place outdoors suitable for spray painting. Set a plastic tarp or drop cloth on the ground, then set up a sawhorse or other suitable object to prop up one end of the rod as you paint it. The sawhorse should be near one end of the drop cloth with the curtain rod fully over the cloth. If the finials twist out of the curtain rod, you can remove them and stick a twig or narrow dowel inside to use as a holder while you paint; another option is to just hold up one end as you paint and start a couple inches away from your hand.

Choose a spray primer and a spray paint suitable for the composition of the rod; most spray paint works on wood or metal, but consider primer and paint made specifically for plastic if you have a DIY rod made from PVC pipe, for instance. If you're painting more than a couple of curtain rods, you may need more than one can each of paint and primer. If working with PVC, Bob Vila recommends sanding the pipe to scuff it up first so the paint adheres. Read the label on the plastic primer and paint to determine the specific preparation requirements for PVC in particular.

Set the rods up so one end sits on the sawhorse; if the rods are short, you won't need to set them this way until they're drying. Shake the spray primer can as directed, then prime the rod using consistent sweeping motions along the length of the rod, slightly overlapping each spray. Paint company Krylon recommends holding the can 6 to 8 inches from the rod as you work. Rotate the rod with one hand as you spray with the other, or enlist a friend to do one of the tasks if this proves too awkward. Keep your hand position in one area of the rod during the spray project, then after the rest of the rod has been painted, carefully prime that area you missed.

Once the primer has dried for the length of time the primer label recommends, spray paint the rods using the same techniques. Allow the paint to dry for a few hours or as recommended on the label, then apply another coat or two to achieve the desired finish.