Wrapping door handles in aluminum foil makes painting around them easier

Painting a door can feel like a weekend project, but by the time you reach the handle, you may already be cleaning up drips with a cloth. There's a simple solution in your kitchen drawer for that.

According to Apartment Therapy, a short Home Depot video showed why wrapping foil around a doorknob before painting works so well: the foil molds easily to any shape and keeps paint off the hardware. The clip helped make the trick popular on home renovation accounts and blogs.

Why is painting around door hardware so tricky
A door is a little more difficult to paint than a plain wall because it has many fixtures, such as knobs, strike plates, hinges, and sometimes a deadbolt or kickplate. These parts are made of metal, and paint usually does not adhere well to them. Cleaning them can damage the finish, and the paint can also seep into the cracks.


Aluminum foil can help solve this problem. It's flexible enough to slide around any knob, lever, or hinge easily, and unlike tape, it doesn't leave a sticky mark or need cutting into difficult shapes.

How to wrap a doorknob in foil before painting
Take a small piece of foil large enough to cover the knob or handle completely, then press it firmly onto the hardware to mold it. For hinges, wrap a small piece around the hinge pin area.

Home remodeling duo Jonathan and Drew Scott use this method on their projects. According to Homes & Gardens, Jonathan Scott said the foil molds easily around a doorknob's edges and is simple enough for anyone to use, while Drew Scott noted it removes the need to carefully tape around the hardware.

To keep the edge clean, stick a strip of painter's tape where the foil meets the door after wrapping the knob. This creates a clear line to paint along, letting you know where to stop.

Aluminum foil vs. painter's tape: which is better for door hardware
Tape works, but it requires patience. You have to cut it into strips and carefully stick it around curved hardware, and it can come off during painting. Foil is a little easier to use: wrap it around the knob, and it comes off easily. It also leaves no trace on chrome or nickel finishes or any adhesive. Foil is quick to reach for since most homes already have a roll on hand, while cutting painter's tape into shapes for detailed hardware takes more time and effort.

What to know before painting doors in an older home
If you live in an old house or apartment and are thinking of repairing or painting door and window edges yourself, first check one thing: Homes built before 1978 may have lead-based paint beneath new coats. Sanding or scraping that old paint can release lead dust into the air, so know how old your home is before starting major prep work.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, if someone is renovating, repairing, or painting a home built before 1978, they should first determine the home's age. Older homes are more likely to contain lead-based paint, and if the age is unknown, lead paint may still be present. The EPA recommends cordoning off the work area to prevent dust from spreading.

This mostly applies to sanding or scraping old paint layers, not to a fresh coat over hardware you've wrapped in foil. But it's a good reminder to check your home's age before any scraping or sanding, especially in older buildings.

A few tips before you start
Use a new piece of foil for each door handle so it sticks without tearing. Press it firmly into every groove, especially around the key fob, and make sure there are no gaps. If your hardware has a delicate or antique finish, test a small area first, as some plated metals can develop minor scratches from repeated contact.

When the final coat is dry, gently peel off the foil. If some paint has flaked off around the edges, clean it up quickly with a slightly damp microfiber cloth.

The takeaway
This simple trick saves time and protects your hardware. Before painting a door, use foil instead of tape. This makes the work easier and saves you from repeatedly cleaning knobs and hinges.