Make Iron Shelf Brackets Look Like Brass For Way Cheaper

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So, you love the look of shelves with brass hardware. (Don't we all?). They make a super chic duo. Not to mention, brass shelf brackets look timeless, add a bit of warmth and shine wherever they go, and can make a home feel more luxurious. The catch is that they aren't exactly wallet-friendly. Most cost over $20 each, with some even selling for more than $50, depending on the design and size. This equals $80 minimum for four brackets, and at least $120 if you need six. Meanwhile, you can get a whole pack of iron brackets for as little as $10. The qiwuhai Set of 8 Heavy Duty Shelf Brackets is proof. That doesn't mean you have to settle for boring, though. Just spray paint and glaze them.

To get started, you'll need a brass spray paint, like the $10.98 Rust-Oleum Matte Sunlit Brass Spray Paint. Pick up an antiquing glaze (Lowe's sells one for $17.98), a clear coat spray paint, such as the $6.47 Rust-Oleum Satin Clear Spray Paint, and some steel wool. Add these up to no more than $40 to give several iron shelf brackets a brassy makeover. However, do note that you may need to include a metal primer in the to-buy list if your current brackets are a little rusty. At only $6.47, the Rust-Oleum Clean Metal Primer Spray is a great pick.

Prep your iron shelf brackets first. Much like wood, metal surfaces need to be roughened before painting to keep the paint from peeling off easily. A quick scrub with steel wool can help. Next, lightly coat your brackets with a metal primer before painting over any rust. This can typically take around 15 minutes to dry, though leaving it overnight allows it to cure better. If rust isn't an issue, skip straight to brassifying the pieces. Spray paint all the nooks and crevices. Then, let it fully dry.

Now here's the trick to preventing your brass finish from looking overly shiny and flat: antiquing glaze. It adds realistic distressed details to the piece. Apply a small amount on the surfaces using a clean cloth. Remove any excess glaze with another clean cloth. And finally, finish everything off with a spritz of clear coat. 

Psst: looking for an even easier way to elevate your iron shelf brackets? Simply use the AMACO Rub n Buff Wax Metallic Finish in antique gold to achieve an aged effect without needing multiple products. This one product will give you the perfect metallic paint finish every time.