How do you protect existing hardware while painting?

To protect existing hardware while painting, removing it or covering it with painter's tape is the most effective method. By removing hardware such as doorknobs, light switch covers, or hinges, you eliminate the risk of paint splatters or drips on these surfaces, ensuring a cleaner and more professional finish. However, when removal is not an option, using painter's tape is a great alternative. This type of tape is specifically designed to create a strong barrier against paint, allowing for clean lines and preventing paint from getting onto the hardware itself.

In contrast, while covering hardware with newspaper can provide some protection, it may not adhere securely or may not fully conform to the shape of the hardware, leaving gaps for paint to seep in. Encapsulating hardware in plastic may not always provide the same level of precision and can be cumbersome, especially for items that are frequently used. A spray shield is primarily used to block the spray from the paint gun, which doesn't specifically address the need to protect static items like hardware. Utilizing painter's tape or removing the hardware is thus the most reliable approach for protecting these components during painting tasks.