Can I Brush Paint Metal Cabinets? The Complete Guide

Painting metal cabinets can transform the look of your kitchen or bathroom. With a fresh coat of paint, dull and dated metal cabinets can be given new life. But what is the best painting method for metal cabinets? Can you simply use a brush, or do you need to use spray paint?

Painting metal cabinets is doable with a brush and the right prep work and paint. Brush painting allows you to easily paint metal cabinets without the need for spray painting equipment. However, there are some disadvantages to brushing versus spraying.

Below we will cover everything you need to know to can i brush paint metal cabinets successfully. From cleaning and sanding to priming and painting, we will outline the complete process and provide tips and recommendations. Read on to learn how to paint metal cabinets with a brush and get professional-looking results.

How To Prepare Metal Cabinets for Brush Painting

Proper preparation is crucial when painting metal cabinets with a brush. The cabinets need to be fully cleaned and sanded before painting can begin. Here are the key steps for prepping metal cabinets:

Clean the Cabinets Thoroughly

The first step is to clean the cabinets well to remove all dirt, grease, and grime. Built-up grease and residue can prevent the new paint from adhering properly.

Use a degreasing cleaner formulated for kitchen cabinets. Scrub all surfaces with the degreaser and then rinse clean. You may need to scrub with an abrasive sponge to remove stubborn grease or dirt.

Be sure to clean inside drawers and cabinet boxes as well. Remove all doors, drawers, and hardware before cleaning.

Lightly Sand the Cabinets

After cleaning, lightly sanding the cabinets will help the new paint adhere. Use 150-220 grit sandpaper and sand in the direction of the metal grain.

Sand just enough to scuff up the surface a bit and remove any gloss or shine. Be careful not to sand away too much of the original finish.

Spend extra time sanding any areas with chipping, peeling, or cracking paint. Remove any loose paint down to the bare metal.

Remove Doors and Hardware

To make painting easier, remove all cabinet doors, drawers, shelves, and hardware. Removing everything allows you to fully clean and sand each part.

Number each door and drawer to ensure proper reinstallation after painting. Use painters tape to mark the hinge locations if needed.

Set all hardware like knobs, pulls, and hinges aside in a safe place. Cover them loosely with plastic wrap to prevent paint splatter.

Clean and Sand Removed Parts

Clean, degrease, and sand all the cabinet doors, shelves, drawers, and hardware using the same process.

Pay close attention to the interior side of doors and the metal edges. Degrease and sand thoroughly for maximum paint adhesion.

Use Tack Cloth to Remove Dust

After sanding, wipe down all cabinet surfaces with tack cloth. This specialized cloth picks up dust and debris that regular rags may miss.

Tack cloth is a critical step that removes all traces of sanding dust before priming. Any leftover dust particles can create flaws in the new paint.

Your metal cabinets are now prepped and ready for priming and painting!

Priming Metal Cabinets Before Brush Painting

Primer is highly recommended before painting metal cabinets with a brush. Primer will help the new paint stick better and prevent future chipping or peeling.

Use an adhesion promoting metal primer made specifically for painting metal. Look for primer that is rust resistant as well.

Oil-based primers work best for covering and sealing metal cabinets. However, water-based acrylic primers have less odor yet still perform well.

Thoroughly stir and mix the primer before use. Apply a coat of primer to all cabinet surfaces using a good quality angled paint brush. Allow the primer to fully dry per the manufacturer’s recommendations before painting.

Priming will ensure you get the longest lasting finish from brush painting metal cabinets.

How To Brush Paint Metal Cabinets

Once properly prepped and primed, you are ready to start brushing paint onto your metal cabinets. Here are some tips for achieving the best results:

Use Appropriate Metal Paint

Be sure to use paint designed specifically for metal surfaces, such as:

• Rustoleum Professional High Performance Enamel
• Krylon Fusion All-In-One
• INSL-X Cabinet Coat Enamel
• Benjamin Moore Impervex

Avoid standard wall paints which are not formulated for metal. The label should clearly indicate the paint is for metal, cabinets, or other hard surfaces.

Oil-based paints tend to adhere best and give a harder finish. But water-based acrylics work well too and clean up easier with soap and water.

Apply in Thin, Even Coats

Brush the paint on in thin, smooth passes to prevent drips and runs. It is better to apply multiple thin coats rather than one thick coat.

Let each coat fully dry before adding the next. Lightly sand between coats with fine 220 grit sandpaper to improve adhesion.

Work systematically and pay close attention to edges, grooves, and corners. Keep a wet edge as you go by brushing from one end to the other.

Use High Quality Paint Brushes

Invest in good paint brushes designed for fine finish work and cabinetry. Look for angled sash brushes made with synthetic nylon or polyester bristles.

Avoid cheap brushes that can leave streaks and bent bristles behind. Quality brushes hold more paint and provide smoother results.

Consider using small craft brushes for paint tight areas and corners neatly.

Maintain a Wet Edge

As you paint, maintain a “wet edge” where the freshly painted surface remains wet and glossy. This prevents lap marks as you move across the cabinets.

Work systematically from one end to the other. If the paint begins to dry, use brush strokes that overlap the damp edge to blend. Work fast enough to prevent drying.

Watch for Drips and Runs

Brush slowly and carefully to prevent drips and runs in the finish. The thick enamel paint can easily drip if applied too heavily.

Keep the painted surface as level as possible. Use a high quality Purdy or Wooster brush to minimize drips.

If drips do occur, use a small brush to smooth them out quickly while the paint is still wet.

Paint the Insides Too

Don’t forget to paint the inside of cabinet boxes and doors as well. The same prep and painting process applies.

Use small angled brushes and mini rollers to reach the interior surfaces. Paint the insides first before the outside faces.

Seal all six sides of the doors and get full coverage in corners. This prevents moisture damage down the road.

Applying Second Coats and Finishing Touches

For best results, two to three coats of paint are recommended when brushing metal cabinets. Make sure to follow all drying times between coats. Here are some tips for final coats and touches:

Lightly Sand Between Coats

Gently sanding between paint coats allows for superior adhesion. Use fine 220 grit sandpaper and lightly sand in the direction of the metal grain.

Sand just enough to rough up the surface slightly. Thoroughly wipe away dust with a tack cloth when done.

Check for Missed Spots

Inspect each coat thoroughly for any missed spots before adding the next coat. Touch up spots with a small brush to even out the finish.

Flipped areas like the underside of shelves and inside doors should have full coverage. Paint until metal is thoroughly sealed.

Apply Final Top Coat

The last coat can be brushed on a little heavier to level out the finish. Flow the paint on vertically first then horizontally.

Feather out all brush strokes for an ultra smooth high-gloss finish. Allow to fully cure 72 hours before reinstalling doors.

Reinstall Doors and Hardware

Once fully dry, reattach all doors, drawers, hardware and shelves. Refer to numbering or painters tape markers for proper door reinstallation.

Screw hinges back into the original holes. Use a drill with a screwdriver bit to prevent damage to fresh paint.

Finally, admire your freshly brush painted metal cabinets! Proper prep and application allows you to get professional results using brushes instead of spraying.

Brush Painting vs Spraying Metal Cabinets

While it is possible to successfully brush paint metal cabinets, using a paint sprayer has some advantages:

• More consistent coverage – Spraying applies paint more evenly over irregular surfaces. Brushing can leave slight inconsistencies in the finish.
• Faster application – Spray painting goes significantly faster compared to brushing. Large surfaces can be coated in minutes rather than hours.
• Smoother finish – The fine spray from an HVLP spray gun gives a seamless high-gloss finish without brush marks.
• Reach tight areas – Spray paint can access hard to reach spots like interior corners better than a brush.

However, there are some downsides to spraying kitchen cabinets:

• Overspray – Containing paint mist requires tarps and drop cloths. Overspray drift can still happen.
• Prep for spraying – Cabinets need to be removed and taken outside for spray painting to avoid mess.
• Learning curve – There is a technique to master when spray painting to prevent drips and runs.

For small DIY painting projects, brushing on paint may provide good enough results. But for professional cabinet refinishing, a paint sprayer is the preferred method.

FAQs About Brush Painting Metal Cabinets

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about brush painting metal kitchen or bathroom cabinets:

Should I use primer when brush painting metal cabinets?

Yes, metal primer is highly recommended before painting metal cabinets with a brush. Primer will allow for superior adhesion and help prevent future chipping or peeling. Always use primer formulated specifically for metal.

What type of paint brush is best?

Look for high quality synthetic bristle brushes made for painting fine finishes like cabinetry and trimwork. Angled sash brushes typically work best. Pony hair or cheap bristle brushes should be avoided.

How long does it take for brush painted cabinets to dry?

Most cabinet enamels take 8-24 hours to fully dry and cure between coats. Oil-based paints take longer to dry than acrylics. Cool temperatures or high humidity can also impact drying times. Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Should I remove doors and drawers before painting cabinets?

Yes, removing everything allows for much easier access to all cabinet surfaces when brush painting. Set hardware aside and number doors to ensure proper reinstallation. Remove shelves as well.

Can I use brush painting for cabinets made of wood instead of metal?

Yes, the same brush painting techniques work well for refinishing wooden kitchen or bathroom cabinets. Just be sure to use wood primer and paints designed for use on cabinetry.

How do I fix brush strokes when painting cabinets?

Use high quality synthetic brushes and apply paint in thin coats. Flow with the grain and feather out strokes. Sand lightly between coats. The final coat can be brushed on heavier to fill imperfections.

Achieve a Flawless Finish Brush Painting Metal Cabinets

With the right preparation and painting technique, you can achieve beautiful results brush painting metal cabinets. Carefully following each step will help your freshly painted metal cabinets look like new.

The process does take patience, time, and effort. Rushing through steps like cleaning, sanding, or allowing proper drying times can compromise the finish. But the payoff is well worth it.

Transform the look of your kitchen or bath affordably by painting your outdated metal cabinets with brushes instead of spray painting. Use the techniques above to get a smooth factory-like finish.

With your shiny new painted cabinets, you may find yourself wanting to paint even more surfaces like walls, trim, or ceilings. Before you know it, you will have a completely fresh looking room! Painting metal cabinets can be the rewarding first step in a major home makeover.

So don’t be intimidated to take on a DIY metal cabinet painting project. With the right guidance, materials, and preparation, can i brush paint metal cabinets and get beautiful long-lasting results.