Can I Paint a Metal Cabinet?

Painting metal cabinets can help revitalize an outdated kitchen or bathroom. With the right preparation and painting technique, you can give metal cabinets a fresh new look. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about painting metal cabinets yourself.

Benefits of Painting Metal Cabinets

There are several advantages to painting metal kitchen or bathroom cabinets:

• Cost-effective: Painting cabinets is a budget-friendly way to update the look of your space compared to replacing them entirely. Paint and supplies will likely run you less than $100.
• Quick project: With proper prep, you can paint cabinets in a weekend. It’s a relatively fast way to make a big visual impact.
• Customizable finish: Paint opens up many possibilities for cabinet colors and finishes, allowing you to match your decor.
• Hide flaws: A fresh coat of paint can conceal nicks, stains, fading, and other imperfections in worn cabinets.
• Protects metal: Paint forms a protective barrier that helps prevent rust and corrosion on metal cabinets.

So if your current metal cabinets are structurally sound but looking worn or dated, a DIY paint job offers an easy and cost-effective way to give them new life.

Preparing Metal Cabinets for Painting

Proper preparation is crucial for getting great results painting metal cabinets. Plan to spend time on these important pre-painting steps:

Clean the Cabinets

Thoroughly clean cabinet surfaces to remove dirt, oil, and grease that could interfere with paint adhesion. Work top to bottom. Here’s how:

• Remove all contents and shelving/hardware that can be easily taken down.
• Wash all surfaces with a degreasing cleaner or TSP substitute. Scrub with a scouring sponge or pad.
• Rinse cabinets well and let them fully dry.
• Use denatured alcohol on a rag to spot clean any residual grease.

Lightly Sand Cabinets

• For painted metal cabinets, lightly sand to roughen and dull the existing finish. This helps the new paint adhere.
• For raw metal cabinets, sand to scuff up the surface for painting.
• Wipe away sanding dust with a tack cloth.

Repair Damage and Imperfections

• Dents – Use auto body filler putty to fill dents; sand smooth when dry.
• Rust spots – Sand thoroughly to remove rust, then use metal primer in those spots.
• Holes and gouges – Fill with wood filler and sand smooth.
• Uneven areas – Use spackling compound as needed to smooth surfaces.

Remove Doors and Drawers

Painting cabinets is much easier with the doors and drawers removed. This allows you better access to all the surfaces.

• Label hardware so you can easily reattach doors and drawers later.
• Use a screwdriver to remove hinges and other hardware.
• Set doors and drawers in a safe area and cover to prevent damage.

Mask Surrounding Areas

Carefully mask off adjacent surfaces like walls, countertops, and floors using painters tape and drop cloths. This protects them from paint drips and splatter.

Apply Deglosser

For slick surfaces, use a deglossing agent or fine sandpaper to dull the finish. This helps the new paint coat stick. Wipe away any residue with a tack cloth.

Once you’ve cleaned, sanded, repaired, removed hardware, and masked everything off, the metal cabinets are ready for painting.

Choosing the Right Paint for Metal Cabinets

Picking the right type of paint ensures proper adhesion and durability when painting metal. Here are the best options:

Oil-Based/Alkyd Enamel

Enamel paints provide a hard, glossy finish that stands up well to frequent handling and cleaning. Oil-based enamel bonds excellently to metal and provides the most durable finish. Be sure to choose enamel specifically made for metal.

Rust-Inhibitive Primer

Applying a coat of rust-preventing primer allows for great paint adhesion. Use a primer made specifically for metal that contains rust inhibitors. Oil-based metal primers provide the best protection.

100% Acrylic Latex Paint

For painting over existing finish on metal cabinets, 100% acrylic latex formulations offer excellent adhesion and durability. Avoid all-purpose latex paints.

Spray Paint Made for Metal

High quality spray paints made specifically for metal can provide good results if you prepare the surface properly first. Effective for small metal projects.

Oil-based enamel, metal primer, or 100% acrylic latex are ideal for full kitchen or bathroom cabinet paint jobs. Avoid regular latex paint, vinyl or acrylic lacquer, and paint & primer-in-one products.

How to Paint Metal Cabinets

Follow these steps to properly paint metal kitchen or bathroom cabinets:

1. Apply Primer

Use a high-quality metal primer to coat all cabinet surfaces. Apply with a brush, roller, or paint sprayer. Allow primer to fully dry according to manufacturer directions before painting. Primer provides excellent adhesion for the topcoats.

2. Lightly Sand Primer

Once fully dry, lightly sand the primer coat using fine 220-400 grit sandpaper. This helps remove any surface imperfections for a smooth finish. Carefully wipe away dust with a tack cloth.

3. Paint Coats

Apply two finish coats of oil-based or 100% acrylic enamel paint. Lightly sand with fine sandpaper between coats for a perfectly smooth finish. Allow full drying time between coats according to paint directions.

4. Reattach Doors and Hardware

With the cabinets completely painted, you can rehang doors and drawers and reinstall pulls and hinges. Take care not to chip the fresh paint. Refer to your hardware labels.

5. Add Protective Topcoat (Optional)

For added durability on frequently used cabinets, apply one or two protective clear topcoats, such as polyurethane. Lightly sand between coats.

Proper surface prep and patience while paint dries between coats helps create the most durable, professional finish when painting metal cabinets.

Painting Techniques for Metal Cabinets

You can use various techniques to apply cabinet paint for slightly different looks:

• Brushing – Use a high-quality natural bristle brush for applying paint smoothly and cleanly. Provides great control.
• Rolling – Foam or microfiber paint rollers work well for quick coverage on flat cabinet surfaces. Avoid excessive pressure.
• Paint sprayer – Provides the most flawless, professional finish. Use HVLP spray gun designed for fine finish work. Practice first.
• Back-brushing – Follow up spray painting by gently smoothing and brushing the wet paint to eliminate drips.

Proper brushing and rolling techniques take some practice but allow you to paint the cabinets completely yourself without having to rent an expensive paint sprayer.

Paint Finish Options for Metal Cabinets

Another advantage of painting cabinets is you can choose just about any color and finish you desire:

• Solid color – Go bold or subdued with any solid color from bright white to deep blue for a versatile look.
• Stain – Painted stains add woodgrain-like texture. Helpful for faux finishing.
• Sheen – Satin and semi-gloss enamels are ideal sheens, offering durability and easy cleaning.
• Two-tone – Try pairing a light main color with a dark accent shade on bases or drawer fronts.
• Glaze – Brushed over base paint, colored glazes can add depth and dimension.

Experiment to find the ideal paint color and finish to match your kitchen or bathroom decor.

Tips for Successfully Painting Metal Cabinets

Follow these tips and best practices as you take on a metal cabinet paint job:

• Thoroughly clean and prepare the cabinet surfaces as directed to ensure proper paint adhesion. Don’t rush this step.
• Always read and follow the paint manufacturer’s instructions for best results.
• Paint in a dust-free area with adequate ventilation.
• Apply paint liberally in thin, even coats using high-quality applicator tools.
• Allow adequate drying time between primer, paint coats, and topcoat as directed by manufacturer.
• Lightly sand between each coat for a smooth finish.
• Work methodically and patiently to achieve the best painted finish.
• Seal leftover paint properly for any touchups needed down the road.

With the right prep work, tools, and painting approach, you can achieve professional-quality results painting metal kitchen or bathroom cabinets and give them renewed life!

Frequently Asked Questions About Painting Metal Cabinets

What kind of paint adheres best to metal cabinets?

Oil-based enamel, high-quality latex acrylic paint, and primer formulated specifically for metal provide the best adhesion and most durable finish on metal cabinets. Avoid using regular all-purpose latex paint.

What sheen should I use when painting metal cabinets?

A satin or semi-gloss sheen offers the ideal finish for metal cabinets. These enamels are durable, scrubbable, and easy to clean – important features for kitchens and bathrooms. They also provide a smooth, sleek finish.

Should I remove cabinet doors and drawers before painting?

Yes, you should always remove doors, drawers, shelves, and hardware before painting cabinets. This allows you to fully access all cabinet surfaces and prevents paint dripping onto hardware and adjacent surfaces.

How long does it take for cabinet paint to cure?

Oil-based cabinet paint takes 5-7 days to fully cure while latex acrylic paint fully cures in 2-3 days. Do not scrub or clean newly painted cabinets until the paint has fully cured to prevent damaging the finish.

Can I use a paint sprayer to paint metal cabinets?

Paint sprayers allow you to achieve a flawless professional finish on metal cabinets. However, they do require some skill. HVLP spray guns designed for fine finish work provide the best results. Always back-brush after spraying.

What is the easiest way to paint metal cabinets?

Careful brush work often provides the easiest DIY method for painting cabinets if you don’t want to invest in a paint sprayer. Use high-quality natural bristle brushes and apply paint liberally in thin, even coats for smooth coverage.

How do I avoid brush marks when painting cabinets?

Use the right brush suitable for fine finish work and apply paint using light, even brush strokes. Overworking the paint causes brush marks. Rolling then gently smoothing with vertical brush strokes also minimizes any lap marks.

Should I sand metal cabinets before painting?

Lightly sanding raw metal provides the proper key for paint to adhere to. For previously painted cabinets, sanding deglosses the finish so new paint bonds well. Always wipe away dust before painting.

Conclusion

Painting metal kitchen or bathroom cabinets allows you to inexpensively update the look of your space with a custom color scheme. With proper planning and preparation, the right painting supplies, and good application techniques, you can achieve beautiful, professional results. Invest the time to thoroughly clean, sand, mask off, and prime the cabinets before applying two finish coats of durable enamel or acrylic latex paint. The renewed cabinets will provide many additional years of service and style.