Painting metal cabinets can completely transform the look of your kitchen or bathroom. With a fresh coat of paint, you can update dated or worn cabinets without the expense of installing brand new ones. While painting metal cabinets isn’t quite as simple as painting wood, with the right preparation and products it can be an easy, budget-friendly way to give your space a makeover. Here’s what you need to know if you’re considering taking on this project.

Should I Paint or Refinish My Metal Cabinets?

Before deciding to paint your metal cabinets, consider whether refinishing them might be a better option. Refinishing entails stripping off the existing paint or stain, repairing any damage, and applying a new stain, glaze, or clear coat.

Refinishing has some advantages over painting:

• It allows the natural grain and texture of the wood under the original finish to show through. Paint obscures the wood.
• It doesn’t require as thorough prep work. Unlike paint, stain soaks into the wood rather than sitting on the surface, so you don’t have to sand and prime.
• Refinishing retains a more authentic, high-end look compared to painted cabinets.

However, there are also good reasons to opt for paint:

• It fully covers existing stains, scratches, discolorations or any other flaws. Refinishing cannot completely disguise imperfections.
• You can achieve virtually any color with paint. Stain options are limited to wood tones.
• Painted cabinets have a smooth, consistent finish. Stain can look blotchy or uneven on some woods.
• The prep work for painting is more labor intensive. But the painting itself is usually easier and more forgiving than applying stain.

Weigh the pros and cons and consider the condition of your current cabinets. Paint may be the better choice if they are very worn, damaged, or made from inexpensive wood with an uneven grain pattern. If you want dramatic color change that stain can’t provide, paint is the way to go.

Can You Paint Over Varnished Wood?

If your cabinets are wood varnished with polyurethane or lacquer, you’ll need to take extra steps to prepare them for painting. Paint adheres best to a raw wood surface. It doesn’t bond well to slick finishes like varnish.

Here’s what to do:

• Thoroughly clean the cabinets first with a degreaser or TSP substitute to remove any oils or waxes.
• Sand to completely degloss and rough up the existing finish. Start with 150 grit sandpaper and work your way up to 220 grit.
• Wipe away dust with a tack cloth.
• Apply a bonding primer designed specifically for slick surfaces. Primers like Zinsser’s Bulls Eye 1-2-3 or BENJAMIN Moore’s Fresh Start work well.
• Lightly sand the primed cabinets to help the paint bond.
• Apply two coats of cabinet paint, sanding between coats.

Take your time with the prep work – it will pay off in the long run with a smooth, lasting paint job. Rushing through it can lead to peeling or chipping paint down the road.

What Kind of Paint Should I Use on Metal Cabinets?

For the best adhesion and most durable finish on metal cabinets, use an oil-based alkyd enamel paint. Oil-based paints shrink less as they dry, harden more, and flex less than water-based latex paints. This results in a harder, more scratch-resistant finish.

Enamel paints provide a smooth, glossy surface that makes cleaning easier. Popular brands include:

• Benjamin Moore Impervex
• Sherwin-Williams ProClassic Alkyd Enamel
• PPG Breakthrough

If your cabinets are in a humid area like the bathroom, look for a paint specially formulated to resist moisture and mildew.

For those concerned about the fumes and cleanup of oil-based paints, water-based acrylic enamels provide a good alternative. They dry faster and with less odor than alkyds. Just make sure to use a bonding primer first.

How to Prepare Metal Cabinets for Painting

Proper prep is crucial for a long-lasting paint job. Here are the key steps:

Clean the Cabinets

Remove all dust, grease, oil or grime with a degreaser, mineral spirits or TSP substitute. Rinse thoroughly and let dry completely.

Remove Doors and Hardware

Taking the cabinet doors off the hinges allows you to paint them conveniently and avoids getting paint on the hinges. Number the doors and remove all hardware like knobs and handles.

Sand the Cabinets

Use 100-150 grit sandpaper to scuff up the surface. This helps the paint stick. Focus on any glossy areas and be sure to sand inside the cabinets as well.

Clean and Sand Again

Wipe sanded cabinets with a tack cloth, damp rag or microfiber cloth to remove dust. Let dry, then lightly sand again with 220-400 grit sandpaper.

Spot Prime as Needed

For areas that remain glossy after sanding or any bare metal spots, apply a coat of shellac-based primer like Zinsser’s BIN.

Prime Entire Cabinets

Coat all cabinet surfaces with a quality metal primer like Rust-Oleum’s Clean Metal Primer or Krylon’s Rust Protector. This provides maximum adhesion.

Caulk and Fill Holes

Use painter’s caulk to seal any cracks or gaps. Fill screw holes and other imperfections with wood filler. Sand smooth when dry.

Install Handles and Doors

Once primed, go ahead and reinstall the hardware and doors. Check that each door opens and closes properly.

Tips for Painting Metal Cabinets

Follow these tips for the best results:

• Use a high-quality nylon or polyester brush for oil-based paints. Angle the brush to get paint into any grooves.
• Apply in thin, even coats avoiding runs or drips. Thick coats can bubble or crack.
• Lightly sand between coats with 220 grit paper to ensure proper adhesion.
• Work in sections – one or two doors at a time. This keeps overlap points wet so paint blends together.
• Use painter’s tape to mask off adjacent walls or surfaces. Remove tape immediately after painting before the paint dries.
• Allow proper dry time between coats. Oil-based enamels take longer than latex.
• Seal your painted cabinets once fully cured after 7-10 days. Use a clear acrylic sealer for added protection.

How Long Does Painted Metal Last?

With proper preparation and application, painted metal cabinets can last for many years before needing touch ups. Here are some tips for longevity:

• Stick to high-quality oil-based enamel paints. They resist chipping and scuffing better than latex options.
• Allow paint to cure fully, at least 7 days, before use. Cure time hardens the paint.
• Use cabinet door bumpers and gentle closing. Repeated impact from slamming doors causes paint to chip over time.
• Clean cabinets with mild soap and water only. Avoid harsh cleaners.
• Apply a fresh coat of protective clear sealer every 2-3 years. This helps maintain the finish.
• Touch up any nicks or scratches immediately to prevent further damage.

Painting vs Replacing Metal Cabinets

Painting metal cabinets offers a cheap, easy kitchen or bath update compared to installing new cabinets. Here’s how the two options stack up:

Painting

• Costs a fraction of replacement – $100-300 on average
• Takes 1-3 days for DIY
• Wide range of color options
• Preserves existing cabinet box
• Won’t increase home value as much as new cabinets

Replacing

• Typically $5,000 – $15,000+ for mid-grade cabinets
• Usually takes several weeks for install
• Limited by what’s available and in stock
• Removes old boxes so new layout possible
• Provides significant value increase for home sale

As you can see, painting is the clear budget option that still offers a fresh, new look. But if your current cabinet layout or quality is poor, or you want to change the style entirely, new cabinets may be worth the investment.

Should I Hire a Professional?

While it is possible to paint metal cabinets yourself, hiring a professional painter has some worthwhile advantages:

• Experienced with the complexities of painting metal compared to wood
• Proper equipment such as airless sprayers for a smoother finish
• Knows all the right products and prep methods to use
• Works much faster than DIY
• Ensures doors are aligned properly after painting
• Often provide warranties or guarantees on their work

However, you can still achieve excellent results with some patience and effort. Whether you DIY or hire it out, take steps to properly prepare your metal cabinets prior to painting. This will help ensure your fresh paint job stands up to years of use.

FAQ About Painting Metal Cabinets

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about painting metal cabinets:

Can I use latex paint on metal cabinets?

Latex paints don’t adhere as well to slick metal surfaces as oil-based paints. For best results, opt for an alkyd enamel designed for metal. If using latex, be sure to apply an oil-based primer first.

What sheen is best for cabinet paint?

A satin or semi-gloss finish is ideal for cabinets. It resists moisture, cleans up easily, and provides subtle shine without being overly glossy. Flat paints show scuffs too easily.

Should I take cabinet doors off to paint?

Yes, removing the doors makes the painting process much easier. You can lay doors flat to paint instead of working around them on the cabinets. Number doors to keep track of order.

How do I prepare laminate cabinets for painting?

Degrease laminate cabinets, then lightly scuff the surface with 150 grit sandpaper. Apply a bonding primer before painting. Proper prep prevents flaking or peeling.

Can I use the same paint on cabinet boxes and doors?

One alkyd enamel can be used for all cabinet surfaces. Pick a color you like rather than trying to exactly match wood door stain color. Tint the primer to the paint color.

How do I achieve an antique distressed look?

After painting, rub off some of the paint in areas with random scratches, drips or wear patterns while it’s still a bit tacky. Addition distressing methods can be used for an authentic aged look.

Should I paint the cabinet interior?

Yes, painting the inside of cabinets makes them easier to clean and prevents exposed raw wood edges from showing at the seams if exterior paint chips. Use the same prep and paint as the exterior.

Can I paint over rust?

Light surface rust can be prepped, primed and painted over. But extensive rust with pitting and flaking should be removed by sanding, grinding or chemical rust removers first. Then spot prime before painting.

Conclusion

Painting metal kitchen or bathroom cabinets allows you to inexpensively transform the look of your space. While the preparation work is extensive, the painting process itself is relatively straightforward. With oil-based enamel paint and proper techniques, you can achieve a durable, like-new finish. Prep properly, take your time applying in thin coats, and your refreshed metal cabinets can look great for years before needing a touch up.

How to Prep Metal Cabinets for Painting

Prepping metal cabinets for painting is the most crucial step to ensure the paint adheres properly and lasts. Rushing through or skipping prep work can lead to peeling, chipping and other paint failures down the road. Here are the key steps:

Clean Thoroughly

Use a degreaser like TSP substitute to remove all grease, dirt and wax buildup. For laminate cabinets, use a dedicated grease-cutting cleaner like Greased Lightning.

Sand to Rough Up Surfaces

Use 120-220 grit sandpaper to scuff up all cabinet surfaces. This helps the paint grip. Focus on sanding any shiny or glossy areas.

Remove Doors and Hardware

Painting is much easier with the doors removed. Number doors to keep organized and remove hinges and handles.

Clean and Sand Again

Wipe sanded cabinets with a tack cloth. Once dry, lightly sand again with 220 grit sandpaper to remove any residue.

Spot Prime as Needed

Use a shellac-based primer like Zinsser BIN on any exposed metal or bare wood spots. This keeps them from bleeding through paint.

Prime Entire Cabinets

For best adhesion, apply a quality oil-based or metal primer to all cabinet surfaces – sides, fronts, inside boxes, doors, and frames.

Caulk and Fill Holes

Use painter’s caulk on gaps or cracks. Fill dents, screw holes and imperfections with wood filler and sand smooth when dry.

Thorough prep removes potential paint bonding issues. While labor intensive, it helps ensure your painted metal cabinets maintain their beautiful new look for years.

Tips for Painting Metal Cabinets

Follow these tips to help you achieve a smooth, durable painted finish on metal cabinets:

Use the Right Brush

Invest in a good nylon or polyester brush made for oil-based paints. Avoid cheap bristle brushes that can leave brush marks.

Apply Thin Coats

Thick paint won’t adhere well and can crack or bubble as it dries. Apply multiple thin coats for a hard, even finish.

Sand Between Coats

Gently sand painted cabinets with 220 grit sandpaper between coats. This helps each coat bond together.

Work in Sections

Paint one or two doors at a time rather than the whole cabinet. This keeps overlap points wet so paint blends together.

Tape Off Areas

Use painter’s tape and drop cloths to mask off nearby walls, floors and other surfaces. Remove tape immediately after painting.

Allow Proper Dry Time

Give oil-based enamels at least 24 hours dry time between coats. Check manufacturer guidelines.

Seal Your Painted Cabinets

Using a clear acrylic sealer after painting provides added protection and easier cleaning.

Proper materials, patience, and technique will help your painted metal cabinets achieve a smooth factory-like finish. Take your time with the process for paint that withstands daily use.

How Long Does Painted Metal Last?

Painted metal cabinets can maintain their pristine look for many years. Here are some factors that help extend the life of painted metal:

Use High Quality Paint

Top-tier oil-based enamels resist chipping, fading, and wear much better than cheap paint. Invest in paint formulated specifically for metal.

Allow Proper Cure Time

Don’t use newly painted cabinets for at least 7 days. This allows the paint to fully cure and harden before regular opening/closing.

Install Bumpers

Self-adhesive bumpers on cabinet doors prevent metal-on-metal contact that slowly chips paint over time.

Clean with Care

Avoid harsh cleaners, scouring pads, or abrasive scrubbing. Use mild soap and water to safely clean painted metal.

Reseal Every Few Years

Applying a fresh coat of protective acrylic sealer every 2-3 years helps maintain the finish.

Touch Up Immediately

Fixing any nicks, scrapes or scratches as soon as they appear prevents further paint damage.

With proper care and maintenance, quality painted metal cabinets can maintain their like-new look for 5-10 years or more before needing repainting.

Painting vs Replacing Metal Cabinets

Should you paint your existing metal cabinets or replace them entirely? Here’s an overview of the pros and cons:

Painting Pros

• Very affordable – $100-300 on average
• Quick update – 1-3 days for DIY
• Infinite color options with paint
• Retains current cabinet box sizes
• Less disruptive than full replacement

Painting Cons

• Won’t increase home value as much as new cabinets
• Existing cabinet layout remains unchanged
• Damaged or low-quality boxes remain
• Paint less durable than factory finish
• DIY results may not look professional

Replacing Pros

• Fresh cabinet boxes, doors, drawers and hardware
• Customizes cabinet layout and storage
• Wide range of style, color and material options
• High-end look for resale value
• Professional installation quality

Replacing Cons

• Extremely expensive – $5,000 to $15,000+
• Cabinets often take weeks or months to arrive
• Removes and replaces existing cabinetry
• Significant construction and disruption
• Limited by available stock and lead times

Overall, painting metal cabinets is an affordable, effective refresh while replacement is a major investment in all-new custom cabinetry.

Should I Hire a Professional?

You can successfully paint metal cabinets as a DIY project, but hiring a professional has some advantages:

Experience

Pros are experienced with the intricacies and challenges of painting metal compared to wood.

Products/Prep

They know the right products to use and proper prep methods for the most durable finish.

Equipment

Pro painters have access to airless sprayers for a smooth, factory-like finish.

Efficiency

Experienced painters can prepare and paint cabinets much faster than a DIY job.

Alignment

Professionals have techniques to properly realign doors after painting to avoid sticking.

Warranties

Many pro painters offer warranties or guarantees on their cabinet painting work.