Can I Spray Paint a Metal Filing Cabinet?

Painting a metal filing cabinet can help refresh its look or match a new decor. With the right paint and preparation, it’s easy to spray paint a metal filing cabinet for a professional-looking finish. Here’s what to consider when painting metal filing cabinets.

Introduction

Metal filing cabinets are staples of home offices and are often used to store important documents. Over time, the original paint may start to chip, peel, or fade. Or you may simply want to update the look of your metal filing cabinets.

Spray paint is a convenient option for painting metal filing cabinets and can provide a smooth, durable finish when done properly. Can you spray paint a metal filing cabinet? The short answer is yes. With some preparation and patience, spray painting metal filing cabinets can completely transform their look.

In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you need to know to successfully spray paint a metal filing cabinet, including:

• Pros and cons of spray painting vs. brush painting
• How to prepare the filing cabinet for painting
• Choosing the right spray paint for metal
• Spray painting techniques and process
• Clear coating for protection
• Painting filing cabinet handles and hardware
• Drying and curing times

By the end, you’ll have all the information needed to get beautiful, professional-looking results spray painting your metal filing cabinets.

Pros and Cons of Spray Painting vs. Brush Painting

When choosing between spray painting or brush painting a metal filing cabinet, there are pros and cons to both options:

Pros of spray painting

• Provides an smooth, even coat with a consistent finish.
• Spray paint adheres well to metal for a durable bond.
• Paints large surfaces faster than brushing.
• Can easily give metal a glossy or matte look depending on paint.
• Able to get paint into hard to reach spots like corners.

Cons of spray painting

• Overspray can be messy requiring tarps or drop cloths.
• Requires proper ventilation and possible mask/respirator.
• Risk of drips if not applied properly.
• More difficult for small or detailed areas.
• Additional equipment like spray gun and compressor needed.

Pros of brush painting

• Does not require additional spray equipment.
• Good for painting small, detailed areas.
• Easier for light touch ups or small projects.
• Less overspray issues.

Cons of brush painting

• Can leave visible brush strokes.
• Hard to get very smooth coat.
• Painting large areas takes more time.
• Not as effective at getting into corners.
• Increased risk of drips.

Overall, spray painting is the preferred method for painting metal filing cabinets. The smooth professional finish and fast application make it worth investing in a basic spray gun set up. But brush painting can still be effective, especially for smaller cabinets or touch ups.

How to Prepare a Metal Filing Cabinet for Spray Painting

Proper preparation is crucial for good spray paint adhesion and avoiding issues like chipping or peeling later on. Here are the essential steps to prepare a metal filing cabinet for spray painting:

1. Clean the Surface

Make sure the filing cabinet surface is clean and free of any dirt, oil or grease. Use a degreaser if needed. Rinse with water and let dry fully.

2. Lightly Sand the Cabinet

Use 220 grit sandpaper to scuff up the surface. This helps the paint adhere better. Lightly sand any glossy areas and any loose, flaking paint spots.

3. Remove Hardware and Labels

Take off any handles, label holders or other fixtures. Remove any paper labels or stickers – paint won’t adhere well to them.

4. Fill Holes and Imperfections

Use automotive filler putty to fill any holes from removed hardware or dents in the metal. Smoothen and let dry before painting.

5. Wipe off Dust

Use a tack cloth to remove any dust or debris after sanding and filling holes. This prevents specks in the new paint.

6. Mask Off Areas

Use painter’s tape and plastic sheeting to mask off any areas you don’t want painted like glass doors or adjacent walls.

Once prepped, the filing cabinet is ready for painting! Be sure to do this prep work in a well-ventilated area and wear proper safety gear like gloves, eye protection and a respirator mask. Rushing through this stage can compromise results.

Choosing the Right Spray Paint for Metal Filing Cabinets

The type of paint you use will impact both the quality and longevity of the painted finish. Consider these factors when choosing spray paint for a metal filing cabinet:

Paint Formulation

Look for acrylic enamel spray paints formulated especially for metal. They contain additives for strong adhesion and prevent chipping or yellowing over time. Avoid standard latex wall paints.

Finish Option

Choose between gloss, satin or matte finishes depending on your desired look. Gloss provides bold color depth. Satin is versatile for both color and protection. Matte has an understated, non-reflective look.

Color Options

Most spray paint lines offer a wide range of popular color choices. Having trouble visualizing the color? Get sample sized spray cans for test swatches first.

Primer vs Paint+Primer

For the best results on metal, first apply a dedicated primer as your base coat. Then apply the color top coats. Some all-in-one “paint and primer” options don’t adhere as long term.

Brands

Quality spray paint brands to look for include Rust-Oleum, Krylon, Montana and Valspar.

For metal filing cabinets, we recommend a satin or gloss enamel spray paint in your color choice along with a primer base coat. This provides good protection and makes wiping up dust and spills easier.

Step-by-Step Process for Spray Painting a Metal Filing Cabinet

Here is a step-by-step process for properly spray painting a metal filing cabinet:

1. Cover Surrounding Areas

Lay down drop cloths or plastic sheeting to protect floors and walls. Use painter’s tape to cover anything else nearby.

2. Apply Primer Coat(s)

Follow primer directions for preparing and spraying. Apply 1-2 even coats allowing proper drying time between coats.

3. Lightly Sand between Coats

Use 320 grit sandpaper to lightly scuff the primer coat. This helps the topcoat adhere to the surface.

4. Clean and Apply Topcoat

Wipe away any dust with tack cloth. Apply the first color coat according to directions, spraying even passes left to right and top to bottom.

5. Apply Additional Coats

Apply 2-3 more color coats, allowing proper drying time between coats for a smooth finish. Add more coats for deeper color if needed.

6. Remove Masking and Reattach Hardware

Once fully dry, carefully remove all masking material. Reattach handles, label holders or other hardware.

Be sure to follow the product directions for proper spray distance, drying times, and number of coats recommended. Rushing the process can lead to drips and runs in the paint. Work in a dust-free space with adequate ventilation.

Applying a Clear Top Coat for Extra Protection

For added protection and sheen on your freshly painted metal filing cabinet, apply 1-2 coats of a clear enamel spray paint as a topcoat finishing seal. The clear topcoat helps the color last longer by:

• Adding an extra moisture barrier to prevent chipping and peeling
• Helping prevent yellowing or dulling over time from light exposure
• Adding a glossy or satin sheen for visual depth

Be sure to use an enamel clear coat specially formulated for metal rather than a standard polyurethane. Allow proper drying time between applying the last color coat and clear coat layers. The result will be a durable, vibrant painted finish that stands up to daily use and wear.

How to Paint Metal Filing Cabinet Handles and Hardware

For a fully coordinated look, the hardware on your metal filing cabinet will also need updated paint. Here are some tips:

• Remove hardware – Take off handles, label holders, locks etc. before painting the cabinet.
• Clean hardware – Wipe hardware down with cleaner and sand lightly to prep for paint.
• Spray paint – Lay hardware on cardboard and use light coats of spray paint formulated for metal.
• Brush paint small parts – For small hardware like bolts, it’s easier to brush paint by hand rather than spray.
• Reattach hardware – Once fully dry, reattach all painted hardware to the painted filing cabinet.

Use the same color and finish of spray paint on the hardware as you did on the cabinet for a uniform look. For easier touch ups later, consider spraying the small hardware pieces separately on cardboard, then reattaching once the main cabinet is painted.

Dry Times and Curing Process

It’s important to allow adequate dry time for spray painted metal filing cabinets. Here’s what to expect:

• Dry to the touch – Each coat will dry to the touch in about 30-60 minutes under normal conditions.
• Handle dry – After 2-4 hours, painted cabinets will be dry enough to move carefully or attach hardware.
• Fully cured – Full bonding, hardness and durability takes 5-7 days to fully cure and set.
• Improve drying times – Warm dry conditions speed drying. Cold or humid climates prolong dry and cure times.

Be gentle with freshly painted cabinets for the first week while the paint fully cures. Avoid slamming doors or scratching surfaces so paint doesn’t chip while still curing. The paint will continue to strengthen over time.

Transforming Filing Cabinets with Spray Paint – Before and After

Spray painting metal filing cabinets can give them an instant facelift. Here are some examples of dramatic “before and after” filing cabinet spray paint transformations:

Drab olive filing cabinets are given a fresh, bright white makeover

Boring beige filing cabinets are transformed into fun, vibrant sky blue

Dated gray metal cabinets become sunny and cheerful painted in a coat of golden yellow

With a little effort, spray paint can give old, damaged filing cabinets an exciting new look for a fraction of the cost of buying new ones. Almost any color imaginable is possible!

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common questions about spray painting metal filing cabinets:

Can you use regular spray paint on filing cabinets?

We recommend using heavy duty enamel spray paint formulated especially for metal. Standard wall paints don’t adhere to metal as well over time.

What sheen is best for spray painting filing cabinets?

Satin or gloss enamels provide good protection and are easy to wipe clean if used for paperwork storage. Matte is also an option if you prefer a flat, non-reflective look.

How do you avoid drips when spray painting?

Hold the can 6-8 inches from the surface and spray in even side to side strokes. Keep the can the same distance away while spraying. Don’t pause too long between strokes.

Should filing cabinets be primed before painting?

Yes, it’s best to apply 1-2 coats of dedicated metal primer before the color paint for maximum adherence. Some cabinet paints include primer – check labels.

Can you use spray paint on the filing cabinet glides?

The glides or “feet” on the bottom can stick if painted. Cover them with painters tape before priming and painting the rest of the cabinet.

How long does it take for spray paint to fully cure?

Allow 5-7 days for the paint to fully cure and bond to the metal. Avoid heavy use during this time so paint doesn’t scratch or chip off.

Conclusion

Spray painting metal filing cabinets is an easy DIY project that can make old cabinets look fresh and new. With proper preparation, paint selection and application technique, you can get beautiful smooth results.

The key steps are to thoroughly clean and lightly sand the cabinets, apply a primer coat, spray on multiple thin color coats, and allow 5-7 days curing time. With spray paint specially formulated for metal, your painted filing cabinets will have a durable, vibrant finish that lasts for years.

Transform the look of your home office storage with a spray painted filing cabinet makeover. Just be sure to use the methods in this article for success getting a professional-looking painted finish.