Can U Paint Metal Cabinets?

Painting metal cabinets can help refresh your kitchen or bathroom on a budget. With the right preparation and paint, you can easily transform outdated metal cabinets into a stylish focal point. Here is a detailed guide on how to properly paint metal cabinets to get a durable, professional-looking finish.

Introduction

Painting metal kitchen or bathroom cabinets is an affordable way to update the look of your home without the high cost of installing brand new cabinets. With a fresh coat of paint, you can change the entire style and feel of a room. Paint allows you to switch up colors for a new trendy or classic look. Plus, it covers up any scratches, stains, or other imperfections in old metal cabinetry. Preparing metal cabinets for painting takes some work, but following the proper steps will ensure the paint adheres correctly for a long-lasting finish.

Benefits of Painting Metal Cabinets

There are many great reasons to paint your metal cabinets:

• Cost-effective update – New cabinets can cost thousands of dollars. Painting updates the look for a fraction of the price.
• Quick project – Painting cabinets is an achievable weekend project for DIYers. No need to hire a professional.
• Customize the color – Paint allows you to pick any color to fit your style. Go bold or subtle.
• Hide flaws – Paint conceals dents, stains, worn areas, and other damage.
• Enhance style – Use paint to change the look from modern to traditional or vice versa.
• Refresh without replacing – Breath new life into old cabinets without the hassle of installing new ones.

Preparation Steps for Painting Metal Cabinets

Proper prep is crucial for getting paint to adhere correctly to metal. Rushing through this step can cause the paint to chip, bubble, or peel later on. Here are the key steps:

Clean the Cabinets

Make sure cabinets are clean and grease-free before painting. Wash with a degreasing cleaner or mild detergent solution. Rinse and let dry fully.

Lightly Sand the Metal

Use 220-grit sandpaper to lightly scuff up the surface. This helps the paint adhere better.

Clean and Degrease Again

Wipe sanded cabinets with a tack cloth to remove any leftover dirt or sanding residue. Follow up with degreaser.

Remove Doors and Hardware

Taking doors off makes painting easier. Number doors to keep organized. Remove all hardware as well.

Prime the Cabinets

Choose a high-quality primer formulated specifically for metal. Apply 2-3 thin, even coats allowing proper dry time between coats.

Fix Dents and Holes

Fill any damaged spots with metal filler primer and sand smooth. This prevents imperfections from showing.

Mask Adjacent Surfaces

Use painter’s tape and plastic sheeting to cover nearby walls, countertops, floors, etc. Protect from drips.

How to Choose the Right Paint

Picking the right type of paint ensures maximum adhesion and durability:

Opt for Alkyd Enamel Paint

Alkyd (oil-based) enamels stick excellently to slick metal surfaces. They cure to a harder finish than latex.

Consider Rust-Preventative Paint

On old cabinets, look for metal paint containing rust inhibitors to prevent corrosion under the new topcoat.

Matte, Satin, or High-Gloss?

Finish preference is up to you. Matte creates an understated, timeless look. High-gloss makes a bold statement and is very durable. Satin (semi-gloss) falls between the two.

Buy the Best Brushes and Rollers

Invest in high-quality applicators. Foam rollers work great on flat cabinet panels. Angled sash brushes are ideal for cutting-in edges and corners.

Painting Process From Start To Finish

Follow these steps for flawless painted cabinets:

1. Apply Primer

Use a foam roller and angled brush to apply primer uniformly. Get into corners. Allow a full 24 hours dry time before the next step.

2. Lightly Sand Again

Gently sand dried primer coat using extra-fine sandpaper to ensure cabinet surfaces are perfectly smooth.

3. Wipe Clean

Remove all sanding residue with a tack cloth. Make sure the surface is spotless before painting.

4. Paint Coats 1 and 2

Roll on your first coat of cabinet paint, allowing overnight drying. Lightly sand, wipe clean, then apply the second finish coat.

5. Cure Time

Leave new paint undisturbed for 2-3 days to fully cure and harden before reinstalling doors and hardware.

6. Seal With Clear Coat (optional)

For added durability and stain resistance on frequently used cabinets, apply a clear acrylic topcoat after paint dries.

Painting Metal Cabinet Doors

Cabinet doors require special attention when painting:

• Remove all hardware – knobs, pulls, hinges, etc.
• Paint the door in a flat position to avoid dripping and sagging paint.
• Use small foam rollers and angled brushes to fully cover.
• Paint door edges and cutouts too.
• Allow extra dry time for doors – 48 hours between coats minimum.
• Reattach door hinges and hardware after the painted doors have fully cured. Check alignment.

Painting Cabinet Interiors

The cabinet interiors also need refreshed paint. Here are tips:

• Remove shelving to paint walls easily.
• Use small roller and angled brush again.
• Pay special attention to the inside lip of door frames where friction occurs. Reinforce with extra primer and paint coats.
• Use low-odor or no-odor alkyd paint for interior spaces.
• Allow full cure time before replacing shelves and items. Air flow speeds curing.

Maintaining Your Painted Metal Cabinets

With proper care, your painted metal cabinets can look freshly painted for many years:

• Allow paint to cure fully before regular use – around 2 weeks.
• Avoid slamming doors repeatedly. Open/close gently.
• Immediately clean spills and splatters to prevent staining.
• Wash cabinets with only mild cleaners, not harsh chemicals.
• Use cabinet liner and padding on shelves to reduce abrasion.
• Buff out minor scuffs gently with extra-fine sandpaper.
• Spot clean and touch up paint scratches as soon as they occur.
• Plan to repaint every 2-5 years for maximum shine and protection.

Achieve a Flawless Finish!

Follow this complete guide to successfully paint metal kitchen or bathroom cabinets like a pro. With appropriate products, proper preparation, and attentive application, you can achieve an updated, durable, and stylish new look that makes your whole room pop. So grab some primer, paint, and brushes and transform those old metal cabinets today!