Can You Paint Metal Cabinets?
Painting metal cabinets can refresh the look of your kitchen or bathroom. With proper preparation and painting technique, you can give old metal cabinets a modern, updated appearance. Here is an in-depth look at painting metal cabinets.
Should You Paint Metal Cabinets?
Painting metal cabinets can be a relatively easy and budget-friendly way to update the look of your kitchen or bathroom. Some key advantages of painting metal cabinets include:
- Cost-effective – Buying new cabinets is expensive, but paint and supplies for painting cabinets are quite affordable. Painting provides visual impact without a huge investment.
- Quick update – Painting cabinets is a weekend project for many DIYers. You can dramatically change the look of your space in just a few days.
- Customizable color – Paint allows you to select any color for your cabinets. You can choose a bold, vibrant shade or opt for a more neutral, subtle tone.
- Conceals flaws – Paint can conceal dents, scratches, stains, or other damage on old metal cabinets. It provides a uniform look.
However, there are a few downsides to consider before painting metal cabinets:
- Paint may not adhere as well as it would to wood cabinets. Metals like stainless steel may require specialized prep and primer.
- Paint inevitably chips and wears over time. It requires occasional touch-ups.
- If not done properly, painted metal cabinets may have a less smooth, professional look than factory-finished cabinets.
Overall, painting is an affordable and effective option for most metal kitchen and bathroom cabinets. Proper prep is key to achieving the best, longest-lasting results.
How to Prepare Metal Cabinets for Painting
Careful preparation is crucial for a successful painted finish on metal cabinets. Follow these steps:
Clean the Cabinets
Thoroughly wash cabinets with a degreasing cleanser to remove any grease, grime, or residue. Rinse and let dry completely.
Lightly Sand the Cabinets
Lightly sand metal cabinets using 220-400 grit sandpaper. This helps the paint adhere better. Wash and dry cabinets again after sanding.
Prime the Metal
Choose a high-quality primer formulated for metal. Apply 2-3 thin, even coats of primer allowing proper dry time between coats. Primer creates a surface that paint can stick to.
Fill Any Holes and Repair Flaws
Use spackle or filler to patch any holes or flaws in the metal. Let dry completely and sand smooth. Clean cabinets again before painting.
Remove Doors and Hardware
Removing doors, handles, and hinges allows for easier painting. Place hardware pieces in bags labeled for each cabinet so they can be easily reattached later.
Proper prep results in a smooth, professional painted finish on metal cabinets. It also increases the durability and longevity of the painted surface. Don’t rush this vital step.
How to Paint Metal Cabinets
Once your cabinets are properly prepped, you can proceed with painting:
Choose a Paint Designed for Metal Surfaces
Look for a high-quality latex or enamel paint made specifically for use on metal. The paint you choose must be able to flex and resist chipping.
Work in a Dust-Free Area
Paint cabinets in a controlled environment away from airborne dust. Any debris that settles in the paint will mar the smooth finish.
Apply Paint Evenly in Thin Coats
Use a high-quality brush or sprayer to apply 2-3 thin, even coats of paint. Allow proper dry time between coats. Thin coats provide a smoother look than one thick coat.
Paint the Inside of Doors and Cabinets
Don’t forget to paint the inside of cabinet doors and the inside of the cabinets. This gives a fully finished look.
Let Paint Dry Completely Before Reattaching Doors and Hardware
Give paint several days to cure before rehanging doors. Test paint hardness before inserting screws or attaching hardware.
Consider a Clear Protective Topcoat
For added protection on frequently used cabinets, apply 1-2 coats of clear polyurethane over the painted finish.
Following a careful painting process helps create a beautiful, lasting finish on DIY painted metal cabinets.
Tips for Painting Metal Cabinets
Follow these tips and tricks for professional looking results:
- When spraying cabinets, apply light coats in a side-to-side motion followed by an up-and-down motion to ensure even coverage.
- Use painter’s tape around the edges of cabinets to create a crisp paint line. Remove tape immediately after painting before the paint has dried.
- Paint the cabinet backs and interiors first. Then do the outside surfaces, saving doors for last.
- Use a small artist brush to carefully paint around hinges and hardware openings.
- Maintain wet edge by brushing systematically from one end to the other without long breaks. This prevents lap marks.
- For best adhesion on stainless steel, first apply a stainless steel primer before painting.
- When painting doors horizontally on sawhorses, rotate occasionally to prevent paint from pooling.
- Allow new painted cabinets several weeks to fully cure and off-gas before loading them up with food and supplies.
FAQ About Painting Metal Cabinets
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about painting metal kitchen and bathroom cabinets:
Can you use any type of paint on metal cabinets?
No. Choose a high-quality acrylic latex or enamel paint specifically formulated for metal surfaces. General multi-surface paints may not adhere well or resist chipping.
What kind of primer should be used on metal cabinets?
A water-based bonding primer or acid-etching primer made for metals provides the best base coat for painted metal cabinets.
How long does painted metal cabinet paint last compared to wood cabinet paint?
With proper prep and application, painted metal cabinets can last 3-5 years before needing touch ups. Paint on kitchen cabinets typically lasts 2-3 years on average.
Can you use an oil-based enamel paint on metal cabinets?
Yes, oil-based paints bond excellently and provide a durable finish on metal. However, latex enamel paint has less odor and cleanup.
Should you scuff sand metal cabinets before painting?
Very light scuff sanding with fine (220-400) grit sandpaper helps paint adhere to slick metal cabinet surfaces. Don’t heavily sand down to bare metal.
How long should you let painted metal cabinets dry before using?
Let painted cabinets dry 1-2 weeks to allow paint to fully cure before hanging doors and loading cabinets with dishes. Test a small area with your fingernail to ensure paint is hard.
Conclusion
Painting metal kitchen and bathroom cabinets is an affordable and effective way to update their appearance. While the process requires careful preparation and technique, nearly anyone can achieve professional-looking results. Investing the proper time into sanding, priming, and painting metal cabinet surfaces leads to a durable, quality painted finish. With the right materials and methods, you can revive old metal cabinets to look fresh and new.
