Having old, worn-out kitchen cabinets can make your kitchen look dated and dull. If your kitchen cabinets are made of metal, you may be wondering if painting them is a viable option to give them an updated, fresh look. The short answer is yes – with proper preparation, metal kitchen cabinets can be painted to transform the look of your kitchen. This complete guide will walk you through everything you need to know about painting old metal kitchen cabinets.

An Overview of Painting Metal Kitchen Cabinets

Painting metal kitchen cabinets allows you to change their color and finish without having to completely replace them. It is one of the most budget-friendly ways to give your kitchen a makeover. With a new coat of paint, you can make old metal cabinets look like new again.

The key to success is proper preparation. Metal cabinet surfaces need to be thoroughly cleaned, lightly sanded, primed, and painted using paints formulated specifically for metal. While the process takes time and labor, the end results are well worth it. Painted metal cabinets are an easy and affordable way to update the look of your kitchen.

Benefits of Painting Old Metal Kitchen Cabinets

There are many great reasons to consider painting your old metal kitchen cabinets:

• Cost savings – Painting cabinets is much cheaper than full cabinet replacement. You can update the look of your kitchen on a budget.
• Customization – Paint allows you to choose any color you want to match your kitchen’s decor.
• Quick update – Painting cabinets is a relatively quick and easy weekend project that can give your kitchen a whole new look.
• Eco-friendly – Painting reuses your existing cabinets rather than discarding them. It’s a greener option.
• Cover damage – Paint can hide scratches, stains, and other imperfections in worn metal cabinets.

Painting gives you an affordable way to update your kitchen and make your old metal cabinets look fresh and new again. The transformation can be amazing.

Preparation Steps for Painting Metal Cabinets

Proper preparation is crucial for getting great painted results on metal kitchen cabinets. Rushing through this step can lead to peeling or chipping paint down the road. Here are the key preparation steps:

Clean the Cabinets Thoroughly

Grease, dirt, dust, and grime need to be removed from cabinet surfaces before painting. Scrub down cabinet exteriors and interiors with a degreasing cleaner or solution. Trisodium phosphate (TSP) works very well to cut through grease. Rinse cabinets and allow them to fully dry.

Lightly Sand Cabinets

Use 220-grit sandpaper to lightly scuff up the surface of the cabinets. This helps the paint adhere better. Be sure to sand inside drawers and cabinet boxes as well.

Clean and Degloss Door and Drawer Fronts

Use TSP or a deglosser to thoroughly clean and remove any glossy finish from cabinet door and drawer fronts. Scuff sand them with 220-grit paper afterwards.

Remove Cabinet Doors and Hardware

Taking cabinet doors, drawers, and hardware off makes painting easier. Label them to remember where they go back. Fill any holes left behind.

Wash With TSP Again

Give all cabinet surfaces one final washing with TSP after sanding to remove any residue. Let cabinets dry completely before priming.

Thorough cleaning, light sanding, and deglossing provide the ideal surface for primer and paint adhesion.

Choosing the Right Primer and Paint

Primer and paint selection are very important when painting metal kitchen cabinets. The products used must be specifically formulated for use on metal. Here are the characteristics to look for:

Primers

The primer coat provides a foundation for the paint and allows it to properly bond with the metal surface. Using a metal primer is a must. Look for these features:

• Rust-inhibiting – Prevents rust from developing under the paint
• Corrosion-resistant– Protects against corrosion and deterioration
• Sticks to slick surfaces – Bonds well with smooth metal cabinetry
• Fills imperfections – Helps smooth out scratches and blemishes

Oil or latex-based metal primers from reliable brands are great options. If your cabinets are very worn, use a high-fill sandable primer.

Paint

For painting kitchen cabinets, a satin, semi-gloss, or gloss enamel paint is best. Consider these qualities:

• Durable and scratch-resistant – Stands up well to bumps, knocks, and regular wear and tear
• Washable – Allows stains and spills to be easily cleaned off of the finish
• Resistant to moisture – Holds up in steamy kitchen environments
• Doesn’t yellow over time – Retains true color without taking on a yellowish tint

Again, paints made specifically for metal surfaces perform the best. Alkyd enamel paints are also a smart choice.

Painting Metal Kitchen Cabinets Step-by-Step

Once you have prepped your cabinets and have the right supplies, follow these steps:

1. Apply Primer

Use a brush to prime all cabinet surfaces – fronts, sides, backs, inside boxes, and drawers. Apply in thin, even coats and get full coverage. Let primer dry fully before moving onto painting.

2. Lightly Sand Primer

Use 220-grit sandpaper to gently scuff up the primed cabinet surfaces. This allows the topcoat of paint to bond well. Remove all sanding residue.

3. Paint Coat #1

Using a high-quality brush or sprayer, apply the first coat of cabinet paint in a thin, even layer. Start with the cabinet boxes and doors. Paint the undersides and cabinet backs last.

4. Lightly Sand Again

Once the first coat has fully dried, do another light sanding with 220-grit sandpaper. Smooth out any drips or rough spots.

5. Paint Coat #2

Apply the second finish coat of paint just like the first, brushing smoothly and evenly. This coat will provide the final appearance, so take your time.

6. Reinstall Doors and Hardware

After the paint has fully cured, put doors back on cabinets and reattach all hardware like hinges and handles. Enjoy your freshly painted cabinets!

Prepping properly and applying two coats of quality primer and paint formulated for metal will give you fantastic, long-lasting results.

Tips for Successfully Painting Metal Kitchen Cabinets

Follow these handy tips and tricks for getting flawless results when painting metal cabinets:

• Degrease cabinets with TSP substitute or other degreaser before priming
• Use a high-fill primer to fill dents and dings if cabinets are very worn
• Lightly sand between coats with 220-grit sandpaper for optimal adhesion
• Use a high-density foam roller and quality angled brush for the smoothest finish
• Always follow manufacturer’s instructions for proper dry time between coats
• Ventilate the kitchen very well when spraying cabinets with paint or primer
• Work in thin, even coats; avoid thick, heavy application
• Be patient – rushed paint jobs lead to drips, errors, and uneven coverage
• Remove doors and hardware to paint cabinets more easily and thoroughly
• Use painter’s tape to mask off adjacent surfaces from drips and overspray
• Number cabinet doors and boxes to ensure everything goes back correctly

Taking it slowly and focusing on proper prep work and application will deliver painted metal cabinets that look professionally done.

How Long Does It Take for Paint to Cure on Metal Cabinets?

When painting kitchen cabinets made of metal, it’s important to wait the full curing time for the paint before using the cabinets normally again. The curing process allows the paint to fully dry and harden to develop its protective qualities.

Most quality cabinet enamels take 7-14 days to fully cure and harden. Oil-based paints usually take longer to cure than latex-based ones. Cooler temperatures and higher humidity will also prolong curing time. It’s crucial to let the paint cure fully before reinstalling doors and drawers and putting contents back into the cabinets.

During the curing period, avoid getting the cabinets wet or placing anything heavy on the surfaces. The paint is still vulnerable during this phase. Once fully cured, painted metal cabinets can be used, cleaned, and handled normally. The wait is worth it for long-lasting, durable results.

How Long Does Painted Metal Cabinets Last?

Metal kitchen cabinets painted with the proper primer and paint following thorough preparation techniques can easily last 5-10 years or longer before needing to be repainted.

Quality metal paint formulations that are moisture, grease, and scratch resistant hold up very well in kitchen environments. The keys to making painted metal cabinets last are:

• Proper surface prep – deglossing, cleaning, sanding
• High-adhesion primer and paint made specifically for metal
• Letting paint fully cure before use
• Not using cabinet doors and drawers roughly before fully cured
• Periodic cleaning with mild soap and water

With careful prep and application, painted metal cabinets will maintain their freshly updated look for years before needing a new coat of paint.

Cost to Paint Metal Kitchen Cabinets Professionally

Hiring professional painters to paint your kitchen cabinets costs an average of $2000-$4000 for an average sized kitchen of 10-15 cabinets. This includes:

• Thorough cabinet preparation (cleaning, sanding, deglossing)
• Professional spray application of primer and paint
• Paint materials and supplies
• Removing and reinstalling doors & hardware
• 1-2 coats of high-quality metal primer and paint

Professionals complete the job quickly and flawlessly, but at a higher cost. Saving money by taking on the DIY painting yourself costs a fraction of the price. However, to achieve professional-looking results requires time, effort, and diligence in following prep and application steps.

Painting vs Replacing Metal Kitchen Cabinets

Should you paint your outdated metal kitchen cabinets or replace them entirely? Here’s a comparison of the two options:

Painting

• Costs much less – $500 vs. $5000+ for new cabinets
• Goes much faster – 1 weekend vs. 1-2 weeks for replacement
• Less waste – reuses existing cabinets
• Can completely change look with color
• Won’t work if cabinets are falling apart

Replacing

• Truly brand new, fresh cabinets
• Can alter cabinet configuration
• Wide selection of styles and finishes
• Can resolve structural issues with old cabinets
• Much more expensive
• Remodeling process is messy and disruptive

Generally, if your metal cabinets are structurally sound, painting them is the clear choice for affordability and convenience. But if budget allows and you want to change the layout or your cabinets are unsalvageable, replacement wins.

Conclusion

Painting worn, dated metal kitchen cabinets is an inexpensive way to completely transform the look of your kitchen in a short time. With proper preparation, priming, and painting using products formulated specifically for metal, old metal cabinets can take on a fresh, updated appearance.

While painting cabinets takes some work, it is very doable as a DIY project. Be sure to thoroughly prep, apply metal-suitable primer and paint in thin even coats, and allow the full curing time before reusing your cabinets. With a little time and effort, you can give new life to your old metal kitchen cabinets with a fresh coat of paint.

Frequently Asked Questions about Painting Metal Kitchen Cabinets

Can I paint over the existing finish on metal cabinets?

No, for the paint to properly adhere to metal surfaces, any existing finishes need to be completely removed through sanding, deglossing, and cleaning the cabinets down to the bare metal before priming and painting.

What kind of paint should I use on metal kitchen cabinets?

High-quality enamel paints designed specifically for metal surfaces provide the most durable, longest lasting finish on metal kitchen cabinets. Avoid using standard wall paints.

Do I need to use primer on metal cabinets before painting?

Yes, it is highly recommended to use a metal primer before painting metal cabinets. The primer helps the paint bond properly and prevents issues like peeling or chipping down the road.

Can I spray paint my metal kitchen cabinets?

Yes, spray painting with an enamel paint formulated for metal can be an effective technique. Be sure to thoroughly mask off nearby surfaces and ventilate the area. Proper sprayer technique is also a must for an even finish.

How do I get a smooth finish when painting metal cabinets?

Thorough preparation by sanding and deglossing the cabinets provides a smooth starting surface. High-fill primer can also help fill imperfections. Use high-density foam rollers and quality brushes meant for smooth coatings.

How long should I wait before using newly painted metal cabinets?

It’s important to let the paint fully cure on metal cabinets before subjecting them to normal use – usually 7-14 days. Consult the paint manufacturer’s instructions. Rushing this step can lead to damage of the fresh paint.

Will painted metal cabinets chip easily?

Quality metal paints are formulated to be very durable and scratch resistant. As long as proper prep and application techniques are followed and the paint is allowed to fully cure, chipping should not be an issue with painted metal cabinets.

Can I paint over rust spots on my metal cabinets?

Light surface rust can be prepped, primed, and painted over successfully. But extensive rusting that has caused pitting in the metal requires special rust converters and treatments before painting. Preventing future moisture exposure is also key.

What sheen of paint finish should I use on kitchen cabinets?

Satin and semi-gloss enamels (sheens in the 30-55% range) provide the right balance of durability and attractive finish for kitchen cabinets. High-gloss can show imperfections while flat is harder to clean.