Can You Polish Paint Metal Cabinets?

Introduction

Polishing painted metal cabinets can help restore their luster and make them look like new again. With some simple supplies and techniques, it is possible to polish painted metal cabinets yourself. The key is using the right products and methods to avoid damaging the existing paint while bringing out the shine.

Should You Polish Painted Metal Cabinets?

Polishing painted metal cabinets has several benefits:

• Restores shine and luster to faded, dull cabinets
• Removes light scratches and imparts a smooth finish
• Protects the paint and prevents early wear and tear
• Makes cabinets look freshly painted without repainting
• Relatively quick and inexpensive way to update cabinets’ appearance

However, there are a few things to keep in mind before polishing:

• Only polish cabinets with enamel, acrylic or polyurethane paints. Oil-based paints may smear.
• Don’t polish cabinets with cracking, peeling or worn paint. Repaint first.
• Test polish in an inconspicuous spot first to ensure compatibility with paint.
• Polishing won’t fix deep scratches, chips or damage.

Supplies Needed to Polish Painted Cabinets

Gather these supplies before starting to polish your cabinets:

• Polish – Choose a polish made for painted metal surfaces. Options include automotive polish, appliance enamel polish or acrylic impregnator polish.
• Microfiber cloths – For applying polish and buffing cabinets.
• Soft paintbrush – To reach grooves and corners.
• Protective gloves – To avoid skin irritation from polish.
• painter’s tape – For covering edges and hardware.
• A plastic putty knife or plastic scraper – For removing globs of dried polish.

Avoid polishes with harsh abrasives as they can damage the paint. Also steer clear of polishes containing ammonia, bleach or citrus oils as these can lift paint.

How to Polish Painted Metal Cabinets

Follow these steps to properly polish your painted metal cabinets:

1. Clean and Dry Cabinets

Use a mild detergent and warm water to wash cabinets and remove any dirt or grease buildup first. Dry completely with a soft cloth. Make sure cabinets are clean before polishing so you don’t seal in residue.

2. Tape Off Areas

Use painter’s tape to cover any edges, joints or hardware you don’t want to polish. This protects these areas from splattering.

3. Apply Polish in Small Sections

Put on protective gloves, then dip a microfiber cloth in the polish. Rub a small amount of polish over a 2×2 foot section using circular motions. Follow the grain of the metal. Spread thinly and evenly.

4. Buff Off Excess

Before polish dries, use a clean microfiber cloth to gently buff off any excess. Pay special attention to edges and corners. Buff until no visible streaks remain.

5. Repeat Over Entire Area

Systematically work in small sections to polish the cabinets. Reapply polish and buff until achieving an even, shiny finish over the entire surface.

6. Remove Tape and Clean Up

Once fully dried, carefully peel off any painter’s tape used to protect edges and hardware. Use a plastic putty knife to scrape off any leftover polish residue or globs.

7. Apply Protective Coating

To protect the freshly polished finish, apply a thin coat of polish or acrylic impregnator sealant. Allow to fully cure.

8. Maintain Regularly

Going forward, regularly dust cabinets and reapply a protective polish coating every few months to maintain the renewed luster.

Tips for Polishing Painted Metal Cabinets

• Work in a well-ventilated area since many polishes have strong fumes.
• Only apply polish in thin, even coats. Too much can leave streaks.
• Don’t press too hard when buffing or you may scratch the paint. Use light pressure.
• For ornate cabinets, use a small soft paintbrush to reach into grooves.
• Check for compatibility by testing polish in an inconspicuous spot first.
• Apply protective coats a few times per year to maintain the polished look.
• If paint is very worn, have cabinets professionally repainted before polishing.

Results to Expect When Polishing Cabinets

When done properly, polishing can make your painted metal cabinets look brand new again by:

• Removing minor scratches, oxidation, haziness and dullness
• Renewing the paint sheen from satin, eggshell to semi-gloss
• Smoothing over any rough paint texture for a glass-like finish
• Camouflaging minor imperfections like brush marks or orange peel
• Evening out the overall color for a consistent, uniform look

However, polishing has limits. It cannot fix major damage like deep gouges, chips or cracks. Repainting may be needed in those cases.

FAQs About Polishing Painted Metal Cabinets

Can you use automotive polish on kitchen cabinets?

Yes, automotive polish works well to renew kitchen cabinets since it is made for painted metal and contains mild abrasives to remove defects in the paint finish. Choose one specifically formulated for clear coats.

What kind of polish should you not use on cabinets?

Avoid polish with corrosive ingredients like bleach, ammonia or citrus oils as these can dissolve paint. Also steer clear of polishes with harsh abrasives which could scratch the paint.

Can you use wax on painted cabinets?

Wax is not recommended for painted cabinets. Wax adheres better to stain or wood finishes. On paint, it can dry to a chalky, whitish haze. Most polishes contain waxes and polymers specifically formulated for use on painted surfaces.

How do you polish old painted cabinets?

For old, worn cabinets with signs of yellowing, cracking or peeling paint, a heavy polishing is likely not the solution. Lightly sanding and repainting the cabinets will provide better, longer-lasting results. Then protect the fresh paint with light polishing.

Should you polish cabinets before or after painting?

Ideally, you should polish painted cabinets every few months after painting to maintain the finish. Polishing before painting is not necessary as primer provides the smoothed, prepped surface the paint needs to adhere.

Conclusion

Polishing old, tired-looking painted metal cabinets is an effective way to spruce them up affordably. The right polish and techniques can wipe away dullness, light scratches, and oxidation to reveal the cabinets’ original vibrancy. Just take care not to damage the existing paint finish. With some elbow grease and patience, you can make your cabinets shine like new again. Regular polishing after painting helps maintain that glossy, freshly painted look for years.