Can You Refinish Metal Cabinets? The Complete Guide

Introduction

Refacing your metal kitchen cabinets can give your kitchen a brand new look without the high cost of a full remodel. With a few tools, patience, and the right techniques, you can easily refinish metal cabinets in your home.

If your metal cabinets are looking outdated or worn, refinishing is a great way to update their appearance. The process allows you to change the color, redo the finish, or give them an entirely new style. Refinishing metal cabinets is also gentler on the environment and your wallet compared to replacing them.

In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you need to know about refinishing metal cabinets in your home kitchen or bathroom. You’ll learn how to prepare for the project, what supplies you need, what techniques to use, and how to achieve a smooth, durable finish. Let’s get started transforming your metal cabinets!

Benefits of Refinishing Metal Cabinets

Before we dive into the process, let’s look at some of the great reasons to refinish your metal cabinets:

Cost Savings

Refinishing your existing metal cabinets is far less expensive than replacing them. Prices for new cabinets can range anywhere from $75 to $300 per linear foot! Refinishing allows you to update the look of your cabinets for a fraction of the cost.

Customized Look

With refinishing, you can customize your cabinets to match your own unique style. Whether you want a bold, vibrant color or a more subtle driftwood gray finish, you choose the exact color and appearance.

Eco-Friendly

Refinishing reuses your existing cabinets rather than sending them to the landfill. It’s a sustainable, environmentally-responsible update for your kitchen.

Preserves Cabinets

The refinishing process can restore worn metal cabinets to a like-new condition. It covers chips and scratches to give your cabinets a refreshed appearance.

Quick Project

Refinishing metal cabinets takes less time compared to installing brand new custom cabinetry in your kitchen. Depending on the scope, it can usually be completed in a weekend.

Preparing to Refinish Metal Cabinets

Proper preparation is crucial for getting great results when refinishing metal cabinets. Here are the key steps:

Clean the Cabinets

Start by thoroughly cleaning the metal cabinets using a degreaser or strong soap. Remove any existing grease, dirt, or grime so the new paint will properly adhere. Pay close attention to the edges and corners.

Lightly Sand

Use 220 grit sandpaper to lightly “scuff up” the surface of the metal cabinets. This helps the new paint bind to the metal. Be careful not to over-sand or remove too much of the existing finish.

Fill Any Holes/Imperfections

Examine the cabinets closely and fill any holes, chips, or cracks with wood filler. Allow the filler to dry completely. Then sand smooth.

Remove Doors and Hardware

Removing the doors, handles, and hinges allows you to refinish the cabinets more easily. Number each door and hinge to ensure proper reinstallation.

Clean and Cover Surfaces

Clear countertops and cover floors/surfaces with a drop cloth. Clean surrounding areas to prevent dust and debris from contaminating the paint.

Thorough preparation results in a smooth, consistent finish for your refinished metal cabinets!

Supplies Needed to Refinish Metal Cabinets

Refinishing metal cabinets doesn’t require an elaborate set of supplies. Here are the basics you’ll need:

• Paint sprayer – HVLP spray guns apply the new paint finish evenly.
• Paint – Use high quality oil or latex enamel paints designed for metal.
• Sandpaper – 220 grit and 400 grit for smoothing surfaces.
• Painters tape – For masking off areas. Blue tape works best.
• Drop cloths – Protect floors and surfaces from paint.
• Degreaser and cleaners – Remove existing dirt, oil, and residue.
• Wood filler – For filling small holes or imperfections.
• Sanding blocks – Help ensure an even finish.
• Rags and tack cloth – For wiping down between coats.
• Safety equipment – Respirator, gloves, and goggles help avoid exposure.
• Paint thinner – For cleaning spray guns after use.

Investing in quality products helps ensure you’ll get beautiful, long-lasting results.

How to Refinish Metal Cabinets

Once you’ve prepped your space and gathered supplies, you’re ready to begin refinishing. Follow these key steps:

Step 1: Remove Doors and Hardware

Start by removing all cabinet doors, drawers, shelves, and hardware using a screwdriver. Number pieces to keep organized for reassembly. Set aside all hardware.

Step 2: Clean and Sand Cabinets

Thoroughly clean cabinet boxes, doors, fronts, and sides using degreaser. Lightly sand surfaces with 220 grit sandpaper to rough up the finish.

Step 3: Fill Imperfections

Fill any holes, scratches, or damaged areas with wood filler. Allow to dry fully. Sand again if needed.

Step 4: Mask Off Surfaces

Use painters tape to mask off any areas you don’t want painted, like countertops, appliances, or adjacent walls.

Step 5: Spray on Primer

Apply 2-3 thin coats of high quality metal primer, allowing proper dry time between coats. Primer helps the paint adhere.

Step 6: Lightly Sand Primer

Once primer is fully cured, lightly sand again with 400 grit sandpaper. This smooths the surface for painting.

Step 7: Spray on Top Coats

Apply 2-3 thin coats of your chosen enamel paint for metal, allowing drying time between coats. Avoid runs.

Step 8: Reinstall Doors and Hardware

Once paint has fully cured, reinstall doors, drawers, shelves, and hardware in their original positions.

Step 9: Seal and Protect Finish

Use a clear polyurethane sealer on the finish to protect and preserve your painted metal cabinets.

Refurbishing your metal kitchen cabinets requires careful prep work, patience, and attention to detail. But the results are well worth the effort and far cheaper than installing brand new cabinets!

Tips for Refinishing Metal Cabinets Like a Pro

Follow these handy tips and tricks to get professional quality results from your DIY metal cabinet refinishing project:

• Always use high quality primer and paint designed specifically for metal surfaces. The wrong products can chip or peel quickly.
• Thin coats work better than thick coats. Several light coats look more smooth and consistent than one heavy coat.
• Follow the manufacturer’s cure times between coats. Rushing the process can ruin the final finish.
• Keep your sprayer nozzle 6-8 inches from the surface while spraying. Get too close and you risk drips and runs.
• Use long, even strokes with the spray gun to achieve a seamless finish. Avoid stopping mid-stroke.
• Be patient and take your time. Meticulous prep and allowing proper drying produces superior results.
• Finish with a clear polyurethane sealer for maximum durability and stain resistance.
• Consider hiring a pro if you have little painting experience. Refinishing metal cabinets does require skill.

Putting in the prep work and following the proper techniques will reward you with refinished metal cabinets that look like new!

Common Questions About Refinishing Metal Cabinets

Many homeowners have additional questions when considering refinishing their metal kitchen cabinets. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions:

Does Paint Adhere Well to Metal Cabinets?

Yes, when using the proper primer and paint formulated specifically for metal, the paint bonds very well to metal cabinet surfaces. Proper sanding before priming also helps with adhesion.

How Long Does the Refinishing Process Take?

For an average sized kitchen with standard cabinets, expect the refinishing process to take 2-3 days. More time is needed for larger kitchens or more intricate cabinetry.

Can I Refinish Just Cabinet Doors?

Absolutely. Many homeowners choose to paint just their cabinet doors for a quick update. Use the same process of cleaning, sanding, priming, and painting.

What Kind of Paint Finishes Work Best?

High quality enamels provide the most durable, longest lasting finish on metal cabinets. Popular options include satin, high gloss, and hammered metal style paints.

Can I Spray Paint My Metal Cabinets?

Yes, using an HVLP spray system works best for applying primer and paint. It lays down smooth, consistent coats. Just mask well and spray in a ventilated area.

Will Refinishing Update the Style of My Cabinets?

A new paint color and finish can give worn, dated metal cabinets a complete style transformation! Even small details like new hardware modernize the look.

Refinishing your metal cabinets is absolutely worth considering before replacing them. A few days work can give you an updated kitchen at a fraction of the cost of new cabinetry!

Refinishing Metal Cabinets: Before and After

Seeing the dramatic before and after photos of a metal cabinet refinishing project can help you better visualize the possibilities. Refinishing can utterly transform the look of your kitchen:

BEFORE:

Dated oak cabinets with worn brass hardware give this kitchen a tired, obsolete look. The light wood color looks particularly dingy and dull.

AFTER:

The same cabinets refreshed with heirloom white paint, matte black hardware, and polished nickel fixtures give this kitchen a completely fresh, contemporary style. It’s hard to believe it’s the same space!

BEFORE:

This small galley kitchen appears even more closed in with the honey oak cabinets and busy granite countertops. The look screams 1980s.

AFTER:

Painting the cabinets a light gray, replacing the hardware, and removing the glass from the upper cabinet doors makes the exact same kitchen feel open and airy. Crisp white quartz counters coordinate perfectly with the gray cabinets.

BEFORE:

Traditional oak cabinets give this spacious kitchen a rather bland, uninspired look. The orangey countertops clash with the oak as well.

AFTER:

The homeowners used a bold navy blue paint on the lower cabinets and bright white on the uppers for a fresh, nautical inspired vibe. Timeless marble counters complement the dramatic colors.

Even budget conscious renovations like refinishing metal cabinets can completely transform the feel of your kitchen. Don’t settle for an outdated look simply because custom cabinets are beyond your budget. With some creative thinking and elbow grease, you can refinish your way to a kitchen that looks high-end.

Conclusion

Updating your kitchen doesn’t have to mean replacing your metal cabinets. Refinishing them is an eco-friendly and budget friendly alternative that allows you to customize the look of your space.

With proper preparation, high quality primer and paint, and attention to detail, you can achieve stunning results transforming your metal cabinets. Use the techniques in this guide to save money while still getting the fresh, new style you want.

The process does require some time and DIY skills. But ultimately, refinishing metal cabinets can give you a completely updated kitchen for a fraction of the cost of new cabinetry. Plus, you avoid sending old cabinets to the landfill by giving them new life.

Imagine enjoying your morning coffee in a kitchen updated with your own two hands! With a few supplies and determination, you can refinish those worn metal cabinets into your dream kitchen.