Can You Spray Paint Metal File Cabinets?

Spray painting metal file cabinets can totally transform the look of your office or workspace. With the right preparation and painting technique, you can easily update old, worn cabinets to give them a fresh, modern look. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to properly spray paint metal file cabinets.

Overview of Spray Painting Metal File Cabinets

Spray painting allows you to quickly and evenly coat metal cabinets to give them a smooth, professional-looking finish. It involves using an aerosol spray can of paint specifically formulated for metal and following some simple preparation and painting steps.

The keys to success are properly preparing the cabinet surface, choosing the right type of spray paint, applying thin and even coats, and allowing adequate drying time between coats. The end result is a revitalized set of file cabinets that looks like new for a fraction of the cost of buying replacements.

Benefits of Spray Painting vs Brushing/Rolling

There are several advantages to spraying rather than brushing or rolling when painting metal cabinets:

• Faster application – Spraying is significantly faster than brushing or rolling when painting cabinets. You can cover large surface areas quickly.
• Smoother finish – Spraying applies the paint in an even, fine mist that results in a smooth, professional-looking finish without brush marks.
• Hard to reach areas – A spray gun makes it easy to coat all sides and hard to reach nooks and crannies.
• Thin coats – Spraying applies thinner coats of paint than is possible with a brush or roller. Thin coats adhere best.
• Precise control – Spray guns allow you to control the direction, amount, and intensity of paint application for an exact finish.

Step-by-Step Guide to Spray Painting Metal Cabinets

Follow these steps to achieve a flawless spray painted finish on metal file cabinets:

Supplies Needed

• Drop cloths/tarps – protect surrounding surfaces from overspray
• Painter’s tape – mask off areas you don’t want painted
• Sandpaper – 220-400 grit to scuff cabinet surface
• Tack cloth – remove sanding dust
• Metal primer spray paint
• Metal enamel spray paint
• Paint sprayer or aerosol spray cans

Prep Steps

1. Clean the cabinets – Wipe down with a degreaser or mild cleaner to remove any dirt, grease, or grime. Rinse and let dry.
2. Remove hardware – Take off handles, hinges, and any removable hardware/accessories. Set aside until painting is complete.
3. Sand the surfaces – Lightly scuff sand to rough up the finish. This helps the paint adhere.
4. Clean and degrease again – Give the cabinets another wipe down after sanding to remove all dust.
5. Apply painter’s tape – Tape off any adjacent surfaces you don’t want painted. Tape plastic over fronts of drawers and doors.
6. Vacuum and tack cloth – Thoroughly remove all sanding dust using a vacuum and lint-free tack cloth.

Painting Steps

7. Apply primer – Mist on a thin, even layer of metal primer allowing full drying between coats. Primer creates a bonding layer.
8. Lightly sand primer – Once fully dry, give the primer a light sanding with fine sandpaper to smooth any drips or runs.
9. Clean and tack surface – Wipe and tack the sanded primer before top coating to remove any dust.
10. Apply paint – Mist on thin, even coats of metal enamel spray paint, allowing proper drying time between coats. Apply 2-3 coats for best coverage.
11. Remove tape and reattach hardware – Once paint is fully cured, remove all painter’s tape and reattach any hardware.
12. Enjoy your revived cabinets!

Tips for Spray Painting Metal File Cabinets

• Always read and follow the paint manufacturer’s instructions for proper application and drying times.
• Work in a well-ventilated area and wear a respirator mask – spray paint particles can be harmful to breathe.
• Keep the spray can in motion and maintain an even distance from the surface as you spray. Applying too close can cause drips and runs.
• Mist on multiple thin coats rather than trying to fully coat in one pass. Thin coats adhere best to metal.
• Apply coats in a side-to-side sweeping motion, slightly overlapping passes to ensure even coverage.
• Give every coat the proper drying time before applying the next coat. This prevents tackiness, dripping, and unevenness.
• Lightly sand paint between coats for a super smooth finish – use fine 400 grit sandpaper.
• Work your way systematically around the cabinets, spraying the sides and faces before the top surfaces.
• Use painter’s tape for clean lines around hinges, hardware holes, and to protect drawers/doors from overspray.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of spray paint works best on metal file cabinets?

Look for metal primer and enamel spray paints that are specifically formulated for use on metal surfaces. Rustoleum and Krylon are top brands. Avoid generic multipurpose paints.

How long does it take for spray paint to fully cure on metal?

Most metal spray paints take 24-48 hours to fully cure and harden. Do not use the painted cabinets during this period. Check the individual paint’s instructions.

Should I sand the metal before painting?

Lightly scuff sanding provides the ideal surface profile for spray paint to adhere to. Use 220-400 grit sandpaper to avoid removing too much finish.

How many coats of spray paint do metal file cabinets need?

Apply at least 2-3 thin mist coats of primer and color topcoat for full coverage and an even paint layer. Allow proper drying time between coats.

What precautions should I take when spray painting?

Work in a well-ventilated area, wear a respirator mask, cover nearby surfaces, and avoid breathing the spray mist. Follow all safety guidelines.

Can I use aerosol spray cans instead of a spray gun?

Yes! Quality aerosol spray paint works perfectly fine on metal cabinets as long as you apply light coats and follow all directions.

Conclusion

With the right preparation and painting technique, it is easy to update worn metal file cabinets by spray painting them yourself. Be sure to thoroughly clean, degrease, sand, and mask off the cabinets. Apply thin mist coats of a metal primer and enamel spray paint formula for a smooth, durable, and long-lasting finish. Avoid over-saturating the paint layers and allow proper drying time between coats. With some simple tools, materials, and these key steps, you can give tired metal cabinets a fresh, like-new appearance.