How Do You Restore Metal Cabinets?
Restoring old metal cabinets can breathe new life into dated kitchens or workshops. With some cleaning, repairing, and refinishing, metal cabinets can be made to look as good as new. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to restore metal cabinets.
Cleaning The Cabinets
Cleaning is the first step to prepping metal cabinets for restoration. Here are the recommended steps for cleaning metal cabinets prior to additional restoration:
Remove Cabinet Doors and Drawers
Removing the cabinet doors, drawers, and hardware will make the cleaning process easier and allow you to clean all surfaces thoroughly. Place door hinges, handles, and drawer slides in labeled bags so you can easily reattach later.
Remove Surface Grime
Use a degreasing cleaner to remove any oily residue or grime on the cabinet boxes and doors/drawers. Spray a degreaser like Simple Green onto the surfaces and let it sit for 5 minutes before scrubbing with a sponge or nylon brush. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and dry.
Clean Inside of Cabinets
Use a vacuum attachment and microfiber cloth to remove dust, dirt, and debris from inside the empty cabinets. Pay special attention to corners and crevices.
Clean Cabinet Exteriors
Mix a cleaning solution of either dish soap and warm water or an all-purpose cleaner like Murphy’s Oil Soap and warm water. Using a sponge or soft cloth, wipe down all cabinet surfaces until dirt and grease is removed. Rinse with clean water and thoroughly dry.
Remove Rust
For any areas of rust, use a rust removal spray specifically designed for metal. Let the product sit for the recommended time before scrubbing with a nylon brush. Rinse thoroughly. For stubborn areas, you may need to use a rust removal gel and wait overnight before scrubbing.
Clean Hardware
Soak cabinet hardware like hinges and handles in white vinegar overnight to remove tarnish and grime before scrubbing clean. Rinse and dry completely.
Thoroughly cleaning metal cabinets removes decades of dirt, grease, and grime to prep the surface for restoration. Always work in a well-ventilated area and use rubber gloves when cleaning.
Repairing Metal Cabinets
Once cleaned, inspect the cabinets closely and make any needed repairs prior to refinishing:
Fix Dents and Scratches
Use auto body filler, spot putty, or wood filler to repair dents and deep scratches in the metal. Sand smooth once dry.
Replace Rusty Areas
Cut out any heavily rusted or corroded sections of the metal cabinets and replace with new matching metal. Weld or rivet new metal patches in place and grind welds smooth.
Reattach Loose Parts
If any parts of the cabinet are coming loose, such as a shelf or drawer slide, resecure using metal screws or bolts. Replace any degraded glue or plastic brackets.
Adjust Doors and Drawers
Adjust cabinet door hinges and drawer slides so doors close properly and drawers glide smoothly. Replace any degraded hardware.
Replace Missing Hardware
Replace any missing or broken hardware pieces like hinges, drawer pulls, latches, and shelf brackets with matching hardware.
Doing repairs ensures the cabinets have a smooth, damage-free surface for refinishing. Be sure to address repairs prior to applying new paint.
Refinishing Metal Cabinets
Once cleaned and repaired, the final step is refinishing the cabinets for a fresh new look:
Sand Surface
Use 100-150 grit sandpaper to sand the cabinets, removing any remaining rust and rough paint. This helps the new paint adhere properly. Wipe away sanding dust.
Prime Cabinets
Apply 1-2 coats of spray-on metal primer, allowing proper dry time between coats. Primer helps the new paint bond tightly.
Paint Cabinets
Apply at least 2 coats of high-quality spray paint formulated specifically for metal. Allow proper dry time between coats. Lightly sand between coats for a smooth finish.
Replace Hardware
Reattach cabinet hardware like hinges, handles, and knobs once the final coat of paint has fully cured, usually after 48 hours. Apply new matching hardware if needed.
Seal and Protect
Use a clear polyurethane sealer formulated for metal to protect the finish. Apply 2-3 thin coats, allowing proper dry time between each coat.
With refinishing, you can choose any color paint you like to give your outdated metal cabinets a fresh, updated look. Proper prep and using metal-specific paint ensures a long-lasting finish.
Tips for Restoring Metal Cabinets
Follow these tips for achieving the best results when restoring old metal cabinets:
- Work in a well-ventilated area when refinishing cabinets. Wear protective eyewear, gloves, and a respirator or dust mask.
- Thorough surface preparation is key – remove all grease, grime, rust and old paint before painting.
- Always use paint products specifically formulated for metal surfaces, such as Rust-Oleum or Krylon.
- Apply paint and primer in thin, even coats. Let dry fully between coats.
- Lightly sand between coats for a smooth finish.
- Clean spray tips frequently to prevent clogging.
- Wait at least 48 hours before reattaching hardware to allow paint to fully cure.
- Seal the finish with clear coats to protect the paint and prevent rust.
- Work slowly and thoroughly for best results. Rushed preparation or painting can affect the finish.
Restoring metal cabinets is very rewarding, allowing you to revive dated kitchens or workshops. With some elbow grease and the right metal-specific products, you can give old metal cabinets new life.
FAQs About Restoring Metal Cabinets
What is the best way to remove old paint and rust from metal cabinets?
Gently sanding using 100-150 grit sandpaper is the best way to remove old paint and rust from metal cabinets. Take care not to scratch the metal. For stubborn areas, use a product specifically designed to remove rust from metal before sanding.
What type of primer should be used?
Always use a spray-on metal primer when refinishing metal cabinets. The primer helps new paint adhere properly. Rust-Oleum and Krylon brands make metal-specific primers.
What kind of paint works best for refinishing metal cabinets?
Always opt for high-quality spray paint designed specifically for metal surfaces. General all-purpose paints do not adhere well. Rust-Oleum and Krylon are good brands for metal paint.
How many coats of paint should be applied?
Plan to apply at least 2-3 thin, even coats of metal paint when refinishing cabinets. Allow proper drying time between coats. Lightly sanding between coats results in a smooth finish.
How soon can I reattach the hardware after painting?
You’ll need to wait at least 48 hours after applying the final coat of paint before reattaching any hardware like hinges or drawer pulls. This allows time for the paint to fully cure.
Will the painted finish be prone to chipping and scratching?
Sealing the painted metal cabinets with 2-3 coats of a clear metal-specific polyurethane sealer helps protect the finish from scratches and chips over time.
What’s the best way to get into corners when cleaning cabinets?
Using toothbrushes, q-tips, or small nylon brushes helps get into corners to remove built-up grime and grease when cleaning metal cabinets prior to refinishing.
Should I replace all of the hardware or just the damaged pieces?
It’s not necessary to replace all the hardware unless it is extremely outdated or damaged. You can replace only the hinges, handles, or pulls that are worn out.
How do I get rid of grease buildup on metal cabinets?
Spraying cabinets with a degreasing cleaner like Simple Green helps break down layers of greasy gunk prior to cleaning. Let the degreaser soak for 5-10 minutes before scrubbing and rinsing.
Conclusion
Restoring worn, dated metal cabinets by cleaning, repairing, and refinishing them is an affordable way to refresh the look of your kitchen or workspace. While the process involves some intensive labor, such as thoroughly cleaning and sanding prior to painting, the end results are well worth the effort. With proper products and techniques, you can achieve a durable, like-new finish. Revive your old metal cabinets with a fresh coat of paint rather than replacing them.
