How to Cover a Metal Cabinet

Covering a metal cabinet can give it a fresh, updated look while also protecting it from wear and tear. Whether you want to conceal scuffs or scratches, modernize outdated hardware, or give your kitchen or bathroom a mini makeover, covering a metal cabinet is a relatively easy DIY project that can yield impressive results.

Here is a comprehensive guide on how to cover a metal cabinet, including preparation steps, materials needed, and the process for installing different covering options like paint, contact paper, wood veneer, and more. With some simple tools, patience, and creativity, you can transform the look of your metal cabinets.

Steps to Prepare Your Metal Cabinet for Covering

Before covering your metal cabinet with paint, contact paper, or another decorative covering, it’s important to properly prepare the surface. Here are the key steps:

Clean the Cabinets Thoroughly

Use a degreasing cleanser or dish soap and warm water to clean all surfaces of dirt, dust, grease, and grime so the new covering adheres properly. Rinse and dry completely.

Sand Down Surfaces

Lightly scuff sanded metal cabinets with 150 grit sandpaper to help the new paint or adhesive stick to the surface better. Wipe away dust with a dry cloth.

Remove Hardware

Take off hinges, pulls, knobs, and any other hardware so you can cover the cabinets completely and not risk getting paint or adhesive on the hardware pieces.

Fill Any Holes or Imperfections

Use spackle or wood filler to patch any holes from old hardware or dents and scratches in the metal. Let dry completely and then sand smooth.

Prime Bare Metal Spots

For any exposed metal that you have sanded down to bare metal, apply a coating of metal primer to prevent rusting before you apply your top coat of paint or other covering material.

Properly prepping your metal cabinets will help ensure your new covering adheres smoothly and lasts.

Covering Materials for Metal Cabinets

There are several options for covering metal kitchen or bathroom cabinets. Consider which will work best for your goals, skill level, and budget:

Paint

Painting metal cabinets can give them an instant facelift. Use a high-quality metal paint primer followed by latex paint in a satin, semi-gloss, or high gloss sheen for a fresh painted look.

Contact Paper

Self-adhesive contact paper provides an easy, inexpensive way to cover metal cabinets, available in many patterns and textures like wood, marble, and more.

Wood Veneer

Thin sheets of real wood veneer can be applied over metal cabinets to achieve the look of natural wood cabinets. This offers a warm, organic look.

Thermofoil

Thermofoil is a durable plastic laminate that gets adhered to cabinet surfaces under high heat. It is available in many woodgrain patterns and solid colors to update cabinets.

Tile

For a high-end built-in look, tile like subway tile or ceramic can be applied directly to metal cabinets. This works best for countertops or small areas.

How to Paint Metal Cabinets

Painting metal kitchen or bathroom cabinets is an affordable way to update their look with color. Follow these steps:

1. Remove Cabinet Doors and Hardware

Remove all doors, drawers, shelves, and hardware pieces from cabinets and set aside to paint separately. Number pieces to keep organized.

2. Clean and Lightly Sand Cabinets

Wash cabinet boxes and doors with degreasing cleanser. Lightly scuff surfaces with 150 grit sandpaper. Wipe away any dust.

3. Apply Primer

Use a high-adhesion primer formulated for metal and apply a thin, even coat with a foam roller over entire cabinet surface. Let dry.

4. Apply Two Coats of Paint

Use a small foam roller to apply your topcoat paint over the primed surface, waiting 4-6 hours between coats. Semi-gloss or high gloss work best.

5. Replace Hardware and Reattach Doors

Once fully dry, reattach the cabinet doors, drawers, shelves, and hardware in their original positions.

6. Seal with Protective Clear Coat (Optional)

For added durability on frequently used cabinets, apply 1-2 thin coats of clear polyurethane sealer over the finished painted surface.

Painting metal cabinet hardware black or a different color is also an easy way to update the overall look. Make sure to use spray paint formulated for metal objects.

Painting metal cabinets is a satisfying DIY project that makes a big visual impact with just paint and primer.

How to Apply Contact Paper to Metal Cabinets

Contact paper offers an easy, affordable way to cover metal cabinets with a wide range of wood, marble, stone, and other prints to choose from. Here’s how to apply it:

1. Thoroughly Clean Cabinets

Wash cabinet surface with degreasing cleanser and dry completely so the contact paper adheres smoothly.

2. Measure and Cut Contact Paper

Measure each cabinet surface and cut pieces of contact paper about 2 inches wider than that dimension. Cut pieces for doors separately.

3. Remove Backing and Apply

Peel off backing, align contact paper on cabinet surface, and press down firmly starting from one edge to adhere it, removing any bubbles or wrinkles.

4. Trim Excess Paper

Use a sharp utility knife to neatly trim off excess paper around all edges and where it overlaps at seams.

5. Seal Edges (Optional)

You can apply clear caulk around all edges to seal them down fully if desired for a smooth look.

6. Reattach Doors and Hardware

Put doors, shelves and hardware back onto cabinets after contact paper is thoroughly applied to all surfaces.

When applying contact paper to metal cabinets, work slowly and methodically, smoothing out all air bubbles as you go to achieve the best finish results.

How to Install Wood Veneer on Metal Cabinets

Adding real wood veneer to metal cabinets is a great way to achieve the look of natural wood cabinets. Here are the steps:

1. Lightly Sand Metal Surfaces

Use 150 grit sandpaper to scuff up the metal cabinet surfaces to help the wood veneer adhesive adhere properly.

2. Cut Veneer Pieces to Size

Measure each cabinet surface and cut pieces of wood veneer about 1/2 inch larger than those dimensions with a sharp utility knife on a cutting mat.

3. Apply Veneer Adhesive

Brush a thin, even layer of adhesive onto the back of the wood veneer pieces as well as the metal cabinet surfaces. Let tack up slightly.

4. Press Veneer Onto Cabinets

Starting at one edge, carefully press the veneer pieces onto the cabinet surfaces, working out any air bubbles. Use a veneer roller to adhere fully.

5. Trim Excess

After the adhesive dries, use a sharp utility knife to neatly trim off any overhanging veneer edges.

6. Apply Protective Finish

Apply 2-3 thin coats of clear polyurethane sealer to protect the wood veneer pieces after installer. Lightly sand between coats.

With real wood veneer covering them, your formerly dull metal cabinets now have the look of custom wood cabinets for a fraction of the price.

How to Apply Thermofoil to Metal Cabinets

Thermofoil is a thin plastic laminate that gets adhered to cabinets with heat activation for a seamless finish. Here is the process:

1. Remove Doors and Hardware

Remove cabinet doors, shelves, and hardware and set aside to apply thermofoil separately. Number pieces to keep organized.

2. Lightly Sand Surfaces

Use 150 grit sandpaper to lightly scuff cabinet surfaces to help thermofoil adhere properly. Wipe away any dust.

3. Cut Thermofoil to Size

Measure cabinet surfaces and cut pieces of thermofoil 1/2 inch larger than those dimensions using sharp scissors or a utility knife and metal ruler.

4. Apply Activating Adhesive

Brush on the special thermofoil adhesive evenly over cabinet surfaces and the back of the thermofoil pieces themselves. Allow to tack up.

5. Apply Thermofoil

Heat cabinets and thermofoil pieces with a heat gun or hair dryer to activate the adhesive. Carefully align and apply thermofoil pieces to cabinet surfaces, pressing down firmly.

6. Trim Excess

Once cool, use a sharp utility knife to trim off any excess thermofoil material around edges for a seamless look.

7. Reattach Doors and Hardware

Screw cabinet doors, shelving, and hardware back into place after the thermofoil covering is complete.

With its seamless finish and range of color and pattern options, thermofoil gives metal cabinets a beautiful facelift.

How to Apply Tile to a Metal Cabinet

For a built-in look, you can apply tile like subway tile, ceramic, porcelain, or natural stone directly to a metal cabinet surface. Follow these tips:

1. Prepare the Surface

Sand and clean the cabinet surfaces thoroughly so tile adhesive adheres properly. Fill any holes or imperfections in the metal.

2. Plan Tile Layout

Dry lay tiles on the surface to plan your layout and arrangement before installation. Cut border and edge tiles to fit.

3. Apply Thinset Mortar

Use a notched trowel to spread a thin, even layer of thinset adhesive mortar onto the surface where tile will be applied.

4. Set and Grout Tiles

Press tiles into the thinset one by one in your pre-planned arrangement, using spacers between them. Let dry before applying grout between tiles.

5. Seal with Caulk

Once grout is dry, use clear silicone caulk to seal the edges between the tile and cabinet for a watertight finish.

6. Add Cabinet Hardware

Reattach any doors, shelving, pulls, or knobs after the tiled surface is completely dry.

Applying tile to a metal cabinet or countertop creates the look of a custom built-in for a unique, high-end style statement.

Tips for Covering Metal Cabinets

• For the smoothest finish with contact paper or veneers, cover cabinet boxes and doors separately.
• Use painter’s tape around edges to keep drips and overspray off surrounding surfaces when spray painting cabinets.
• Install any moldings, trim, or edging pieces that you want before applying cabinet coverings.
• Work in a warm area since adhesives do not stick as effectively when cold.
• Take doors off cabinets and lay flat when applying contact paper or veneer for easiest application.
• Pre-cut all covering materials at once for each cabinet to ensure consistent sizing.
• Apply clear caulk around edges of coverings to seal down fully and prevent peeling or liftage.
• Make sure cabinet surfaces are completely clean and dry before applying any type of adhesive coverings.

With the right materials and preparation, you can cover metal cabinets in the kitchen, bathroom, laundry room, or any area of the home for a stylish facelift. Careful measuring, cutting, and application will ensure the best looking finish.

Frequently Asked Questions About Covering Metal Cabinets

Do I need to use primer if I’m painting metal cabinets?

Yes, it is highly recommended to use a metal primer before applying paint even if your cabinets were previously painted. The primer will help the new paint adhere properly.

Can I put contact paper over existing paint or laminate?

Yes, contact paper will adhere over existing painted or laminated cabinet surfaces as long as they are cleaned thoroughly beforehand to remove any grease and grime.

What’s the difference between thermofoil and laminate?

The main difference is laminate is glued directly onto the cabinet surface while thermofoil uses heat activation to mold seamlessly onto the cabinets for a smooth finish.

Is it okay to apply tile over metal cabinets?

Yes, as long as the surface is properly prepped and the right adhesive materials designed for metal surfaces are used, tile can be applied directly onto metal cabinetry or countertops.

How long does it take for each type of covering to dry?

• Paint: 4-6 hours between coats; 24 hours for full cure
• Contact paper: Instant adhesion; edges may take 24 hours to fully adhere
• Wood veneer: 30-60 minutes for initial bond; 24 hours for complete cure
• Thermofoil: Activation bonds instantly; 1 hour for cooled, seamless finish

Will cabinet paint stick to a greasy surface?

No, it’s very important to properly degrease and clean metal cabinet surfaces prior to painting so the paint will properly adhere. Any grease or grime will cause the paint to chip or peel.

Conclusion

Whether you opt for a colorful painted finish, faux woodgrain contact paper, real wood veneer, sleek and durable thermofoil, or tile, covering your outdated metal cabinets offers an easy and affordable kitchen or bathroom upgrade. With the right preparation and materials, plus attention to detail during the application process, you can achieve a smooth, flawless finish that looks like new custom cabinetry for a fraction of the cost. So give those worn metal cabinets a fresh, modern look with a stylish new covering that suits your personal style.