How to Distress Metal Filing Cabinets

A distressed metal filing cabinet can add a unique, vintage look to any home or office. Distressing a metal filing cabinet is a relatively easy DIY project that allows you to customize the look and make it your own. With just a few supplies and some simple techniques, you can give a basic metal filing cabinet a whole new look and feel.

Supplies Needed

Distressing metal only requires a few key supplies:

• Metal filing cabinet – Any ordinary metal filing cabinet will work for this project. Make sure it’s clean and dry before starting.
• Sandpaper – You’ll need coarse sandpaper like 60-80 grit to effectively rough up the surface.
• Steel wool – Grade 000 or 0000 steel wool is best for distressing. Make sure it’s high quality.
• Distressing tools – Things like scrapers, screwdrivers, chisels, etc. can be used to add scratches and dents.
• Eye protection – Safety glasses should be worn to protect your eyes from flying debris.
• Work gloves – Gloves will protect your hands from sharp edges.
• Drop cloth – Use a drop cloth or newspapers to protect surrounding surfaces.
• Primer/paint – Most distressed looks involve a coat of primer and final paint coat.
• Cleaning supplies – Rags, mineral spirits, etc. to remove dust and debris.

Prepping the Cabinet

Before you start distressing, you need to properly prepare the filing cabinet:

• Remove the drawers from the cabinet if possible to allow full access to the sides.
• Thoroughly clean the cabinet with soap and water or a degreaser to remove any dirt, grease, or grime.
• Use a premium sandpaper like 150-220 grit to lightly scuff the cabinet surfaces. This helps the new primer and paint adhere properly.
• Clean the cabinet again with a tack cloth to remove any sanding dust.
• Place the cabinet on top of a drop cloth in a well-ventilated area where you can safely work.
• Put on your work gloves and eye protection – safety first!

Now the filing cabinet is ready for the distressing process.

Distressing Techniques

There are several techniques you can use to give a metal filing cabinet a nice distressed look:

Sanding

Sanding with coarse sandpaper is a easy way to rough up surfaces. Focus on areas you want very worn – like edges, corners, and handles.

• Use 60-80 grit sandpaper to remove paint/primer and rough up the metal underneath.
• Try orbital sanders, hand sanding blocks, or folded sandpaper for hard to reach spots.
• Sand in different directions to create crosshatch scratches.
• Replace sandpaper often as it loses effectiveness when clogged with debris.

Scrapes and Scratches

Using various scraping tools will simulate years of wear and tear:

• Hold a screwdriver at an angle and scrape across the surface to create long scratches.
• Use the corner of a steel scraper blade to make dents and gauges.
• Try hammering a chisel or screwdriver tip lightly to make indents.
• Focus on high-use areas like edges, handles, corners, etc.

Dents and Dings

Dents and dings give a nice hammered metal effect:

• Use the round end of a hammer to lightly tap the surface making small indentations.
• Place a bit of scrap wood on the surface and hammer into it to absorb some impact.
• A center punch can make defined dents – just press and twist.
• Make dents in random spots or in a uniform pattern for different looks.

Steel Wool Distressing

Steel wool creates a neat metallic distressed effect:

• Grab a few sheets of 000 or 0000 grade steel wool. The finer grade works best.
• Gently rub the steel wool across the surfaces to scratch off paint and oxidize the metal.
• Try using a dowel rod wrapped in steel wool to reach recessed areas.
• Use short motions in random directions to create tarnish and vary the effect.
• Focus on edges, handles, and high-traffic zones for realism.

Chemical Paint Removers

Chemical strippers can remove paint to expose raw metal:

• Use a high-quality chemical stripper safe for metals. Apply a thick coat according to product instructions.
• As it softens the paint, scrub with steel wool or a plastic bristle brush to remove.
• Use stripper to remove paint from edges, inside lip edges, etc. for an aged look.
• Wipe off all stripper and neutralize surface when done according to the product’s directions.

Rust Effects

For an authentic rusted look, specialized rusting solutions can be applied:

• Buy a pre-made rusting solution and apply per product instructions. Let it sit to develop a rust patina.
• Make your own vinegar and steel wool solution. Submerge steel wool in white vinegar for a week then brush vinegar-soaked steel wool onto surfaces.
• Use a spray bottle of hydrogen peroxide + salt + water to encourage rust once patina is applied. Spritz and let sit.
• Focus rust effects on edges, seams, handles, and where wear would naturally occur.

Final Distressing Steps

Once you’ve achieved the desired amount of wear and tear, there are a few final steps:

• Make sure all sanding dust, chemical residue, and loose paint is cleaned off completely with mineral spirits.
• Seal the cabinet with a coat of metal primer to protect the metal and provide a base for the final paint coat.
• Paint with your choice of spray paint that works on metal – following all drying times. Consider a hammered finish spray paint for a textured look.
• Optionally apply a sealer like polyurethane if you want a shiny look versus a matte worn finish.
• Re-install cabinet drawers once the paint is fully cured and ready for use.

Now stand back and enjoy your newly distressed metal filing cabinet! The transformed cabinet will have much more rustic character and visual interest compared to a generic cabinet. Get creative with various distressing techniques to make it your own. Distressing metal filing cabinets takes some work but provides stunning results full of personality.

Frequently Asked Questions About Distressing Metal Filing Cabinets

Here are answers to some common questions about distressing metal filing cabinets:

Is it easy to distress a metal filing cabinet?

Distressing a metal filing cabinet is a relatively easy DIY project as long as you have the right supplies. Sandpaper, steel wool, scraping tools, and some elbow grease are mainly all you need. Following the process step-by-step will help ensure success.

How long does it take to distress a filing cabinet?

It should take 2-6 hours from start to finish depending on the size of the cabinet and extent of the distressing. Allow for drying time for any paint strippers, primer coats, or final paint. Distressing can be done in stages over several days if needed.

What areas should be distressed on a filing cabinet?

Focus distressing on areas that would naturally see the most wear – edges, corners, handles, lips, and high-touch areas. Distress sides more than top and bottom. Try to visualize how clutter and papers might scratch the interior when pulled in and out over time.

Should I remove the drawers before distressing a metal filing cabinet?

Yes, removing the drawers allows much easier access to the side and back panels. It also prevents getting primer/paint on the drawers or rollers. Just be careful not to damage the drawer slides when removing.

Can I use household chemicals to distress metal?

Avoid household chemicals as they can be too harsh and eat away at the metal. Use automotive products specifically for metals. Things like engine enamels, Rust-Oleum, deglossers, etc. are good options and safer for metal.

How do I get a rusty look without actual rust?

You can mimic rust using rusting solutions or simply dry brushing coats of metallic copper and rust colored paint. Work the paint into edges and seams for a more realistic effect. A little bit of orange, brown, and black paint goes a long way.

Should I seal a distressed filing cabinet when finished?

A sealant isn’t mandatory but is a good idea for longevity and sheen. A satin polyurethane is ideal for protecting the finish while allowing the texture to show through. Without a sealant, the distressed paint may show marks and scratches easier over time.

Can I distress a wooden filing cabinet using similar techniques?

Yes, most distressing techniques like sanding, scraping, hammering, and using paint removers work similarly on wood. Just take care not to dig into the wood grain too much. Chalk paint is great for achieving a distressed look on wood cabinets.

Distressing metal filing cabinets takes some work but provides beautiful personalized results. With the right approach and a little creativity, you can turn a boring basic filing cabinet into a true decorative statement piece.