How to Make a Metal Cabinet Look Better

Metal cabinets can be a great addition to any home or office space. They are durable, sturdy, and have a sleek, modern aesthetic. However, over time metal cabinets can start to look worn, scratched or just plain dull. Improving the look of a metal cabinet is easier than you may think. With a little bit of effort, you can give your metal cabinets a makeover that makes them look brand new again. This article will provide tips on how to make a metal cabinet look better through cleaning, prepping, painting, adding hardware, and other upgrades.

Thoroughly Clean the Metal Cabinet

The first step to freshening up metal cabinets is to thoroughly clean them. This allows you to remove any built-up grime, grease or residue so that new paint and finishes adhere better. Here are some tips for cleaning metal cabinets:

Remove All Contents

Take everything out of the cabinet so you can access all surfaces. Remove shelves, drawers and any items stored inside.

Use a Degreasing Cleaner

Apply a degreasing cleaner like Simple Green or Mr. Clean to a microfiber cloth and wipe down all interior and exterior surfaces. The degreaser will cut through grease, oil and general kitchen grime.

Scrub With a Magic Eraser

Use a Magic Eraser sponge to scrub away stubborn stains and residue. These melamine sponges excel at removing grime without scratching.

Tackle Rust Spots

If there are any rust spots, use a rust remover like Naval Jelly to scrub them away before priming and painting. This will ensure the paint adheres properly.

Clean Inside Drawers and Shelves

Take drawers and shelves to the sink to clean with warm soapy water. Use a toothbrush to scrub away gunk in corners and crevices.

Dry Thoroughly

Wipe the cabinets dry with clean cloths or allow to fully air dry. Remove all moisture so that paint will adhere well.

Thoroughly cleaning metal cabinets before painting or refinishing allows for the best results. Proper prep work makes a noticeable difference.

Fill Any Dents, Gouges or Holes

Once cabinets are cleaned, inspect for any dents, gouges, holes or other damage. These imperfections should be filled so they do not show through the new paint job.

Use Automotive Body Filler

Apply body filler compound with a putty knife to fill any dents or gouges. Sand smooth once dry. Automotive body fillers are very durable.

Fill Holes

For small nail holes and the like, use spackle compound to fill holes. Allow to fully dry and sand smooth.

Address Larger Holes

For larger holes left from removed hardware, cut a piece of wood to size and wood glue into place as a patch. Sand until flush with surface.

Properly filling damaged spots prevents imperfections telegraphing through the new finish. Take time to address issues for best results.

Sand the Cabinets

Once the cabinets are cleaned, dried, and damage filled, lightly sanding is important. This helps surfaces take new paint by roughing them up slightly.

Use Fine Grit Sandpaper

Lightly sand with a 220 grit or higher sandpaper. The goal is just to scuff up the surface, not actually remove metal.

Sand Flat Surfaces

Use a sanding block or sanding sponge to easily sand flat cabinet fronts, sides, tops and bottoms.

Sand Edges and Profiles

For raised panels, edges and trim, wrap sandpaper around a small wood block to reach details. Go slowly.

Clean Away Dust

Use a vacuum and tack cloth to thoroughly remove all sanding dust between coats for best results.

Be sure to sand all surfaces that will be painted – fronts, sides, backs, insides of doors, etc. Proper sanding leads to better adhesion.

Prime the Metal Cabinets

Priming is one of the most important steps for success when repainting metal cabinets. The right primer allows topcoat paint to adhere to the slick metal surface.

Choose Oil-Based Primer

For repainting metal, an oil-based primer formulated for metal is best. This includes Rustoleum Professional Primer.

Brush On Primer

Use a high quality angled brush to brush primer onto all cabinet surfaces. Get into corners and crevices.

Spray Primer On Doors

For quicker coverage on large cabinet doors, spray the primer on. Roll vertically then horizontally.

Check Coverage

Prime until fully covered in a thin, even coat. The original color should not show through anywhere.

Dry Thoroughly

Allow primer to dry overnight before painting. Drying per can directions is key for maximum adhesion.

Priming preps metal cabinets for accepting new paint. Donʼt skip this step or the paint may chip, peel or scratch off.

Paint the Cabinets

Once properly primed, the cabinets are ready for a fresh coat of paint. Cabinet paint comes in many sheens and colors to fit your style.

Select Cabinet Paint

Choose a high quality cabinet paint in your preferred sheen – satin and semi-gloss are popular.

Brush On Paint

Use an angled sash brush to cut in edges and corners. Then roll larger areas with a short nap roller.

Spray Paint Doors

Lay cabinet doors horizontally on sawhorses to spray paint for an even coat. Let dry fully between coats.

Apply Multiple Coats

Most cabinet paints require 2-3 coats for best coverage and durability. Lightly sand between coats.

Remove Doors to Paint

Take cabinet doors off the hinges to make painting easier. Number doors to keep organized!

Good quality cabinet paint provides a durable and washable finish. Take your time to apply multiple coats.

Consider Glazing or Antiquing

For a vintage or distressed look, consider applying a glaze or antiquing paint over the base cabinet color. This adds an extra hint of depth and visual interest.

Choose a Contrasting Color

Select a glaze or antique paint shade that contrasts the base color. For example, brown glaze over white paint.

Apply Over Base Paint

When the base paint is dry, brush on a thin coat of glaze randomly over surfaces.

Immediately Distress

Use rags to wipe and lightly distress the glaze while still wet for a timeworn look.

Seal With Clear Coat

Once fully dry, apply a clear protective topcoat in your sheen of choice.

Practice First

Try the glazing and distressing process on paint samples before applying to cabinets.

Glazing is an optional extra step to make painted cabinets appear older and more visually dynamic.

Replace or Upgrade Hardware

A simple way to update the look of painted metal cabinets is to replace the existing hardware. New knobs, pulls, hinges and handles can give cabinets a whole new style.

Keep Existing Holes

Choose new hardware that will reuse existing holes so you donʼt have to drill new ones.

Pick Transitional Style

Opt for versatile hardware with straight lines and simple shapes to fit both modern and traditional kitchens.

Satin Nickel is Popular

Brushed nickel and oil-rubbed bronze also work well. Stainless steel gives an industrial vibe.

Ensure Good Fit

Test a few pieces first to ensure the sizing, shape and installation is easy.

Install Properly

Follow the manufacturer’s directions to install new hardware so it feels secure.

Even affordable new hardware makes previously ho-hum cabinets look custom. This is an easy upgrade anyone can do.

Add Molding for Detail

Adding molding trim to the cabinet frame is a carpentry upgrade that adds handsome detail. The molding also helps hide any paint imperfections where the cabinet sides meet the face frame.

Choose the Molding Style

Opt for a profile like beadboard or planked for a cottage kitchen or more ornate for formal spaces.

Cut Miters forcorners

Carefully measure and cut miter joints so molding seamlessly fits around cabinet frame corners.

Attach With Adhesive

Use painterʼs caulk and a brad nailer to securely adhere new trim around the cabinet face frames.

Caulk Joints

Go back afterward and caulk all joints for an imperceptible seam. Sand any imperfections.

Prime and Paint

Finish by priming and painting the new molding trim to match your cabinet color.

While not strictly necessary, added molding gives your freshly painted cabinets a built-in look.

Add New Interior Organizers

Donʼt stop at the exterior – give cabinet interiors a makeover too. Adding new organizational elements improves functionality.

Insert Adjustable Shelves

Upgrade old cabinet interiors with sturdy, adjustable shelves to maximize usable space.

Add Drawer Dividers

Insert cut-to-fit dividers into drawers to neatly organize cooking utensils and other items.

Install Pull-Out Trays

Pull-out trays in lower cabinets keep items accessible and make clean up easy.

Convert To Pull-Outs

Replace deep cabinet shelving with handy pull-out metal racks for a more accessible pantry.

Add Under Cabinet Lights

Battery operated LED puck lights illuminate interiors without wiring. Peel and stick!

Smart interior upgrades make your spiffed up cabinets highly functional and easier to use.

Increase Cabinet Space

For those needing more storage space, there are ways to increase the usable space in metal cabinets without replacing them. A few strategic tweaks can minimize wasted space.

Add Drawer Stack Kits

Convert single cabinet doors into space-saving double drawer stacks. DIY kits make install easy.

Install Lazy Susans

Swiveling lazy susan turntables in corner cabinets double storage capacity. Great for food items.

Use Wasted Spaces

Make use of awkward narrow spaces with specialized pull out metal storage units.

Build Around Plumbing

Maximize otherwise unusable space around pipes by building custom floor-to-ceiling shelving.

Adjust Shelving

Reposition shelves to stagger items of different heights and maximize vertical storage.

With some clever carpentry skills, you can gain substantial usable space in existing metal cabinets.

Consider Cabinet Refacing

For those not interested in painting, cabinet refacing is an alternative way to give metal cabinets an updated look. Refacing retains boxes while replacing fronts.

Check Cabinet Boxes

Make sure the cabinet boxes and interiors are structurally sound with no leaks or damage.

Measure Carefully

Take detailed measurements of each cabinet front so new pieces can be cut to size. Include doors, drawer fronts and trim.

Choose New Finishes

Select new decorative laminate or wood veneer fronts and trims in your preferred style and finish.

Hire A Professional

Most opt to have a cabinet maker or carpenter properly install the new cabinet fronts and trims.

Install New Hardware

Finish the refreshed look by installing updated knobs, pulls or handles of your choosing.

Refacing preserves cabinet boxes while giving fronts and visible trim an instant facelift.

Add New Countertops

Replacing countertops is a natural companion project to improving metal cabinets. New countertops can completely transform the whole look of your kitchen or bathroom.

Determine Budget

Countertop materials range widely in price. Set a budget to narrow options like granite, quartz or laminate.

Hire A Pro

Have countertops professionally fabricated and installed unless you are very handy.

Complement Cabinets

Choose a material and color that complements your freshly painted or refaced cabinets.

Include Backsplash

Continuing backsplash tile or other materials up the wall provides a finished look.

Seal Properly

Ensure countertops are properly sealed to protect the surface and prevent damage or stains.

Few projects make as big a visual impact as upgrading countertops as part of your cabinet makeover.

Upgrade Surrounding Rooms

To make your improved metal cabinets really stand out, also freshen up the rooms in which they are located. New paint, flooring, backsplash and other touches enhance the whole space.

Repaint Walls

A fresh coat of paint in a coordinating color makes the room feel brighter.

Replace Floors

New floors like wood or tile help update the whole aesthetic.

Update Backsplash

Both full and mini backsplash tiles better accent the countertops.

Improve Lighting

Improved ceiling lights or under cabinet lighting improves visibility.

Stage Counters

Decorate counters with attractive accents to complete the roomʼs new look.

Surrounding your newly fabulous metal cabinets with other room upgrades makes them shine even more.

How to Make a Metal Cabinet Look Better: FAQ

Upgrading metal cabinets doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. With some targeted improvements, you can make old metal cabinets look like new again. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about making metal cabinets look better:

What is the easiest way to improve the look of metal cabinets?

The easiest upgrade is replacing the hardware, like knobs or handles. New hardware makes the cabinets look updated and finished. Painting the cabinets and adding new interior organizers are other simple upgrades.

What kind of paint adheres best to metal cabinets?

Specialty oil-based metal primer followed by good quality cabinet paint will adhere best to slick metal cabinet surfaces. Proper prep and application are key.

Should I paint cabinet interiors when refinishing?

Yes, painting cabinet interiors will give your cabinets a cohesive, finished look. Use the same paint as on the exteriors.

How do I achieve an antiqued look for metal cabinets?

Apply a glaze over base paint and immediately wipe and distress. Topcoat with a protective sealer. Test this process first before applying to cabinets.

Is professional help needed to refinish metal cabinets?

While it’s possible to DIY, for best results having a professional paint and properly install new cabinet fronts/trims is advisable.

Conclusion

Breathing new life into old metal cabinets is very achievable through cleaning, painting, refacing or refinishing. Even simple upgrades like new hardware or organizing tools give metal cabinets a fresh look. With some elbow grease and strategic upgrades, your outdated metal cabinets can look up-to-date and custom. Just take the process step-by-step. Soon you will have a kitchen or bath that looks professionally designed and feels enjoyable to use. With your refreshed metal cabinets combined with complimentary room improvements, you can completely transform the look and feel of your living space.