How to Make a Metal Cabinet Look Like Wood

Giving metal cabinets a woodgrain finish is a great way to warm up the look of your kitchen or bathroom. With the right techniques and materials, you can make metal cabinets look convincingly like real wood. This comprehensive guide will walk you through all the steps needed to transform plain metal cabinets into beautiful faux wood pieces.

Materials Needed

To make metal cabinets look like wood, you will need:

• Primer – A high-quality primer designed for metal will create a smooth, uniform surface for painting. An oil-based primer works best.
• Paint – Use an interior latex paint in a matte or eggshell finish. Choose paint colors that mimic natural wood tones like brown, tan, gray, etc.
• Paint brushes – You’ll need a 2-inch angled sash brush for cutting in and a wider brush like a 4-inch for covering larger areas.
• Paint roller – A 3/8″ nap roller will help you quickly apply base coats of paint.
• Paint tray – To hold and distribute the paint onto the roller.
• Sandpaper – Lightly sand cabinets first to help paint adhere. 220-grit is ideal.
• Tack cloth – This specially treated cloth removes dust between coats of paint.
• Wood graining tool – Use a specialty tool made for creating faux woodgrain effects.
• Rags and mineral spirits – For cleaning up spills and messes.

Preparing the Cabinets

Proper prep work is crucial for getting great results when making metal cabinets look like wood. Follow these key steps:

Clean the Cabinets

Make sure cabinets are free of grease, dirt and grime which could prevent paint from properly adhering. Clean thoroughly with a degreasing cleaner or soap and water.

Lightly Sand

Use 220-grit sandpaper to scuff up the surface. This helps the first coat of primer grab on tightly. Focus on sanding any glossy areas.

Remove Doors and Hardware

Taking cabinet doors off makes them easier to paint. Number doors and remove hinges. Set hardware aside until painting is complete.

Patch Holes and Imperfections

Fill any holes from old hardware using spackle or wood filler. Sand smooth when dry.

Wipe Away Dust

Use a tack cloth to remove any dust left over from sanding. Dust can impact paint’s adhesion.

Applying Primer

Priming ensures paint sticks well and provides a uniform base color to build on. Use these tips for priming metal cabinets:

Oil-Based Primer

An oil-based primer formulated for metal provides the best adhesion and sealing properties.

Two Coats

Apply two coats of primer allowing each to fully dry before adding another. This creates a solid foundation.

Angled Brush for Trim

Use an angled sash brush to carefully prime the cabinet frame, hinges, trim and other details.

Roller for Large Areas

Quickly cover the center panels of doors and the body of cabinets with primer using a roller.

Check for Missed Spots

Scan for any overlooked areas that need another coat of primer before moving onto painting.

Painting Techniques

Applying paint is when the real transformation happens. Use these techniques to make cabinets look authentically like wood:

Two Coats of Paint

Just as with primer, applying two coats of cabinet paint ensures full, even coverage.

Cutting In

Use an angled sash brush to first “cut in” along edges, hinges, trim etc. Then quickly fill in the center area with roller.

Wood Tone Paint

Choose a paint color that emulates natural wood – browns, chestnuts, grays, tans and other earth tones.

Consistent Strokes

Maintain the same brush strokes direction across all cabinets for a cohesive look.

Dry Brush

Use minimal paint on the brush and lightly feather out edges for a worn, distressed wood effect if desired.

Sand Between Coats

Lightly sand again before adding the second coat to maximize adhesion.

Adding a Woodgrain Finish

Here are a few easy ways to add realistic looking woodgrain texture:

Faux Wood Graining Tool

Specialty graining tools available at hardware stores can quickly impart lines that look just like real wood grain.

Dry Brushing

Using a dry brush, dip in paint and then wipe off most of it on a rag. Lightly brush across the surface in downward strokes.

Sponging

Dab on small amounts of paint with a natural sponge in random patterns to build up depth and texture.

Wood Glazing

Wipe glazing stain into the grooves of the wood grain texture to make it pop. Wipe it off surface areas to keep color consistent.

Practice First

Try the techniques on scrap wood or cardboard before applying to cabinets for best results.

Finishing Touches

Add these final touches for completely convincing faux wood cabinets:

Clear Coat

One or two coats of polyurethane seals the paint and adds sheen that looks like a natural wood finish.

Reinstall Doors and Hardware

Screw cabinet doors back on and replace handles and knobs once painting is complete.

Touch Up Imperfections

After everything is reinstalled, fix any flaws like drips or missing spots with a small touch up brush.

Clean and Polish

Give cabinets one final wipe down with a wood cleaning polish to finish the look.

Stand Back and Admire

After all your hard work, take a moment to appreciate your amazing faux wood cabinets!

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to make metal cabinets look like wood?

The whole process takes 2-3 days. Day 1 for preparing and priming. Day 2 for painting and graining. Day 3 for finishing touches like final coat and reassembling.

What kind of paint should be used?

High quality interior latex paint in a matte or eggshell finish gives the best results. Avoid glossy paints that look obviously artificial.

Should I remove cabinet doors to paint them?

Yes, removing doors makes the painting process much easier. Just make sure to number them first so you can reattach properly later.

Can I get a wood look with stain instead of paint?

Stain alone will not cover up the metal surface enough. Paint is needed to completely transform the look from metal to wood.

What’s the best way to clean metal cabinets before painting?

Wash with a degreaser if needed, then use soap and water. Make sure to rinse and let them fully dry before priming and painting.

How do I get an aged, distressed wood look?

After painting, try techniques like dry brushing, sanding lightly, or wiping with rags to remove some color in areas to mimic worn wood.

Should I use a primer for painting metal?

Definitely use primer. It helps the paint adhere properly. An oil-based primer formulated especially for metal works best.

What type of brush is best for painting cabinets?

Use a 2″ angled sash brush for cutting in and trim areas. A wider 4″ brush or roller covers larger flat surfaces quickly.

How can I add realistic wood grain texture?

Use specialty graining tools, dry brushing, sponging, wood glaze in grooves, or any combination of techniques to achieve a convincing wood grain effect.

Conclusion

With the right preparation, painting technique, and finishing touches, you can make metal cabinets look amazingly like real wood. Pay close attention to cleaning, proper priming, color selection and creating realistic woodgrain textures. The handsome result will bring warmth and character to your kitchen or bath. With a little time and effort, you can transform the look of metal cabinets.