How to Make a Metal Cabinet Look Vintage

Giving an old, worn look to a metal cabinet can completely transform the piece, making it look like a treasured antique. Whether for your kitchen, bathroom, workshop, or any other room, making a metal cabinet look vintage is an easy weekend project that can save you money compared to buying an actual antique. With some simple steps, you can give any plain metal cabinet a rustic, timeworn appearance that looks great.

Things You’ll Need

Before starting this project, gather the necessary supplies:

• Metal cabinet – The cabinet can be new or used, as long as it’s metal. Look for inexpensive new options at hardware stores, thrift stores, garage sales, etc.
• Sandpaper – Get different grits like 80, 150, and 220 for smoothing, distressing, etc.
• Paint – Chalk paint works best for a vintage look. Get at least 2 colors for variation.
• Paint brushes & rollers – Foam rollers and chip brushes are good for achieving a worn patina.
• Rags & gloves – For applying paints/stains and protecting your hands.
• Stains and glazes – These add depth and an aged appearance. Consider dark walnut or ebony stains.
• Waxes and sealers – To seal and protect the finish. Opt for a matte/flat sheen.
• Hardware – Swap out modern hardware for vintage-looking pulls, hinges, etc.
• Miscellaneous – Sandpaper blocks, tack cloths, drop cloths, painter’s tape, etc.

Prepping the Cabinet

Before painting, properly prep the cabinet:

1. Clean – Wipe down with mild soap and water to remove any grease, dirt, or grime.
2. Sand – Lightly sand to rough up the surface for better paint adhesion. Use 150-220 grit sandpaper.
3. Remove hardware – Take off hinges, pulls, and any other fixtures. Set hardware aside for later reattachment.
4. Fill holes & prime – Fill any holes/imperfections with wood filler, let dry, then apply primer.
5. Tape off areas – Use painter’s tape to cover any areas you don’t want painted, like interior shelves.

Proper prep sets the foundation for a smooth, long-lasting finish.

Applying a Base Paint Coat

With the cabinet prepped, it’s time for paint:

1. Select paint colors – Good vintage color choices include creamy whites, light grays, faded blue-greens, or soft pinks.
2. Paint the interior – Use foam rollers and paint the inside cabinets and drawers first. Allow to dry fully.
3. Paint the exterior – Apply at least 2 coats of chalk paint with chip brushes for optimal coverage and a smooth look.
4. Distress edges – Once dry, use 150 grit sandpaper to lightly wear down edges and corners to look aged.
5. Achieve variation – Dry brush a second color over the base coat in random areas for a multi-toned patina.

Varying paint colors and distressing creates an authentic vintage look.

Adding Stains, Glazes and Waxes

To further weather and age the finish:

1. Choose staining colors – Opt for dark walnut, ebony, or espresso glazes to look like worn paint.
2. Apply stains randomly – Use a staining pad or rag to dab on glazes irregularly over the paint. Focus on edges and hardware holes.
3. Blend and feather – Soften harsh staining lines by feathering out edges with a clean rag.
4. Add topcoats – Once fully dry, apply 1-2 layers of clear wax with a lint-free cloth to seal and protect.
5. Buff gently – Buff off any excess wax with a soft cloth for a smooth, polished look.

The layering of stains and wax creates rich, dimensional coloring for a timeworn patina.

Detailing Techniques for Realism

To take the vintage effect even further:

• Sand through layers – Use 120-150 grit sandpaper to wear through paint to expose metal underneath, like around edges and handles.
• Chip paint – Use a screwdriver to strategically chip paint on corners or curved areas to mimic years of wear.
• Add cracks – Draw on thin cracks with pencil leads or fine-tipped paint pens to look like crazing. Keep cracks irregular.
• Create rust spots – Dab on metallic antique gel stains with a rag to make realistic rust blemishes near hardware or edges.
• Paint seams – Accent the seams and joins between metal panels with paint pens for an authentic industrial look.

Take time with small details to mimic natural aging and use. The right touches lend realism.

Installing New Hardware

Swap modern hardware for vintage-style pieces:

• Replace plain pulls with antique brass or painted porcelain knobs.
• Try cup pulls, bail pulls, or drop pulls in aged metal finishes.
• Change out hinges for exterior-pin butt hinges or tee hinges to look old.
• Aged bronze, iron, or nickel offer time period-appropriate looks.

Vintage-looking hardware perfectly completes the aged, historical aesthetic.

Tips and Tricks

• Work in a well-ventilated area when painting and applying finishes.
• Seal the paint and stain layers with furniture wax to protect the finish.
• Distress edges and corners more to emulate years of wear and use.
• Try crackle mediums over paint to mimic alligatoring in old paint.
• Use paint pens or artist paintbrushes for detailing cracks and seams.
• Look at reference photos of actual antique cabinets for inspiration.

Common Questions

What type of paint works best?

Chalk-based paints are ideal for achieving a vintage, distressed finish on metal. The matte texture and coverage mimic aged paint.

How do I get an aged, worn look?

Distressing techniques like sanding through layers, chipping paint, adding cracks, and dry brushing all create realism. Focus on high-use areas.

What if there are damaged areas?

Use filler or spackle to fix dents, scratches, holes, etc. Sand smooth when dry, then paint. Imperfections add character.

Can I refinish cabinets in place?

Yes, you can paint cabinets in place. Fully protect nearby surfaces from drips. Remove doors and hardware to paint separately.

What type of wax should I use?

Finishing wax or paste wax seals the paint and protects the finish. Use sparingly and buff into a soft glow.

Achieving an Antique Look

With some simple paint techniques and detailing, it’s easy to refinish metal cabinets and make them look like one-of-a-kind vintage finds. Taking the time to add layered coloring, realistic wear patterns, and vintage hardware results in furniture with timeless antique appeal. Give new life to a boring metal cabinet by distressing and aging it for a historical rustic look.