How to Make a Metal File Cabinet Look Better

Clean and Polish the Cabinet

Thoroughly clean the cabinet inside and out. Remove all contents and wipe down all surfaces with a mild cleaner. For polished metal cabinets, use a metal polish to buff out scratches and make the metal shine. Apply polish with a soft cloth and rub in circles. Remove polish residue and buff with a clean, dry cloth.

Paint the Cabinet

Painting a metal cabinet transforms the look entirely. First, remove the drawers and doors and lightly sand the cabinet to rough up the surface for better paint adhesion. Clean the sanded cabinet, then apply 2-3 thin coats of spray paint in your color of choice, allowing each coat to dry fully. Reassemble once the final coat is dry. For best results, use high-quality spray paint formulated for metal.

Add New Hardware

Replacing outdated hardware with updated handles, knobs or pulls gives a metal cabinet fresh style. Choose hardware in a finish that complements the look you want, like brushed nickel for a modern vibe or antique bronze for a vintage style. Use a drill to remove old hardware and install new pieces. Get knobs with screw-on fasteners for easy DIY installation.

Line the Interior

Lining the inside of a file cabinet gives it a finished, decorative look. Use adhesive-backed vinyl, contact paper or shelf liner to cover the bottom and sides. Measure precisely to cut liners to fit each area. Apply smoothly, pressing out any bubbles or wrinkles. Trim excess material with a utility knife. Choose patterns or colors to coordinate with your office.

Add Organizational Accessories

Introduce convenient storage options inside your cabinet with racks, shelves or trays. Install pull-out steel drawers for letter or legal files. Add a shelf or two to split up interior space. Get hanging file racks and side-tab folders to neatly organize documents. Rotate papers and archives into storage boxes that stack neatly. Label everything clearly.

Refresh with Chalkboard Paint

For a fun, novel cabinet facelift, try coating the exterior with chalkboard paint. This ultra-matte black finish turns the doors into a functional chalkboard surface. Lightly sand and clean the cabinet before applying 2-3 coats of quality chalkboard paint, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Finish by “seasoning” the chalkboard – rub the entire area with the side of a piece of chalk, then erase.

Questions and Answers

Q: What are some inexpensive ways to improve the appearance of a metal file cabinet?

A: Some budget-friendly options include lining the interior with contact paper, painting with inexpensive spray paint, replacing knobs with new hardware, labeling contents, and neatly organizing the interior. These simple upgrades can give a metal cabinet a fresh, put-together look without a big investment.

Q: What type of paint adheres best to metal for painting a file cabinet?

A: Enamel spray paint or primer formulated specifically for metal work best for adhering to metal cabinets and drawers. The enamel paint provides a glossy, durable finish. Using a primer coat first improves adherence. Lightly sanding prior to painting also helps the paint grip.

Q: What’s the easiest way to organize the contents of a metal file cabinet?

A: Hanging file folders and matching file racks or rails can make quick work of organizing documents inside a metal cabinet. Also consider stacking storage boxes or baskets – label them and store related files together. For media like CDs/DVDs, install pull-out drawers with dividers. Alphabetical or color-coded labels make everything easy to find.

Q: How do you clean and polish an old metal file cabinet?

A: First empty the cabinet completely. Clean inside and out with a mild cleaner or soapy water solution. For polished metal, use a commercial metal polish and buff in circles with a soft cloth until the shine is restored. Remove any polish residue and buff again with a dry, clean cloth. Take care not to scratch the surface.

Q: What are some ways to customize a metal cabinet to match a home or office?

A: Consider adding trim, feet or casters in a finish that complements your decor. Choose fun knobs or handles like crystal, bamboo or colored metal. Or cover doors with removable wallpaper or chalkboard paint for a personalized look. Use baskets or trays matching your style to hold contents. Paint or line the interior with colors and patterns from your space.

Q: How do you determine what size hardware is needed to replace cabinet knobs or pulls?

A: Examine the existing hardware and measure the diameter of the shaft and length of the screw. Take the hardware to the store with you for comparison. Or note the manufacturer and model of the original hardware and purchase replacements from the same brand. Using the same sizing prevents the need to redrill screw holes.

Conclusion

Restyling a worn metal file cabinet is an affordable way to instantly give an office or workspace a fresh new look. With a thorough cleaning, new paint or chalkboard finish, updated hardware, and some clever organizational accessories, you can give a plain metal cabinet new life. The right upgrades make it a stylish and functional storage solution. With some creativity and effort, anyone can transform the look of a tired metal file cabinet.