How to Make a Metal File Cabinet Look Like Wood

Giving your old metal file cabinets a wood grain finish is an easy and inexpensive way to update the look of your office or workspace. With some simple preparation, paint, and finishing techniques, you can make your metal cabinets look like real wood.

Things You’ll Need

• Sandpaper (150 and 220 grit)
• Tack cloth
• Primer (for metal surfaces)
• Paint brushes
• Wood grain finish paint
• Painters tape
• Polyurethane sealant

Preparing the Cabinets

Before painting, you’ll need to properly prepare the metal surfaces:

• Remove the doors and drawers from the cabinet and clean all surfaces with a degreaser. This removes any oils or dirt.
• Lightly sand the cabinets with 150 grit sandpaper to rough up the surface. This helps the primer and paint adhere better.
• Wipe down with a tack cloth to remove any dust.
• Apply a coat of metal primer and let fully dry. This provides a base layer for the paint.

Painting the Wood Grain Finish

For a realistic wood look, you’ll want to use a high quality wood grain finish paint in your desired stain color.

• Before painting, make sure the primer coat is fully dry. Lightly sand again with 220 grit sandpaper.
• Apply painter’s tape around the edges and hardware you don’t want to get paint on.
• Paint the wood grain finish in long, even strokes following the grain pattern. Apply 2-3 thin coats letting each fully dry.
• Remove the painters tape immediately after the final coat before the paint dries.
• Reattach doors and hardware once the paint is fully cured, usually 24-48 hours.

Pro tip: Use a small, high quality trim brush for best results painting the grooves and edges.

Sealing and Protecting the Finish

The final step is applying a clear polyurethane sealant over the painted wood finish. This protects the paint and gives it a smooth, glossy look:

• Lightly sand the cabinets with 220 grit sandpaper to smooth the paint. Wipe clean.
• Apply 2-3 thin coats of water-based satin or semi-gloss polyurethane with a brush or foam applicator.
• Let each coat fully dry 4-6 hours before recoating.
• Once fully cured, reinstall the doors and drawers.

The polyurethane seals the wood grain paint and creates a durable, uniform finish. Your metal file cabinets now look professionally wood stained! Proper prep and using quality primer, paint, and sealer allows the finish to last for years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of paint works best for faux wood grain?

Specialty wood grain paints will provide the most realistic look. These are available at hardware stores in various wood tone colors. Oil-based provides a smoother finish but water-based dries faster.

What sheen should I use for the polyurethane?

A satin or semi-gloss polyurethane will give the right balance of protection and sheen. Gloss polyurethane can look overly shiny on cabinets.

Can I use wood stain instead of paint?

For metal surfaces, stains will not penetrate and adhere as well as paint formulated specifically for metal. Paint with wood grains mixed in provide a more convincing look.

How do I get an even wood grain texture?

Use a small paintbrush to paint the wood grain lines in smooth, consistent strokes. Applying multiple thin coats of paint helps build up texture evenly.

How long does the finish last?

Properly prepped metal painted with high quality products can look great for 5-10 years or more before needing a refresh. The polyurethane protectant helps prolong the finish.

Conclusion

Revitalizing old metal file cabinets with a faux wood finish brings new life to your office décor. Following the proper steps of prepping, painting, and sealing creates a realistic, durable wood grain texture. Priming ensures the paint adheres properly. Quality paint and polyurethane protect the finish for years before needing renewal. With some simple tools and techniques, you can transform the look of your file storage economically. Get creative with stains and wood tones to suit your style!