How to Make Metal Cabinets Look Good

Making metal cabinets look good can seem like a daunting task. Over time, metal cabinets can appear dull, scratched, or dated. However, with some simple techniques, you can make metal cabinets look fresh, modern, and stylish again. This article will provide tips for refinishing, painting, re-staining, and decorating metal cabinets to give them an updated, attractive look.

Clean Cabinets Thoroughly

The first step in any cabinet makeover project is to thoroughly clean the cabinets. Make sure to remove any grease, dirt, dust or grime that has built up over time. Pay close attention to the corners, edges and any engraved detailing on the cabinets. Use a degreasing cleaner and scrub with a soft cloth or brush to remove any stubborn debris or stains. You may also want to use a small amount of mineral spirits on a rag to cut through layers of grease or wax buildup. Allow the cabinets to fully dry before moving on to the next step.

Sand Cabinets Lightly

Once the cabinets are completely clean, you will want to scuff sand them lightly to prep the surface for painting, staining or refinishing. Use 220-grit sandpaper and sand in the direction of the wood grain. Make sure to sand just enough to rough up the surface and remove any gloss, but avoid scrubbing too aggressively or you may remove too much of the existing finish. Pay special attention to sanding down any drips, bubbles or uneven areas in the original finish. Remove all sanding dust with a vacuum and tack cloth. The cabinets are now ready for refinishing.

Tips for Sanding Metal Cabinets

• Use a sanding block or pad rather than just the sandpaper alone for smooth, even sanding.
• Start with a medium grit sandpaper like 120 or 150 to remove flaws in the finish before moving to a finer 220-grit for the final sanding.
• Be careful around edges and corners which can show scratches more easily than flat surfaces.
• Wipe frequently with a damp rag to remove sanding dust for best results.

Refinish Cabinets with Stain or Paint

Refinishing with stain or paint is a great option for updating the look of metal cabinets. Stain provides a beautiful, rich wood tone while paint allows you to cover the existing finish with any color you like.

Staining Metal Cabinets

For staining, use a high quality gel stain and apply with a foam brush or lint-free cloth. Gel stains provide better control and minimize drips on vertical surfaces. Test the stain on cabinet interiors or a small hidden area first. Apply at least 2-3 coats for full, even coverage, allowing each coat to dry completely before adding another. Add a protective clear coat finish when staining is complete.

Painting Metal Cabinets

Use a high quality primer designed for metal before painting. This will help the paint adhere properly. For paint, opt for a satin, semi-gloss or gloss finish rather than flat for durability and wipeability. Apply at least 2 coats of paint for coverage, waiting for each coat to fully dry before adding another. Lightly sand between coats for a smooth final result.

Update with New Hardware

One of the easiest ways to give metal cabinets a fresh new look is by replacing the existing hardware like knobs and pulls. Swapping out dated brass or worn silver hardware for modern brushed nickel or oil-rubbed bronze can instantly change the aesthetic. Make sure to measure existing holes and buy new hardware accordingly so it installs properly. This simple update makes a big visual impact.

Add New Hinges

Along with new hardware, updating the hinges on metal cabinets can also provide a more modern look. Old hinges may be worn or loose over time. Buy good quality soft-close hinges to replace existing ones. This provides functionality and style. Look for hinges that coordinate with the new hardware finishes you have selected. Brushed nickel, bronze and matte black are popular finishes.

Refresh with Chalk Paint

For a soft, textured look, try refreshing metal cabinets with chalk paint. The matte chalk paint adheres well to metal and provides a smooth opaque finish. Simply clean and scuff sand the cabinets, then apply 2-3 thin coats of chalk paint using a brush, foam roller or pad. Avoid getting too thick a coat. The beauty of chalk paint is that sanding or distressing is optional to achieve different effects. Add a top coat of clear wax if desired to seal the finish.

Whitewash or Pickle Finish

Whitewashing or pickling metal cabinets is another decorative finish option. To whitewash, mix white chalk paint with water to thin it, then use a brush or rag to apply the diluted paint. Remove some of the paint with a damp rag immediately for a light, mottled look. For a pickled finish, use a white paint/stain mix following the manufacturer’s instructions. This creates a grey weathered wood effect. Seal with a topcoat when dry.

Stencil a Pattern

Add interest to plain metal cabinets by stenciling a fun pattern. Use painter’s tape and a stencil to create shapes like chevrons, diamonds, stripes ormoroccan-inspired motifs. Apply two coats of paint over the stencil in your color of choice. Peel the tape and stencil off gently when the paint is dry. This creates a bold, custom look.

Apply Contact Paper

An easy no-mess option is to apply contact paper with woodgrain, metallic patterns or a color finish directly onto cabinet surfaces. Simply measure and cut contact paper to fit each section, peel off backing and stick on for an instant transformation. Contact paper adheres well to metal, can be removed later if needed and protects the existing finish. Great for rental spaces.

Add Trim Molding

Upgrade plain metal cabinets by applying trim molding strips to frame cabinet doors and drawers. This adds architectural detail quickly. Use adhesive-backed trim that sticks directly onto cabinet fronts. Look for trim in various widths and materials like wood, vinyl and metal to complement your cabinet finish. Simple trim creates the look of custom built-in cabinetry.

Paint Interior Surfaces

Don’t forget to freshen up the interior surfaces of your metal cabinets as well when doing a makeover. Repaint worn or dingy interiors with a fresh coat of paint, matching or coordinating with your exterior cabinet color. Paint back panels, shelves and vertical divider panels to neatly finish the inside surfaces. This finishes off your makeover for a cohesive updated look inside and out.

Organize Contents with Shelving

Maximizing storage and organization within metal cabinets helps streamline their appearance. If cabinet interiors are cluttered or contents are not being used efficiently, this can make even newly refreshed cabinets appear messy. Add organizational elements like extra adjustable shelves, drawer dividers, racks, bins and storage containers optimized to the items being stored. A tidy organized interior improves the overall look.

Consider Glass Shelves or Doors

For an airier, lighter look inside metal cabinets, replace solid shelves with tempered glass. Clear glass shelves disappear visually, showcase what is being stored and make interiors feel more open. Another option is to replace solid doors with glass fronts. Frosted, etched or stained glass doors maintain privacy while still letting in some light. Just ensure glass is suitable for weight of items being stored inside.

Update Lighting Inside and Out

Proper lighting is key to making any space look its best. For metal cabinets, install lighting both inside and outside cabinets to showcase their updated style. LED strip lights installed under cabinets provide great task lighting. Battery operated LED lights can illuminate interiors without wiring. For display cases, install puck lights, spotlights or rope lights. Lighting draws attention to the beautiful refinished cabinets.

Style with Decorative Touches

Some creative decorative touches can add personality and style to refinished metal cabinets in any room. For kitchens or bars, attach a wine glass rack or herbs growing in pots. For bathrooms, install a combination towel bar/shelf. For living spaces, place books, framed photos, plants or baskets for storage on top. Paint or apply patterned contact paper to cabinet back panels for a punch of color inside.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the best way to clean metal cabinets before refinishing?

Use a degreasing cleaner and a soft cloth or brush to thoroughly remove grease, dirt and grime. Pay attention to engraved details and edges. Mineral spirits can also help cut through wax or gunk. Make sure cabinets are completely dry before refinishing.

Do I really need to sand metal cabinets before painting or staining?

Yes, light sanding creates a roughed up surface for paint or stain to properly adhere to. Use 220-grit sandpaper and sand just enough to remove any existing gloss or flaws. Avoid over-sanding which can damage the metal. Always wipe away dust before refinishing.

How many coats of primer and paint should I apply?

For the best coverage, apply at least 2 coats of a high quality primer formulated for metal. Then apply a minimum of 2 coats of satin, semi-gloss or gloss cabinet paint. Lightly sand between coats for a smooth finish. Allow each coat to fully dry before adding the next.

What type of stain works best for refinishing metal cabinets?

Gel stains provide the best coverage on vertical and metal surfaces. They are thicker so minimize drips and runs. Always test stain on a hidden spot first. Apply at least 2-3 coats, allowing drying time between coats. Add a protective clear coat when staining is complete.

What are some easy ways to update metal cabinets without a big project?

• Replace old hardware like knobs and pulls
• Upgrade hinges to soft-close style in a finish like brushed nickel
• Apply contact paper directly onto cabinet surfaces for an instant color/pattern change
• Add trim molding strips to frame cabinet doors and drawers
• Organize and tidy up the cabinet interiors

Can I use chalk paint to refinish metal cabinets?

Yes, chalk paint adheres extremely well to metal. Simply clean, sand lightly, then apply 2-3 thin coats of chalk paint. The matte finish provides a smooth opaque look. You can distress or wax seal chalk paint finishes. Many colors available.

What’s an easy way to stencil a pattern onto metal cabinets?

Use painter’s tape and a stencil template to create shapes. Apply 2 coats of latex paint in your chosen color over the taped-on stencil. Let dry fully, then gently remove tape and stencil to reveal pattern. Add metallic paint for a pop.

How do I properly measure for new hardware when replacing cabinet handles/knobs?

Carefully measure the location of existing hardware holes (distance from each edge) and the screw size. Purchase new hardware in the same size and hole placement so it installs properly without issues. Upgrade to higher quality hardware.

What kind of lighting should I use to highlight refinished metal cabinets?

LED strip lighting installed underneath cabinets diffuses light well for task purposes. Battery LED lights illuminate cabinet interiors without wiring. Low voltage puck lights, spotlights or rope lights showcase display cabinets and glass doors beautifully.

Conclusion

With some simple cleaning, sanding, painting, staining and decorative touches, it is easy to transform dull, dated metal cabinets into modern showpieces that look fresh and attractive again. Refinishing also allows you to update the color and style of metal cabinets to coordinate with new furnishings or decor. Just be sure to properly prep by deep cleaning cabinets and sanding to ensure new finishes adhere well. Take time to also organize interiors and add lighting. With strategic TLC, your old metal cabinets can look brand new again and provide many more years of stylish storage and organization.