How to Make Metal Cabinets Look Like Wood
Refurbishing and updating your kitchen or bathroom cabinets can be an expensive endeavor. If you have metal cabinets that are dated or damaged, one easy DIY solution is faux finishing them so they resemble wood. With some simple preparation and painting techniques, you can give metal cabinets a completely new look without having to bear the cost of installing brand new cabinetry.
Clean Cabinets and Apply Primer
The first step when painting metal cabinets is proper cleaning and priming. You’ll want to start with cabinets that are free of grease, grime, or peeling paint. Clean them thoroughly with a degreasing agent and sand any areas with chipping or flaking paint. Once the metal surface is smooth and clean, apply a metal primer designed for maximum adhesion. Allow the primer to dry fully before moving onto the next step.
Choose a Faux Finish Paint Technique
There are several ways to make metal look convincingly like wood. Two popular faux finishing techniques are rag rolling and sponging.
Rag Rolling
This involves using a lint-free rag to apply paint in long rolling strokes that mimic the grain patterns in wood. Work in small sections, applying the base coat color with a brush and then rolling over it with a stained or glazed rag. The key is rolling in one direction across the cabinet to create consistent wood grain streaks.
Sponging
Like rag rolling, sponging involves applying glaze or stain over a base coat of paint. Instead of a rag, you’ll use a natural sea sponge. Dab the glaze on randomly to create variations in tone that make the finish look more realistic. Focus glazing on edges and recesses to emphasize the cabinet’s dimensions.
Choose Paint Colors for a Realistic Wood Finish
The colors you choose are important for making metal look like real wood. Aim for an opaque wood-toned base coat topped by a stain or glaze in a darker shade of brown or grey. The glaze creates depth and shadowing. Common base color choices for faux wood include:
- Cocoa
- Expresso
- Dark taupe
- Dark walnut
- Chestnut
AvoidColors with orange, red, or yellow undertones, as they won’t resemble most wood tones. Sample paint swatches on the metal to see how the colors interact before fully committing to a scheme.
Seal and Protect the Finish
Once your faux wood finish is complete, it needs to be sealed and protected. Use a clear matte varnish or sealant made for metal that will protect the painted surface from moisture, grease, and regular wear and tear. Apply 2-3 coats, allowing each coat to dry fully before adding another. Proper sealing is crucial for a long-lasting finish.
With some simple tools and techniques, those outdated metal cabinets can look like brand new wood in no time. What once seemed like an expensive kitchen or bathroom renovation can be achieved through clever DIY faux finishing. Experiment, have fun with the process, and enjoy your updated space.
Frequently Asked Questions About Faux Wood Finishes
How long does the faux finishing process take?
The process takes 2-3 days total. Allow proper drying time between steps – at least 24 hours for primer and sealant to dry before painting or topcoating. The hands-on painting time is only a few hours.
What kind of paint is best for faux wood finishes?
Latex-based paints work best as basecoats. For glazing, use oil-based wiping stains. Always use paint products recommended for metal and follow manufacturer instructions.
Can I faux finish cabinets without totally stripping them?
If the existing paint is in good shape with minimal chipping or peeling, you can prime and paint over it. But any damaged paint should be removed to create a smooth surface for best adhesion.
How durable is a faux wood finish on cabinets?
Properly sealed with 2-3 coats of an appropriate sealant, faux wood finishes hold up very well on cabinetry. They resist moisture, grease, scratches and cleaning chemicals. Touch up sealant yearly.
What’s the difference between staining and glazing?
Stain soaks into the porous surface while glaze sits on top. For non-porous metal, glazing creates better effects. Always apply glaze over a base coat of latex paint.
Conclusion
Upgrading kitchens and bathrooms can carry a hefty price tag, especially if full cabinet replacements are involved. With some creativity and elbow grease, you can entirely transform the look of metal cabinets with faux wood finishes. The rag rolling, sponging, and glazing techniques covered here can make outdated metal cabinets look like natural wood again. Approach the process with patience, allow proper drying time between steps, and finish with a durable sealant for long-lasting results. In a weekend, you can gain upgraded cabinets that look like you spent thousands, without the designer price tag.
