How to Make Metal Kitchen Cabinets Look Good

Metal kitchen cabinets can add a sleek, modern look to your kitchen. However, without proper care, metal cabinets can start to look worn and dingy over time. The good news is there are many simple things you can do to keep your metal kitchen cabinets looking fresh and attractive. Here are some tips on how to make metal kitchen cabinets look good.

Clean Your Cabinets Regularly

One of the most important things you can do to keep metal kitchen cabinets looking their best is to clean them regularly. Dust, grease, and grime can build up on cabinet surfaces and hardware, making them appear dull and dirty. Make a habit of wiping down your metal cabinet exteriors at least once a week using a soft cloth and a mild detergent. Avoid abrasive cleaners or scrubbing pads, which can scratch the finish.

For a more thorough periodic cleaning, mix together some warm water and a few drops of dish soap in a spray bottle. Spray the cabinet fronts and doors and let the solution sit for a few minutes to dissolve any greasy buildup. Then wipe with a clean soft cloth. Be sure to get into corners, crevices and around handles and hinges where grime loves to hide.

Polish and Protect the Finish

Polishing your metal cabinets helps restore shine and luster while adding a protective barrier. There are several good metal polish products on the market specially formulated for use on stainless steel, aluminum, and other metal finishes. Choose a polish that contains substances like mineral oil or silicone to add protection against fingerprints and smudges.

Apply a small amount of polish to a soft lint-free cloth and rub onto cabinet surfaces using gentle circular motions. Avoid getting polish on cabinet interiors. Buff to a bright sheen with a clean cloth. Repeat polishing every couple of months or whenever cabinets start to lose their luster.

You can also look for spray-on metal protectants that guard against corrosion, tarnish, and oxidation. These protective sealers add a transparent barrier and make cleaning easier. Reapply protector every 6 months or as directed.

Touch Up Scratches and Nicks

Even with proper care, metal cabinets will likely accumulate some small scratches and nicks over their lifetime. These surface flaws not only affect appearance but can allow moisture to seep in and cause more significant damage. Addressing scratches when they first occur keeps cabinets looking pristine.

For stainless steel, an enamel touch-up paint pen in a matching shade works well for concealing scratches. Clean the area thoroughly before applying touch-up paint. Allow paint to dry completely (about 2 hours) before polishing surrounding area.

For aluminum, bronze or other metal cabinet finishes, find an auto body repair paint pen designed for that specific metal type. Clean and lightly sand the scratch before painting. Use thin coats allowing each to dry in between.

If the scratch has revealed a different color metal underneath, make sure to use a primer first for best results. Wet sanding and re-spraying lacquer may be needed for more severe scratches. Consider hiring a professional refinisher rather than attempting cabinet recoats yourself.

Replace Hardware and Handles

Over time, metal cabinet hardware like handles, pulls, knobs, and hinges may start to show signs of wear including discoloration, tarnish, loosening, or corrosion. Swapping out old worn hardware for new provides an easy update that can dramatically improve the look of your metal kitchen cabinets.

Choose hardware finishes and styles that coordinate well with your cabinet color and kitchen decor. Brushed nickel, oil-rubbed bronze, satin brass, and matte black are popular finish options. Keep handles and knobs cohesive by selecting the same design for all cabinets.

Replacing old rusted or corroded hinges with new ones improves functionality. Take cabinets doors off the frames to safely remove old hinges and install new ones. Fill old screw holes with wood filler before inserting new screws in slightly different positions.

Disguise Dents and Dings

Minor dents and dings in metal cabinets are inevitable over years of use. While deep dents may require professional repair, you can disguise small surface dimples yourself. One easy fix is to use a dab of mineral oil, petroleum jelly, or car wax to rub over the dent. Massage it into the crevice using a soft cloth. This fills in the spot and minimizes its appearance.

For deeper dings, use a specialized metal dent repair kit. These contain a putty you mix and apply over the damaged area using a plastic applicator or putty knife. Some kits include touch-up paint that you apply over top for final concealment. Follow kit directions closely for best results.

Add New Hardware

One budget-friendly way to update the look of metal kitchen cabinets is by adding new hardware like racks, shelves, and other accessories. Install an under-cabinet paper towel holder, spices rack, knife strip, or wine glass hanging rack. Attaching a mounted microwave, utensil hooks, or floating corner shelves also provides an instant refresh.

Choose hardware in finishes that match existing cabinet handles and accents. Opt for mounted additions that don’t require drilling into cabinet sides whenever possible. Use heavy duty adhesives or removable 3M mounting strips to attach accessories securely while preserving cabinet integrity.

Change Cabinet Lights

Lighting can dramatically impact the look of kitchen cabinets. Dated fluorescent under-cabinet lighting tends to make metal cabinets appear cold and clinical. Replacing fluorescent tubes with LED strip lighting that offers a warmer color temperature (3000K) helps create a more attractive, welcoming kitchen environment.

LEDs come in a variety of styles from low profile adhesive strips to puck lights with magnetic backings for easy installation. Choose lighting that provides even illumination on countertops without glare. Dimmer switches allow adjusting cabinet lighting intensity as needed.

Experiment with accent lighting like miniature recessed lights inside glass-front cabinets to showcase contents. Mood lighting mounted behind cabinets also produces intriguing effects on metal surfaces.

Add New Hardware

One budget-friendly way to update the look of metal kitchen cabinets is by adding new hardware like racks, shelves, and other accessories. Install an under-cabinet paper towel holder, spices rack, knife strip, or wine glass hanging rack. Attaching a mounted microwave, utensil hooks, or floating corner shelves also provides an instant refresh.

Choose hardware in finishes that match existing cabinet handles and accents. Opt for mounted additions that don’t require drilling into cabinet sides whenever possible. Use heavy duty adhesives or removable 3M mounting strips to attach accessories securely while preserving cabinet integrity.

Repaint Cabinets

For metal kitchen cabinets that are badly damaged, dingy, or just feel dated, repainting provides an extreme makeover. Proper preparation and application techniques are crucial for achieving an updated professional look. Here are some tips for repainting metal cabinets:

• Choose a high-quality metal-suitable enamel primer and paint in your desired new color. Semi-gloss or satin paint finishes work best.
• Thoroughly clean cabinets and sand surfaces lightly to rough up the finish. Address any rust issues.
• Apply 2-3 thin, even coats of primer allowing proper drying time between coats. Lightly sand between coats for a smooth finish.
• Follow with 2-3 thin topcoats of cabinet paint using a high density foam roller and angled brush. Allow paint to cure fully before using cabinets.
• Paint cabinet interiors and doors separately for easier handling. Spray painting may produce the smoothest professional finish.
• Remove doors, drawers and hardware before painting. Fill any handle holes and redrill in new spots after painting.
• Use painter’s tape for clean lines along walls, ceilings and where cabinets meet counters.

With proper prep and application, repainting metal kitchen cabinets can provide a fresh modern look and add years of lifespan. But painted finishes require gentle care and touch up to maintain attractive appearance.

Consider Metal Cabinet Resurfacing

For those wanting to refresh metal cabinets without removing doors and extensive repainting, cabinet resurfacing provides a viable option. Cabinet resurfacing systems come in various materials like wood veneers, laminates, and thermofoils that adhere over existing cabinet boxes and doors.

Resurfacing systems are trimmed out with new matching edges and can completely transform the look and feel of your kitchen in just a few days. Since existing cabinet boxes stay in place, resurfacing avoids major remodeling work. And upgrading to wood, laminate or thermofoil finishes removes ongoing maintenance needs compared to metal.

Summary of Tips for Making Metal Cabinets Look Good

To keep metal kitchen cabinets looking attractive and well-maintained:

• Clean cabinets thoroughly and regularly using mild detergent and soft cloths.
• Polish metal surfaces routinely with a protective metal polish or sealant.
• Touch-up scratches and nicks immediately with colored paint pens.
• Replace visibly worn or damaged hardware like hinges and handles.
• Disguise minor dents and dings with mineral oil or dent repair putty.
• Add new functional hardware like racks, shelves, hooks and lighting.
• For a major change, repaint or resurface cabinets in a fresh new color and material.

With proper care and maintenance, quality metal cabinets can maintain their beauty and stay visually appealing for many years. Implementing these simple tips will help keep your metal kitchen cabinets looking shiny and good as new.

Frequently Asked Questions About Making Metal Cabinets Look Good

Many homeowners have additional questions when learning how to make their metal kitchen cabinets look great. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.

How can I make my scratched up metal cabinets look good again?

For metal cabinets with light scratches, using a metal polish containing buffing compounds can help minimize the appearance of surface flaws. For deeper scratches, fill in with a colored touch up paint pen that matches your cabinet finish. Wet sanding and repainting may be required if scratches have revealed bare metal underneath.

What is the best way to clean greasy cabinets?

Mix a mild detergent like dish soap or all-purpose cleaner with warm water in a spray bottle. Lightly spray cabinet surfaces and let sit for 5 minutes allowing degreaser to penetrate. Wipe clean with soft microfiber cloths. Avoid abrasive cleansers or pads.

Should I use stainless steel cleaner or polish on my kitchen cabinets?

If your cabinets have a true stainless steel finish, then yes – use a stainless steel polish and cleaner formulated for use on stainless appliances and fixtures. For other metal finishes, select a polish specifically made for that material such as aluminum, bronze, or antique nickel.

How do I fix filmy cabinets that look hazy and dull?

A cloudy filmy look on metal cabinets happens when grease in the air accumulates on the surface. Polishing with a degreasing metal cleaner helps eliminate film and restore shine. Prevent buildup by cleaning cabinets regularly.

What’s the best way to paint metal cabinets?

Proper preparation is key – clean and lightly scuff surfaces for better paint adhesion. Apply 2-3 thin coats of a high quality metal enamel primer first. Follow with 2-3 topcoats of cabinet enamel in a satin or semi-gloss sheen using a foam roller and angled brush. Spray painting also works well.

Can I use liquid plumber’s putty to fill dings and dents?

No – plumber’s putty is not a good choice for filling dents as it remains somewhat soft. Use a metal dent repair putty or car body filler specifically designed for filling in dents and dings in metal and hard surfaces.

How do I get rid of rust spots on my cabinets?

First scrub spots gently with a nylon scrub pad and vinegar. Wipe clean and follow up with a rust-inhibiting spray primer. For more severe rust, use a phosphoric acid-based rust remover gel before priming. Keep cabinets properly sealed to prevent future rust formation.

What’s the easiest way to update old metal cabinets?

Replacing old worn-out hardware like handles, hinges, and knobs provides a quick update that can totally change the look of metal cabinets. Just swap out the old hardware for new handles and accessories in a modern finish like brushed nickel or oil-rubbed bronze.

Can I resurface metal cabinets with new laminate?

Yes, metal cabinet resurfacing systems allow adhering new laminate or thermofoil surfaces over existing cabinet boxes while replacing doors and edges. This provides a fast kitchen transformation without needing to remove and replace cabinets.

What should I use to remove sticky residue from cabinet surfaces?

Adhesive removers like Goo-Gone work well for eliminating sticky residue, grease and grime build up on metal cabinets without damaging the finish. Follow up by cleaning the area with a mild detergent solution.

Conclusion

With their sleek, modern look, metal kitchen cabinets can be a beautiful and functional choice. But like any cabinetry, metal cabinets need proper care and maintenance to retain their eye appeal over years of use. By implementing these tips for cleaning, polishing, repairing dents and dings, replacing worn hardware, and resurfacing, you can keep metal kitchen cabinets looking fresh. Invest a little time and effort into routine care. Your beautiful metal cabinets will maintain a like-new luster and provide lasting value.