How to Make Metal Kitchen Cabinets Look Modern

Kitchen cabinets are one of the most visible parts of any kitchen. They take up a large portion of the space and make a major style statement. Metal kitchen cabinets were extremely popular in the 1950s and 1960s, often featuring bright, vibrant colors like turquoise, pink, and yellow. While retro design has made a comeback, most metal kitchen cabinets now look outdated and anything but modern. The good news is, there are many ways to give metal kitchen cabinets a fresh, contemporary look perfect for the 2020s. With a little creativity and elbow grease, you can transform the metal cabinets you have into a modern showpiece.

Clean Cabinets Thoroughly

The first step in modernizing metal kitchen cabinets is to thoroughly clean them. Decades of grease, dirt, dust, and grime can accumulate on cabinet surfaces and in crevices. It’s important to fully clean cabinets so that any new paint, finish, or decorative touches will properly adhere.

Start by removing all contents from the cabinets – dishes, food, cookware, etc. Take out shelves, drawers, and any hardware. Clean all surfaces, inside and out, with a degreasing cleaner. Scrub with a sponge or brush to remove layered-on grease and grime.

Pay special attention to grimy areas like around knobs and handles. Use a small brush or toothbrush to clean in crevices and corners.

Once cabinets are degreased, wash everything with a mild soap and water solution. Let fully dry before moving onto the next steps.

Sand Cabinets

Old metal kitchen cabinets often have a rough texture or visible scratches and dents. Sanding helps smooth surfaces for painting.

Lightly sand all cabinet frames, doors, fronts, and drawers using 120 to 220 grit sandpaper. Avoid removing metal down to the bare surface.

Be sure to sand inside cabinets and drawers as well. Sand in the direction of the metal grain for best results.

Thoroughly wipe away dust using a dry cloth when finished sanding.

Prime Cabinets

Priming is one of the most important steps for successful painting results. Primer creates a smooth, uniform surface for paint to adhere to. It also prevents oxidation and rust on metal surfaces.

On metal kitchen cabinets, it’s best to use a shellac-based primer or dedicated metal primer. These work especially well on slick metal or cabinets that have been previously painted.

Thoroughly stir primer before and during application. Use a high-quality primer brush or mini foam roller. Apply a smooth, even coat of primer to all cabinet surfaces – fronts, sides, tops, bottoms, and interior surfaces. Avoid drips or thick coating.

Let primer dry fully before sanding or applying topcoats. This usually takes 2-3 hours. Lightly sand surfaces again with 220 grit paper once primer is dry.

Paint Cabinets

With cabinets primed and prepped, it’s time for the fun part – choosing a color! Paint is the easiest way to make old metal cabinets look fresh and modern. Here are some tips for picking the perfect shade:

• Whites, off-whites, and light grays are modern neutrals that work with almost any kitchen decor.
• Bold, bright colors like cobalt blue, emerald green, and mustard yellow are trendy.
• Darker shades of blue, green, and gray create an elegant, sophisticated look.
• Stick to satin, eggshell, or pearl finishes for an updated sheen. Avoid glossy paint.

Oil-based enamel paints work best for a smooth, durable finish on metal cabinets. Use a short-napped roller and angled trim brush to apply two coats. Allow plenty of drying time between coats.

Pro tip: Paint the cabinet interiors a lighter color than exteriors for a striking contrast.

Upgrade Hardware

Swapping out old hardware for new, modern hardware is one of the easiest cabinet upgrades. Changing knobs, pulls, and hinges makes a huge impact.

Look for hardware in brushed nickel, oil-rubbed bronze, or matte black for a contemporary style. Handle-less rails and finger grooves are also sleek, modern options.

Make sure to measure existing hardware holes and buy new hardware accordingly. Use a drill to make any new or expanded holes needed for updated hardware.

Tip: Pay attention to the scale of new hardware. Oversized pieces make a dramatic contemporary statement.

Add New Doors

One way to completely transform the style of metal cabinets is by adding new replacement doors. Many companies sell ready-made cabinet door sets designed to fit common cabinet sizes. This makes it simple to give metal cabinets a fresh look.

Shaker-style doors with a recessed center panel are a good modern option. Or go for sleek, slab-style doors for a super minimalist look. Flat-panel doors also have a contemporary appeal.

There are numerous door materials to consider beyond traditional wood. Plastic laminate and thermofoil doors are affordable options that come in many colors. Glass cabinet doors create an open, airy look.

Just remember to measure your existing cabinet frames carefully before ordering replacement doors. Accuracy is key for proper fit.

Install New Hardware and Accessories

Beyond the doors themselves,Updating the accents and fittings on metal cabinets can make a big impact. Here are some modern hardware ideas:

• Soft-close hinges for a smooth, quiet open and close.
• Pull-out shelves and drawers maximize cabinet space.
• Lazy susans create easy corner access.
• Drawer dividers keep contents organized.
• Slide-out storage racks increase capacity.
• Metal or glass shelves for an open, floating look.

Take time to browse cabinet accessory aisles and websites to find clever functional additions that show off your storage space in style.

Add New Feet or Legs

Changing the feet or legs on cabinets is an easy upgrade for a more contemporary look. Bulky, ornate metal brackets can be replaced with trim, minimalist options.

Slim, straight metal legs in brass, black, or silver look sleek and modern. Or select adjustable legs for maximum customization.

For a lighter visual impact, try furniture cups instead of full legs or feet. Clear plastic cups won’t hide flooring but still update the base of cabinets.

Make sure any new feet or legs match the width of existing cabinet frames. Carefully measure before purchasing.

Change Up the Backsplash

The backsplash is another area ripe for easy upgrades. Metal, mosaic, mirror, and glass tile instantly provide eye-catching contemporary appeal.

Cool metal backsplashes not only complement metal cabinets; they make them look crisp and modern. Try a geometric metal tile pattern for lots of shine and depth.

Mosaics create fun pops of color. Go for irregular stones or tiny glass tiles. Linear mosaic strips as an accent work nicely.

Light-reflecting mirrored backsplashes open up small spaces with light. Full mirrored sheets offer a glam look.

Tip: Update just a portion of your backsplash as an accent if a full revamp isn’t possible. Focus on the range area.

Add New Countertops

Countertops make a huge impact on kitchen style. Replacing outdated countertops is a great way to modernize cabinets. Here are some contemporary countertop ideas:

• Quartz composite like Caesarstone provides sleek durability in any color.
• Marble, especially dramatic veining like Calacatta Gold, is glamorous and on-trend.
• Concrete countertops are industrial chic, seamless, and heat-resistant.
• Stainless steel makes a bold, modern statement about durability and clean lines.
• Butcher block wood brings warmth and contrasts nicely with cool metal cabinets.

When choosing new countertops, be sure to measure precisely for a custom fit. Getting accurate dimensions is essential.

Add Under Cabinet Lighting

Task lighting is highly functional for kitchen workstations. But under cabinet lighting also adds ambiance and style.

LED strip lights mount easily under cabinets for a modern glow. Choose cool white or adjustable color temperature strips.

Rope lights or puck lights also work under cabinets. Use tape strips to secure them. Link lights to a dimmer for total control over illumination.

Tip: Extend lighting to the underside of upper cabinets for a halo glow effect on the ceiling.

Make It Multifunctional

A final way to add modern flair is to incorporate multifunctional cabinetry for streamlined style. Some ideas:

• A tall pantry cabinet with slide-out trays and racks doubles storage.
• Cabinet with integrated trash/recycling pull-out simplifies sorting.
• Spice drawer organizer illuminates contents while maximizing space.
• Cabinet with built-in charging station hides away electronics.
• Sliding storage racks under the sink keep cleaning supplies organized.
• Pull-down cabinet door racks provide easy access to cooking pans and lids.

Get creative with ways to make cabinets multifunctional. The more streamlined and integrated the storage, the more modern the look.

Conclusion

With some creativity and DIY dedication, those dated metal kitchen cabinets can be transformed into a contemporary showstopper. A thorough cleaning, new coat of paint, modern hardware, and functional additions lets the warmth of metal shine. The updated cabinets not only look lightyears better, they also increase storage and utility. Embrace the retro roots while giving metal cabinets a fresh facelift for the 21st century.

Frequently Asked Questions About Modernizing Metal Kitchen Cabinets

How do I get rid of rust on old metal cabinets?

To remove rust from metal cabinets, first scrub affected areas with steel wool or a wire brush to scrape off loose rust flakes. Wipe clean, then apply a rust removal solvent like naval jelly to dissolve more stubborn rust. Rinse thoroughly, let dry, and follow up by lightly sanding. Finish with a coat of primer specifically formulated for metal.

What type of paint adheres best to metal cabinets?

The best paint for metal kitchen cabinets is oil-based enamel. Enamel paints create a hard, durable finish that adheres very well to slick metal surfaces. Be sure to use shellac-based primer first for proper paint prep and adhesion.

Should I take doors off cabinets when painting?

It’s generally best to remove cabinet doors when painting for full coverage and easy access to side edges. Lay doors on sawhorses or across chairs for painting. Remove hinges first by unscrewing. Be sure to mark locations with painters tape so hinges can be replaced properly.

How do I get a smooth finish when spraying cabinets?

To get a smooth, professional sprayed finish on kitchen cabinets, properly prepare surfaces by cleaning, priming, and sanding first. Use high-fill primer to create an even base. Spray thin coats rather than trying to cover in one thick coat. Slowly build up layers for best results. Lightly sand between coats.

What is the most cost-effective way to update metal cabinets?

The most budget-friendly ways to update metal kitchen cabinets include painting, adding new hardware like knobs and handles, installing new backsplash tile, and replacing dated laminate countertops with updated materials like butcher block or quartz composite.

How do I decorate modern metal cabinets?

Some great ways to decorate modern metal cabinets include:

• Adding glass cabinet inserts for open display space.
• Installing interior lighting on shelves or inside glass fronts.
• Using colorful dishes and cookware for pops of color inside.
• Incorporating metal and wood accents and accessories for contrast.
• Adding warm textiles like towels and linens to soften the look.
• Grouping decorative objects like vases, jars, and trays.
• Hanging floating shelves above cabinets for more display space.

What color backsplash goes best with silver metal cabinets?

For silver metal kitchen cabinets, ideal backsplash colors include:

• Crisp whites or grays to match the metal color.
• Bold tones like navy blue, black, or charcoal for contrast.
• Warm neutrals like beige, tan, or brown to offset the cooler metal tone.
• Natural stone hues like white marble or quartz to complement silver.
• Vibrant colors like emerald green or ruby red if seeking a colorful accent.

Should I get new doors or paint existing cabinet doors?

If your cabinet door frames are solid wood and in good structural shape with minimal damage, painting them can be a cost-effective revamp. But if doors are laminate, damaged, or you want a total style change, investing in new replacement doors may be worthwhile.

What should I know before installing new cabinet hardware?

• Carefully measure existing holes and screws first to ensure compatible sizing for new hardware.
• Confirm that chosen hardware will work with current cabinet style – exposed hinges vs concealed, etc.
• Make sure hardware finish matches – matte, brushed, polished, oil-rubbed, etc.
• Have proper tools for installing – drill, screwdriver, tape measure.
• Use painters tape to mark new hole locations if needed.
• Install new hardware methodically, keeping organized.