Giving old metal cabinets a fresh, modern look can completely transform the aesthetic of your kitchen or bathroom. With some simple upgrades like new hardware, paint, or lighting, you can breathe new life into dated metal cabinets without the high cost of full replacement. Follow this comprehensive guide to learn expert tips and tricks for making over tired metal cabinets on any budget.

Clean and Prepare the Cabinets

The first step in revitalizing old metal cabinets is a deep clean to remove grease, grime, and residue. This allows the new paint or finishes to properly adhere for a flawless look.

Supplies Needed

• Mild detergent or degreaser
• Scrub sponges or brushes
• Microfiber cloths
• Tack cloth
• Drop cloth

Steps to Clean

1. Remove all contents from the cabinets so you can access all surfaces. Place items on the countertop or cover with a drop cloth.
2. Mix a mild detergent like Dawn dish soap with warm water in a bucket. For heavily soiled cabinets, use a degreaser like TSP substitute.
3. Dip your scrub sponge or brush in the cleaning solution and scrub all interior and exterior surfaces. Pay close attention to greasy areas around knobs and handles.
4. Use a damp microfiber cloth to wipe away any cleaning solution residue.
5. Allow cabinets to fully dry. Wipe down with a tack cloth to remove any dust or debris.

Thoroughly cleaning metal cabinets removes any barrier between the new finish and the cabinet surface for maximum adhesion. Now your cabinets are prepped and ready for updating!

Update the Hardware

Replacing old tarnished knobs and pulls with new hardware is one of the easiest ways to update the look of metal cabinets. Switching hardware to a modern shape and finish like matte black immediately gives plain cabinets a fresh facelift.

Materials Needed

• Tape measure
• Pencil
• Drill with assorted drill bits and driver bits
• New cabinet hardware

Steps to Update Hardware

1. Remove existing hardware using a screwdriver. Fill any holes with wood filler and let dry completely.
2. Measure and mark new hardware placement. Hold up knobs and pulls to visualize placement before drilling.
3. Using a drill, make pilot holes with a small drill bit where you marked. This prevents screws from splitting wood.
4. Attach new hardware with a screwdriver. For handles, use provided screws or nuts and bolts.
5. Step back and check that all hardware is straight and aligned. Adjust as needed.

Try going for a cohesive look throughout the kitchen by choosing the same style and finish for all knobs and pulls. Opt for understated hardware so it blends with your new paint rather than competes.

Sand and Prime the Cabinets

For the most dramatic transformation, commit to repainting or refinishing the cabinet boxes and doors. Proper sanding and priming ensures the new coat of paint adheres evenly for a seamless polished look.

Supplies Needed

• Sandpaper (100-150 grit)
• Sanding block
• Tack cloth
• Painter’s tape
• Drop cloths
• Metal primer
• Paintbrushes

Steps to Sand and Prime

1. Lightly sand cabinet surfaces with 150 grit sandpaper to rough up the finish. This allows primer to bond.
2. Wipe sanded cabinets with a tack cloth to remove dust particles before priming.
3. Tape off countertops and any areas you don’t want painted. Cover floors with drop cloths.
4. Apply a thin, even coat of metal primer like Rust-Oleum using a high-quality painter’s brush. Allow to fully dry.
5. For the smoothest finish, sand lightly again with fine 220 grit sandpaper between coats.
6. Apply a second coat of primer. Two coats ensures complete coverage for an optimal base for painting.

Be sure to use a primer specifically formulated for metal. This provides maximum adhesion power for the topcoat of paint to grip on to. Lightly sanding between coats reduces brushmarks.

Paint the Cabinets

Choosing a fresh, modern color for your outdated metal cabinets makes one of the biggest visual impacts. Stylish shades like navy, slate gray, or army green give instant elevation compared to basic beige. Follow best practices to get a smooth, professional-looking painted finish.

Supplies Needed

• Painter’s tape
• Drop cloths
• High-quality acrylic paint
• Paintbrushes and mini paint rollers
• Paint tray

Steps to Paint Cabinets

1. Once primer is fully cured, use painter’s tape to mask off any adjacent surfaces.
2. Pour paint into tray and use a quality angled brush to paint cabinet frames. Use a mini foam roller for flat door panels.
3. Apply paint in thin, even coats going with the grain of the wood. Allow to fully dry between coats.
4. For the smoothest finish, lightly sand again with 220 grit sandpaper to reduce brushmarks and imperfections.
5. Finish with 1-2 topcoats of paint, allowing drying time between coats. Remove painter’s tape immediately after the final coat.
6. Let the paint cure fully for at least 24 hours before reloading cabinets to prevent damage to the fresh paint.

Semi-gloss or high gloss sheens have a sleek, polished finish, while matte paint mutes imperfections. For a contemporary vibe, consider two-toned cabinets with the boxes one color and doors another.

Add New Lighting

Task lighting centered under cabinets creates both form and function. LED puck lights or slim LED strips cast ideal illumination for food prep tasks while also emitting a modern glow.

Supplies Needed

• LED puck lights or LED strip lighting kit
• Screwdriver
• Drill and drill bits
• Adhesive (if using LED strip lights)

Steps to Install Under Cabinet Lighting

1. Map out desired placement for lighting, centered under cabinets or spaced evenly for a continuous strip.
2. Drill small pilot holes in the underside of cabinets to feed lighting wires through. Keep holes discreet but accessible.
3. For puck lights, attach base to the cabinet interior with provided screws. Connect wires to power source.
4. For LED strips, remove backing and press adhesive strip to cabinet bottom. Connect wires to transformer and power source.
5. Use included remote to control lighting brightness, color temperature, and modes like dimming or motion activation.

Ambient under cabinet lighting illuminates workspaces beautifully and also highlights your sleek new modern kitchen aesthetic.

Add Glass Cabinet Doors

Swapping out solid cabinet doors for glass instantly lightens up heavy kitchen designs. The transparency creates an airier, open feel and allows your stylish organization to shine through. It’s a budget-friendly upgrade with dramatic impact.

Supplies Needed

• Measuring tape
• Pencil
• Glass cut to size for doors
• Glass door mounting hardware
• Drill

Steps to Install Glass Doors

1. Remove existing cabinet doors and hinges. Measure the door openings.
2. Have glass cut 1⁄8” smaller than the openings to account for hardware. Choose tempered safety glass.
3. Mount hinges designed for glass onto the glass doors according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
4. Install glass door assemblies in place of the old doors using a drill. Ensure doors are aligned and operate smoothly.
5. Consider adding sleek knobs or pulls to the glass doors to continue your modern, streamlined aesthetic.

Glass cabinet inserts are another option to maintain existing cabinet frames. Take doors to a glass shop for custom cut tempered glass panes to fit into door frames.

Add Modern Fixtures

Beyond cabinets, updating other kitchen and bathroom fixtures to contemporary styles completes the modern aesthetic. Swap outdated lighting, faucets, drawer pulls and more. Match finishes for a cohesive look.

Ideas for Modern Fixtures

• Sleek industrial pendant lights or recessed cans over islands and sinks
• Matte black or brushed nickel faucets and showerheads
• Coordinating cabinet pulls, hooks, and towel bars
• Mirrored medicine cabinets with clean-lined frames
• Unlacquered brass or matte black plumbing fixtures and sink drains
• Floating wood, marble, or metal shelving for organized display

Edit down to essential accents to keep the look feeling fresh and decluttered. Stick to streamlined pieces that align with your new modern color scheme.

Style with Accessories

The right styling and accessories put the finishing design touches on your updated modern metal cabinets. Use these ideas to complement your new kitchen or bath.

Ideas for Cabinet Styling

• Decant dry foods like pasta and spices into matching glass jars for uniformity
• Roll up dish and hand towels neatly and store in open-front baskets or bins
• Hang utensil hooks or bars for frequently used tools like pots and pans
• Line shelves with decorative paper, contact paper, or shelf liner
• Use pop-of-color bowls, trays, and canisters to brighten up neutral cabinets
• Stage floating shelves with colorful bottles, vases, baskets
• Keep countertops clean; stash small appliances in cabinets

Edit down clutter and craft a cohesive scene using decor in modern color palettes and materials. The result is a space that looks fresh-off-the-pages of your favorite home magazine!

Maintain the Modern Look

Put effort into maintaining your updated modern metal cabinets so they continue looking their best for years to come.

• Use microfiber cloths and cleaning products safe for painted finishes
• Avoid abrasive scouring sponges and pads which can dull paint sheen
• Immediately clean up spills and drips on cabinet surfaces
• Check for signs of rust; spot treat with naval jelly
• Re-apply protective clear coats annually to prevent fading
• Tighten hardware as needed to prevent sagging and misalignment
• Dust glass cabinet doors and shelving frequently for streak-free shine

With proper care and maintenance, your newly refreshed modern metal cabinets will withstand busy kitchen and bath activity while retaining their stylish facade and finish.

FAQs About Updating Metal Cabinets

Got questions about revitalizing your outdated metal cabinets on a budget? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions.

What types of metal cabinets can be updated?

Most cabinetry constructed from galvanized steel, stainless steel, and aluminum can be adapted to a fresh modern aesthetic. The metal surface holds paints and primers well for transformation.

What are inexpensive ways to update cabinets?

Quick affordable fixes include swapping out hardware, adding new lighting under cabinets, painting interiors a contrasting color, removing doors for open shelving, and decluttering with pretty storage.

What color finishes work best for modern?

Trending modern cabinet colors include dark hues like navy blue, charcoal, gray, black, and army green. Softer tones like light gray, taupe, off-white, and beige also feel current.

Should I paint cabinets or replace doors?

If cabinet boxes are structurally sound, a fresh coat of paint is usually sufficient. For more durability, replace doors and drawer fronts with new slab-style models and paint to match the boxes.

How do I get a smooth painted finish?

Proper sanding, high-quality primer, and using painter’s brushes and small foam rollers helps achieve seamless results. Sand lightly between coats and finish with glossy enamel paint for a sleek modern look.

Can I DIY or do I need a pro?

Skilled DIYers can tackle upgrades like painting, hardware replacement, and adding new lighting on their own. More complex installations like glass doors or shelving may benefit from hiring a contractor.

How do I integrate my new modern cabinets with existing countertops?

Use contemporary cabinet hardware and lighting fixtures to create a unified look. Bold colored paint and glossy sheens also help cabinets feel sleek and updated against more traditional countertops.

What is the best way to organize modern cabinets?

Edit down to essentials and use matching clear canisters and storage containers. Conceal small appliances inside cabinets. Hang utensil bars and rails. Use invisible organizers for spice bottles, cutting boards, trays and more.

How can I add personality to generic modern cabinets?

Paint the interior of glass door cabinets a bright contrasting color. Use removable wallpaper or contact paper to line shelves. Add unexpected metal finishes like unlacquered brass for interest. Display colorful cookware and tableware.

Conclusion

Outdated metal kitchen and bathroom cabinets can feel like a major eyesore. But with strategic upgrades like new hardware, paint color, countertop lighting, and glass doors, it’s possible to transform them into a modern showpiece without removing and replacing the existing cabinetry. A few beginner DIY updates paired with bold color and styling makes all the difference in creating a space that feels fresh and contemporary. Use this comprehensive guide to start strategizing how to elevate your outdated metal cabinets. Incorporating just a few of these innovative and budget-friendly ideas will help craft a modern kitchen or bath that looks completely brand new.