Introduction

Metal kitchen cabinets were extremely popular in the 1950s-1970s, and many homes still have these durable cabinets today. While trends have changed over the years, metal kitchen cabinets can be updated with new hardware, paint, or refacing to give your kitchen a fresh, modern look. With some creativity and elbow grease, you can transform your outdated metal cabinets into a stunning focal point in your kitchen.

Making over metal kitchen cabinets allows you to revive your existing cabinet boxes while saving thousands on a brand new custom kitchen. This guide will walk you through all the steps needed to give your metal cabinets a makeover on any budget. We’ll share tips on cleaning, prepping, painting, adding new doors and hardware, creating an organized interior, and more. Let’s dive in!

Clean Cabinets Thoroughly

The first step is thoroughly cleaning your metal cabinets prior to making any changes. Buildup of grease, dirt, and grime prevent paint and new finishes from properly adhering to the surface. Here’s how to clean metal kitchen cabinets:

Remove Cabinet Doors and Drawers

Detach all cabinet doors, drawers, and hardware and set aside. This gives you easy access to clean the cabinet boxes and interior shelves.

Clean with TSP or Degreaser

Apply a heavy-duty degreaser like TSP or Simple Green to a microfiber cloth and scrub all cabinet surfaces. TSP helps cut through decades of grease buildup.

Use Soap and Water

Follow up by washing cabinets with a mild soap and water solution. Dawn dish soap works well to remove any residue.

Disinfect Kitchen Cabinets

Spray down the clean metal cabinet boxes with an antibacterial kitchen cleaner. This helps sanitize the surface prior to adding new finishes.

Thoroughly drying all cabinets is key before moving onto the next steps. Now your metal cabinets are clean and prepped for repainting or refacing.

Fill Holes and Repair Dents

Examine your metal kitchen cabinets closely and make any necessary repairs. Here are some tips:

Use Filler for Holes

Fill any holes from old hardware attachments with wood filler. Let dry completely and sand smooth.

Hammer Out Dents

Use a hammer and wood block to gently knock out any dents in the metal cabinets.

Reinforce Loose Hinges

Tighten any loose hinges in the cabinets and use longer screws in enlarged holes to reinforce.

Preparing your metal cabinets will help your makeover last for years to come. Now let’s look at how to add new color and style.

Painting Metal Kitchen Cabinets

Painting metal cabinets allows you to add bold, modern color. Follow these steps for best results:

Sand Surface Lightly

Use fine grit sandpaper to scuff up the cleaned metal cabinet surface. This helps paint adhere properly.

Apply Primer

Opt for a high-bonding primer specifically made for metal. Apply two coats allowing drying time between coats.

Choose Paint Color

Select a semi-gloss or high-gloss enamel cabinet paint in your desired color. White and light grey are popular choices.

Add Two Coats of Paint

Slowly apply two finish coats of cabinet paint using a high-quality brush or sprayer. Allow to fully cure 48-72 hours before use.

With a fresh coat of durable paint, your outdated metal cabinets will look brand new!

Refacing Metal Kitchen Cabinets

For a fast kitchen update, consider refacing your metal cabinets. This involves:

Remove Cabinet Doors and Drawers

Detach all existing doors, drawers, and hardware. Clean surfaces thoroughly.

Sand Away Major Scratches

Use sandpaper to smooth any major scratches on cabinet frame fronts.

Measure for New Doors

Carefully measure each cabinet box opening to order replacement doors.

Order New Doors and Drawer Fronts

Choose new slab or shaker-style doors in materials like melamine, MDF, or wood.

Durable Thermofoil Doors

Thermofoil cabinet doors are a budget-friendly option. The vinyl coating resists scratching and moisture.

Attach New Doors and Hardware

Once the doors arrive, attach them to cabinet boxes and install any new hardware.

Enjoy Your Updated Cabinets!

Refacing provides a fresh look while saving time and money.

Update Hardware on Metal Cabinets

Replacing outdated metal cabinet hardware is an easy upgrade. Here’s how to find modern handles and knobs:

Remove Old Hardware

Take off all existing hardware on doors, drawers, and pulls. Fill any unused holes.

Measure Carefully

Note current hardware sizes and spacing when buying replacements. Standard is 3” center-to-center.

Choose Handle or Knob Style

Select new handles or knobs in stainless steel, black, brass, or nickel to match your kitchen decor.

Include New Drawer Pulls

Don’t forget to update any visible metal drawer pulls or hinges to match.

Install New Hardware

Carefully install the new cabinet hardware using a drill. Enjoy the simple but stylish update!

Improve Metal Cabinet Interiors

The right organizational products can transform messy cabinet internals into functional storage. Here are helpful upgrades:

Add Shelf Liners

Self-adhesive shelf liner keeps cabinets clean and items from slipping. Choose wipeable, waterproof materials.

Install Pull-Out Shelves

Add functional pull-out shelves for easier access to back items. Great for blind corner cabinets or pantries.

Use Lazy Susans

Lazy susan turntables create space in corner cabinets and allow easy access.

Try Tiered Organizers

Tiered risers or baskets optimize vertical storage on underside of shelves.

A few simple upgrades make your metal cabinets more user-friendly than ever!

Paint Kitchen Walls a Fresh Color

Don’t stop at just the cabinets! Painting walls, trim, or adding a backsplash can take your new kitchen to the next level.

Repaint Walls

Consider repainting kitchen walls an uplifting white or light grey to complement your revamped metal cabinets.

Crisp White Trim

Freshen up existing trimwork with bright semi-gloss white paint. It makes cabinets pop!

Add a Backsplash

Install a backsplash in metal, glass, or ceramic tile to tie the whole space together.

Finish off your fabulous metal cabinet makeover with stylish final touches like modern lighting or fun display shelves. Enjoy your budget-friendly “new” kitchen!

FAQs About Making Over Metal Kitchen Cabinets

Making over metal kitchen cabinets brings up many questions for DIYers. Here are helpful answers to some frequently asked questions:

Can I paint over my metal cabinets?

Yes, metal cabinets can be painted over to transform the look of your kitchen. Use a high-adhesion primer and enamel cabinet paint.

What kind of paint is best?

A semi-gloss or high-gloss enamel cabinet paint works best for a durable finish. Opt for quality paint that will hold up to every day use.

Do I need to sand before painting cabinets?

Lightly sanding metal cabinets helps paint adhere properly. Use fine grit sandpaper to scuff up the surface before priming.

How do I get rid of rust?

Remove loose rust with sandpaper, steel wool, or a wire brush. Treat remaining rust stains with a rust converter before priming and painting.

What about refacing metal cabinets?

Refacing involves replacing cabinet doors and hardware. It saves time and money compared to a full renovation.

Can I spray paint kitchen cabinets?

Yes, you can use a paint sprayer to achieve an even finish. Practice first and use drop cloths to avoid messes.

How do I update old metal cabinet hardware?

Remove existing hardware, fill holes, then install new handles and knobs in modern finishes like brushed nickel or matte black.

What storage upgrades help organize cabinets?

Lazy susans, pull-out shelves, tiered racks, and drawer organizers all optimize metal cabinet storage.

Conclusion

With some cleaning, elbow grease, and creativity, you can transform outdated metal kitchen cabinets into a stunning feature in your home. Refurbishing metal cabinets allows you to update your kitchen’s style on a budget compared to full replacements. Whether you paint, reface, update hardware, or improve storage, enjoy the process of DIYing a beautiful new look for your metal cabinets.