Kitchen and bathroom cabinets can easily be transformed from tired wood to modern metal with a few simple techniques. Giving wood cabinets a metal look is an affordable way to update the style of your space without a full renovation. Here are some of the best ways to make wood cabinets look like metal.

Sand and Prime the Cabinets

The first step is to thoroughly prepare the cabinet surfaces. Make sure to:

• Remove the cabinet doors and hardware. Fill any holes or imperfections with wood filler and sand smooth.
• Sand the cabinets, doors, and frames with 220 grit sandpaper to rough up the surface. This helps the paint adhere.
• Wipe away all dust with a tack cloth.
• Apply a high-quality primer designed for wood. Allow to fully dry per the manufacturer’s directions.

Priming ensures the paint color looks true and adheres to the wood properly. Taking the time to prep and prime the cabinets will lead to a smooth finished look.

Choose a Metallic Paint

Specialty metallic paints can give wood the convincing look of real metal. When selecting a paint, consider:

• Alkyd enamel paint – Contains oils that provide a durable, glossy finish. Ideal for a smooth metal effect.
• Acrylic paint – Water-based and dries quickly. Provides a shinier look than latex.
• Spray paint – Comes in metallic sheens like nickel, bronze, silver, gold. Best for small projects.

Paint with real metal particles or a mirror-like finish reflects light best for a metal appearance. Lean into bold metallic colors rather than pale silvers or golds.

Apply Paint in Thin Layers

Painting technique is key to avoiding brush strokes and uneven coverage. Follow these tips:

• Lightly sand glossy cabinets with 400 grit sandpaper so the paint adheres well.
• Stir the paint thoroughly and do not shake. Shaking creates bubbles in metallic paint.
• Use a high-density foam roller and nylon/polyester brush for the smoothest results.
• Apply paint in thin, even layers. Thick coats can appear gloppy.
• Allow each coat to fully dry before adding another. Typically 3-4 coats are needed.
• Gently sand and clean between coats to ensure proper adhesion.
• Finish with a clear protective topcoat for added shine and durability.

Take the time to apply multiple sheer coats. Rushing through painting is likely to create a textured, blotchy finish instead of smooth metal.

Consider Metal Foil Application

For a true metallic look, adhesive-backed metal foils provide an ultra-realistic effect. Options include:

• Stainless steel foil – Provides a chrome-like mirror finish. Very modern and sleek.
• Copper foil – Warm, soft finish ideal for antique or farmhouse styles.
• Brass foil – Dramatic and bold. Especially popular for hardware.
• Nickel foil – Understated silver tone. Classic metallic look.

To apply metal foil:

• Clean and lightly sand cabinets. Remove all grease, wax, and dust.
• Measure and cut foil to size, allowing 2-3 inches extra on all sides.
• Peel away backing and carefully apply foil smoothly from top to bottom.
• Use a plastic smoother to adhere foil tight to surface. Press out all air bubbles.
• Trim excess foil with a utility knife. Be very careful not to scratch cabinets.
• Apply protective clear coat over metal foil.

The foil application process is more tedious than painting but offers a striking hyper-realistic metal look.

Add Modern Metal Hardware

Updating the hardware is an essential finishing touch when faux painting cabinets. Dated plastic pulls instantly cheapen the look. Consider:

• Stainless steel – A popular choice for its durability and affordable price.
• Black iron – Bold black finishes are on trend. Matte black is especially modern.
• Brushed brass – Warm retro accent works well in traditional kitchens.
• Oil rubbed bronze – Has an antiqued, weathered metal appearance.

Ensure new hardware fits the scale of your cabinets. Oversized hardware can look gaudy.

Distress Wood to Look Weathered

For a vintage industrial look, artificially distress cabinets after painting by:

• Sanding lightly to chip away paint along the edges and corners.
• Using steel wool to rub away paint in areas cabinets would naturally wear.
• Applying antique glaze with a rag and wiping away excess to sink into distressed spots.

Add varying levels of distressing throughout for a natural, timeworn patina.

Consider Alternative Metallic Finishes

Beyond basic paint and foil, a few other creative finishes can transform wood cabinets into metal:

• Stainless steel spray – Contains real metal particles to create a chrome effect when sprayed.
• Galvanizing spray – Bonds to wood for a real galvanized metal finish.
• Metal laminate – Thin sheets of real metal adhere to cabinets for authenticity.
• Thermofoil – Durable plastic laminate with printed metal designs. Feels like metal.

These specialty finishes require more precision to install but deliver eye-catching results.

FAQ About Faux Metal Kitchen Cabinets

How do you prep wood cabinets before painting metallic?

Thoroughly sand and clean cabinets first. Fill imperfections with wood filler and sand smooth. Wipe away all dust with a tack cloth before applying primer designed for wood. Proper prep prevents chipping or peeling later on.

What sheen of paint looks most like real metal?

Semi-gloss or high-gloss paints have the highest shine for a convincing metallic look. Satin or matte finishes will not have enough reflective quality. Enamel paints have a durable glossy finish.

What color paint looks like stainless steel?

Shades like silver, pewter, gunmetal, and chrome create a stainless steel effect. Consider adding hints of blue for a cool tone. Lean into bolder silvers rather than pale for realism.

How do you antique new hardware to look old?

Wiping hardware with vinegar or lemon juice causes an oxidized effect. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before rinsing and drying. Rub very fine steel wool in the direction of the grain to impart nicks and scrapes. Apply a sealant spray.

Can you paint over thermofoil cabinets?

Paint does not adhere well directly to thermofoil plastic laminate. The cabinets need sanded down completely first to remove the coating before painting metallic. This is labor intensive.

What’s the difference between nickel and chrome paint?

Nickel paint has a muted silver-gray tone while chrome is a bright, almost mirror-like silver. Chrome paint contains small metal flakes for more shine. Nickel has more of a matte, brushed look.

Conclusion

Transforming the look of your current wood cabinets with metallic finishes is an affordable and dramatic way to give your kitchen or bathroom an updated style. Specialty metallic paints, metal foil, and refinished hardware create a high-end look for a fraction of the cost of brand new metal cabinetry. With proper prep and application of finishes, you can give tired wood cabinets a convincing metal makeover. Use these techniques to bring your home decor seamlessly into modern or industrial design eras.