How to Makeover a Metal File Cabinet

A metal file cabinet can be an eyesore in your home or office if it’s looking outdated or worn. With some simple DIY makeover ideas, you can give a metal filing cabinet a fresh, stylish look. Making over a metal file cabinet is an affordable way to update the look of a room without having to buy new furniture.

Clean and Prepare the File Cabinet

Before starting any makeover project, it’s important to thoroughly clean the file cabinet first. This allows you to remove any dirt, grime, or peeling paint so your makeover will adhere properly.

Here are the steps for cleaning and preparing a metal file cabinet:

• Remove all contents from the drawers and cabinet. You’ll want the inside to be empty for cleaning.
• Use a vacuum attachment to clean out any dust or debris inside the drawers or cabinet.
• Take the drawers completely out and clean each one with a multi-surface cleaner. Scrub away any sticky residue or dirt buildup.
• Clean the inside and outside of the cabinet with the multi-surface cleaner and a rag. Don’t forget the top, sides, and back.
• Use a deglosser or fine grit sandpaper on any painted surfaces to help the new paint adhere.
• Wipe down the entire cabinet with a tack cloth to remove any dust.

Now you have a clean slate to start your filing cabinet makeover!

Choose a Color Scheme

When selecting a color scheme, think about the overall decor of the room where the filing cabinet will be. You’ll want your makeover to coordinate. Some popular options include:

• Neutral tones like white, gray, tan, or black for a clean and classic look.
• Bold solid colors like navy blue, bright red, or emerald green for a fun pop of color.
• Metallic finishes like gold, rose gold, copper, or silver for a glamorous style.
• Wood tones like walnut or espresso if you want a natural vibe.
• Ombre or gradient colors that transition from light to dark.
• Wallpaper for a bold and trendy look. Make sure it’s the peel-and-stick type made for furniture.

Choose one main color for the majority of the cabinet. Then pick 1-2 accent colors for details like the hardware, interior shelves, or drawers. Having a coordinated color scheme will give your filing cabinet a polished, intentional look.

Sand and Prime the Cabinet

Before painting, it’s crucial to properly sand and prime the filing cabinet. This allows the new paint to adhere correctly for a smooth finish.

You’ll need:

• Orbital sander
• Sandpaper – 120 and 220 grit
• Tack cloth
• Primer – Either spray primer or primer paint
• Paintbrush (if using primer paint)

Follow these steps:

• Lightly sand all surfaces with the 120 grit sandpaper to rough up and degloss the metal.
• Wipe away any dust with the tack cloth.
• Apply 1-2 coats of primer, allowing drying time between coats. Spray primer is quick, or you can use primer paint and a brush.
• Once the primer is fully dry, do a final sanding with 220 grit sandpaper. This creates a smooth surface for painting.
• Wipe with a tack cloth one last time before painting.

Proper sanding and priming are the keys to getting an even, professional-looking painted finish!

Paint the Cabinet

Now for the fun part – painting! With so many types of paints available, you can achieve any look you want.

Paint Options:

• Spray paint – Available in tons of colors and finishes. Provides an ultra smooth finish. Best for metal furniture makeovers.
• Acrylic paint – Affordable and easy to use. Good for an opaque, uniform finish.
• Chalk paint – Provides a matte, vintage-style finish. No sanding/priming needed but should be sealed.
• Milk paint – Water-based and non-toxic. Gives a porous, matte finish.
• Metallic paint – Contains metal particles or mica powder for a glam, reflective effect.
• Enamel paint – A durable, glossy paint perfect for kitchens and bathrooms.

Steps for Painting:

• For spray paint or paints in a can, shake the can vigorously before starting.
• Apply 2-3 thin, even coats allowing drying time between coats. Thin coats prevent drips.
• Use a small paintbrush for any edges or hard to reach spots.
• Let the paint fully cure for at least 24 hours before re-assembling drawers.
• For an extra durable finish with acrylic paint, apply a clear acrylic sealer once the paint has cured.

Be patient during the painting process for best results. Rushing through steps can ruin the entire look.

Distress/Age the Painted Cabinet

For a trendy, vintage look you can distress or age your painted filing cabinet. Popular distressing techniques include:

• Sanding – Lightly sand paint in certain areas to reveal some of the metal underneath. Focus on edges and corners.
• Scraping – Use a 5-in-1 painter’s tool, flat head screwdriver, or coin to chip away paint in spots.
• Waxing – Apply wax over the paint, let dry, then buff off. Removes paint in high spots for an uneven, timeworn look.
• Glazing – Brush glaze over the paint in random areas then wipe off excess for an antiqued finish.

Always apply distressing judiciously and in a random pattern. A light touch creates a more natural, aged appearance.

Stencil or Freehand Paint a Design

For extra flair, consider adding a stenciled design or freehand painting details. This takes a filing cabinet makeover to the next level.

• Use a pre-cut stencil and stencil brush to add a geometric pattern, floral design, monogram lettering, or other motif. Position carefully before painting.
• Freehand paint scallops, diagonal stripes, botanical illustrations, or abstract shapes. Use painters tape for clean edges.
• Outline drawer fronts with a contrasting color for a framed effect.
• Paint the interior of a drawer a fun, bright color for a pop of color when opened.

Keep the design tailored to the scale of the cabinet. On metal furniture, stenciling and freehand details give charming, DIY-style appeal.

Add New Hardware

Replacing outdated hardware with fresh, modern options instantly elevates the look of a filing cabinet.

• Measure existing hardware holes so you can find suitable replacement knobs or handles.
• Opt for brushed brass, copper, or black hardware for an on-trend look.
• Glass knobs, leather handles, or crystal details provide unique flair.
• Paint existing hardware with spray paint to match your color scheme.

Updating hardware is one of the simplest ways to give a cohesive, finished look to your filing cabinet makeover. Let your new color scheme guide your hardware choices.

Add Hairpin Legs

For a contemporary twist, remove the standard metal legs and replace them with sleek hairpin legs.

• Use a drill to detach the original legs. Fill any holes with wood putty.
• Measure the width between leg brackets so you purchase properly sized hairpin legs.
• Screw or bolt new legs in place according to included instructions.
• Consider spraying legs to match your color scheme.

Hairpin legs add a charming, modern touch suited to today’s interiors. They work beautifully to update vintage-style filing cabinets.

Line Drawers with Contact Paper

Lining filing cabinet drawers with contact paper is an inexpensive way to customize the interior.

• Thoroughly clean drawers then let dry. Contact paper adheres best to smooth surfaces.
• Measure the inside of each drawer to determine how much contact paper you’ll need.
• Cut pieces of adhesive contact paper to fit each drawer, allowing 1-2 inches extra on each side.
• Remove backing paper and press contact paper firmly into place, starting at one edge and smoothing out bubbles.
• Use an X-Acto knife to trim off any overhanging edges.
• Consider waterproof contact paper for easy wiping.

From marble to geometric patterns, contact paper comes in endless designs to match your style. It’s a simple way to camouflage dull, aging drawer interiors.

Add Organizational Elements

Don’t forget the accessories! Adding organizational elements customizes your filing cabinet to keep important documents in order.

• Attach hooks to the side or top to hang folders for quick access.
• Include hanging file folders, dividers, and labels to organize contents.
• Install casters for mobility – great for smaller home offices.
• Add a desktop work surface on top for more usable space.
• Affix magnetic whiteboard panels inside cabinet doors to jot notes.

With the right additions, your filing cabinet can now neatly accommodate all your office, craft room, or household paperwork needs.

10 Inspiring Filing Cabinet Makeovers

Need a little extra makeover inspiration? Here are 10 amazing before-and-after metal filing cabinet transformations:

This dated green cabinet got a fresh white paint job with pretty brass hardware for a farmhouse vibe.

The ornate legs were sprayed gold and the cabinet painted a rich jewel tone for glamorous flair.

A light blue chalk paint finish gives a soft, timeworn look to this antique cabinet.

A pretty floral stencil in metallic gold pops against the distressed black finish.

The retro orange color scheme got a modern update with sleek hairpin legs and wood top.

Freehand geometric shapes using painter’s tape create a modern patterned design.

Sultry dark green paint coordinates beautifully with the warm copper hardware.

Ombre gray paint gives dimension to the cabinet and matches the marble contact paper inside.

Metallic gold polka dots for whimsical, nautical style.

A distressed black finish plays up the bright pink floral drawer lining.

With the right combination of paint, hardware, and creative details, you can give tired metal filing cabinets an easy, stylish makeover.

Frequently Asked Questions About Filing Cabinet Makeovers

Here are answers to some common questions about revitalizing metal filing cabinets:

What type of paint is best for painting a filing cabinet?

For metal filing cabinets, spray paint or oil-based enamels work best. They adhere well and provide a durable, scratch-resistant finish. Popular options include Rust-Oleum and Krylon spray paints.

Do I need to sand and prime before painting a filing cabinet?

Yes, proper sanding and priming are vital preparation steps for the new paint to adhere correctly. Lightly sand surfaces first, clean away dust, then apply 1-2 coats of primer before painting.

What’s the best way to remove original cabinet hardware?

Use a Phillips head screwdriver to detach any visible screws. For pins or compressed rivets, use a hammer and nail punch to tap them out from the inside. Drill through rivets if necessary.

Should I paint the inside of the filing cabinet drawers?

The cabinet interior does not need to be painted, but you can paint the inside of drawers to match your color scheme or get creative with contact paper or a bright accent color instead.

How do I distress or age new painted finishes?

Popular techniques include lightly sanding edges, scraping paint with tools, applying wax then buffing it off, and brushing glaze over paint. Work slowly for natural looking wear.

What if my file cabinet has a wood top?

Use wood stain, paint, or contact paper to refinish the wood top and match the overall look. Remove the top first for easier refinishing.

How do I incorporate trendy hairpin legs?

Detach original legs, fill holes with wood putty, then bolt on new hairpin legs sized for your cabinet width. Spray paint legs to coordinate.

What type of stencil designs work well on filing cabinets?

Geometric shapes, florals, abstract patterns, and vertical stripes or boards are all great modern options. Scale the stencil to fit the size of each door or drawer front.

Transform Your Old Metal Filing Cabinet

With some creativity and effort, you can take a worn-out metal file cabinet from dated eyesore to stylish showpiece. Any of these makeover techniques – painting, stenciling, distressing, new hardware, hairpin legs – can give new life to old metal cabinets.

Before starting, thoroughly clean the filing cabinet and remove any contents. Next choose a color scheme. Neutrals, bold colors, metallics and wood tones are popular options. Proper sanding and priming ensure paint adheres smoothly. Then apply spray paint or another high-quality cabinet paint for your chosen finish.

For extra flair, add metal drawers lined with contact paper, stencil a fun design, or freehand paint artistic details. New knobs, handles, or hairpin legs update the look even further. Add organizational elements like hooks, hanging folders, and casters for functionality.

With the right combination of painting techniques and accessories, it’s simple to turn a dated, boring filing cabinet into a stylish storage solution. The makeover possibilities are endless!