How to Paint a Metal Cabinet

Painting a metal cabinet can update the look of your kitchen, bathroom, or any other room. With some preparation and the right materials, you can paint a metal cabinet and give it a fresh new finish. This comprehensive guide will provide tips and steps for properly prepping, priming, and painting metal cabinets.

Introduction

Painting metal cabinets allows you to inexpensively update the look of your home. With a new coat of paint, you can change the color, hide scratches or rust, and give metal cabinets a more modern or elegant appearance.

When approaching a metal cabinet painting project, preparation is key. The metal surface needs to be thoroughly cleaned and lightly sanded to ensure proper adhesion of the primer and paint. Priming is also an essential step, as it provides a uniform surface for the paint to stick to. Primers made specifically for metals will further prevent rust and corrosion.

The type of paint used also matters when painting metal. Durable paints like latex enamels, oils, and alkyds adhere best while resisting nicks and scratches. Proper products, combined with good technique will lead to a smooth, lasting finish.

This guide will walk you through all the steps needed to successfully paint a metal cabinet. With the right supplies and some elbow grease, you can upgrade your old metal cabinets with a fresh new look.

Gather Your Painting Supplies

Before starting your how to paint a metal cabinet project, you’ll need to gather the appropriate supplies. Having all the necessary tools and materials will ensure the process goes smoothly.

Cleaning and Prepping Supplies

• TSP substitute or other degreasing cleaner
• Dish soap
• Sandpaper (120-220 grit)
• Tack cloth
• Drop cloths

Thoroughly cleaning and lightly sanding the metal cabinets will prep them for priming and painting. A degreaser helps remove any oily residues while dish soap and warm water can eliminate grime and grease. Sanding creates a rough texture for better adhesion. A tack cloth removes any remaining dust. Drop cloths will protect surrounding surfaces from drips and spills.

Priming Supplies

• Rust inhibiting primer
• Primer brush/roller
• Paint tray

Primer formulated specifically for metal is crucial when painting metal cabinets. The primers contain rust inhibiting additives to prevent corrosion under the new paint. Disposable brushes and rollers along with paint trays make applying the primer easy and fast.

Painting Supplies

• Cabinet paint (latex enamel, oil, acrylic, or alkyd based)
• Paint brushes
• Paint roller and cover
• Angled brush for cutting in
• Paint tray and liner

Latex and oil-based cabinet and trim enamels adhere best to metal surfaces. Acrylics and alkyds also work well. Choose paint labeled for metal or cabinets for the most durable finish. An assortment of brushes, rollers, and trays will provide all the tools needed to apply the topcoats smoothly and evenly.

Prepare the Metal Cabinets

With the right supplies gathered, you can start prepping the metal cabinets for painting. Proper preparation is crucial for getting the paint to properly adhere. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Clean the Cabinets

The first step is thoroughly cleaning the metal cabinets. Give them a good wipe down with a degreaser or a solution of TSP substitute and warm water. This will remove any greasy residues.

After degreasing, wash the cabinets with dish soap and warm water. Scrub away any grime, dirt or grease. Completely dry the cabinets with a towel once done.

2. Lightly Sand the Cabinets

Next, you’ll need to lightly sand the metal cabinets. This roughs up the slick surface so the primer and paint can adhere properly.

Use 120-220 grit sandpaper and lightly rub down all surfaces of the cabinets. Don’t press too hard or you may scratch the metal. Just a light scuffing is needed.

Remove any lingering dust with a tack cloth once sanding is complete.

3. Address Any Rust

Check for any rust spots or corrosion on the metal cabinets. Remove minor rust by vigorously scrubbing with steel wool. For heavier rust, use a wire brush or sandpaper.

Once removed, wipe the area clean and spot prime any bare metal. Allow it to fully dry before applying primer to the whole cabinet.

4. Remove Doors and Hardware

To fully paint the cabinets, remove all doors, shelves, and hardware. Take down cabinet doors by removing the hinge pins. Number each door to make reinstallation easier.

Place door handles and knobs in a bag labeled for each cabinet for easy reattachment later. Carefully set shelves aside as well, along with any tracks or supports.

5. Cover Surrounding Areas

Lastly, cover any nearby walls, floors, countertops or other surfaces to protect them from primer and paint. Use plastic sheeting secured with painter’s tape.

The metal cabinets are now prepped and ready to be primed and painted!

Prime the Metal Cabinets

Priming is a crucial step in painting metal cabinets. Primer formulated for metal provides maximum rust protection while also ensuring proper paint adhesion.

Follow these steps for successfully priming metal cabinets:

1. Select a Rust-Inhibiting Metal Primer

Purchase a primer specifically made for metal surfaces. Rust-inhibiting primers contain anti-corrosive additives that prevent oxidation under the new paint. Using a regular primer could lead to rust and paint failure.

Oil-based primers offer the best protection, but latex primers have improved in rust prevention as well. For already rusted cabinets, a Rust-Oleum rust reformer is a good option.

2. Prepare and Apply the Primer

First, stir or shake the primer thoroughly to fully mix in the anti-rust additives. If using latex primer, strain it after mixing to remove any skin or lumps. Pour the right amount into a clean paint tray.

Use a new paintbrush or small foam roller to apply a thin, even coat of primer over all cabinet surfaces. Fully cover the fronts, sides, tops, bottoms and interior of the cabinets.

Let the primer dry fully before applying a second coat. Two coats ensures complete, uniform coverage and protection.

3. Let the Primer Dry

Allow the primer coat(s) to fully dry according to the manufacturer’s directions before painting. Cool temperatures or high humidity may extend the drying time. Drying overnight is recommended.

Once fully dried, inspect the surface for any missed spots and apply another light coat of primer if needed.

The metal cabinets are now ready for topcoating with paint!

Paint the Primed Cabinets

With priming complete, the prepared metal cabinets can now be painted in your desired color. Follow these tips for best results painting over primed metal:

1. Choose a Durable Paint

For metal cabinets, durable paints like enamels, acrylics and alkyds adhere better and are more scratch resistant than regular latex wall paints. Look for cabinet, trim or appliance paints. Oil-based provides the toughest finish but latex enamels have improved in durability as well.

Matte, satin or semi-gloss sheens also resist scuffs and wear better than high-gloss. Match sheen to the cabinet’s location and your preferences.

2. Prepare the Paint

Read the paint can directions to ensure proper preparation. Oil-based paints will need thorough stirring to reincorporate solids that have settled. Latex paint may require straining after stirring as well.

Box in or intermix multiple cans of the same color to prevent variance in shade or sheen. Pour the paint into a clean tray. Follow any thinning instructions if needed.

3. Apply Two Coats of Paint

Use angled trim brushes and foam rollers to apply the cabinet paint smoothly and evenly. Brush paint carefully into corners and trim details first. Then quickly roll over flat surfaces, maintaining a wet edge.

Allow the first coat to fully dry then sand any drips or rough spots lightly with fine sandpaper before applying the second coat. The finish coat provides complete, uniform coverage.

4. Let the Paint Dry and Cure

Give the painted cabinets 24-48 hours to fully dry and cure. Drying times vary based on paint type, temperature, and humidity. Proper curing is crucial for maximum hardness and durability.

Avoid opening cabinets until completely cured. Once fully hardened, the doors and shelves can be reattached and any removed hardware reinstalled.

With preparation, priming, and painting done properly, the metal cabinets have a durable, beautiful and long-lasting finish!

Tips for Successfully Painting Metal Cabinets

Follow these handy tips to ensure your painted metal cabinets turn out perfectly:

• Thoroughly clean and lightly scuff the metal prior to starting. This helps paint adhere properly.
• Always use a primer formulated for metal that contains rust inhibitors to prevent corrosion.
• Allow recommended drying times between coats. Rushing the process can ruin the finish.
• Carefully wash brushes after use with the appropriate solvent and let them fully dry to reuse.
• Work in a dust-free space with adequate ventilation when painting.
• Apply paint in thin, even coats using high quality trim brushes and short nap roller covers.
• Maintain a wet edge when painting to prevent lap marks and variations in sheen.
• Let freshly painted cabinets cure fully before exposing them to heavy use or moisture.
• Frequently remix paint as you work to reincorporate settled pigments.

Following these tips will help you achieve professional looking results painting metal cabinets!

Common Questions

Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about painting metal cabinets:

Should I clean metal cabinets with TSP before painting?

Yes, using a TSP substitute to clean greasy or grimy metal cabinets helps degrease and prep the surface for painting. Just be sure to rinse thoroughly and let dry completely after cleaning.

What happens if you don’t use primer on metal cabinets?

Skipping primer can lead to poor paint adhesion, especially on slick metal surfaces. Bare metal will also be prone to rusting without a protective primer layer. Always use primer formulated for metals.

Can you use latex paint on metal cabinets?

Yes, quality latex paints like cabinet enamels will adhere well and provide a durable finish on primed metal cabinets. Make sure to use a primer designed for metal underneath first.

What sheen of paint is best for metal cabinets?

Matte, satin, or semi-gloss paints provide the most durable finish on metal cabinets. High-gloss paints can yellow over time. Choose based on the cabinet’s location and your preference.

How long does it take to dry painted metal cabinets?

Allow at least 24 hours drying time between coats and 48 hours curing time after the final coat, ensuring the paint has fully hardened before use. Cool temperatures or high humidity can increase drying times.

Conclusion

Updating outdated or worn metal cabinets by painting them is an affordable and effective upgrade for any room. With proper preparation, priming, and painting techniques, you can achieve durable, beautiful results. Use high quality primers and paints made specifically for metal along with good applicators. Allow for proper drying times between coats. Following the steps outlined in this comprehensive guide will help you successfully paint metal cabinets and enjoy their refreshed look for years to come.