How to Paint a Metal Filing Cabinet with Chalkboard Paint

Painting a metal filing cabinet with chalkboard paint is a fun way to create a custom piece of functional furniture. With just a few supplies and some simple steps, you can transform an old filing cabinet into a stylish storage solution or organizational tool.

Introduction

Chalkboard paint allows you to turn just about any surface into a writable chalkboard. It can be used to create a creative focal point, leave messages for family members, make a planning/organizational area, or add some decorative flair to plain furniture pieces. Painting a metal filing cabinet is a great way to give new life to an outdated piece of office furniture. The smooth cabinet doors become the perfect canvas for chalkboard paint.

Painting a filing cabinet chalkboard does require some special considerations because of the metal surface. But it can be done by most DIYers with minimal supplies and tools. The key steps include proper cleaning and preparation of the cabinet, applying chalkboard paint correctly for metal, and finishing it off with a coat of clear sealer for protection.

Benefits of a Chalkboard Filing Cabinet

Some of the benefits of painting a metal filing cabinet with chalkboard paint include:

• Provides a large surface for writing chalk messages, drawings, and more
• Can be used as a central organizational hub or bulletin board for the home
• Gives an old unused filing cabinet new purpose and unique style
• Durable chalkboard paint formulated for metal resists staining and scratching
• Fun way to customize the cabinet and make it specific to your needs
• Much less expensive than buying a new chalkboard
• Easy way to add a creative flair and focal point to any room’s decor

What You’ll Need

Painting metal requires specific supplies to ensure proper adhesion and durability. Here’s a list of what you’ll need for the project:

Cleaning supplies

• Mild dish soap
• Warm water
• Clean cloths
• Tack cloth
• Isopropyl alcohol

Painting supplies

• Chalkboard paint formulated for metal surfaces
• Foam rollers and tray or paint sprayer
• Fine grit sandpaper (180-220 grade)
• Primer formulated for metal
• Clear polyurethane sealer (satin or matte finish)
• Painter’s tape
• Drop cloths

Other supplies

• Screwdriver
• Tarp or newspaper to cover workspace
• Rags
• Paper towels
• Plastic gloves and mask

How to Paint a Metal Filing Cabinet with Chalkboard Paint

Follow these steps to successfully paint a metal filing cabinet and turn it into a functional chalkboard:

Step 1: Remove Drawers and Hardware

The first step is to empty out the filing cabinet and remove all drawers. This provides easier access to the cabinet box and doors. Use a screwdriver to detach any handles or hardware. Remove paper labels or sticky residue from drawers and doors using isopropyl alcohol.

Place drawer pulls, labels, and other hardware in a small container so they don’t get misplaced. Lay drawers on a flat surface and cover with a drop cloth.

Step 2: Clean and Sand the Surfaces

Thoroughly clean all cabinet and drawer surfaces with a mixture of mild dish soap and warm water. This removes any dirt, grease, or oils that could interfere with paint adhesion.

Rinse with clean water and let the metal air dry completely. Then go over all surfaces with fine grit sandpaper. Sanding roughens up the slick metal so paint can properly adhere.

Wipe sanded surfaces with a dry tack cloth to remove any dust. The filing cabinet needs to be completely clean and dry before painting.

Step 3: Apply Primer to the Metal

It’s crucial to apply a coating of metal primer before painting the cabinet. Primer helps the chalkboard paint stick to the filing cabinet rather than rubbing off. Use a primer specifically formulated for metal surfaces.

Carefully read and follow the product directions for applying the metal primer. In general, it’s best to apply two thin, even coats allowing proper drying time between coats. Make sure to get primer on edges and into corners.

Step 4: Paint on the Chalkboard Paint

Once the primer has fully cured (typically 24 hours), you’re ready for the chalkboard paint. Carefully stir the paint to fully incorporate the pigment. When using a roller, pour chalkboard paint into a paint tray. For spray application, thin the paint according to directions.

To get an even coat, apply the chalkboard paint in long and steady back & forth strokes. Avoid tapping or rolling in a circular motion. Apply two to three thin coats, allowing each coat to dry as directed on the label before adding another. Be patient—rushing the process can ruin the finish.

Paint the edges and hard to reach spots using a small angled paintbrush. Once the final coat has dried, the filing cabinet is ready for clear sealing and reassembly.

Step 5: Seal the Surface

The chalkboard paint needs to be sealed for protection and to create a smooth writing surface. Use a clear matte or satin polyurethane sealer for the best finish on chalkboard paint.

Carefully apply two to three thin, even coats of the sealer allowing full drying time between applications as directed on the label. The sealer also allows for easy erasing of chalk without ghosting.

Step 6: Reattach Hardware and Drawers

With the painting and sealing complete, put the filing cabinet back together. Reattach handles, label holders or any other hardware that was removed before painting.

Place the drawers back into the cabinet box. If the drawers don’t slide smoothly, gently sand down any paint that got onto the drawer rollers. Apply a little lubricant like wax or grease on the rollers if needed.

Step 7: Let Cure and Enjoy!

Allow the painted filing cabinet to cure for a full 7 days before heavy use or cleaning. This gives the paint finish time to fully harden. Clean the chalkboard surface as needed using a damp cloth or chalkboard eraser. Enjoy creating colorful chalk art and writing helpful messages on your new customized chalkboard cabinet!

Tips for Successfully Painting Metal with Chalkboard Paint

Follow these tips for getting great results painting a metal filing cabinet with chalkboard paint:

• Always use paint products specifically made for metal. Look for “direct to metal” formulas.
• Proper metal cleaning and sanding ensures paint adhesion. Don’t skip these steps!
• Apply thin coats of primer, paint, and sealer. Thick coats can bubble or crack.
• Let each coat fully dry before adding another! Rushing the paint drying ruins the smooth finish.
• Use long, parallel strokes with the roller or paint sprayer to prevent visible brush marks.
• Chalkboard paint can be used on any smooth metal surface—refrigerators, doors, and more!

Common Questions and Concerns

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about chalkboard painted filing cabinets:

Is chalkboard paint durable on metal?

Yes, quality chalkboard paint is formulated to stick to slick surfaces like metal. The clear sealer also protects the painted finish from stains, moisture, and scratches.

What kind of primer should be used?

For best adhesion, always use a primer specifically made for metal. Avoid general purpose primers which can flake or rub off metal over time.

Can chalkboard paint go over rust spots?

No, any rust or corrosion needs to be sanded and smoothed before applying primer and paint. The rust could continue growing under the paint and cause bubbling or chipping over time if not removed upfront.

What sheen is best for the sealer/topcoat?

For chalkboard cabinets, a matte or satin polyurethane sealer provides the right finish. High gloss sealers make the surface too slick for chalk adhesion.

How do I care for the painted chalkboard?

Gently clean with warm water only when needed – harsh cleaners could strip the paint. Buff occasionally with a dry eraser to keep a smooth writing surface. Reapply sealer every 1-2 years for continued protection.

Conclusion

Upcycling an old filing cabinet by painting it with chalkboard paint gives boring office furniture new life. The process requires careful prep and painting methods since metal can be tricky. But the end result is a stylish and functional piece that can be used in so many ways.

With quality chalkboard paint and sealer, the painted metal cabinet can handle regular use and cleaning while maintaining its colorful look. So try out this fun furniture makeover project—with just a little time and effort, you can create custom chalkboard storage and organization exactly suited to your space and needs.