How to Paint a Metal Laundry Cabinet

Introduction

Painting a metal laundry cabinet can completely transform the look of your laundry room. With a fresh coat of paint, your once dull and dated cabinet can become a stylish focal point. Painting metal isn’t difficult, but does require some preparation and effort to ensure the paint adheres properly and lasts. This article will provide a step-by-step guide to prepping and painting a metal laundry cabinet to get a beautiful, professional-looking finish.

Step 1: Clean the Cabinet Thoroughly

The first and most important step is to thoroughly clean the cabinet. Any dirt, grease, soap residue, or other contaminants left on the surface can prevent the paint from properly adhering. It’s critical to remove any existing paint that is flaking or peeling. Here’s how to clean a metal laundry cabinet:

• Remove all doors, drawers and hardware (hinges, handles, etc). Set them aside somewhere safe.
• Use a degreaser or all-purpose cleaner to remove any grease, dirt or grime. Scrub all surfaces with a sponge or brush.
• Rinse everything thoroughly with clean water and let dry completely.
• Use a wire brush attachment on a power drill to remove any rust spots.
• Wipe down all surfaces with mineral spirits to remove any remaining contaminants.

Proper cleaning provides the blank slate needed for the new paint to stick.

Step 2: Sand the Surfaces

Once clean, you’ll need to sand the cabinet to help the paint adhere. Use 120-150 grit sandpaper to gently scuff up all the surfaces. This gives the paint something to grip.

Be sure to sand:

• All sides of the cabinet box
• Doors, fronts and backs
• Drawer fronts
• Shelves

Sand just enough to scuff up the surface, not to remove metal. Wipe away all sanding residue with a tack cloth.

Step 3: Prime the Surfaces

Priming is absolutely essential for painting metal. Primers contain binders that help the paint better adhere to slick metal surfaces. Use a high-quality metal primer specifically designed for use on metal.

When priming:

• Work in a well-ventilated area and wear a respirator mask.
• Apply primer in thin, even coats using a high-density foam roller.
• Coat all surfaces of the cabinet, doors, drawers and shelves.
• Follow the manufacturer’s recommended drying times between coats.
• Apply at least 2 coats of primer to the cabinet for best results.

Priming preps the metal for accepting the paint, ensuring it bonds tightly.

Step 4: Paint the Cabinet

Once the primer has fully cured, you’re ready for the fun part – choosing a color and painting the cabinet! When selecting a paint:

• Opt for a high-quality, oil-based semi-gloss or gloss enamel paint. The glossier finish is easiest to keep clean.
• If your laundry room lacks natural light, choose a lighter color. White is a popular choice for a bright, clean look.
• Make sure the paint is specifically formulated to bond to metal. General purpose paints won’t adhere well.

When painting:

• Again, work in a well-ventilated area and take precautions against inhaling fumes.
• Apply using a high-density foam roller and brush for cutting-in edges and corners.
• Use long, even strokes and maintain a wet edge to prevent brush marks and lap lines.
• Apply 2-3 thin, smooth coats for coverage, allowing proper dry time between coats.
• Coat all cabinet parts – sides, shelves, doors, and drawers. Don’t miss the backs of doors and drawers!
• Optional but recommended: Apply a clear coat of semi-gloss polyurethane for added protection and durability.

Applying multiple thin coats creates a smooth, hard finish that really makes the metal cabinet shine!

Step 5: Reinstall Hardware

The final step is to reinstall all the doors, shelves and hardware you removed before painting. Make sure surfaces are completely cured first. Some tips:

• Use new hardware if the existing pieces are worn or don’t match the fresh paint. Brushed nickel and oil-rubbed bronze are popular choices.
• Fill any old screw holes with spackle before driving new screws.
• Attach hinges to doors first before screwing them onto the cabinet.
• Apply lubricant to draw glides and slides to prevent squeaking.

Replacing old, mismatched hardware with coordinating pulls, knobs and hinges gives your newly painted cabinet a cohesive, built-in look.

6 Tips for Getting Great Results Painting Metal Laundry Cabinets

Follow these tips for getting a flawless, professional-looking painted finish on your metal laundry cabinet:

• Remove doors, shelves and hardware before painting for easier access.
• Thoroughly clean and remove all grease, dirt and rust. Proper prep prevents peeling.
• Apply 2-3 coats of a metal-specific primer to help the paint stick. Don’t skip priming!
• Use foam rollers and quality enamels formulated for metal for smooth, even coats.
• Allow proper dry time between primer/paint coats for proper adhesion.
• Finish with a clear coat sealer or polyurethane for added protection.

Common Questions About Painting Metal Laundry Cabinets

Should I remove the doors and hardware before painting?

Yes, you should always remove cabinet doors, shelves, drawers and hardware prior to painting. This allows you to fully access all surfaces and prevents paint from getting onto the hardware. Reinstall everything once the paint has fully cured.

What type of paint should I use?

Use a high-quality semi-gloss or gloss oil-based enamel paint formulated specifically for metal surfaces. Avoid general purpose latex paints. The glossier finish resists scuffs and is easy to clean.

How do I apply the paint smoothly without brush marks?

Use a high-density foam roller and brush to cut-in edges. Apply paint in long even strokes while maintaining a wet edge. Apply multiple thin coats rather than one thick coat.

Should I prime before painting the metal?

Priming before painting is an absolute must. Metal primers contain special bonding agents to help paint adhere. Apply at least 2 coats of metal primer for best results.

How long does it take for the paint to cure?

Most enamels take 24-48 hours to fully cure and harden. Avoid replacing doors or recoating before the paint has fully cured. Check the paint manufacturer’s instructions.

Conclusion

With the proper preparation and painting approach, it’s easy to give tired metal laundry cabinets a makeover. Following the steps to thoroughly clean, sand, prime, paint, and reinstall hardware results in a cabinet that looks professionally spray-painted instead of brushed. The refreshed cabinet brightens up the whole laundry room. With a little time and effort, you can paint your outdated metal cabinet and finally have the stylish, beautiful laundry room you’ve envisioned.