How to Paint a Metal Medicine Cabinet
Painting a metal medicine cabinet can update the look of your bathroom. With some preparation and effort, you can give your old cabinet a fresh, new finish. This comprehensive guide will walk you through all the steps for properly painting a metal medicine cabinet.
Introduction
Painting metal can be tricky, but with the right supplies and techniques, you can get a smooth, durable finish. Painting a metal medicine cabinet allows you to change its color or cover up stains and rust. It may seem daunting, but breaking the project down into manageable steps makes the process approachable even for a beginner DIYer.
In this guide, we will cover:
- Benefits of painting your metal medicine cabinet
- Preparing the surface
- Choosing the right paint and supplies
- Applying primer
- Painting techniques
- Achieving an even coat and avoiding brush strokes
- Applying protective clear coat
- Cleanup and care
Follow these steps correctly, and you can give your old, worn-out medicine cabinet a brand new look that makes your bathroom feel fresh and updated. Let’s get started!
Benefits of Painting a Metal Medicine Cabinet
Before we dive into the how-to, let’s look at some of the benefits of taking on this painting project:
- Affordable update: Painting a cabinet costs very little compared to replacing it. It’s a budget-friendly way to update the look of your bathroom.
- Custom color: You can choose any color paint you like rather than settling for whatever color the cabinet comes in. Paint allows you to match your bathroom’s decor.
- Cover damage: Painting will conceal rust, tarnish, peeling paint, and other damage to refresh the look of an aging cabinet.
- Quick project: With proper prep, you can paint a cabinet in just a weekend. It’s faster than waiting to remodel.
- Easy makeover: A simple paint job can give the bathroom a whole new look and feel with just a little time and effort.
Painting a medicine cabinet truly does provide big visual impact for small investment. As long as you use the proper materials and techniques outlined in this guide, you can achieve lasting results.
How to Prepare a Metal Medicine Cabinet for Painting
Proper prep work is crucial for getting an evenly painted surface that will last. Rushing this step can lead to peeling or chipping down the road. Here’s how to properly prepare a metal medicine cabinet for painting:
Remove the Door
The first step is to remove the door from the cabinet so you can paint it separately from the box. Look for screw holes where the hinges are attached. Unscrew them using a drill or screwdriver. Be careful when removing the door so it does not bend. Set it somewhere safe while you work on the cabinet box.
Clean the Surfaces
Give the cabinet box and door a thorough cleaning to remove dirt, grease, soap scum, and anything else that could prevent paint from adhering. Use a degreasing cleaner or TSP substitute mixed with water. Scrub all surfaces, then rinse clean.
Allow it to dry fully before moving onto sanding.
Sand Down the Finish
Use 120-150 grit sandpaper to scuff up any glossy areas on the metal. This helps the paint grip better. Wear a dust mask as you sand.
Focus on sanding down any areas with chipping or peeling paint so they are smooth. Be sure to sand the raised edges of the cabinet as well.
After sanding, wipe away all dust with a tack cloth.
Fill Holes and Imperfections
Examine the cabinet for any holes, dents, or imperfections. Fill these in with metal filler according to package directions so that you have a nice, smooth surface for painting. Allow the filler to dry fully before sanding.
Prime Immediately
It’s critical to apply primer as soon as possible after prepping the metal. This helps prevent oxidation or flash rust from forming. We’ll cover choosing the right primer in the next section.
Once you’ve cleaned, sanded, and primed the medicine cabinet, it’s ready for your topcoat paint.
Choosing the Right Paint and Supplies
You’ll need to gather the right paint products and tools to ensure success when painting metal. Here are the supplies to have on hand:
Metal Primer
Primer formulated specifically for metal is a must. It binds to the slick surface so paint can properly adhere. Use a rust-inhibiting primer for preventing corrosion on metals prone to rust.
Oil-based primers work best for preventing bleed-through on metal cabinets. Allow oil-based primer to dry at least 24 hours before painting.
Durable Paint for Metal
On top of primer, use an oil-based or 100% acrylic latex paint. Avoid cheaper paints which won’t last. The paint should state “rust-preventive” or “rust-inhibitive” on the label.
Semi-gloss or high-gloss sheens are ideal for cabinets since they are durable and scrubbable.
Foam Brushes and Roller
Foam brushes allow you to reach small areas and apply an even coat. You’ll also need a roller with a smooth nap for easily painting larger areas.
Sandpaper, Tack Cloth, Drop Cloth
Gather fine grit sandpaper, a tack cloth for dusting, and a drop cloth to protect floors. You’ll also need mineral spirits for cleanup.
Painter’s Tape
Use painter’s tape to mask off any areas you don’t want to paint, such as where the cabinet meets the wall. Remove it immediately after painting before the paint dries.
With these supplies in hand, you’re ready to start painting your cabinet.
How to Apply Primer to a Metal Medicine Cabinet
Priming is the most important prep step for ensuring the paint sticks. Here are tips for properly applying metal primer:
- Read the primer directions and only apply in proper conditions (temperature, humidity).
- Stir primer thoroughly before and during use.
- Apply a uniform coat of primer using long, even brush strokes or a rolling motion. Work in small sections.
- Allow primer to dry fully, applying a second coat if necessary for optimal coverage. Sand lightly between coats.
- Check for any areas the primer didn’t cover and touch up.
The primer should leave a slightly rough finish for the paint to grip. Once it’s fully cured, you can apply your topcoat.
Painting Techniques for Medicine Cabinets
Follow these techniques to achieve a smooth painted finish on your metal medicine cabinet:
1. Apply Paint in Thin Coats
Thinner coats of paint will dry more evenly than trying to apply one thick coat. Use a foam brush or small roller to apply the first coat. Allow it to fully dry before the second coat.
2. Brush in Different Directions
Brush up and down for the first coat, then side to side for the second. This ensures you fill in any thin spots. Finish brush strokes in one direction for an even look.
3. Use Crisscrossing Brush Strokes
Where two painted areas meet (like where the door meets the frame), use overlapping crisscrossing strokes. This prevents paint buildup.
4. Paint the Door on Sawhorses
Rest the door on sawhorses or supports so you can easily paint the edges. Allow it to dry fully before moving.
5. Inspect Between Coats
Check for any drips, thin spots, or brush marks after each coat dries. Sand them smooth and touch up with more paint.
6. Finish with Long Brush Strokes
Use light, long strokes from top to bottom for a final pass. This smooths out the finish for an even look once the paint levels.
Achieving an Even Paint Coat on Metal
It can be tricky getting an evenly painted surface on metal without visible brush strokes. Here are some tips:
- Use good lighting so you can see thin spots as you paint.
- Apply paint using smooth, slightly overlapping strokes. Don’t overbrush or rework areas as they begin to dry.
- Thin coats dry more evenly than heavy coats.
- Roll on paint, then smooth with light brush strokes. This minimizes visible roller marks.
- Finish with long, light strokes from top to bottom to level out the paint.
- Allow proper drying time between coats so paint doesn’t lift.
- Sand between coats to smooth out imperfections.
- Hold brush at a consistent angle as you paint for a uniform look.
With care and some practice, you can achieve a beautifully smooth finish on your painted metal cabinet.
Applying a Clear Coat for Protection
For added protection and sheen, apply 1-2 coats of clear polyurethane over the painted metal cabinet. Use a water-based poly if you used latex paint or an oil-based version for oil paint. Brush it on just like paint, allowing several hours of drying time between coats. The clear topcoat helps protect the finish from scratches and yellowing over time.
Cleaning Up and Caring for the Painted Cabinet
Follow these tips once your cabinet paint job is complete:
- Allow paint to cure fully for a few days before reinstalling the door. Check manufacturer specs for cure times.
- Clean brushes with mineral spirits if using oil-based paint. Wash brushes used for latex paint with soap and water.
- Use painter’s tape to protect freshly painted edges when reinstalling the door.
- Clean painted cabinet only with mild soap and water. Avoid abrasive cleaners.
- Use touch up paint if blemishes occur to prevent corrosion.
- Limit moisture contact and wipe up spills quickly to help the paint last.
With proper prep, painting technique, and care, your painted metal medicine cabinet can look freshly updated for many years before needing a touch up!
Frequently Asked Questions About Painting Metal Medicine Cabinets
Here are answers to some common questions about painting metal cabinets:
What kind of paint should I use?
Use a high-quality 100% acrylic latex or oil-based paint formulated for metal. Avoid cheaper paints. Priming is a must before painting bare metal.
How do I prep metal for painting?
Clean thoroughly, sand to rough up the finish, and apply a metal primer right after prepping. This helps paint adhere properly.
Should I remove the shelves and hardware?
Yes, remove all hardware, shelves, and the door to paint separately for best results. Reinstall them after paint is fully cured.
How do I get an even coat?
Thin, multiple coats with proper drying time in between prevent visible brush strokes. Finishing with long, light strokes helps level out the paint.
Can I paint over rust?
Lightly sand any rust, then apply a rust-inhibiting primer before painting to prevent continued corrosion.
How long does it take for metal paint to cure?
Check the paint directions, but typically allow at least 24-48 hours between coats and several days for full curing before use.
Does paint stick well to metal?
With proper sanding to rough up the surface and application of a metal primer, paint can get excellent adhesion on metal cabinets.
Conclusion
Painting a metal medicine cabinet allows you to easily and affordably update the look of your bathroom. While the process takes some work, you can achieve lasting results with proper preparation, painting techniques, and protective clear coat. Use high-quality paint formulated for metal along with primers, tools, and supplies designed for the surface.
Follow the steps in this guide during your painting project. With some care and effort, you can give an outdated metal medicine cabinet a fresh, new look!
