Painting a metal storage cabinet can help revive an old piece of furniture and give it a fresh new look. With some preparation and the right paint, you can easily transform a worn-out metal cabinet into a stylish accent for any room. This comprehensive guide will walk you through all the steps for successfully painting a metal storage cabinet, from choosing the right paint and supplies to prepping the surface and applying the paint.

Introduction

Painting metal furniture like storage cabinets is a relatively easy DIY project that can make a big visual impact. With a new coat of paint, you can change the look of a metal cabinet from dull to vivid. Vibrant paint breathes new life into old metal cabinets and makes them look crisp and modern.

Painting a metal storage cabinet allows you to customize it to match your home’s decor. You can opt for a bold, bright shade or choose a more neutral tone. You get to decide if you want a glossy, shiny finish or a matte, muted effect. Paint allows you to adapt a generic metal cabinet to your style.

While painting metal furniture is straightforward, proper preparation is key to getting great results. With the right supplies and some elbow grease, you can paint a metal storage cabinet in an afternoon. This guide covers tips and techniques to help you successfully paint metal cabinets and make them look like new.

Benefits of Painting a Metal Storage Cabinet

There are many great reasons to paint a metal storage cabinet:

• Revive the look – Painting can breathe new life into a worn, faded metal cabinet. A fresh coat of paint makes it look crisp and updated.
• Customize the color – Paint allows you to choose any color to match your home’s decor. Go for a bold, vibrant shade or a more neutral one.
• Hide flaws – Paint can conceal scratches, scrapes, stains, and other imperfections in the metal surface. It provides a clean, flawless-looking finish.
• Protect the metal – Paint forms a protective barrier that shields the metal from rust, corrosion, and everyday wear and tear.
• Easy makeover – Painting a cabinet is an affordable, accessible DIY project. It allows you to transform the look without replacing the whole piece.
• Add your style – Custom colored paint allows you to adapt a basic metal cabinet to your unique taste and decor.

Painting a previously bare metal cabinet opens up lots of possibilities for customization and new life. With a good understanding of the process, you can easily paint metal cabinets yourself.

Supplies Needed to Paint a Metal Storage Cabinet

Painting metal requires some specialized supplies in order to achieve long-lasting, professional-looking results. Here are the essential items you’ll need:

• Paint – High-quality enamel spray paint or oil-based paint works best for metal surfaces. Opt for indoor/outdoor paint for increased durability.
• Primer – Primer formulated specifically for metal creates a strong bond between the paint and metal.
• Paintbrushes – Angled sash brushes allow you to get into corners and edges neatly.
• Sandpaper – 220- and 400-grit sandpaper removes rust and rough up the surface for better paint adhesion.
• Painters tape – Blue tape masks off areas you don’t want painted.
• Drop cloth – Canvas drop cloths protect your floors from drips and spills.
• Tack cloth – These sticky cloths pick up dust and debris between coats.
• Paint thinner – For oil-based paints, you’ll need paint thinner to clean your brushes.
• Rags – Old T-shirts work perfectly for applying paint thinner.

With these supplies on hand, you’ll be fully equipped to paint your metal storage cabinet like a pro.

How to Prepare a Metal Storage Cabinet for Painting

Proper prep work is crucial for getting great results when painting metal. Here are the key steps:

Clean the Surface

Remove all dust, grease, wax and dirt from the cabinet. Wipe it down with a degreasing cleanser formulated for metal. Rinse thoroughly and let it dry fully.

Remove Hardware

Take off all hinges, handles and knobs before painting. Store screws and hardware together in plastic bags for reinstallation later.

Sand the Metal

Lightly scuff sand the entire cabinet using 220-grit sandpaper. This roughs up the surface for optimal paint adhesion.

Clean and Dry

Wipe away all sanding dust with a tack cloth. Let the metal fully dry before priming or painting.

Fill Holes and Imperfections

Use spackle or wood filler to patch any holes, gouges or dents. Allow filler to dry completely before sanding smooth.

Mask Off Areas

Use painter’s tape to cover hardware holes, edges and any areas you don’t want painted. This keeps paint neat and tidy.

With the cabinet cleaned, sanded, filled and taped off, it’s ready for primer and paint.

Choosing the Right Paint and Primer

The type of paint and primer you use can make or break the success of your metal cabinet paint job. Here’s what you need to know:

Oil or Enamel Paint

High-gloss enamel or oil-based paints work best on metal surfaces. The oil allows the paint to adhere tightly and smoothly. Opt for indoor/outdoor enamel for extreme durability.

Rust-Inhibiting Primer

Specialty primers contain rust-inhibitors that prevent corrosion underneath the paint. They create a barrier between the metal and paint.

Spray or Brush-On Paint

Enamel spray paint offers an ultra smooth finish but requires careful application to avoid drips. Brush-on paint allows excellent control for detailed areas.

Metal Cabinet Paint Colors

For a bright, bold accent piece choose glossy reds, brilliant blues, neon greens or shiny metallics. For a more subtle look, opt for neutral grays, cream whites or woodsy browns.

Sheen Level

Higher gloss paints are very reflective and amplify the vibrant color. Lower sheens like eggshell and satin offer a softer, muted effect.

With metal primer and the right high-quality enamel or oil paint, you’re ready to start painting your cabinet.

How to Paint a Metal Storage Cabinet

Follow these steps to paint a metal storage cabinet to perfection:

Step 1 – Apply Primer

Shake the primer can vigorously for at least one minute. Hold 10-12 inches from the surface and apply a light, even coat using a side-to-side sweeping motion. Let the primer dry fully before painting.

Step 2 – Paint the Inside

Use a brush to paint inside the cabinet and the underside of shelves. This prevents drips on items later placed inside. Allow the interior paint to dry fully before moving on.

Step 3 – Paint the Outside

Apply the topcoat paint in thin, even coats allowing full drying between coats. Thin coats prevent drips and runs. Let the final coat cure 24-48 hours before use.

Step 4 – Remove Tape

Once paint is completely dry, remove all painters tape. Pull the tape back on itself slowly to avoid tearing off paint.

Step 5 – Add Hardware

Reinstall all handles, hinges, and hardware you removed before painting. Check alignment before tightly screwing them in.

Step 6 – Touch Up Paint

Use a small brush to touch up any spots you may have missed and to neatly paint corners and edges.

Follow these steps diligently for a smooth, flawless painted metal finish.

Tips for Achieving an Expert Painted Metal Look

Use these pro tips and techniques to get a perfectly polished painted metal cabinet:

• Always clean metal with a degreaser before painting to remove any oily residue.
• Apply painter’s tape around the edges and hardware holes for super sharp paint lines.
• Opt for high-quality oil-based enamel or spray paint formulated specially for metal.
• Allow each coat of primer and paint to dry fully before adding another. Rushing the process can ruin the finish.
• Gently sand glossy surfaces before priming to help the paint adhere properly.
• Work in a dust-free area and tack off between coats to prevent debris in the paint.
• Spray paint in light, even coats holding the can 10-12 inches from the surface.
• Use angled sash paintbrushes to neatly paint edges and corners.
• Add cabinet hardware back on after the final coat has fully cured to prevent scratches.

With the right supplies and proper technique, you can paint metal furniture smooth as glass.

Common Questions About Painting Metal Storage Cabinets

Many first-timers painting metal cabinets have some common questions. Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions:

What kind of paint works best on metal cabinets?

Oil-based enamels, spray paints and lacquers formulated especially for metal provide the most durable finish. They resist chipping and scratching better than other paints.

Do I need to use primer on metal?

Primer is highly recommended as it helps the paint adhere tightly. Metal specific primer contains rust inhibitors to prevent corrosion under the paint.

How do I get rid of rust before painting?

Lightly sand affected areas with 220 grit sandpaper until you’ve removed all traces of rust. Wipe clean and apply rust neutralizing primer before painting.

Can you use latex paint on metal?

Latex paints don’t adhere as tightly to slick metal surfaces. For best results, opt for an enamel or oil-based paint. If using latex, be sure to prime first.

How long does it take for paint to dry on metal cabinets?

Most enamel and oil paints dry to the touch within 1-2 hours. But allow 24-48 hours of cure time before replacing cabinet contents or hardware.

How do I avoid brush marks when painting metal?

Use high-quality synthetic bristle brushes and apply paint in smooth, even strokes while maintaining a wet edge.

Choosing the right type of paint and allowing proper dry times are the keys for successfully painting metal furniture like storage cabinets.

Conclusion

Painting metal storage cabinets allows you to transform the look of worn-out furniture affordably. With the right primer and paint, along with good preparation, you can easily revamp plain metal cabinets.

Carefully sanding, cleaning and taping off the cabinet before painting ensures professional looking results. Oil-based enamel or spray paint designed for metal provides a durable, scratch resistant finish.

Follow the techniques in this guide to paint your metal storage cabinets smoothly and flawlessly. With a little time and effort, you can paint tired metal cabinets to look like new for a fraction of replacement cost. Breathe new life into your storage furniture with a fresh coat of paint!

How to Clean and Prep a Metal Storage Cabinet Before Painting

To get a flawless, professional looking paint job on a metal cabinet, proper prep work is absolutely critical. Taking time to thoroughly clean and prepare the metal surface will help the new paint adhere tightly. Here are the steps for prepping a metal storage cabinet for painting:

Remove Cabinet Contents

• Empty the cabinet completely before cleaning and prepping for paint. Remove all stored items from inside and any items displayed on top.

Take Off Hardware

• Use a screwdriver to remove all hardware including handles, knobs and hinges. Set screws aside in separate bags labeled for each item.

Clean the Surface

• Wash the cabinet to remove all dirt, grease, dust and grime. Use a degreasing cleaner made for metal and rinse thoroughly.

Sand Away Rust

• Lightly sand any rusty spots and rough areas with 220 grit sandpaper. Remove rust down to bare metal.

Clean Up Dust

• Wipe away all sanding dust using a dry tack cloth. Make sure the surface is perfectly clean.

Fill Holes and Dents

• Use metal filler compound to patch any holes, dents, gouges or scratches. Once dry, sand smooth.

Degrease Again

• Give the cabinet another wipe down with degreasing cleaner to remove any oily residue or new dirt.

Mask Surfaces

• Use painter’s tape to mask off edges, interior shelves, and any areas you don’t want painted.

With cleaning, sanding, filling, and taping complete the metal cabinet is prepped and ready for primer and paint. Proper prep leads to better paint adhesion and a super professional looking finish.

Why Good Prep Matters

Taking time to properly prepare a metal cabinet before painting pays off in many ways:

• Degreasing removes oils so paint adheres tightly
• Sanding roughs up the slick surface for better paint grip
• Filling divots and dents creates a smooth look
• Masking off areas keeps paint tidy and controlled
• Removing hardware prevents paint damage and drips

Doing the prep steps thoroughly prevents many paint frustrations and results in a high quality finish. The time invested in cleaning, sanding, filling and masking leads to better looking, longer lasting results.

Tips for Prepping Metal Surfaces

Use these pro tips for flawless prep work when painting metal storage cabinets:

• Use 220 grit sandpaper to gently scuff the surface for paint adhesion
• Always wipe down with tack cloths between sanding, priming, and painting
• Allow plenty of dry time for spackle or wood filler before painting over
• Peel off painter’s tape slowly at angles to prevent tearing off fresh paint
• When removing hardware, tape screws to the inside of cabinet doors for reinstallation
• Clean metal surfaces with degreasing agents like TSP substitute or liquid deglossers
• Scrub tough grease stains with an abrasive scrub pad for the cleaning solution to penetrate

Thorough prep and cleaning allows the new paint to adhere tightly for a professional quality, long lasting finish.

Conclusion

Preparing metal cabinets properly before painting requires patience but delivers superior results. Always start by fully cleaning the cabinet, sanding down any rough spots, and fixing dents and divots. Mask off areas that need to remain unpainted.

Taking time to clean, sand, fill, and tape off surfaces prevents many frustrations during the painting process. The extra effort leads to a smooth, flawless painted finish that looks professionally sprayed on. With good prep, you can achieve expert level paint results on DIY metal cabinet painting projects.

Choosing the Right Paint and Primer for a Metal Cabinet

The type of paint and primer you choose can make or break your metal cabinet paint project. Using high quality formulas designed specifically for metal ensures the paint bonds tightly and lasts beautifully over time. Here’s what you need to know about choosing the right paint supplies:

Priming Metal Cabinets

Primer provides an essential base layer that allows the paint to grip to the slick metal surface. For metal, it’s best to use:

• Metal Primer – Contains rust inhibitors to prevent corrosion under the paint
• Etching Primer – Chemically etches the metal for superior paint adhesion
• Epoxy Primer – Two part primer that creates an ultra durable surface for paint

Topcoat Paint Options

For the topcoat of colored paint, oil and enamel paints work best on metal:

• Oil-Based Paint – Flexible, long-lasting, and sticks well to metal’s slick surface
• Enamel Paint – Available in spray cans for ultra smooth finish on metal
• Acrylic Enamel – Water-based but mimics properties of oil-based enamel
• Hammered Paint – Contains flecks and creates a textured hammered metal effect
• Metallic Paint – The bits of metal flake in these paints lend a stylish metallic look
• Lacquer Paint – Offers a durable, glossy and protective finish on metal

Sheen Options

The sheen level impacts the paint’s durability and look on metal cabinets:

• Gloss – Very reflective, bold color. Most durable sheen.
• Satin – Soft glow. Shows fewer surface imperfections.
• Eggshell – Silky smooth finish. Easy to clean.
• Flat – No shine at all. Hardest sheen to keep clean.

With the right primer and paint combination, you can achieve any look from glossy and shiny to muted and industrial.

Key Characteristics to Look For

When shopping for paint for your metal cabinet, look for these key features:

• Label specifies it’s formulated for metal surfaces
• Contains rust inhibiting ingredients
• Interior/Exterior grade for durability
• Oil, enamel or lacquer based
• High hide quality to cover in fewer coats
• Dries to a hard, scratch resistant finish

The right supplies lead to a smooth, durable finish that keeps your painted metal cabinet looking freshly applied for years to come.

Conclusion

Choosing paint and primer designed specifically for applying to metal leads to superior results and longevity. Use an etching or epoxy primer before the color topcoat goes on. Then opt for gloss oil-based enamels, spray paint or lacquers formulated just for metal’s slick, non-porous surface. With the right paint products, you can achieve a flawless, scratch resistant finish on DIY metal cabinet paint projects.

How to Apply Primer and Paint to a Metal Cabinet

Applying primer and paint properly allows you to achieve an ultra smooth factory like finish on a metal storage cabinet. Use these techniques for applying the coats:

Prep the Space

• Cover floors with a canvas drop cloth to protect from drips and spills.
• Set up in a dust-free area without direct air flow to prevent blowing dust.

Shake Cans Vigorously

• Always shake spray cans for at least one full minute before spraying. This mixes the paint thoroughly.

Mist on Primer

• Lightly mist on a thin, even layer of metal primer holding the can 10-12 inches back.

Allow Primer to Dry

• Let primer dry