How to Paint an Old Metal Medicine Cabinet

Painting an old metal medicine cabinet can completely transform the look of your bathroom. With some simple preparation and the right paint, you can give new life to a dull, outdated medicine cabinet. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to properly prep and paint a metal medicine cabinet to get a fresh, updated look.

Assessing the Medicine Cabinet

Before starting any painting project, it’s important to fully assess the surface you’ll be painting. Here are some things to look for when examining your old metal medicine cabinet:

Check for Rust

Old metal surfaces often have rust present. Check the inside and outside of the cabinet for any rust spots or flaking paint caused by rust. Rust will need to be removed prior to painting to ensure the paint adheres properly.

Evaluate the Paint Surface

Determine if the existing paint is in good shape or flaking/peeling. Peeling or flaking paint will need to be removed before painting. Also check for grease, dirt, or soap residue, which will need to be cleaned off before painting.

Look for Dents and Scratches

Small dents and scratches can be filled in and smoothed over in the preparation process prior to painting. However, large dents or holes will need more extensive metal work before the cabinet can be painted.

Test for Lead Paint

If the cabinet is very old, the existing paint may contain lead. Test the paint with a lead testing kit before sanding or scraping, which could release lead particles. If lead is present, take proper safety precautions.

Decide on Paint Type

Will regular enamel paint adhere properly or do you need a bonding primer? This will depend on the cabinet’s material and the condition of the existing paint surface.

Preparing the Medicine Cabinet for Painting

Proper prep work is crucial for getting a smooth, professional painted finish on your metal medicine cabinet. Here are the key steps:

1. Remove Door and Shelf

Remove the door from the cabinet and take out the shelf so you can easily access all surfaces during painting. Place door horizontally on a drop cloth.

2. Clean Surface

Use a degreasing cleaner to remove any dirt, grease or soap residue. Rinse with clean water and let dry fully.

3. Remove Loose Paint

Use a paint scraper to remove any loose, flaking or peeling paint. Feather edges smooth.

4. Sand Cabinet

Lightly scuff sand the entire cabinet using fine grit sandpaper. This helps the paint adhere.

5. Clean and Dry Surface

Wipe cabinet with a tack cloth to remove any dust. Let fully dry before painting.

6. Fill Holes and Dents

Use spackle or enamel filler to fill any small dents, holes or scratches. Sand smooth when dry.

7. Remove Rust

For any rust spots, sand vigorously or use a rust removal solution. Wipe clean and let dry fully.

8. Prime Bare Metal Spots

For any bare metal, apply a thin coat of metal primer to prevent future rust.

9. Apply Bonding Primer (If Needed)

For glossy or damaged paint surfaces, apply a bonding primer coat so the new paint bonds properly.

Choosing the Right Paint Finish

The paint finish you choose for your medicine cabinet will impact the overall look and feel. Consider these factors:

Sheen Level

A satin, eggshell, or semi-gloss sheen will make cleaning easier than a matte finish. Glossy paint can make imperfections more visible.

Color Choice

Neutral colors like grey, beige or light blue are ideal for medicine cabinets. Avoid bright or dark colors which can feel overwhelming.

Enamel vs. Latex

Enamel paints provide a smooth, durable and reflective surface that’s easy to clean. Latex is lower odor but less durable.

Antimicrobial Property

Antimicrobial paint contains additives to inhibit mold and bacteria growth. Great for humidity-prone bathrooms.

Design Effects

Specialty paints can create interesting effects like faux marble, rusted metal, chalkboard finish, etc.

Step-by-Step Painting Process

Follow these key steps to properly paint your metal medicine cabinet:

1. Lightly Sand Surface

Lightly sand entire cabinet with fine grit sandpaper to help paint adhere.

2. Remove Dust

Wipe sanded surface with a tack cloth to remove any dust or debris.

3. Apply Primer Coat

If needed, apply a thin, even primer coat according to manufacturer’s directions. Allow to fully dry.

4. Lightly Sand Primer

Gently sand the primer coat with fine sandpaper to smooth any drips or rough spots. Remove dust.

5. Apply First Paint Coat

Using a good quality brush, apply the first finish coat in long, even strokes. Get into grooves and edges.

6. Allow to Dry

Let the first coat dry fully according to the paint manufacturer’s recommendations before applying a second coat.

7. Apply Second Paint Coat

Apply the second finish coat in the opposite direction of the first coat. Feather out edges.

8. Allow to Dry and Cure

Let paint fully dry and cure for at least 24-48 hours before reinstalling door and shelf.

9. Reinstall Door and Shelf

Once paint has cured, reattach door and shelf. Apply touch ups to edges as needed.

10. Admire Results!

Step back and admire your freshly painted, revitalized metal medicine cabinet!

Tips for Achieving an Expert Painted Finish

Follow these pro tips and tricks to get the highest quality, smoothest painted finish:

• Ensure the room is well-ventilated to allow paint fumes to dissipate and dry properly.
• Use high quality primer and paint products from reputable brands. Cheap paint usually results in disappointing results.
• Apply paint in thin, even coats. Thick globs can cause drips and an uneven finish.
• Use good quality synthetic bristle brushes made for painting metal. Foam brushes often leave visible brush marks.
• Work methodically and patiently. Rushing the process can ruin the paint job. Allow proper dry time between coats.
• Keep a wet edge when painting – avoid lap marks by brushing back into semi-dry edges.
• Sand lightly between coats for a super smooth finish using fine (220+ grit) sandpaper.
• Clean brushes immediately after use with the appropriate solvent. Dried paint ruins good brushes.
• Apply touch-ups carefully with a small brush once reinstalled to cover any new blemishes or drips.

Common Problems and Solutions

Even experienced DIYers can encounter problems when painting a medicine cabinet. Here are some common issues and how to prevent or fix them:

Problem: Brush strokes show in the paint finish.

Solution: Use a high quality synthetic bristle brush and apply paint in thin, even coats.

Problem: Paint is dripping or running.

Solution: The paint is too thick. Add paint thinner to get proper consistency.

Problem: Paint isn’t adhering to metal surface.

Solution: Ensure the surface is properly sanded, primed, and cleaned before painting.

Problem: Finish is streaky or uneven.

Solution: Apply paint in overlapping strokes while maintaining a wet edge. Sand between coats.

Problem: Rust spots reappear after painting.

Solution: Remove all rust properly before painting. Use a rust inhibiting primer on bare metal.

Problem: New paint is peeling or flaking off.

Solution: The surface wasn’t properly prepped and cleaned prior to painting.

Maintaining Your Painted Medicine Cabinet

To keep your newly painted medicine cabinet looking fresh, follow these maintenance tips:

• Allow paint to fully cure for at least 2 weeks before cleaning surface. Use only mild cleaners like dish soap and water.
• Avoid abrasive scrubbers or cleaners which can damage the painted finish over time.
• Apply a fresh coat of paint periodically as needed when you see signs of wear, fading or damage.
• For humidity prone bathrooms, apply new coats of antimicrobial paint to inhibit mold growth.
• If rust appears, immediately sand the area and apply touch up primer and paint.
• Check for cracks or holes in the paint surface and repair as needed to avoid damage.

FAQs About Painting Metal Medicine Cabinets

Q: What kind of paint should be used?

A: High quality enamel, acrylic or antimicrobial paints are best for painting metal medicine cabinets in bathrooms. Avoid exterior or textured paints.

Q: Do I need to use primer?

A: In most cases, yes. Primer helps the paint better adhere to metal surfaces. Use a metal, rust inhibiting primer for best results.

Q: Can I use spray paint?

A: Spray paint could work but doesn’t provide the same smooth, durable finish as brush painting. Taping off the area well is a must.

Q: How long does the paint need to dry?

A: Allow at least 24-48 hours of dry time before using newly painted cabinet. Let cure for 2 weeks before cleaning.

Q: How do I get rid of rust on the metal?

A: Vigorously sand any rust, use a rust removal solution, or for tough rust consider replacing the damaged metal section.

Q: What sheen level should I use?

A: An eggshell or satin sheen provides a nice subtle sheen that is easy to keep clean. Glossy paint shows imperfections.

Conclusion

With the right preparation and painting technique, you can give an outdated metal medicine cabinet a much-needed facelift. Carefully assess, clean, and prep the surface before applying a high quality primer and paint in thin, even coats. Allow proper dry time between coats. Finish off by safely reinstalling the door and shelf once fully cured. Follow proper maintenance and your freshly painted medicine cabinet will look great for years to come. With a little time and effort, you can completely transform the look of your bathroom through this simple painting project.

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