How to Paint Metal Cabinets in Your Kitchen

Painting the metal cabinets in your kitchen is an easy and affordable way to give your space a fresh, updated look without the high cost of installing brand new cabinets. With some simple preparation, high-quality primer and paint, and a little bit of elbow grease, you can transform the look of your kitchen in a weekend. Here’s a step-by-step guide to painting metal kitchen cabinets and achieving a beautiful, professional-looking finish.

Gather Your Painting Supplies

• Paintbrush – Use high-quality angled sash paintbrushes, 2-3″ wide. You’ll need a brush for the cabinets and trim.
• Paint roller & roller tray – Choose a high density 3/8″ nap roller cover.
• Paint – Use cabinet-grade enamel paint or alkyd paint for a hard, durable finish.
• Primer – Opt for an oil-based or shellac-based primer formulated for metal.
• Painters tape
• Drop cloths
• Painters pyramids – To keep cabinet doors open while painting
• Sandpaper – 120 and 220 grit
• Tack cloths
• Rags
• Paint stripping chemicals – If your cabinets were previously painted

Prepare Your Cabinets for Painting

Proper prep work is crucial for achieving an flawless, durable painted finish on your metal kitchen cabinets.

Clean the Cabinets

Remove all cabinet doors, drawers, and hardware using a screwdriver. Clean cabinet boxes, doors, shelves, and drawers thoroughly with a degreasing agent to remove built-up grease and grime.

Sand Away Imperfections

Lightly sand all cabinet surfaces and trim with 120 grit sandpaper to rough up the gloss and help the primer adhere. Focus on sanding away drips, bumps, and flaws in the existing cabinet finish.

Apply Primer

Thoroughly wipe all surfaces with a tack cloth to remove dust. Apply 2 coats of high-quality metal primer, allowing sufficient drying time between coats as specified by the manufacturer. The primer will provide maximum adhesion for the new paint.

Caulk Holes & Repair Damage

Once the primer has dried, use painter’s caulk to fill any cracks, holes, or imperfections that may disrupt the smooth painted finish. Allow caulk to dry fully before sanding flush.

Final Sanding Session

Give all primed surfaces a final sanding with 220 grit sandpaper to ensure an ultra smooth finish for painting. Thoroughly wipe away all dust with a tack cloth.

Painting Your Metal Kitchen Cabinets

Follow these tips for flawless painted metal cabinets:

Work in a Dust-Free Space

Set up in a well-ventilated space free from dust and debris that could taint the paint. Cover floors with drop cloths.

Use High-Quality Paint

Invest in a premium cabinet-grade enamel or alkyd paint formulated for metal and hardware. Avoid latex paints, which won’t harden to a durable finish.

Work Methodically

Paint the cabinet boxes first, then doors, then drawer fronts for an organized workflow. Fully paint the inside surfaces of cabinet doors before the outside surfaces.

Apply Thin, Even Coats

Use a high-density roller and angled brush to apply thin coats of paint, smoothing out any heavy brush strokes. Thin coats minimize drips and sags.

Allow Proper Dry Time

Let each coat of paint dry fully before adding another coat. Drying times vary based on humidity. Refer to your paint’s instructions.

Sand Lightly Between Coats

Gently sand painted surfaces with 220 grit sandpaper between coats to remove any dust particles or drips.

Finish with Protective Top Coats

For added durability, apply one or two protective clear topcoats once paint has fully cured, following manufacturer guidelines.

Reinstall Your Painted Cabinets

Once the paint has fully cured, it’s time to admire your handiwork and put your kitchen back together! Refer to your manufacturer’s guidelines for full paint cure times.

Clean & Buff Hardware

While the cabinets are drying, clean all hardware like knobs and pulls with a degreaser and buff to restore their luster before reinstalling.

Reattach Door Hinges

Reattach all doors to cabinet boxes using your power drill. Refer to original hardware screw placement.

Reinstall Drawers & Shelves

Place all drawers back in their openings, ensuring smooth gliding motion. Return cabinet shelves to their original configuration.

Seal with Caulk

Apply painter’s caulk along cabinet trim, around edges and where cabinets meet walls/ceilings for a finished look. Allow to dry before use.

Add Finishing Touches

Finally, wipe down all surfaces to remove any lingering dust and reinstall hardware like handles and knobs. Step back and admire your like-new painted metal cabinets!

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of paint should I use on metal kitchen cabinets?

For metal cabinets, use a premium quality alkyd enamel or a urethane-acrylic blend. Avoid latex paints, as they won’t cure to a hard, durable finish.

How do I get a smooth painted finish on cabinets?

Proper sanding, applying thin coats of paint, allowing adequate dry time, and sanding lightly between coats ensures a smooth finish. Using high-quality primer and paint also prevents brush marks.

How long does it take for cabinet paint to cure?

Most cabinet paints take 2-3 weeks to fully cure and harden. Do not scrub or clean cabinets during this period. Check your paint manufacturer’s instructions.

Should I caulk before or after painting cabinets?

Caulk cracks and gaps before applying primer and paint. After painting, caulk along trim and edges for a polished look once paint is fully cured.

What sheen is best for painting cabinets – gloss, semi-gloss, or satin?

For cabinets, opt for a satin, eggshell, or semi-gloss sheen. Gloss shows imperfections, while satin or semi-gloss offer nice shine and are easy to clean.

Conclusion

With the right preparations and painting techniques, it is possible to achieve stunning, professional-looking results when painting metal kitchen cabinets at home. Revitalize your cooking space with painted cabinets in beautiful new colors that suit your style. Just take the proper steps when prepping, priming, painting and reinstalling to ensure your freshly painted metal cabinets maintain their luster for years to come. With strategic use of high-quality primer, paint and tools, plus ample drying time between steps, you can give your kitchen a dream makeover!