Painting metal cabinets to look like wood is an affordable way to update the look of your kitchen or bathroom without the expense of installing new cabinetry. With some simple prep work, the right paint and technique, you can give metal cabinets a stylish, wood-like finish. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the entire process step-by-step.

Supplies Needed to Paint Metal Cabinets

Painting metal cabinets is an achievable DIY project. Here is a list of everything you will need:

• High-adhesion primer – Primer helps the topcoat of paint adhere properly to the slick metal surface. An oil-based or shellac-based primer works best.
• Quality acrylic latex paint – Look for cabinet paint or another interior paint with hardener added for a durable finish.
• Paint brushes – Angled sash brushes are ideal for cutting in and painting cabinet frames. wider brushes will speed up application on flat surfaces.
• Paint roller – Use a high-density foam roller for the flat cabinet door and drawer fronts.
• Sandpaper – 220-grit and 400-grit for sanding before and after primer.
• Tack cloth – This removes dust between sanding and painting steps.
• Painters tape – For masking off areas you don’t want painted.
• Drop cloths – Protect floors and countertops from drips and spills.
• Paint tray – A tray with built-in screen and angled ramp for the roller is very useful.
• Stain blocking spray primer (optional) – For covering dark finishes and woodgrain that bleed through paint.
• Orbital sander (optional) – Speeds up sanding prior to painting, especially for textured laminate cabinets.

Preparing Metal Cabinets for Painting

Proper prep work ensures the new paint job won’t start chipping or peeling. Follow these steps to get your cabinets ready for painting:

1. Remove Cabinet Doors and Drawers

Removing the doors, drawers and hardware takes some time up front, but allows for much easier painting. Number each door and drawer to keep them organized. Place hardware in labeled bags.

2. Clean Surfaces

Use a degreasing cleaner or TSP substitute to remove any residual oils or grime. Rinse with clean water and let dry fully.

3. Sand Cabinets

Lightly sand with 220-grit sandpaper to rough up the glossy surface. This helps the primer adhere better.

4. Wipe Clean

Use a tack cloth to remove all dust after sanding. Any dust that remains will create flaws under the new paint.

5. Apply Stain Blocking Primer

For cabinets with a dark existing finish or noticeable woodgrain, use an oil-based primer advertised as a stain blocker. This prevents the old finish from bleeding through the new paint. Apply with a brush or sprayer.

6. Fill Any Holes and Imperfections

Use wood filler to patch any holes or gouges. Let dry completely and sand smooth. Apply spackling to fill any cracks or uneven joints, letting dry fully before sanding smooth.

7. Lightly Sand Again

Give surfaces a final sanding with 400-grit paper. Wipe clean with a tack cloth before painting.

How to Paint Metal Cabinets

Once your prep work is complete, you’re ready to start painting. Follow these steps for a smooth, even finish:

1. Tape Off Any Adjacent Surfaces

Use painters tape to mask off the countertops, backsplash, floors or any other areas that you don’t want to get painted. Remove tape as soon as the final coat has dried to avoid peeling up paint.

2. Apply Primer Coat

Use an angled sash brush to cut in along edges and a small foam roller for flat surfaces. Apply the primer evenly according to manufacturer’s instructions, allowing proper dry time between coats.

3. Sand Primer Coat

Once fully dry, lightly sand the primer with 400-grit sandpaper. This smooths any drips or uneven texture.

4. Wipe Clean and Apply Top Coats

Use a tack cloth to remove dust, then paint the cabinets with at least two finish coats of high quality cabinet paint, allowing full drying between coats.

5. Remove Tape and Reinstall Doors/Drawers

Carefully remove the painters tape before the last coat fully dries. Allow the final coat to cure fully, then reinstall the doors, drawers and hardware.

Tips for Achieving a Realistic Wood Finish

Beyond proper prep and application, there are some extra steps you can take to make painted metal cabinets convincingly resemble real wood:

• Add woodgrain texture – Use a specialty roller or brush made for faux finishes to impart subtle wood-like graining in the top coat of paint. Work in thin sections since texture dries quickly.
• Distress edges – Lightly sand the outer edges of cabinet frames and doors to reveal some of the primer underneath. This mimics wear that natural wood cabinets develop over time.
• Dry brush technique – After primary coats dry, dip a stiff bristle brush in paint and wipe off most of it on a rag. Then lightly brush over cabinet frames to build up painted “distressing” just on high points.
• Stain interior cabinets – For a coordinating look, use wood stain on the unfinished interiors of cabinet boxes rather than painting them. Apply sparingly and wipe to avoid drips.
• Add trim details – Affix decorative trim pieces on cabinet frames and open shelving for an authentic built-in look. Opt for trims painted in a contrasting shade.

FAQs About Painting Metal Cabinets

Some common questions that come up about painting metal cabinets to imitate woodgrain:

Can I paint over laminate cabinets?

Yes, laminate cabinet surfaces can be painted, but may require extra sanding with an orbital sander to roughen and flatten the laminate prior to painting.

What sheen of paint is best?

A satin, eggshell, or semi-gloss sheen are all good options. Flat paint won’t hold up as well to cleaning and wear. Glossy paint creates too much glare on cabinet doors.

How do I repair chipping or damaged paint?
Lightly sand any damaged areas and wipe clean. Spot paint the sanded areas with primer first, then finish paint. Avoid excessive sanding which could go through to the original surface.

Should I paint the cabinet interiors?
The cabinet interiors don’t require painting since they are not exposed. Stain or clear coat provides protection without light paint that shows scuffs.

Can I spray paint my cabinets?
Yes, spray painting with an HVLP spray gun is faster than brush painting. You’ll still need to prep, prime, sand and finish with protective topcoats.

What kind of paint adheres best?
Quality interior latex paints with hardener provide excellent adhesion and durability. Oil and shellac-based primers also help paint grab onto slick surfaces like laminate or melamine.

How long does the paint last?
With proper prep and application, painted metal and laminate cabinets should easily maintain their look for 5-7 years before needing touch up. Higher use areas may require more frequent maintenance.

Achieve a Fresh Kitchen Update With Painted Cabinets

Painting drab metal cabinets is an affordable DIY project that can give your kitchen or bath a fresh, wood-inspired makeover. With the right materials and some elbow grease, you can paint laminate or metal cabinetry in any color you like. Spend the time on proper prep work like sanding and priming for the most durable finish. Add creative faux finishing touches like woodgrain texture, distressing or contrasting trim accents to mimic the look of natural wood cabinetry. In just a long weekend, you can paint tired old cabinets and bring new life to your living spaces.

Final Tips for Painting Metal Cabinets Like a Pro

Transforming metal kitchen cabinets by painting them to resemble wood paneling or cabinetry is one of the most budget-friendly ways to update your kitchen’s style. Careful preparation, painting technique, and faux finishing can make inexpensive metal cabinets convincingly mimic pricier wooden cabinet options. Follow this final set of professional tips and tricks to help your painted metal cabinet project look as polished as possible:

Cleanliness is Key

Meticulous cleaning before starting to paint is imperative – any residual grease, dirt or dust will cause flaws in the finished paint job. Use a degreaser and rinse thoroughly, then sand and wipe down with tack cloth before priming and painting.

Avoid Lap Marks

When painting doors and drawer fronts, apply paint quickly in thin, even coats, maintaining a wet edge to prevent lap marks where paint sections overlap. Roll or brush from top to bottom of each door.

Use Angled Brushes

The edging around cabinet frames is easiest to paint neatly using an angled sash brush. Look for brush widths about 1-3 inches wide.

Seal Interior Cabinet Boxes

Use a wipe-on polyurethane or stain-blocking sealant inside the cabinet box interiors to protect the raw wood edges from moisture.

Caulk Gaps

Fill any cracks, gaps or misaligned seems with paintable caulk prior to priming and painting for a seamless finish.

Label Hardware

Place hardware like hinges, handles and shelf pegs in small bags labeled with the corresponding cabinet door/drawer number so reinstallation is easy.

Allow Proper Curing Time

It’s critical to let each coat of primer and paint cure fully before recoating or replacing doors. Check the product labels for recommended dry times.

Start with Inconspicuous Areas

Paint the cabinet interiors and sides first. This allows you to get the hang of the paint you’ve chosen before moving onto the more visible doors and fronts.

Use Mechanical Aids

Paint sprayers and power sanders greatly decrease painting time compared to brushing and manual sanding. They also provide more consistent results.

Practice Faux Finishing Techniques

Trying out faux finishing techniques like wood graining, distressing or glazing on paint board scraps will help build skills before tackling cabinets.

With the right tools, materials, and techniques, you can achieve stunning wood-like painted cabinets. Always thoroughly prepare metal cabinet surfaces, apply finish coats carefully, and utilize faux finishing touches for the most professional looking results.

How to Choose Paint Colors for Faux Wood Cabinets

Selecting paint colors is an exciting part of planning your faux wood cabinet project. The right colors can enhance the wood grain illusion while complementing your kitchen or bathroom. Follow these tips when picking paint colors:

Base Color for Faux Wood Effect

Choose a base paint color in a neutral tone close to a natural wood shade. For light cabinets, soft beige, almond and warm grays work well. Go for deeper taupe, walnut or espresso hues for darker cabinet colors.

Contrasting Accent Colors

Consider a slightlycontrasting shade on ornamental corbels, legs or trim pieces. Deep red-browns, charcoal, cream or black accents pops against neutral cabinet colors.

Undertones Matter

Keep undertones in mind, as the wrong ones diminish the wood illusion. Yellow, orange or red base undertones reinforce wood cabinet vibes. Blue and green undertones read less like real wood.

Lighter Stains Over Darker Paints

When applying faux stain finishes, opt for lighter stain colors layered over deeper base paints. Darker stain colors can appear too artificial over light paint colors.

Sample on Paint Boards

Test potential paint color combinations on primed paint boards. Seeing hues side-by-side helps assess if they coordinate as planned.

Factor in Countertops & Floors

Consider how your existing countertop and flooring colors will look with new painted cabinet colors. Contrasting or matching intensities creates different vibes.

Consistency is Key

For built-in cabinetry, it’s usually best to paint all upper and lower cabinets in matching colors. Varying colors appears disjointed.

Look at Lighting

The way lighting interacts with paint color can alter its appearance. Evaluate paint colors in your space at different times of day.

Picking the perfect color scheme is key to making over metal cabinets with convincing faux wood finishes. Ensure your color choices reinforce a natural, cohesive wood look rather than detracting from it.

How to Add Realistic Faux Wood Graining

One of the most effective ways to make painted metal cabinets resemble authentic wood is to recreate the look of real wood grain. There are a few easy techniques for applying faux wood grain that can take drab painted cabinets to the next level. Here’s an overview of wood graining application methods:

Tools Needed

• Paint colors – base coat & graining shades
• Paint brushes – stiff bristle & artists’ brush
• Paint roller – coarse nap for texture
• Graining combs/tools – specialty combs create grain patterns
• Rags – for distressing and blending graining

Graining Techniques

Rolled on wood grain – Use a thick, short nap roller in a V shape to pick up & transfer paint in a wood grain pattern.

Wood comb graining – Special graining combs are pulled through wet paint to mimic streaked wood textures.

Rag rolling – Twist & roll a rag in different directions in wet glaze to create graining.

Dry brush graining – Apply a wood tone over base color with a dry brush to highlight raised areas.

Sponging – Dab on graining glazes with a natural sea sponge for a mottled effect.

Distressing Over Grain

Add character by lightly sanding edges or distressing surfaces over faux grain. Soften hard edges in the graining by wiping with a rag.

Seal with Clear Coat

Apply a clear protective top coat like polyurethane over the finished grained paint. This prevents the detailing from getting damaged.

With a little practice, the wood graining technique you’re most comfortable with can create amazingly realistic effects on painted cabinets. Protect your work by sealing it well.

How to Distress New Cabinets for an Old World Look

Some faux finishing techniques like distressing evoke the rustic character of antique wood furniture. Recreating that timeworn, imperfect look on freshly painted cabinets adds authenticity to the faux wood finish. Here are tips for distressing painted cabinets:

Supplies Needed

• Paint scraper or 5-in-1 tool
• Sandpaper – 100 to 150 grit
• Paint brushes
• Rag or paper towels
• Paint matching top coat sheen

Subtle Distressing Techniques

• Lightly scrape edges and raised areas to reveal some of the primer coat beneath the top color.
• Use medium grit sandpaper to gently rough up corners, crevices, raised trim and edges.
• Dip a stiff bristle or toothbrush in paint glaze and tap over surfaces to create random “peel” spots.

Heavier Distressing

• Use heavier hand sanding or scraping to expose more primer, but avoid going down to the metal.
• Make scratches and gouges in inconspicuous areas with 5-in-1 tool or screwdriver tip.

Blending and Finishing

• Soften edges where paint is removed using a rag or fine sandpaper.
• Spot paint heavy distressing with primer then top coat to match surrounding finish.
• Apply protective clear coat over the entire surface.

Go slow and build up the desired degree of wear. Finished results will add depth and an antique vibe to faux wood painted cabinets.

How to Give New Cabinets an Antiqued Finish

A convincing aged finish on newly painted cabinets adds character and an authentic lived-in feel. You can make modern kitchen cabinets seem like vintage finds with these antiquing painting techniques:

Supplies

• White or light gray base paint
• Dark tinted glaze, stain, or paint
• Paintbrushes & rags
• Tack cloth
• Clear sealing topcoat

Antiquing Steps

1. Paint cabinets in a light neutral base color and let dry fully. Light colors show off antiquing.
2. Wipe or brush on a dark antiquing glaze, wiping off any excess. Taupe, walnut and espresso glazes work well.
3. While glaze is wet, wipe corners and edges with a clean rag to lighten those areas.
4. Soften and blend glaze more for a unified aged effect.
5. Seal with a clear matte or satin topcoat when antiquing is complete.

Achieve Variations in Depth

• Apply more antiquing glaze to recessed areas and lightly over raised sections for depth.
• Layer glaze over painted wood grain for deeper crevices and an aged patina.
• Dry brush white or off-white over edges and corners to replicate wear.

With the right antiquing approach, it’s simple to make new cabinets convincingly resemble timeworn antique wood. The layered depth and variation produces very cool finished results!

How to Decorate Faux Wood Cabinets for a Complete Look

Once your meticulously painted faux wood cabinets are installed, add some key decorative elements to lend a polished, complete look:

Hardware

Swap out old hardware for new knobs, pulls, hinges and handles in an updated style and finish that pops against your painted cabinets. Opt for brushed nickel, oil rubbed bronze or vintage styled hardware.

Trim Molding

Affix trim molding strips along the tops, bottoms or framing edges of cabinets for added dimension. Choose wide or ornamental trim for emphasis.

Glass Doors

Having some cabinets fitted with glass panel doors maintains an open, airy vibe. Frosted, seeded or smoked glass options afford privacy.

Open Shelving

Exchange a few upper cabinets for open shelves. This shows off decor items and balances all the cabinetry.

Under Cabinet Lighting

LED lighting underneath upper cabinets illumin