How to Paint Metal Cabinets with Chalk Paint

Introduction

Painting metal cabinets with chalk paint is an easy and affordable way to refresh your kitchen or bathroom. Chalk paint has a matte finish that adheres well to slick surfaces like metal or laminate. It dries quickly, needs minimal prep, and provides great coverage. With just a few coats of chalk paint and a clear wax top coat, you can transform dated metal cabinets into a charming, vintage-inspired focal point. This complete guide will walk you step-by-step through the process.

Benefits of Using Chalk Paint on Metal Cabinets

Chalk paint offers many advantages for painting metal cabinets:

Excellent Adhesion

The thick, creamy consistency of chalk paint allows it to grip onto slick surfaces like metal or laminate better than regular acrylic latex paints. There’s no need for sanding or priming to get chalk paint to adhere.

Matte Finish

Chalk paint dries to a velvety, matte finish. This soft look allows any imperfections in the metal to show through attractively by muting the shine. The finish also resists chipping or damage.

Quick Dry Time

Chalk paint dries much faster than traditional cabinet paint. You can typically apply a second coat after just 45 minutes to an hour. This is a huge advantage when painting kitchen cabinets, allowing you to complete the project in less time.

Minimal Prep Work

Preparing metal cabinets for chalk paint is easy. There’s no need for sanding or priming before painting. Simply clean the cabinets to remove any grease or dirt. Chalk paint adheres beautifully right over existing paint.

Great Coverage

Chalk paint delivers opaque, one-coat coverage, even over dark finishes. The rich pigments allow the true color to shine through without requiring multiple coats.

Easy Application

Chalk paint goes on smoothly with a brush or paint roller. There’s no need to strain yourself brushing out brushstrokes since the finish has a natural, distressed look.

Supplies Needed

Chalk paint transforms metal cabinets with just a few simple supplies:

• Chalk paint – High quality chalk paint specifically formulated for furniture provides the best results. Annie Sloan and Rust-Oleum are top brands. You’ll need 1-2 quarts.
• Wax brush – A brush made with soft bristles is needed to apply the topcoat wax.
• Clear wax – Use a clear furniture wax to seal and protect the finish.
• Sandpaper (220 grit) – Lightly sand between coats for smooth results.
• Paintbrushes – Angled sash brushes work best for cutting in corners and edges.
• Paint roller – A 4-inch mini foam roller makes applying chalk paint fast and easy.
• Drop cloth – Protect floors and countertops from drips and splatters.
• Painters tape – For taping off adjacent surfaces.
• Tack cloth – Use a tack cloth to remove dust before painting.

Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these simple steps to successfully paint metal kitchen or bathroom cabinets with chalk paint:

1. Clean the Cabinets

Wipe down all cabinet surfaces with a mild detergent and water to remove any dirt, oil or grease. This helps the paint adhere. Use a degreaser on any especially grimy areas. Rinse well and let dry fully.

2. Remove Doors and Hardware

Remove all doors, drawers, shelves, and hardware from the cabinets before painting. Number doors and hardware to ensure everything gets reinstalled correctly later. Set hardware aside in a Ziplock bag.

3. Lightly Sand (Optional)

For smoothest results, you can lightly sand each cabinet box and door with 220 grit sandpaper. This scuffs the surface for better adhesion. Wipe away dust after sanding.

4. Apply First Coat of Chalk Paint

Use an angled sash brush to cut in around edges and corners. Then roll a liberal coat of chalk paint over all cabinet surfaces using a mini foam roller. Work in sections and maintain a wet edge to prevent lap marks. Let dry 1 hour.

5. Lightly Sand Again (Optional)

Gently sand again with 220 grit sandpaper to smooth any brush marks or drips. Wipe clean after sanding.

6. Apply Second Coat of Chalk Paint

Roll on a second smooth, flowing coat of chalk paint using a foam roller, again working methodically in sections. Let dry 1 hour and sand if needed.

7. Paint Doors

Paint the cabinet doors by laying them flat on sawhorses or across two chairs. Use an angled brush and mini roller to fully coat both sides. Let dry completely.

8. Apply Clear Wax Topcoat

Using a soft wax brush, apply a thin coat of clear furniture wax to seal and protect the finish. Buff gently with a clean cloth after 20 minutes. Allow to cure 24 hours before use.

9. Reinstall Doors and Hardware

Once fully dry, rehang all doors and drawers on cabinets, installing hardware in original location. Admire your like-new chalk painted metal cabinets!

Tips for Success

Follow these handy tips to ensure your freshly painted metal cabinets turn out beautifully using chalk paint:

• Always work in a well-ventilated area.
• Thoroughly mix chalk paint before and during use to maintain consistency.
• Apply thin coats of wax. Too much wax leads to a gummy finish.
• Buff wax in the direction of the wood grain for smooth results.
• Maintain a wet edge and overlap strokes to prevent lap marks.
• Work methodically section-by-section for best coverage.
• Let paint fully cure for 30 days before cleaning. Use only a soft cloth and mild soap.
• Wax occasionally to refresh shine and protect the finish over time.

Chalk Paint Color Ideas

One of the best aspects of chalk paint is the wide range of trendy colors available. Here are inspiring ideas for colors to liven up your metal kitchen or bathroom cabinets:

Classic White

Crisp white chalk paint gives metal cabinets a bright, refreshed look. Try Benjamin Moore’s Simply White or Annie Sloan’s Pure White.

Charcoal Grey

For a sophisticated, yet neutral palette, charcoal grey nicely complements stainless steel appliances. Use Farrow & Ball’s Down Pipe mixed with Pure White.

Navy Blue

Make a bold statement by painting metal cabinets navy. For preppy appeal, pair it with brass hardware. Behr’s Blue Note is a great option.

Olive Green

Earthy olive green metal cabinets lend a chic, vintage vibe to a kitchen or bath. Try Fusion Mineral Paint’s Rustic Olive green.

Matte Black

Sleek matte black cabinets look elegant and contemporary. Use Rust-Oleum’s Matte Black Chalked Paint for a stylish monochromatic look.

FAQs About Painting Metal Cabinets with Chalk Paint

Get answers to the most commonly asked questions about revamping metal cabinets with chalk paint:

Should I remove the existing finish before painting?

Chalk paint adheres extremely well directly over existing finishes, so removing it is not necessary. Simply clean and scuff sand the metal cabinets before painting.

How long does it take for chalk paint to dry?

At approximately one hour between coats, chalk paint dries much faster than traditional cabinet paints. Allow the final coat to dry 24 hours before waxing.

How durable is chalk paint?

The thick consistency of chalk paint creates a durable finish that resists chipping, cracking or yellowing. Applying a wax topcoat makes it even more resilient.

Can I use chalk paint in a bathroom?

Yes, chalk paint is a great option for humid bathroom environments since it is mold/mildew resistant. Just be sure to wax the finish for moisture protection.

Should I use a primer?

Chalk paint does not require a separate primer because it acts as its own primer with built-in adhesion properties. Simply apply it directly over cleaned metal.

How should I apply chalk paint?

Use a combination of angled sash brush to cut in edges and 4-inch foam roller to efficiently roll larger expanses. Work in small sections.

Should I sand or distress chalk painted cabinets?

Personal preference! Sanding smooths brushstrokes, while light distressing adds an authentic aged look. Or simply leave the finish as-is.

Conclusion

As you can see, chalk paint offers many benefits for transforming dated metal kitchen or bathroom cabinets on a budget. With minimal supplies and easy application, you can quickly overhaul your metal cabinets using any trendy chalk paint color. The matte finish mutes the metal’s shine while providing superb adhesion and durable protection. With just a little painting know-how, you can give your metal cabinets a breathtaking makeover using versatile chalk paint.