How to Paint Metal Garage Cabinets

Painting metal garage cabinets can completely transform the look of your garage space. With a fresh coat of paint, old, worn-out cabinets can be revived into a more modern, stylish storage solution. Painting metal cabinets yourself is also a budget-friendly way to update the garage without full-scale remodeling. With proper preparation and application, you can achieve a smooth, durable finish that lasts.

Cleaning and Prepping the Cabinets

Thoroughly cleaning and preparing the cabinets prior to painting is crucial for achieving optimal results. Follow these steps:

• Remove cabinet doors and drawers. Having them detached makes the painting process much easier. Lay them on a drop cloth or piece of cardboard to prevent scratches.
• Clean cabinet surfaces with a degreasing agent like TSP substitute or dish soap and water. This removes built-up grease, dirt and grime.
• Sand surfaces lightly with 220 grit sandpaper. This helps the paint adhere properly. Focus on any rust spots.
• Wipe away all dust with a tack cloth. Make sure the cabinets are completely clean and dry before painting.

Proper prep removes contaminants and creates an optimal surface for the paint to bond to.

Choosing the Right Paint

For painting metal cabinets, follow these paint selection guidelines:

• Use direct-to-metal paint. Avoid regular wall paints which are not formulated for metal and may chip or peel.
• Choose satin, semi-gloss or gloss sheen. These are more durable finishes for a kitchen or garage space.
• Opt for cabinet-grade enamel spray paint. The enamel provides a hard, scrubbable finish. Spray applies evenly.
• Use a primer made for metal. Primer helps the paint stick tightly. Rust specific primers added protection.
• Buy paint intended for indoor/outdoor use. Garage cabinets need durable paints that withstand temperature changes.

The right paint means achieving a smooth, lasting finish.

Setting Up the Paint Area

Painting the cabinets is easiest when they are detached. Set up a proper work area:

• Work in a well-ventilated area like a garage, backyard or driveway. Avoid painting indoors.
• Place cabinets on a drop cloth or cardboard to catch drips. Have sawhorses to set doors on to paint both sides.
• Arrange cabinets so all sides can be accessed for painting. Move cabinets as needed.
• Read paint directions carefully. Some require specific temperature, humidity etc to cure properly.

Preparing the workspace makes the painting process faster and higher quality.

Applying the Paint

Follow these steps for foolproof application:

• Lightly sand again and wipe cabinets with a tack cloth before painting. Remove any last bits of dust.
• Apply primer first using long, even strokes. Primer preps for optimal paint adhesion.
• Allow primer to fully dry per directions before applying paint. Primer needs to cure properly.
• Shake spray paint can vigorously for 2 minutes before starting. This mixes the paint effectively.
• Hold spray paint about 8 inches from surface. Mist on light coats rather than heavy spraying.
• Apply multiple thin coats rather than one thick coat. Thin coats prevent drips and runs.
• Allow proper drying time between coats according to directions. Rushing leads to tacky paint.
• Finish with 1-2 coats of a protective sealer for added durability.

Proper technique leads to a smooth finish that maximizes the durability of the paint.

Painting Cabinet Interior Surfaces

The cabinet interiors also deserve a fresh look. Follow these tips when painting inside surfaces:

• Use a small foam roller and angled brush to paint interior corners. Rollers apply paint quickly inside.
• Check paint labels and opt for one approved for interior kitchen cabinet use if needed. Some paints are exterior-use only.
• Remove shelves and drawers. Paint separately and allow to dry before re-attaching them.
• Use painters tape for clean edges along cabinet rails and frame. Remove before the paint fully dries.
• Apply primer and multiple thin topcoats. Two coats of paint are usually needed for full coverage.

Painting the interiors finishes off the overall transformation.

Drying and Reassembling Cabinets

Patience is key for properly drying and reassembling cabinets:

• Allow paint to cure fully before reattaching doors and drawers. Check directions.
• Use painters pyramids to hold doors while drying. These prevent sticking to the drop cloths.
• Follow exact reassembly instructions for hinges and parts. Improper reassembly affects functionality.
• Wait 1-2 weeks before loading cabinets up. Paint needs this time to completely harden and cure.
• Clean brushes promptly with paint thinner. Use separate brushes for primer vs. paint.

Proper drying and reassembly keeps freshly painted cabinets looking pristine.

With the right supplies and techniques, DIY metal cabinet painting is simple. The end results are a garage space that looks revitalized and refreshed. If done properly, the fresh paint will maintain its good looks for many years before needing a touch up.

Frequently Asked Questions About Painting Metal Garage Cabinets

What kind of paint should I use on metal garage cabinets?

For metal cabinets, use a direct to metal paint or primer and paint designed for metal surfaces, such as a satin, semi-gloss enamel spray paint. Avoid using regular wall paint.

How should I prepare metal cabinets before painting?

Thoroughly clean and degrease the cabinets, lightly sand, then wipe away dust with a tack cloth. Proper prep promotes paint adhesion.

Should I remove the cabinet doors and drawers before painting?

Yes, remove all doors, drawers and hardware before painting. This makes the process much faster and allows easier access to all surfaces.

What temperature is best for spray painting the cabinets?

Ideal conditions are around 70°F with low humidity. Avoid painting in direct sunlight or on hot days. Read paint labels for specific application instructions.

How long should I wait before reinstalling the cabinet doors after painting?

Follow the paint directions, but a minimum of 24 hours drying time is recommended. Wait 1-2 weeks before loading the cabinets to allow the paint to fully cure.

What kind of primer should I use?

A metal primer provides extra adhesion on slick metal. Rust inhibiting primers add further protection.

How many coats of paint should I apply?

Apply multiple thin coats of paint rather than one thick one. Usually 2-3 topcoats are needed for full coverage over primer.

Conclusion

Revamping dated, worn metal garage cabinets is easily achievable through DIY painting techniques. With the proper preparation, high quality paints, and careful application, you can achieve professional-looking results. Investing some time into thoroughly prepping the cabinets and allowing for full drying makes all the difference. In a short time your formerly lackluster garage cabinets can become a functional and stylish storage solution.