How to Paint Old Metal Cabinets

Painting old metal cabinets is a great way to give your kitchen or bathroom a fresh, updated look without the cost of replacing the cabinets entirely. With some simple preparation, the right paint and tools, and good technique, you can transform dingy, dated metal cabinets into a showstopping focal point of your room. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to properly prep, prime, and paint old metal cabinets to get a flawless, professional-quality finish.

Getting Started – Gather Your Painting Supplies

Before starting your metal cabinet makeover, make sure you have all the necessary supplies on hand. Here is a checklist of what you’ll need:

• Paint: For metal cabinets, you’ll want to use a high-quality direct-to-metal (DTM) acrylic enamel paint made specifically for metal surfaces. Opt for satin, semi-gloss or gloss sheen for a durable, scrubbable finish.
• Primer: Use a metal primer like Rustoleum to ensure the paint has maximum adhesion.
• Brushes: Angled sash brushes are ideal for cutting in and painting cabinet edges. Have an assortment of trim and smaller brushes for detail work.
• Rollers: A 3/8″ nap roller covers flat surfaces well. You’ll also need an edging roller for painting cabinet frames.
• Paint tray: Use a metal or plastic tray – disposable aluminum baking pans work too.
• Drop cloths: Cover floors and countertops to protect from splatters and drips.
• Painters tape: For taping off adjacent surfaces. Delicate Surface tape is ideal.
• Sandpaper: Lightly scuff shiny surfaces prior to painting. 150 grit works well.
• Tack cloths: These lightly coated cloths remove dust between sanding and painting.
• Mineral spirits: For cleaning brushes and thinning primers. Use properly with ventilation.
• Screwdrivers: For removing old hardware like hinges and pulls prior to painting.

Step 1: Properly Prepare the Metal Cabinets

Having the right metal cabinet prep is crucial for a smooth, long-lasting painted finish. Follow these steps:

Clean Surface Thoroughly

Make sure cabinets are free of dirt, grease and grime before painting. Wash with a degreasing cleaner and rinse well. For stubborn grease spots, use a liquid deglosser.

Lightly Sand Shiny Areas

Scuff up any slick or glossy areas with 150 grit sandpaper. This helps the paint bond properly. Focus on the cabinet box fronts and frames.

Remove Doors, Drawers & Hardware

Take off all removable cabinet parts to make painting easier. Use screwdrivers to detach hinges and pulls. Label pieces to ensure accurate reinstallation.

Fill Holes & Imperfections

Fill any scratches, gouges or dents with metal-specific wood filler. Allow to dry fully. Sand smooth.

Remove Loose Paint & Rust

Clean down to the bare metal if you spot any peeling paint or rust spots. Use a wire brush, putty knife or sander.

Wipe Clean

Give metal cabinets a final wipe down with a tack cloth before priming to remove all dust. Start with a clean surface.

Step 2: Apply Primer & Allow Proper Dry Time

Priming ensures maximum paint adhesion and provides a uniform base color to paint over. Use these tips for best results:

Select Metal-Specific Primer

An acrylic primer made for metal is critical – this helps paint stick. Rustoleum and Krylon make good options.

Carefully Read Instructions

Follow all label directions for best results, including proper dry time before painting.

Ventilate the Room

Make sure there is adequate airflow when applying solvent-based primers. Open windows and use fans.

Apply Primer Thoroughly

Use a high-quality brush or microfiber roller to coat all cabinet surfaces, including edges and interior areas. Work methodically.

Allow Proper Dry Time

Give primer at least 24 hours to fully cure before applying paint. This helps prevent adhesion problems.

Lightly Sand If Needed

If the primer feels gritty or rough, smooth it out with fine 220 grit sandpaper before painting.

Step 3: Choose & Apply Cabinet Paint

With good prep work and priming done, now the fun part – picking out a great cabinet color and seeing your paint job come to life:

Select Direct to Metal (DTM) Paint

Look for 100% acrylic enamel paint formulated specifically for metal. Semi-gloss is very durable and reflective.

Stick With Smaller Quarts

Since most cabinets only need 1-2 coats, quarts are easier to work with than large gallons.

Always Mix & Stir Thoroughly

Vigorously stir paint for a few minutes before and periodically during use for color consistency.

Use Good Quality Brushes & Rollers

Less expensive applicators can leave behind stray bristles and lint. Avoid frustration with mid-range tools.

Brush First, Then Roll

Cut in edges and internal areas with an angled sash brush. Then quickly roll flat surfaces for a smooth coat.

Apply Thin, Even Coats

Thick paint drips and sags. Use less pressure for smooth, thin coats that won’t run or drip.

Work Methodically

Paint systematically – do all the cabinet interiors first, then exterior surfaces, doors, trim, etc.

Allow Proper Dry Time Between Coats

Give paint at least 24 hours of cure time before applying another coat for best results.

Check for Missed Spots

Look for thin patches or unevenness and do an extra coat if needed for full coverage after the first coat dries.

Remove Tape Promptly

Pull off painters tape after each coat before the paint fully dries for crisp, clean paint lines.

Step 4: Reinstall Doors, Handles & Accessories

Once your cabinet paint job has fully cured, dry and hardened, it’s time for reassembly:

Allow At Least 24 Hours Dry Time

Test paint with your fingernail to ensure it is fully hardened before rehanging doors and drawers.

Replace All Hardware

Reinstall freshly painted doors and drawers with all new pulls, hinges, knobs, etc. for a cohesive finished look.

Adjust Doors If Needed

If doors don’t align properly, use a screwdriver to slightly adjust hinges until doors close flush and even.

Clean Up Drips

Use a razor blade to carefully scrape off any dried paint drips or splatters from countertops, walls, floors, etc.

Remove Label Residue

If any stickers or hardware left behind adhesive, scrape it off and use goof-off or rubbing alcohol to remove residue.

Seal With Clear Coat (Optional)

For added protection on frequently used cabinets, apply 1-2 coats of clear acrylic polyurethane over the top of the paint.

Enjoy Your Fresh Look!

Stand back and admire your like-new, updated metal cabinets. Enjoy the satisfaction of a DIY job well done.

FAQs About Painting Old Metal Cabinets

Should I remove old paint before priming metal cabinets?

Removing all loose, bubbling or peeling paint down to the bare metal ensures the best results. Use sandpaper, wire brushes or paint stripper as needed prior to priming.

How long does it take for metal primer & paint to dry?

Most metal primers and paints take a full 24 hours to cure enough for recoating. Drying time can vary based on temperature, humidity and ventilation.

What is the best primer for painting metal cabinets?

Look for a dedicated metal primer like Rustoleum Metal Primer or Krylon DTM Primer that contains rust inhibitors and builds to a hard finish.

What kind of paint adheres best to metal cabinets?

100% acrylic direct to metal (DTM) enamel paints specifically formulated for metal provide superior adhesion and a durable finish on metal cabinets.

Should I use a brush or roller to paint cabinets?

Use angled sash brushes to “cut in” edges, interior areas and details. Then quickly roll larger flat surfaces. Combining brush and roller gives the best results.

How do I get a smooth finish when painting cabinets?

Applying thin, even coats of paint with light pressure, allowing proper drying between coats, and lightly sanding between coats helps achieve a smooth finish.

What sheen of paint is best for cabinets – eggshell, satin or semi-gloss?

Semi-gloss paint gives cabinets a luxurious shine while still offering good durability and scrubability. Satin is slightly less shiny if you prefer less luster.

How do I avoid brush marks when painting cabinets?

Use high-quality synthetic bristle brushes, apply paint thinly, and quickly roll after cutting in edges to minimize visible brush strokes.

Should I paint cabinet frames a different color than doors?

Painting cabinet frames, sides and face frames a different color than doors and drawer fronts (called two-toning) can add dimension.

Can I spray paint metal kitchen cabinets?

While spraying cabinets requires some skill, it does provide a super smooth finish. Use light coats of enamel spray paint after proper metal prep.

Conclusion

Restoring outdated metal kitchen or bathroom cabinets with a fresh coat of paint is an affordable way to update the look of your home without undertaking a full renovation. Preparing the cabinets properly and applying quality primer and paint suited for metal will allow you to achieve results worthy of any professional. Patience and allowing proper drying times are key. With some elbow grease and these tips, you can paint metal cabinets like a pro and enjoy a stylish, updated space.