How to Paint Old Metal File Cabinets

Painting old metal file cabinets can give your office or home a quick and inexpensive facelift. With some simple preparation and the right paint, you can update the look of your old file cabinets and protect them from further wear and tear. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to properly paint metal file cabinets to get a smooth, professional looking finish.

Things You’ll Need

• Paintbrush
• Roller (for large surfaces)
• Paint tray
• Rags
• Paint remover or citrus-based cleaner
• Coarse sandpaper (80-100 grit)
• Fine sandpaper (220 grit)
• Tack cloth
• Primer (either spray primer or liquid primer)
• Topcoat paint
• Painter’s tape
• Drop cloth

Step 1: Clean the Cabinets

Before painting, it’s important to thoroughly clean the file cabinets to remove any dirt, grease, or residue. This helps the new paint adhere properly. Wipe down all surfaces with a citrus-based degreaser or a paint remover. Scrub any especially dirty areas and rinse everything off. Allow the cabinets to fully dry.

Step 2: Remove Hardware and Doors

Use a screwdriver to remove the hardware like handles and hinges from the file cabinets. Also remove any doors or drawers if possible. This gives you easier access to all the surfaces. Set the hardware aside in a safe place so you can reattach later.

Step 3: Sand the Surfaces

Go over all the surfaces lightly with coarse 80-100 grit sandpaper to rough up the finish. This helps the primer and new paint bond. Focus on any spots with peeling or flaking paint and smooth out any rough areas. After coarse sanding, wipe away the dust then do a final pass with 220 grit sandpaper to smooth everything out.

Step 4: Clean Surfaces and Apply Primer

Give the cabinets one final wipe down with a tack cloth to remove any leftover dust. Apply a coat of primer to all surfaces, doors, and hardware using either a spray primer or a liquid primer brushed on. The primer coat helps the new paint stick better. Allow the primer to fully dry as directed on the can.

Step 5: Paint the Cabinets

Once the primer has dried, you can apply the topcoat paint in your desired color. Shake the paint can vigorously before starting. Use long, even brush strokes to apply the paint, working in sections if needed. For large flat sides, a paint roller works well. Apply two thin coats of paint rather than one thick coat, allowing proper drying time between coats. The second coat helps give full coverage.

Step 6: Reattach Hardware and Doors

After the final coat of paint has fully dried, you can reattach the hardware and doors to the freshly painted file cabinets using a screwdriver. Fill any leftover screw holes with wood filler before painting over them. Be very gentle as the new paint will take a few weeks to fully cure.

Step 7: Remove Painter’s Tape

If you used painter’s tape to mask off any areas, carefully remove it once the paint has dried. Pull the tape off slowly at a 45 degree angle to keep the paint lines crisp and clean. Touch up any spots as needed.

Tips for Achieving a Flawless Finish

• Lightly sand between coats of paint for better adhesion.
• Use a high quality primer and paint specifically made for metal.
• Allow proper dry times between coats.
• Maintain a dust-free environment when painting.
• Work in thin, even coats using overlapping strokes.
• Use a foam roller for smooth, consistent coverage on large surfaces.
• Keep your brush loaded with paint to minimize visible brush strokes.
• Don’t overload the brush or apply too thickly.
• Paint with the grain of the metal to help hide imperfections.
• Work in sections for easier, less messy painting.

With these simple steps and tips, you can give your old metal file cabinets a makeover with a fresh coat of paint. Take your time to properly prepare the surfaces so the new paint finish will last. In just a weekend, you can have revamped cabinets that look crisp and new again without the high cost of buying replacements.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The best paint for metal file cabinets is a high quality 100% acrylic latex paint, or an oil-based alklyd enamel paint. Both stick very well to metal surfaces. Avoid cheaper paints which won’t last or adhere as well.

How long does it take for the paint to cure?

Most paint will be dry to the touch in 1-2 hours, but it takes about 2 weeks for paint to fully cure and harden. Avoid heavy use of painted cabinets during this time.

Should I use spray paint or brush-on paint?

Brush-on paint works very well for full coverage on the cabinets. Spray paint can be used for small touch ups or painting hardware. Use light coats of spray paint to avoid drips.

What areas should be taped off when painting?

Use painter’s tape to mask off any adjacent surfaces you don’t want painted. Taping off hinges, edges and where cabinets meet walls helps keep the paint lines clean and sharp.

What kind of primer should I use?

A quality metal primer provides the best base coat for the topcoat paint. Use a spray primer for quick full coverage or a liquid metal primer applied by brush.

How do I avoid brush marks in the paint?

Use a foam roller for large flat surfaces to get a seamless look. On detailed areas use a high quality natural bristle brush and apply paint in thin, even coats.

How long does it take for primer and paint to dry?

Most primers will dry in 30 minutes to 1 hour. Topcoat paint may take 1-2 hours between coats. Check the product directions for exact dry times.

Should I sand the cabinets before or after priming?

Lightly sanding the surface before priming gives the paint something to grip. Smooth with fine sandpaper after priming and before painting for best results.

Can I paint over rust?

Remove any loose rust by sanding before priming. Apply a dedicated rust neutralizing primer to stop further corrosion before painting.

What should I use to clean the cabinets before painting?

Clean with a degreasing product like TSP substitute to remove any oils or residue. Wipe any dirt or dust away with a tack cloth before priming and painting.

Conclusion

Upgrading dated metal file cabinets is an easy and inexpensive way to give your home or office a fresh new look. With some simple surface preparation like cleaning, sanding, and priming, you can paint your file cabinets in any color you choose. Use high quality paint products and work in thin, even coats for a flawless, professional finish. Take the proper steps to clean, prep, prime, and paint the cabinets and in a weekend you can completely transform the space with beautiful new cabinets.