Introduction

Painting old metal kitchen cabinets can completely transform the look of your kitchen. With a fresh coat of paint, you can update worn, outdated cabinets and give your kitchen a whole new style. Painting metal cabinets is also a budget-friendly renovation, costing much less than replacing your cabinets entirely.

While painting metal cabinets is possible for a DIY project, there are some challenges to be aware of. The smooth, non-porous surface of metal cabinets requires more prep work and specialized paint to achieve a long-lasting finish. But with the right products, tools, and techniques you can achieve a flawless painted metal cabinet finish that revitalizes your kitchen.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of the metal cabinet painting process. We’ll cover:

• Cabinet surface prep and cleaning
• Sanding and deglossing
• Priming
• Topcoat painting
• Techniques for a smooth finish
• Drying and curing times

Follow these tips and you can turn your worn metal cabinets into a like-new focal point in your kitchen. Let’s get started transforming your metal cabinets with paint!

Clean and Degrease Cabinets

Before painting, it’s essential to start with cabinets that are free of grease, grime, and residue. Wash cabinets with a degreasing cleanser formulated for metal. Trisodium phosphate (TSP) substitute is a popular option. Wear gloves and scrub cabinets with a heavy duty scouring pad. Rinse thoroughly and let dry.

Use a deglosser after cleaning. This removes any existing glossy residue and aids paint adhesion. Lightly scrub cabinets with a maroon scouring pad and deglosser. Rinse and allow cabinets to fully dry before priming and painting.

Sand Cabinets

For best results, sand cabinets before painting. This helps the paint adhere and smoothes any nicks and imperfections in the cabinet surface.

Lightly sand in the direction of the metal grain with 220 grit sandpaper. Try to get into the grooves, edges and corners. Don’t press too hard or you may scratch the metal.

After sanding, wipe cabinets with a tack cloth to remove sanding dust. Make sure to get a super smooth and clean surface before priming.

Prime Cabinets

Priming is a critical step in preparing metal cabinets for paint. Primers created specifically for metal provide maximum adhesion and a surface paint can grab on to.

When choosing a metal primer, look for products designed for smooth, glossy and galvanized metal surfaces. Oil-based primers work very well for covering and sticking to slick metal cabinetry.

Use a high-quality brush to apply a coat of metal primer. Cover all surfaces including inside cabinet boxes and shelving. Follow recommended dry times before painting which is usually 24 hours for oil-based primers. Priming prevents paint peeling and creates a uniform painted finish.

Paint Cabinets

When selecting cabinet paint, opt for durable formulations designed specifically for metal. Look for enamel, acrylic or alkyd paints. Oil-based enamel paint provides the hardest, most high-gloss finish. But latex acrylic enamels have less odor and clean up easily with soap and water.

Use a high quality brush for cutting in and painting cabinet edges and corners. Then roll paint on broad surfaces with a short nap paint roller. Apply paint in thin, even coats allowing proper dry time between coats. Two to three coats provides ideal coverage and protection.

Here are some tips for achieving a flawless painted metal cabinet finish:

• Maintain a wet edge by brushing from wet painted areas into unpainted areas. This avoids lap marks.
• Roll top to bottom in a ‘V’ pattern then left to right in a ‘W’ pattern to ensure even coverage.
• Lightly sand between coats to smooth any drips or imperfections.
• Work in a dust-free space away from direct sunlight.
• Apply multiple thin coats rather than one thick coat for a smoother finish.
• Use high quality applicators and move them slowly to minimize brush strokes.
• Do not over-brush or attempt to stretch paint too far.

Dry and Cure Paint

It’s important to let cabinet paint fully cure and harden before use. Drying times vary based on paint type. Oil-based paints may take up to 2 weeks to fully harden. Latex and acrylics can take 3 to 5 days.

Avoid closing cabinets until paint has cured or you may risk sticking surfaces. You’ll know the paint is cured when it feels hard and smooth, rather than tacky. Curing takes longer than drying so be patient for best durability.

Paint Cabinets By Section

Painting cabinets by section makes the process more manageable. Follow these steps:

1. Remove Doors and Hardware

Detach doors, drawers and hardware before painting. This allows you to fully paint the cabinet boxes. Number or label each door and drawer to ensure proper reinstallation later.

Use paint-friendly methods to remove stubborn screws like a heat gun. Place door/drawer hardware in organizers to keep organized.

2. Paint Doors

Set doors on sawhorses or across chairs for easier access. Paint the door front first, then edges and sides. Carefully paint hinge holes and hardware.

3. Paint Boxes

Once doors and drawers are removed, you have easy access to paint boxes inside and out. Pay special attention to the cabinet frame and shelving.

4. Paint Drawer Fronts

Paint drawer fronts as you did cabinet doors. With fronts removed you can also paint drawer sides and interiors if desired.

5. Reattach Hardware

Once fully cured, attach hardware using a drill or screwdriver. Refer to numbering or labels so each door and drawer goes back in place.

Maintaining Painted Metal Cabinets

With proper care and maintenance, your painted metal cabinets can maintain their freshly updated look for years. Here are some tips:

• Use cutting boards and silicone mats during food prep to avoid scratching.
• Avoid harsh cleansers like bleach. Use a mild soap and water instead.
• Touch up any nicks in the paint to avoid moisture getting under the finish.
• Clean spills right away to prevent stains.
• Use cabinet liner on shelves to reduce scuffs and scratches.
• Reseal cabinets every 1 to 2 years by lightly sanding and applying a fresh topcoat to renew protection.

Painting Metal Cabinet FAQs

Still have some questions about transforming your metal cabinets with paint? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:

Should I use spray paint or brushed paint?

For the most durable finish, go with brushed-on latex or oil-based enamel paint. Spray paint adheres less and provides a thinner coat.

How do I prep textured metal cabinets?

Lightly sand with extra fine (320 grit) sandpaper to smooth texture while retaining some grip for paint adhesion.

What sheen is best?

A satin or semi-gloss finish resists stains and is easy to clean. High-gloss can show imperfections.

Can I paint over rust?

Remove rust first with sandpaper, steel wool or a rust removal solution so it doesn’t continue to spread under paint.

Should I take doors off to paint?

Yes, removing doors allows you to fully paint the cabinet frame and provides easier access to paint doors.

Can I paint metal cabinets a dark color?

Yes, but prime first with a white primer. Dark paint adheres better over white.

Conclusion

With proper prep and application, you can achieve a smooth, durable finish by painting metal kitchen cabinets. While it takes some time and elbow grease, the results are well worth it. Painted metal cabinets can give your kitchen an instant facelift for a fraction of the cost of new cabinetry. Hopefully these tips remove any intimidation factor about DIY’ing this project. Grab your brushes and rollers and get ready to transform those worn metal cabinets into your kitchen’s fresh new focal point.

How to Prepare Metal Cabinets for Painting

Clean Surface

The first step in prepping metal cabinets for paint is to thoroughly clean the surface. This removes any grease, dirt or residue so primer and paint properly adhere.

Use a degreasing agent like TSP substitute and scrub cabinets well with a heavy duty scouring pad. Pay attention to inside cabinet boxes and doors for hidden grease accumulation. Rinse cabinets and let fully dry.

For extremely dirty cabinets, a cleansing spray like Krud Kutter can help cut through layers of grime. Wipe any mildew or mold with a bleach solution before cleaning.

Sand Away Imperfections

Sanding metal cabinets smooths nicks, scratches or texture for the best painted finish. Lightly sand in the direction of the metal grain using 220 or 320 grit sandpaper.

Focus on problem areas but be sure to sand the entire surface. Don’t press too firmly or you may scratch the metal. Wipe away all sanding dust with a tack cloth.

Degloss and Etch

Removing any gloss or sheen from cabinets aids paint adhesion for a long lasting finish. Use a deglossing liquid or sand cabinets with a maroon synthetic pad.

Some paints require chemically etching the metal. Use a product like KBS Klean Strip Prep which cleans, degreases and etches in one step.

Rinse cabinets well after deglossing or etching. Allow to fully dry before priming.

Prime

Priming provides an essential base layer for cabinet paint to stick to. Use a high-quality metal primer specifically designed for slick surfaces like galvanized steel.

Oil-based primers work extremely well for metal prep. Opt for interior/exterior use for added durability. Apply primer evenly using a good quality brush.

Fix Surface Imperfections

Inspect cabinets closely and fix any scratches, holes or dents before painting. Use painter’s putty or filler specially formulated for metal repairs.

Sand repairs smooth once dry. Clean dust then spot prime any bare metal. Now cabinets are prepped for a flawless painted finish.

Prep Tips

• Work in a dust-free location to avoid contaminants sticking to prepared metal surface.
• Wear gloves, goggles and a mask when cleaning, sanding or etching.
• Remove doors, handles and hinges for easy access to all cabinet surfaces.
• Let cabinets dry 2-3 hours between cleaning, sanding, etching and priming steps.

Thorough prep is the key to beautiful, long-lasting paint on metal cabinets. With these steps, your cabinets will be ready for gorgeous painted transformation!

How to Choose the Right Paint for Metal Cabinets

Consider Oil-Based Enamel

For the most durable and ultra-glossy cabinet finish, oil-based enamel is ideal for metal surfaces. The hard finish resists chipping, scratching and yellowing.

Alkyd enamel provides stunning gloss levels to really make metal gleam. Some disadvantages are strong odor and clean up requires mineral spirits.

Evaluate Latex Options

Latex acrylic enamel paints provide a great alternative to oil-based. Acrylic enamel resists wear, sticks well and cleans up with soap and water.

Opt for interior/exterior acrylic enamel to get great durability in a water-based formula. Level of glossiness is a bit less than alkyd paint.

Seek Metal Specific Formulas

Major brands like Rust-Oleum and Krylon offer paint formulated specifically for metal surfaces, including cabinets.

Metal-specific paints offer maximum adhesion and protection specifically designed for the slick, non-porous surface.

Consider Sheen Level

For metal cabinets, opt for higher gloss sheens for easy cleaning and a stylish finish. Satin provides some shine while minimizing brush strokes. Semi-gloss or gloss give a bold, shiny look.

Lower sheens like flat or eggshell tend to show imperfections on smooth metal. Higher gloss hides flaws for a flawless finish.

Compare Color Options

Both oil and latex-based metal paints offer a wide range of color choices from neutrals to bold hues. Darker colors may require an extra coat for full coverage.

Stick to lighter or vibrant mid-tones to avoid a ‘tinny’ look from darker colors reflecting too much light on metal.

Additional Tips

• Invest in high quality applicators for the smoothest finish
• Read application instructions carefully and follow dry time recommendations
• Check product suitability for indoor/outdoor use
• Ensure excellent adhesion by sanding and priming properly before painting

Take time to choose the right cabinet paint for your project. With metal-specific paint in a durable glossy finish, you’ll achieve stunning results that will last for years to come.

How to Apply Paint to Metal Cabinets for a Flawless Finish

Painting metal cabinets like a professional to achieve a beautiful, flawless finish is easier with these top application tips:

Prep Properly

Ensure cabinets are cleaned, lightly sanded, primed and ready for paint. Proper prep creates the ideal surface for paint to adhere to.

Brush First, Then Roll

Use a high-quality nylon or polyester brush to cut-in corners, edges, hinges and hardware holes first. Then quickly roll a thin coat of paint onto flat areas with a short nap roller.

Maintain a Wet Edge

Apply paint systematically from wet edges into dry areas to prevent lap marks. Work top to bottom on doors then sides for the most seamless finish.

Use Thin, Even Coats

Multiple thin coats look smoother than one thick coat. Thick paint is more likely to sag or drip. Let each coat fully dry between applying the next.

Feather Out Paint

At the end of each painted section, use light, feathery brush strokes to blend edges into areas that need paint. This prevents harsh lines or transitions.

Check for Drips

Inspect for drips after each coat, especially on the underside edge of doors. Carefully smooth out drips with a thin coat before full drying.

Sand Between Coats

Gently sand any small drips, bubbles or imperfections between coats with 220 grit sandpaper so paint layers bond smoothly.

Maintain Dust-Free Environment

Work in a dust-free space to prevent contamination in wet paint. Cover floors and furniture and avoid painting on windy days.

Allow Proper Cure Time

Let paint fully cure several days before use. Test a hidden spot by rubbing with a cloth to confirm paint has hardened before closing cabinets.

Proper prep, careful application and enough cure time allows fresh paint to showcase the beautiful, gleaming finish of metal cabinets for years to come.

How to Paint Inside of Metal Kitchen Cabinets

Painting the inside of cabinets transforms the entire look of your kitchen. Follow these steps for painting cabinet interiors flawlessly:

Remove Shelving and Hardware

Detach all adjustable shelves, rails, slides and hardware prior to painting. Number items to ensure proper reinstallation later.

Clean Surfaces

Degrease the interior with TSP substitute and scrub with a heavy duty pad. Rinse then lightly sand walls and shelves with 220 grit sandpaper.

Spot Prime Bare Areas

Prime any exposed metal sections where old paint peeled with a suitable metal primer before painting. Allow to dry per manufacturer instructions.

Paint Shelves Separately

Paint detached shelves individually with brush or spray paint. This allows easy access to all sides. Let shelves fully dry before rehanging.

Cut-In Edges First

Using an angled trim brush, cut-in interior cabinet edges where walls meet shelves or the cabinet bottom. Paint the back wall next.

Roll Broad Surfaces

Quickly roll paint onto the back wall and side walls with a 4-inch mini roller. Blend in brush cuts by lightly feathering edges.

Spray Option

For fastest application, spray interior sections using light, even passes with cabinet paint in a sprayer cup gun.

Replace Shelves and Hardware

Once paint has fully cured, replace shelves, rails and hardware using original numbering or labels for proper placement.

With some diligent prep and careful paint application, you can give your cabinet interiors a complete makeover along with the exterior.

How to Paint Metal Kitchen Cabinet Hinges

Cabinet hinges see a lot of wear and tear. Painting hinges not only protects the hardware, but allows customization to match your new cabinet color. Here’s how to paint metal hinges:

Remove Hinges

Use a screwdriver to detach each hinge from cabinet doors and boxes. Maintain order by numbering with painter’s tape.

Clean Hardware

Wipe hinge pins, plates, and knuckles with TSP substitute or degreaser. Remove grime so fresh paint adheres well.

Lightly Sand

For best adhesion, lightly sand hinge hardware with 220 grit sandpaper. Remove any rust spots with steel wool.

Partially Reassemble

Stack hinge sections like they sit naturally without fully connecting. This makes painting easier.

Prime First

Apply a thin coat of spray primer formulated for metal. Allow to fully dry before painting.

Spray Paint Coats

Spray hinges with thin coats of cabinet paint, rotating to cover all sides. Let dry completely between coats for durability.

Reattach Hardware

Once paint has cured, use numbered labels to correctly realign each hinge piece and reattach to cabinets using a drill.

With painted hinges that match your cabinet update, opening and closing doors will feel smooth as new.

How to Paint Metal Kitchen Cabinet Handles and Pulls

For complete cohesion in your redesigned kitchen, paint metal cabinet hardware in coordinating colors. Here’s how to flawlessly paint handles and pulls:

Remove Hardware

Detach all knobs, handles or pulls from doors and drawers. Maintain order by attaching numbered painter’s tape to the back of each piece.

Clean Completely

Wash hardware in warm, soapy water and scrub with a cleaning brush to remove grease and oils. Rinse and let dry fully.

Fill Any Holes

Use a small amount of painter’s putty or wood filler to plug any holes or gaps on the backside of hardware. Let