How to Paint Over a Metal Filing Cabinet

Painting over a metal filing cabinet can completely transform the look of your office or workspace. With a fresh coat of paint, your old, worn filing cabinet can look brand new again. Painting metal furniture like a filing cabinet is easy to do yourself with some simple preparation and the right materials. This guide will walk you through all the steps for painting a metal filing cabinet to achieve a smooth, professional finish.

Clean and Prepare the Filing Cabinet Surface

The first step when painting any surface is proper cleaning and preparation. Start by emptying out the filing cabinet completely so you can access all the surfaces. Use a deglosser or TSP substitute cleaner to wash down all surfaces of the filing cabinet to remove any dirt, grease, or grime buildup. Rinse with clean water and let dry fully.

Lightly sand the metal surfaces with 220 grit sandpaper to rough up and degloss the surface so the paint can adhere properly. Wipe away any sanding dust with a tack cloth. Fill any holes, dents or scratches with metal filler putty, let dry fully and sand smooth.

Use a primer specifically made for metal before painting for best adhesion. Mask off any areas you don’t want to paint like cabinet handles or hardware.

Choose the Right Paint and Supplies

When selecting paint for a metal surface like a filing cabinet, avoid standard wall paints. Instead, choose a direct to metal (DTM) acrylic enamel paint. This type of paint is formulated especially for painting metal and provides excellent adhesion and a durable finish. The DTM acrylic enamel will be available in various sheens from flat to high gloss.

For painting supplies, you’ll need:

• DTM acrylic enamel paint
• Foam roller and roller tray
• High-quality angled paint brush
• 180 and 220 grit sandpaper
• Painters tape
• Tack cloths
• Drop cloths

Make sure you read and follow the specific label instructions for your chosen DTM acrylic enamel paint. Certain products may require specific primers or have special dry times.

Prime the Filing Cabinet

Priming is a key step before painting, especially for metal surfaces. A metal primer will ensure maximum paint adhesion and provide corrosion resistance. For small filing cabinets, use a spray can primer formulated for metal. For larger cabinets, apply the primer with a foam roller and angled brush.

Allow the metal primer to dry fully before painting. Lightly sand any rough areas with 220 grit sandpaper. Wipe away dust with a tack cloth before applying your topcoat paint.

Paint the Cabinet

When painting, work in sections starting with the interior of the filing cabinet. Use an angled trim brush to cut in around edges and hardware. Then use a foam roller to fill in larger interior surfaces with long even strokes.

Move to the exterior surfaces once the inside paint is dry. Follow the same process using the angled brush to cut-in around trim details, corners and edges. Use the foam roller to apply the paint smoothly to exterior sides and fronts. Apply paint generously to avoid streaks and uneven coverage.

Apply two to three thin, even coats of the DTM acrylic enamel paint allowing proper drying time between coats. The product directions will specify recoat times. Lightly sand between coats if needed to smooth any drips or rough areas.

Apply a Protective Clear Coat (Optional)

For added protection on your newly painted metal filing cabinet, consider applying one or two coats of a clear acrylic sealer. This clear topcoat will protect the painted finish from potential scuffs, scratches, fingerprints and stains. Apply using a foam brush, working in thin, even layers.

Let the Paint Cure Fully

It’s important to let the paint cure completely before putting the filing cabinet back into service. Check the product label for the recommended curing time. This will likely be 7-10 days before the paint has maximum hardness and durability. Avoid heavy use or stacking files during this initial curing period.

With some simple preparation, priming, and painting using the right materials, you can give a worn metal filing cabinet new life with a fresh coat of colorful paint. Just take proper steps for cleaning, prepping, priming, painting and curing the paint, and your metal filing cabinet can have a total makeover.

Frequently Asked Questions About Painting Metal Filing Cabinets

Can I use regular wall paint on a metal filing cabinet?

It’s best to avoid standard wall paints on metal surfaces. For proper adhesion and durability, use paint specifically formulated for metal like a DTM (direct to metal) acrylic enamel.

What kind of primer should I use?

A metal or steel primer is ideal to provide maximum adhesion and corrosion resistance for painting a metal filing cabinet. Popular options include Rust-Oleum Automotive and Krylon DTM primers.

What areas of the filing cabinet should be masked off?

Use painter’s tape and paper to mask off any areas you don’t want painted such as cabinet handles, lock mechanisms, slides or any hardware. Remove tape immediately after painting before the paint fully dries.

How many coats of paint should be applied?

For best coverage, apply two to three thin coats of your topcoat DTM acrylic enamel paint allowing proper dry time between coats as specified by the manufacturer.

How soon can I start using the painted filing cabinet?

Allow the paint a full 7-10 days to cure before putting the cabinet back into service. Heavy use too early can damage the painted finish before it reaches full hardness and durability.

What do I do if the paint drips or sags?

Avoid applying the paint too heavily and make sure each coat is dry before adding another. Lightly sand any drips or sags smooth before applying the next coat.

What sheen should I choose for my filing cabinet paint?

A satin or semi-gloss finish is ideal for a frequently used filing cabinet. The subtle sheen is easy to wipe clean yet resists scuffs and fingerprints. Flat paint also works but may show more wear over time.

Conclusion

With some simple tools, materials and preparation, you can easily paint an old metal filing cabinet yourself. Just be sure to properly clean and prep the surface, apply a metal primer, use a DTM acrylic enamel paint, and allow full curing time. Pay attention to details like masking off hardware and applying multiple thin coats. In no time you’ll have a like-new filing cabinet with a fresh coat of beautiful paint.