How to Paint Rusted Metal Cabinets

Painting over rusty metal cabinets can revive old, worn-out kitchen or bathroom storage. With some preparation and the right painting technique, you can give new life to your outdated cabinets. This comprehensive guide will walk you through all the steps for painting metal cabinets, from cleaning and prepping to choosing paints and primers. Follow our tips below for beautiful, long-lasting results.

Cleaning and Prepping Rusted Metal Cabinets for Paint

Proper prep work is crucial when painting metal cabinets. Any rust or flaking paint not removed will cause the new paint to chip and peel quickly. Follow these steps to get your cabinets ready for a fresh coat of paint:

Remove Cabinet Doors and Hardware

Start by detaching the cabinet doors and removing any handles, knobs or hinges. This gives you full access to all cabinet surfaces and makes painting much easier. Place hardware in bags labeled for each cabinet so reassembly is easy.

Clean With TSP or Degreaser

Wash cabinet boxes, doors, and frames thoroughly using a TSP or degreaser solution. This removes built-up grime, grease and any waxy residue from old polish or cleaners. Rinse well and let dry fully.

Sand Away Rust and Loose Paint

Use 100-150 grit sandpaper to manually sand away all loose paint and rust. Sand both inside and out, including the cabinet frames and shelves. Limit sanding to the rust only, not entire surface. Wipe away all sanding dust.

Tackle Tough Rust With Naval Jelly

For heavy rust spots, apply naval jelly rust remover. Brush it on thickly and let sit for 15 minutes before scrubbing off. Rinse thoroughly. Repeat if needed for thick rust. Let dry fully before priming.

Fill Holes and Imperfections

Use a plastic wood filler to fill any screw holes, gouges or dents in the metal. Allow to dry fully and sand smooth. This prevents holes from showing through the new paint.

Clean Again With TSP

Give cabinets one final TSP wash after sanding to remove any residual dust or dirt. Rinse thoroughly and allow to dry completely before priming and painting.

Choosing the Right Paints and Primers

Primer and paint specifically formulated for metal are required when painting metal cabinets for a smooth, durable finish.

Primers

• Rust-Inhibiting Primer: Prevents future rust from forming by sealing bare metal. Recommended for heavily rusted cabinets.
• Stain-Blocking Primer: Blocks stains from bleeding through new paint. Ideal for covering dark stains from grease or water damage.
• High-Bond Primer: Adheres tightly to slick metal for maximum paint adhesion. Useful for cabinets with light rust or previously painted metal.
• Spray-On Primer: Offers quick full coverage on metal cabinets. Can be sprayed directly over light rust.

Paints

• Alkyd/Oil-Based Paint: Hard, glossy finish that adheres well to metal. Requires mineral spirits for cleanup.
• Acrylic Latex Paint:water-based formula dries fast with low odor. Not as hard-wearing as oil-based.
• Enamels: Available in oil or latex base, provide ultra hard finish that resists chipping, scuffs and stains.
• High-Gloss Paint: Gives shiny, reflective surface that magnifies light. Resists moisture, stains and dirt.
• Spray Paint for Metal: Convenient for quick small touch ups or full cabinet paint jobs. Many brands offer primers and finishes.

Tips for Choosing Paint Sheen

• High-gloss is very shiny and reflective. It highlights imperfections but offers the most protection and is easiest to clean.
• Semi-gloss is slightly less shiny than high-gloss. It resists moisture, stains and scratches well.
• Satin finish has a smooth, low luster. It hides flaws better than glossy finishes.
• Matte finish is completely flat and non-reflective. It hides imperfections well but is harder to clean.

Step-by-Step Painting Instructions

Follow these steps for flawless painted metal cabinets that will look freshly coated for years:

1. Apply Primer

Use a high-quality metal primer suited to your cabinet’s condition (bare metal, previously painted, rusted, etc.) Follow manufacturer’s instructions for dry time. Lightly sand again if any rust peeks through.

2. Address Drips or Sags in Primer

Carefully scrape off any drips or sags from the primer with a 5-in-1 tool. Next, smooth them with fine 220 grit sandpaper until level with the surface. Wipe clean.

3. Spot Prime Again If Needed

Spot prime any areas as needed where bare metal shows through. This prevents rust from forming in the future. Allow to dry per manufacturer instructions.

4. Lightly Sand Primer

Once fully dry, lightly sand the primer using 220 grit sandpaper. This scuffs the surface so the topcoat adheres tightly. Wipe away dust.

5. Apply First Coat of Cabinet Paint

Carefully brush or roll on the first coat of cabinet paint using a high-quality trim enamel or oil-based paint. Work in thin, even coats allowing proper dry time between coats.

6. Inspect First Coat of Paint

Examine the first coat closely once dry. Sand away any drips or rough spots with 220 grit paper so the second coat goes on smoothly.

7. Apply Second Finish Coat

For the best coverage, apply the second coat of cabinet paint going in a different direction than the first coat. This ensures the paint hides evenly.

8. Remove All Paint From Hinges

Use a cotton swab dipped in remover to wipe away paint from hinges or any moving parts. If sticky, lubricate with WD-40 or mineral spirits.

9. Reinstall Doors and Hardware

Once paint has fully cured per manufacturer instructions, reattach doors, handles, and hardware using a drill or screwdriver. Take care not to chip the fresh paint.

10. Touch Up Paint if Needed

Use a small artist paintbrush to touch up any minor paint flaws like drips once the doors are rehung. Let paint cure fully before regular use.

FAQs About Painting Metal Cabinets

Get answers to common questions about the process of painting metal kitchen or bathroom cabinets here.

Should I Use a Paint Sprayer?

Paint sprayers allow for a smoother, more professional looking finish. However, they require masking off the entire area to avoid overspray. Brushing and rolling work nearly as well, without the hassle of masking.

How Long Does the Paint Need to Dry?

Check your paint manufacturer’s directions, as dry times vary. Oil-based enamels may take up to 24 hours between coats. Latex paint dries more quickly, in 2-4 hours typically.

Should I Take Doors Off or Paint in Place?

Removing doors makes painting easier, with full access to edges and hinges. If leaving doors on, use small foam rollers and angled brushes to reach narrow spaces.

How Do I Avoid Brush Marks When Painting?

Use high-quality synthetic bristle brushes and a light touch. Thin coats applied gently leave the fewest marks. Sand lightly between coats too.

What Kind of Paint Adheres Best to Metal?

Oil and enamel paints grip tightly to slick metal cabinet surfaces, so are good choices. Always use a bonding primer first as well.

How Do I Paint Inside Shelves and Frames?

Remove all shelves from the cabinet boxes. Use small foam rollers and angled brushes, painting the boxes first before the shelves.

Can I Paint Over Rust Without Sanding?

Sanding rust is critical for paint adhesion. At minimum, scrub with steel wool before priming. Rust-fighting primers work best.

Conclusion

With the right preparation and painting methods, even severely rusted and outdated metal cabinets can be given new life with a fresh coat of paint. Follow the steps here carefully, using the best primer and paint for metal, and you’ll achieve beautiful results that will last for many years. Paying attention to proper cleaning, sanding, priming and application technique makes all the difference in getting a durable, smooth painted finish on metal kitchen or bathroom cabinets.