How to Paint the Inside of a Metal Medicine Cabinet

Painting the inside of a metal medicine cabinet can completely transform the look of your bathroom. With a fresh coat of paint, you can update a dull, outdated cabinet or give a new cabinet a custom look. Painting metal can be tricky, but with the right supplies and techniques, you can get professional-looking results. This comprehensive guide will walk you through all the steps for successfully painting the inside of a metal medicine cabinet.

Supplies Needed to Paint a Metal Medicine Cabinet

Before starting your painting project, you’ll need to gather the following supplies:

• Paint designed for metal surfaces – Look for interior/exterior metal enamel spray paint or metal-specific liquid paint. Regular wall paint won’t adhere well.
• Paint primer – For best results, use a bonding primer made for metal. This helps the topcoat of paint stick to the surface.
• Paintbrushes – Angled sash brushes are ideal for cutting in edges neatly. You’ll also need regular paintbrushes for applying primer and paint.
• Paint tray – To hold your paint for easy application with a brush.
• Paint roller – A small foam roller works well for quicker application in larger areas.
• Drop cloths – To protect surrounding surfaces from drips and spills.
• Painters tape – For taping off edges and creating clean paint lines.
• Sandpaper – Lightly sand shiny or slick surfaces before priming to help with paint adhesion.
• Tack cloth – To wipe away dust before painting each coat.
• Paint thinner – For cleaning oil-based paints from brushes.
• Rags and paper towels – For cleanup.

Make sure you have all materials on hand before starting. This will allow you to work efficiently and complete all painting in one session.

Preparing the Medicine Cabinet for Painting

Proper prep work is crucial for getting great results from your painted metal cabinet. Follow these key steps:

1. Remove the Door

The easiest way to paint the inside of a cabinet is to remove the door and lay it flat. Use a screwdriver to detach any hinges or screws holding the door in place. Carefully lift it off the cabinet frame and set it on a flat, protected surface.

2. Clean the Surface

Give the door a thorough cleaning to remove any dirt, oils or soap scum. Use a degreasing cleaner and rinse well. Let it dry fully. This helps the paint better adhere to the metal.

3. Lightly Sand Shiny Spots

If there are any glossy areas or paint drips inside the cabinet, buff them lightly with fine grit sandpaper. This roughs up the slick spots for better paint grip.

4. Wipe Away Dust

Use a tack cloth to gently wipe all dust off the door’s interior and exterior surfaces. This prevents specks from getting stuck in the new paint.

5. Tape Off Edges

Apply painter’s tape around the inside perimeter of the door to create crisp paint lines. Cover any hinges, rollers or hardware you don’t want painted.

The cabinet is now ready for applying primer and paint!

How to Apply Primer to a Metal Medicine Cabinet

Priming is a crucial first step with any metal painting project. Here’s how to apply primer:

1. Select a Bonding Primer for Metal

Choose an interior/exterior metal primer specifically made for use on metal surfaces. The product packaging should state it bonds well to metal or galvanized steel.

2. Work in a Well-Ventilated Area

Only apply primers and paints in spaces with plenty of airflow. Wear a protective face mask if spraying primer.

3. Apply a Thin, Even Coat

Use a high-quality angled sash brush to cut in around the edges. Then use a small foam roller or brush to apply primer to the center areas. Apply it thinly and evenly.

4. Let the Primer Dry

Allow the bonding primer to fully dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This usually takes at least several hours. Proper drying prevents bubbling issues with the topcoat.

5. Apply a Second Coat of Primer

For best results, do two coats of metal primer. The second coat evens out any thin spots and ensures complete coverage.

Once your primer coats are dry, lightly sand any drips or rough spots with fine sandpaper. Wipe clean with a tack cloth before painting.

Choosing the Best Paint for a Metal Medicine Cabinet

You have a few good options when selecting topcoat paint for the inside of a metal cabinet:

• Spray paint – This is the easiest method, providing full coverage quickly. Look for interior/exterior enamels labeled for metal use.
• Brushed-on latex or oil paint – Latex requires priming but is low odor and cleans up with water. Oil paint sticks well to metal but has stronger fumes.
• Brushed-on alkyd enamels – These are oil-based for excellent adhesion but clean up with mineral spirits.
• Powder coated finishes – This involves applying a colored powder coating that gets melted onto the surface. Best left to professionals.

For do-it-yourself projects, spray paints or brushed-on alkyd enamels give the best results on metal cabinets.

How to Apply Paint to the Inside of a Metal Medicine Cabinet

Follow these steps for flawless paint application inside your primed metal cabinet:

1. Work in a Well-Ventilated Space

When spraying or brushing on paints, be sure the room has adequate airflow. Open windows and use fans to direct fumes outside.

2. Lightly Sand Primed Surface

Before painting, do a quick sanding with fine-grit sandpaper to smooth any drips or roughness in the primer.

3. Clean Away Dust

Wipe down the interior with a tack cloth to remove all dust. This prevents specks in your paint finish.

4. Use Painters Tape to Create Clean Lines

Reapply painter’s tape if needed around interior edges and hardware. This gives you neat painted lines.

5. Apply Two Coats of Topcoat Paint

Use a small paintbrush to neatly cut-in around edges first. Then use a foam roller or spray cans to apply paint to the center areas of the cabinet’s interior. Let the first coat dry fully before adding the second coat.

6. Remove Tape and Reattach Door

Once the final coat is dry, gently pull off any tape. Follow the hinge manufacturer’s reinstallation instructions to rehang the painted door.

7. Allow Paint to Fully Cure

Give the paint several days to fully cure before stocking your cabinet with contents. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for exact cure times.

With some careful prep and application techniques, you can get flawless, professional-looking results from painting the inside of a metal medicine cabinet yourself.

Tips for Achieving an Even Paint Finish

Getting a smooth, consistent finish when painting metal can take some practice. Here are some handy tips:

• When spraying paint, keep the can about 8 inches from the surface and apply light, even coats.
• With brushed on paint, apply using smooth strokes all in the same direction. Work from unpainted areas into painted areas to avoid lap marks.
• Roll or brush on paint in sections small enough to reach all areas before paint starts drying. Work quickly to blend sections together.
• When cutting in edges with a brush, brace your painting hand against a steady surface to keep it stable.
• Apply paint generously to edges and corners to prevent thin spots that could show primer underneath.
• Work in 50-70 degree F temperatures for ideal paint application properties.

Take your time and don’t overbrush areas that are starting to dry. Patient painting motions allow for the smoothest finish.

Achieving Different Painted Finishes

Beyond just a flat coat of paint, there are several different finishes you can create on a metal medicine cabinet:

Metallic Finishes

For a glamorous look, choose a metallic finish paint in copper, gold, silver, bronze or another shade. Apply smooth coats according to manufacturer instructions. The metallic flecks add shine and dimension.

Distressed Finish

After painting, lightly sand edges or use steel wool to rub away some of the topcoat and expose dark primer undertones. This worn, vintage look works with many styles.

Stenciled Design

Use painter’s tape and stencils to create patterns like stripes, shapes or tiles. Carefully apply multiple colors with stencils removed between coats.

Chalkboard Interior

Transform the cabinet into a functional chalkboard by using black chalkboard spray paint on the interior. Let kids get creative drawing their own cabinet art!

Faux Wood Grain

With wood-graining tools and paints in shades like mahogany, walnut or cherry, you can give metal the look of natural wood. This creates warmth and texture.

The options are really endless for achieving all sorts of unique painted finishes!

Painting Metal Medicine Cabinet Shelves

In addition to the cabinet door, you may also want to paint the interior metal shelves to give your whole cabinet a cohesive custom look. Here are some tips for great results:

• Lightly sand each shelf with fine sandpaper to rough up the surface for painting.
• Tape off any chrome shelf brackets or hardware you don’t want to paint.
• Paint the shelves separately from the door for easier handling. Let them dry fully before reinstalling in the cabinet.
• Use small foam rollers and angled sash brushes for the easiest application on shelves.
• Apply bonding primer first, then two coats of your chosen topcoat paint to shelves for full coverage.
• Consider only painting the undersides of shelves if you want a subtle pop of color inside.

Painted metal shelves coordinate beautifully with your newly painted medicine cabinet interior. The same prep and painting technique applies to shelves as the cabinet door.

FAQs About Painting Metal Medicine Cabinets

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about painting metal medicine cabinet interiors:

Does the paint need to be specifically for metal?

Yes, you should always use paint marketed as metal, galvanized steel or iron paint. Paint not formulated for metal may chip or peel.

How long does it take to fully cure?

Check your paint’s label, but most enamels take around 5-7 days to fully cure and be ready for use. Oil-based paints may take up to 2 weeks to cure.

Should I use spray paint or brushed on paint?

Both work well, so it depends on your preference! Spray paint is faster, while brushed on paint like enamels allow more custom color choices.

How do I get rid of brush stroke marks in the paint?

Applying paint in smooth, long strokes in one direction minimizes brush marks. High-quality sash brushes also help create an even finish.

What kind of primer works on metal?

For best results, use a specialty metal primer made for galvanized steel and other metals. Common brands are Rust-Oleum and Krylon.

How do I get the door back on properly after painting?

Refer to your cabinet’s hardware instructions for precise details. Typically hinge pins are inserted into holes first, then the door is attached and screws tightened.

Transform Your Medicine Cabinet with Paint

Painting the interior of a metal medicine cabinet allows you to customize your bathroom in ways that work with your unique style. With the right prep work, supplies and application techniques, you can easily paint a metal cabinet yourself in just a weekend.

Not only does a fresh coat of high-quality primer and paint give the space a mini makeover, it also protects the metal from moisture and aging over time. Whether you prefer a sleek glossy finish, an eye-catching bright color or a sophisticated metallic – a painted metal cabinet adds beautiful personality.

Your medicine cabinet sees frequent use and endures wear and tear. Renewing it with paint is an inexpensive way to update its appearance. With these tips and tricks, you can tackle painting your medicine cabinet like a pro for years of enjoyment.