How to Paint Vintage Metal Kitchen Cabinets

Painting vintage metal kitchen cabinets can give your kitchen a fresh, updated look. With the right preparations and techniques, you can achieve a professional-quality paint job. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to paint vintage metal kitchen cabinets.

Introduction

Vintage metal kitchen cabinets were very popular in the 1950s-1970s. While they have a charming retro feel, over time the paint can start to chip, peel, and look dated. Painting vintage metal cabinets is an affordable way to refresh the look of your kitchen.

Properly painting metal cabinets requires some work but is doable as a DIY project. The keys are proper cleaning, sanding, priming, and using paint formulated for metal. When done right, freshly painted metal cabinets will look bright, glossy, and revitalized.

How to Paint Vintage Metal Kitchen Cabinets

Supplies Needed

• Drop cloths
• Painters tape
• Trisodium phosphate (TSP) cleaner
• Clean rags
• Sandpaper (150-220 grit)
• Metal primer
• Cabinets paint
• Small paint roller
• Paintbrush
• Paint tray

Step 1: Remove Cabinet Doors and Drawers

The first step is to remove all the cabinet doors, drawers, and hardware (hinges, handles). Take off any remaining hinges or screws from the frame of the cabinets. This gives you full access to all surfaces and makes painting easier.

Set aside the hardware in a safe place so you can reattach once painting is done. Lay the doors and drawers on a flat surface, supported underneath, to prep and paint.

Step 2: Clean the Cabinets

Thoroughly clean all cabinet surfaces with TSP cleaner. This removes grease, grime, and oils so the new paint will properly adhere.

Work in sections and use a sponge or rag to scrub all surfaces. Wipe with a clean, damp rag to rinse. Allow the cabinets to fully dry before moving on to sanding.

Step 3: Sand the Cabinets

Lightly sand all cabinet surfaces with 150-220 grit sandpaper. This helps the primer and paint better bond.

Focus on areas with rust, chipping or peeling paint. Sand just enough to rough up and degloss the surface. Wipe away all sanding dust with a tack cloth.

Step 4: Apply Primer

Use a high-quality metal primer made specifically for galvanized steel, aluminum, or other metal. Apply a thin first coat of primer and allow 2-4 hours to dry.

Once fully dry, do a light sanding with 220 grit sandpaper. Then wipe and apply a second coat of primer. Allow the final coat of primer to dry overnight.

Step 5: Paint the Cabinets

Now you are ready for the finished cabinet paint. For metal cabinets, use a satin, semi-gloss, or high-gloss paint. This gives a smooth, durable finish that cleans up well over time.

Before painting, do a final wipedown with a tack cloth to remove any dust. Use a small roller and angled brush to paint the cabinets. Apply thin, even coats allowing proper drying time between coats.

Plan to apply 2-3 coats to achieve full coverage. Allow the final coat to dry 24 hours before reassembly.

Step 6: Reattach Doors, Drawers & Hardware

With the paint fully cured, you can start putting everything back together. Reattach the doors and drawers. Take care not to scrape the fresh paint.

Install the handles and hinges in the original hardware holes if possible. Add reinforcement plates or redo screws/holes as needed.

Once fully reassembled, your vintage metal cabinets will look fresh and new! Be sure to keep surfaces clean using gentle soap and water. Avoid harsh abrasives.

Tips for Painting Vintage Metal Cabinets

• Clean thoroughly before starting to paint. Degrease and use TSP if cabinets are greasy.
• Use 150-220 grit sandpaper for good adhesion without removing too much original finish.
• Always prime before painting! Metal primer helps prevent future rust and peeling.
• Opt for satin, semi-gloss or high-gloss paint rather than flat. This holds up better over time.
• Apply thin coats of paint and allow proper dry time between coats for a smooth finish.
• Clean brushes after use with paint thinner or mineral spirits for reuse while painting.
• Be patient during drying time to avoid tacky paint or having to redo your work.
• Hire a professional if cabinets are severely damaged or rusty. They can properly refinish before painting.

Common Questions About Painting Metal Cabinets

What kind of paint should I use on metal cabinets?

Use a high-quality enamel paint formulated for metal surfaces, in satin, semi-gloss or gloss sheen. Apply thin coats allowing full drying time between coats.

How do I prep metal cabinets for painting?

Clean thoroughly with TSP, sand to rough up and degloss the surface, then wipe away dust before priming. Proper prep helps the paint adhere.

Should I prime metal before painting?

Always prime metal before painting! Quality metal primer helps prevent future peeling and rust. Allow primer coats to fully dry before painting.

How long does it take to paint metal cabinets?

Plan on 1-3 days depending on dry time between prep, primer coats, and finished paint coats. Allow at least 24 hours drying time before reassembly.

Can I spray paint metal cabinets?

Yes, you can spray paint metal cabinets, however this requires masking off the kitchen. Opt for high quality enamel spray paint and follow directions.

Conclusion

Painting vintage metal kitchen cabinets brings them back to life with a fresh new look! With some time and effort, you can achieve an updated kitchen through this affordable DIY project. Use the proper prep, painting, and drying steps for success. Priming metal and using the right cabinet enamel paint will result in a revitalized, glossy finish.