Introduction

Polishing a metal filing cabinet can help restore it to its former glory. Over time, filing cabinets can accumulate scratches, oxidation, and dirt build up that make them appear dull and worn. Polishing rejuvenates the metal and makes the filing cabinet look brand new again. With some time and effort, you can polish a metal filing cabinet yourself using common household items. The process involves cleaning, sanding, buffing, and applying polish to create a bright, shiny finish. This article will provide step-by-step instructions on how to properly polish a metal filing cabinet.

Clean the Filing Cabinet

Before polishing, thoroughly clean the filing cabinet to remove any dirt, grease, or grime on the surface. This allows the polish to adhere directly to the bare metal later on. Here are the steps:

Remove Items and Wipe Down

• Take everything out of the filing cabinet, removing all files, folders, drawers, and accessories.
• Wipe down all interior and exterior surfaces with a microfiber cloth to dust and remove loose dirt particles.

Wash With Soap and Water

• Mix a mild detergent like dish soap in warm water. Use a soft sponge or rag to wash all surfaces of the filing cabinet.
• Rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove all traces of soap residue.
• Dry completely with a towel.

Remove Grease or Grime

• For tougher grease spots, use a degreasing cleaner specifically made for metal. Apply with a rag and let it soak for 5-10 minutes before scrubbing.
• Rinse and dry thoroughly afterwards.
• Repeat cleaning if any stubborn grime remains.

Clean Inside Drawers

• Remove all drawer inserts and clean interiors with soap and water. Use a small brush to dislodge debris in corners.
• Clean drawer glides and lubricate joints so drawers open/close smoothly.
• Re-insert drawers once fully dry.

Thorough cleaning removes contaminants that can affect the polishing process later on. Now the filing cabinet surface is ready to be sanded and smoothed.

Sand the Filing Cabinet

Sanding removes scratches, oxidation, and roughness from the metal surface in preparation for buffing and polishing. Work through progressively finer grit sandpaper for best results:

Materials Needed

• Sandpaper with varying grits (120, 220, 400, 600). The higher the number, the finer the grit.
• Sanding block or electric sander (optional)
• Tack cloth
• Safety gear – gloves, mask, goggles

Start With Coarse Sandpaper

• Cut sheets of 120-grit sandpaper to fold over a sanding block or electric orbital sander. This coarser grit removes metal defects more aggressively.
• Sand in the direction of the metal grain, using even longitudinal strokes. Apply moderate pressure.
• Sand all surfaces – top, sides, edges, handles, and legs.
• Wipe away any metal debris with a tack cloth.

Move to Finer Grits

• Switch progressively to finer 220, 400, and 600 grits once each prior one has smoothed the surface.
• Remove only as much metal as needed to erase damages; avoid over-sanding or exposing bare patches.
• Always sand along the grain and wipe debris after each grit type.

The filing cabinet should now have a uniformly matte, smooth finish with all scratches eliminated.

Buff the Filing Cabinet

Buffing brings out a soft sheen and further smooths the sanded metal. Use a buffing wheel or very fine sanding pads for best control:

Buffing Wheel

• Attach a buffing wheel to a variable speed drill/rotary tool.
• Apply a small amount of medium cutting compound to the wheel.
• Hold the wheel to the metal and run the drill on low speed while moving constantly over surfaces to cut down minor imperfections.
• Wipe away residue and repeat if needed until metal has a consistent luster.

Extra Fine Sanding Pads

• Alternatively, use extra fine (1000+ grit) sanding pads to buff metal.
• Keep the sander moving constantly to avoid digging into the surface.
• This adds a polished look while smoothing out very fine scratches.

Remove Buffing Residue

• Wipe all surfaces thoroughly with a tack cloth after buffing to remove any leftover residue or compound dust.
• The metal should now have a bright sheen from the buffing process.

Apply Protective Coating

Before polishing, a protective coating is highly recommended to seal the sanded/buffed metal and prevent re-oxidation or scratching. There are several options:

Metal Lacquer

• Use an aerosol clear coat lacquer formulated specifically for metal. Shake can well.
• Hold 10-12 inches from surface and apply light, even coats using a side to side sweeping motion.
• Allow to dry completely between coats, about 1 hour. Apply 2-3 thin coats for durability.

Paste Wax

• Apply a thin layer of automotive or furniture paste wax with a clean cloth.
• Let wax fully dry to a haze, about 5-10 minutes.
• Buff to a shine using a soft cloth and elbow grease.
• Provides a protective seal and enhanced luster.

Oil Treatment

• Wipe boiled linseed oil or tung oil evenly over metal with a rag.
• Let soak 10-15 minutes before thoroughly wiping away excess.
• Leaves a natural, low sheen protective finish.

The coat seals raw metal and provides a smooth base for polishing compounds to further enhance.

Polish the Filing Cabinet

Polishing restores luster and brings the filing cabinet to a glossy, reflective shine using rubbing compounds. Work up to the finest polishing grade for mirror-like results:

Apply Polishing Compound

• Choose a high quality polishing compound made for metal and apply a thin layer using a microfiber cloth.
• Use a moderate cutting compound first to remove minor defects left from buffing.
• Work in small sections, rubbing compound into metal with firm but even pressure.
• Wipe away any residue before reapplying to a new section.

Switch to Finer Compound

• Once the overall surface is smoother, switch to a finer polishing compound.
• Continue working in small areas until product turns clear, indicating defects have been removed.
• Remove all residue and reapply to new sections until fully polished.

Finish With Ultra Fine Polish

• Finally, use an ultra fine polish compound to add the ultimate high-gloss finish.
• Take your time on this final step, allowing 10-15 minutes per section.
• Remove any excess thoroughly.

Avoid Overheating Metal

• Don’t press or scrub too hard during polishing. Friction can generate heat which damages the metal substrate.
• Take your time and use moderate pressure. The compounds do the work.

After polishing thoroughly with the finest grade and removing all residue, the filing cabinet should have a brilliant, chrome-like finish.

Maintain the Finish

To keep the filing cabinet looking pristine after polishing, follow these maintenance tips:

• Use lined drawer paper or felt pads to prevent scratches from contents inside the drawers.
• Avoid placing very hot or very cold items directly on the metal surfaces which can cause temperature shocks.
• Clean with a soft cloth dampened with water and mild detergent. Immediately dry. Never use abrasive cleaners.
• Re-apply a thin layer of polish regularly using an ultra fine compound to retain the glossy finish.
• If kept indoors, polish 2-3 times per year. If outdoors exposed to elements, polish every 2-3 months.
• Apply paste wax 1-2 times per year for added protection on high use areas prone to handling.

Your filing cabinet has now been restored to a shiny, bright focal point through proper polishing techniques. Just be diligent about regular care to prevent new scratches and oxidation from developing. With the right maintenance, your freshly polished filing cabinet will stay looking pristine for years to come. Enjoy the renewed luster and style!

Frequently Asked Questions About Polishing a Metal Filing Cabinet

Polishing a metal filing cabinet can seem daunting for the beginner. Here are answers to some common questions that may come up:

What types of metal filing cabinets can be polished?

• Most common metals can be polished, including steel, aluminum, and stainless steel. Avoid polishing flimsy sheet metal drawers.

What if there are rust spots?

• For light surface rust, sand and buff away oxidation before polishing. For heavier rust damage, use a rust remover gel first before sanding.

Do I need power tools to polish effectively?

• Hand polishing with compound works but takes more elbow grease. Power drill tools with buffing wheels make the process much easier.

How do I get into small crevices and corners?

• Use small handheld sanding/buffing pads for hard to reach areas. Cotton swabs can apply compound to details.

How long does the polished look last?

• With proper care and maintenance, regularly re-applying polish, the finish can look pristine for many years.

Can I apply polish over an existing layer of paint?

• Polishing works best on bare metal. For painted cabinets, use fine grit sandpaper to scuff the surface before polishing.

What causes brushed metal finishes to lose their luster?

• Exposure to oils, dirt, debris causes brushed finish to look worn. Polishing using very fine sanding pads restores the subtle brushed look.

Is it better to remove doors and drawers before polishing?

• Yes, removing all hardware allows you to more easily access all sides and achieve consistent results.

How do I avoid swirl marks in the finish?

• Move sanding and buffing tools in straight, even strokes rather than circular motions. Use lighter pressure.

Conclusion

Polishing faded, dirty metal filing cabinets is very rewarding. In just a few steps – cleaning, sanding, buffing, and compounding – you can revive the luster to make it look brand new. Have patience working through the grits and polishing grades to achieve a brilliant finish. Be sure to maintain the renewed shine by re-applying polish every few months. Follow these tips and you’ll have a gleaming, professional looking filing cabinet to store your important documents in style.

How to Polish a Metal Filing Cabinet

Clean the Cabinet Thoroughly

• Remove all contents and wipe down all surfaces
• Wash with mild detergent and water using a soft cloth
• Use degreaser to remove tough grime or grease
• Clean inside drawers and lubricate slides

Sand Away Imperfections

• Start with 120 grit sandpaper to remove scratches
• Work up to 220, 400, 600 grits to smooth and refine
• Always go in direction of metal grain
• Wipe away debris after each grit type

Buff to Smooth Finish

• Use buffing wheel and compound to further smooth
• Can also use ultra fine sanding pads
• Remove residue completely after buffing

Apply Protective Coating

• Clear coat lacquer, paste wax or oil treatment
• Helps protect sanded metal from oxidation

Polish to Mirror Finish

• Use polishing compound, working from coarse to ultra fine
• Apply thin layer and rub in small sections
• Remove residue completely as you work
• Take time on final ultra fine polish for gloss

Maintain the Shine

• Re-apply polish and wax regularly
• Use felt pads in drawers to prevent new scratches
• Clean gently with water and mild detergent