How to Polish Metal Cabinets

Polishing metal cabinets can help restore their luster and remove scratches and oxidation. With some effort and the right supplies, you can make your metal cabinets look brand new. This comprehensive guide will walk you through all the steps for polishing metal cabinets.

What You’ll Need

Before starting to polish your metal cabinets, gather the following supplies:

• Metal polish – Choose a high-quality polish specifically formulated for metal. Options like Mothers Mag & Aluminum Polish, ZEP Stainless Steel Polish, or Turtle Wax Metal Polish work well.
• Clean cloths – Have plenty of clean, soft cloths on hand. Old t-shirts or microfiber cloths work best.
• Toothbrush – Use an old toothbrush to get into small areas.
• Screwdriver – A basic screwdriver can help you remove cabinet hardware.
• Paintbrush – A small paintbrush helps apply polish to detailed areas.
• Plastic putty knife – Useful for scraping off old buildup and residue.
• Rubber gloves – Protect your hands from harsh chemicals. Disposable gloves work fine.
• Eye protection – Safety glasses prevent polish and debris getting in your eyes.
• Mask – Wearing a mask prevents inhaling chemicals
• Drop cloth – A cloth or tarp protects your floors from drips.
• pH strips – These test if your metal needs neutralizing before polishing.
• Distilled white vinegar – For neutralizing very alkaline cabinets.
• Baking soda – Also useful for neutralizing.
• Mineral spirits – Help remove grease and oil.

Prepping the Cabinets

Proper prep is crucial for achieving the best polish. Follow these steps to get your cabinets ready:

1. Remove Cabinet Doors

• Use a screwdriver to detach cabinet doors, drawers, and hardware. Remove doors and shelves to make the polishing process easier.
• Set screws aside in a safe place so you can reattach everything properly later.

2. Clean Surfaces

• Wipe down all surfaces with a cloth dampened with mineral spirits. This removes grease and oil buildup.
• Use a plastic putty knife to gently scrape off any old residue or paint drips.
• For stubborn areas, allow mineral spirits to soak in for 5-10 minutes before scraping. This softens the gunk so it comes off easier.

3. Wash with Soap and Water

• Mix a mild soap like dish soap or Murphy’s Oil Soap with warm water in a bucket. Use a clean cloth to wash all surfaces.
• Make sure to get into crevices, carvings, and corners. Let the soap solution sit for 5 minutes before rinsing.
• Thoroughly rinse cabinets with clean water and dry completely with a fresh cloth.

4. Test and Neutralize Metals

• Use pH test strips to check if your cabinets are acidic or alkaline. Most are alkaline.
• For alkaline metals, make a neutralizing solution of one part white vinegar to 3 parts water. Use a clean cloth to wipe cabinets with this solution.
• Rinse with plain water and dry well. Vinegar will counteract alkalinity.
• For acidic cabinets, make a paste with baking soda and water. Spread onto metal and let sit briefly before rinsing.

Polishing the Cabinets

Once your metal cabinets are prepped, you’re ready to make them shine! Here’s how to polish them:

Use Small Amounts of Polish

• Work in small sections so polish doesn’t dry before you can buff it out. Squeeze out a dime sized amount onto your cloth.
• Rub polish in with gentle, circular motions. Apply a thin, even coat over the area you’re focusing on.

Buff in Different Directions

• As you polish, frequently switch your buffing pattern. Go up and down, side to side, and in circles.
• This ensures you get into every small groove and angle as you polish. Pay extra attention to beveled edges and carvings.

Work on Detailed Sections

• For small crevices, molding, and hardware, use a toothbrush or small paint brush to work in polish.
• Use a fingertip wrapped in a cloth to polish intricate designs and bezels. Q-tips also work for tiny areas.

Remove Polish Residue

• Once a section looks evenly polished, wipe away any excess polish residue with a clean, dry cloth.
• Buff thoroughly to remove leftover chemical haze and oils. This prevents streaking or discoloration.

Avoid Letting Polish Dry

• Don’t let polish dry out completely before removing it. If it does dry, reapply a small amount and buff again.
• Work in manageable sections and keep buffing until all trace of chemicals is gone from an area.
• Take short breaks if needed, but try to maintain momentum on each cabinet door or drawer front.

Focus on Stubborn Spots

• If you have scratches, oxidation, or tarnishing, spend extra time working polish into those areas. Use moderate pressure.
• To deal with severe issues, consider using a polishing compound specifically formulated for that metal. For example, jewelers rouge can help re-smooth gold or silver.
• Avoid pushing down too hard, which can damage the underlying surface. Take it slow on damaged spots.

Rinse and Dry

• Once totally finished polishing all cabinets, rinse with plain water to remove any lingering residue.
• Carefully dry with a fresh soft cloth, using gentle strokes in the direction of the grain or brushing.
• Inspect closely in natural daylight to make sure you didn’t miss any small spots or streaks. Re-clean if needed.

Maintaining the Finish

To keep your metal cabinets looking their best after polishing:

• Use microfiber cloths when dusting to prevent new scratches.
• Immediately clean up spills and water spots. Avoid letting moisture sit.
• Apply a metal protectant like a thin coat of paste wax every 1-2 months. This adds a defensive layer.
• When polishing tarnished spots that develop, use gentle pressure and minimal liquid.
• Consider adding felt pads to the bottom of accessories like picture frames to prevent scuffing.
• Rearrange items like vases occasionally so the same spots aren’t always exposed. This helps wear occur evenly.
• Wash cabinet exteriors periodically with mild soap and water. Avoid harsh chemical cleaners.

Tips and Considerations

Follow these pointers for the most effective results polishing metal:

• Don’t try to rush through polishing. Take it slow and steady for a smooth finish.
• Test polish on an inconspicuous spot first to ensure it doesn’t have an unwanted reaction with the metal.
• Avoid excessive moisture and let cabinets dry completely before reattaching doors and hardware.
• For cabinet interiors, use an automobile wax since regular polishes can leave damaging residue that transfers to items stored inside over time.
• If you have solid brass hardware, remove and polish it separately for the best results. Many metal polishes are not formulated for softer metals.
• Replace any old t-shirts or cloths that start to pill. Rough fabric can lead to light swirl marks as you polish.
• Proper prep is key – don’t skip any cleansing or neutralizing steps before polishing.
• Work with adequate ventilation and take breaks to avoid inhaling too much chemical fumes.
• If you have extensive tarnish on copper or brass, consider using a dedicated tarnish remover first. It can save substantial polishing effort.

With some time and elbow grease, polishing your worn metal cabinets can help extend their life. The methodical process is very rewarding, leaving your kitchen looking refreshed and renewed. Just take it step-by-step. The above guide covers everything you need for achieving a brilliant metals shine. roll up your sleeves, and tackle those cabinets!

Frequently Asked Questions About Polishing Metal Cabinets

Polishing metal cabinets brings up a lot of questions for first-timers. Here are answers to some of the most common FAQs:

What type of polish works best for stainless steel cabinets?

For stainless steel, you want a polish specifically formulated for that metal. Stainless steel polishes contain ingredients to protect the passive chromate layer. Good options are Weiman Stainless Steel Polish or ZEP Stainless Steel Polish.

What kind of cloth should be used to apply and buff metal polish?

The softest cloths are best, like microfiber, flannel, or old cotton t-shirts. Soft cloths help apply polish evenly and won’t leave scratches.

How do you polish cabinets made of copper?

Use a polish designed for copper and apply with extremely light pressure and minimal liquid. Copper is very soft, so polishing takes finesse. Avoid rubbing perpendicular to the grain direction.

Can you use metal polish on hardware like knobs and hinges?

Most quality metal polishes are safe for use on cabinet hardware. Remove hardware and polish separately for best results, especially with vintage pieces. Apply polish with a soft toothbrush.

What is the white powder that develops on metal cabinets?

White powder on metals is typically oxidation. On aluminum and steel, it is usually aluminum oxide. On copper, it can be copper carbonate. Removing it fully requires thorough polishing.

How do you polish metal cabinets outdoors?

For outdoor cabinets, use a polish formulated for exterior use, like a marine or RV polish. Avoid applying in direct sun. Work in shade and do small sections to prevent polish drying too fast.

Should you polish metal cabinets along or against the grain?

Always polish gently with the grain of the metal. Going against the grain can create fine scratching. For bifold doors, polish along vertical sections. On solid doors, polish in a circular motion.

Is polishing metal cabinets a one-person job?

Polishing cabinets solo is doable but having a helper makes things much easier! One person can focus on polishing while the other wipes away residue. Two people can get the job done faster.

How soon after polishing can I reinstall cabinet doors and hardware?

It’s best to wait at least 24 hours before reattaching doors and hardware. This allows the polish to fully cure so doors don’t stick. 48 hours is ideal if humidity is high.

What is the average cost to have metal cabinets professionally polished?

Professional polishing costs $4-$8 per square foot on average. Factors like cabinet material, condition, and required prep work can influence price. Expect to invest $300-$500 for a full kitchen.

Conclusion

With some diligent elbow grease and the right polish and buffing method, you can restore the radiant shine to worn metal kitchen cabinets. Prepping correctly, focusing on small sections, and properly removing residue are key to success. Maintain results by keeping cabinets clean and protecting the finish. By renewing your metal cabinets’ luster yourself, you can save significant money compared to professional refinishing. More importantly, you’ll have the satisfaction of accomplishing the task with your own hard work. May your efforts will leave your kitchen cabinets with a brilliant, reflective shine that will have your guests doing double-takes.