How to Polish Metal Filing Cabinet
A metal filing cabinet can be a great addition to an office or home. Over time, metal surfaces like filing cabinets can lose their luster and appear dull. Polishing your metal filing cabinet helps restore its shine and protects the surface from further wear. With some simple supplies and techniques, you can make your metal filing cabinet look brand new again.
What You’ll Need to Polish a Metal Filing Cabinet
Polishing a metal filing cabinet is a relatively straightforward process, but having the right supplies makes the task easier. Here are the recommended materials:
- Metal polish – Choose a polish specifically formulated for metal. Look for a polish that contains ingredients like petroleum distillates, ammonia, or oxalic acid to cut through tarnish.
- Microfiber cloths – Microfiber cloths are ultra soft and perfect for buffing metal. They help grab and remove polish residue.
- Soft cloths – Have some extra soft cotton cloths or microfiber towels on hand. You’ll use these for applying polish and shining.
- Rubbing alcohol – Rubbing alcohol helps remove oily residue and prep the surface.
- Paintbrush – A small paintbrush helps apply polish to intricate decorative areas.
- Glass cleaner – Use a glass cleaner to clean any glass cabinet doors or windows.
- Nitrile gloves – Wearing gloves keeps hands protected during polishing.
Prepping the Filing Cabinet for Polishing
Before polishing, do a thorough cleaning to remove any grime or buildup on the filing cabinet’s metal surfaces. Here are the cleaning steps:
Remove Items and Wipe Down
Take everything out of the filing cabinet. This gives you full access to all the surfaces. With a dry microfiber cloth, wipe down the entire filing cabinet to remove any dust or debris. Pay extra attention to corners and crevices where grime likes to collect.
Wash With Soapy Water
Make a mild soapy solution by mixing a few drops of dish soap into a bucket of warm water. Dampen a soft cloth in the solution and wash all the filing cabinet’s surfaces. The soapy water helps loosen any sticky gunk or residue. Rinse with a separate damp cloth.
Use Rubbing Alcohol
Pour some rubbing alcohol onto a microfiber cloth. Rub the areas to be polished with the rubbing alcohol. This helps eliminate any oily grime left behind that could impede the polish. Let the surface fully dry.
Clean Glass Elements
If your filing cabinet has glass doors or windows, clean them with glass cleaner and a microfiber cloth so they’re free of streaks or smudges. Avoid getting glass cleaner on the metal.
Remove Stuck-On Grime
Check for any remaining sticky residue or grime stuck in corners or edges. Use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to gently remove any stubborn gunk. The metal needs to be fully clean for polishing.
How to Apply Metal Polish to a Filing Cabinet
With the prep work complete, it’s time to break out the metal polish. Here are tips for properly polishing a metal filing cabinet:
Work in Sections
Don’t try to polish the entire filing cabinet all at once. It’s most effective to work in smaller sections. Do the top drawer section first, then the second drawer section, and so on.
Use Soft Cloths to Apply Polish
Put a dab of metal polish on a soft cloth. Gently rub the polish onto the filing cabinet surface using circular motions. Apply a thin, even layer over the section. Add more polish to the cloth as needed.
Get into Grooves and Details
Use a small paintbrush to rub polish into any engraved grooves, corners, or intricately detailed areas. The brush lets you really work the polish into the tight or raised spots.
Let the Polish Sit
Once you’ve evenly applied polish over the section, let it sit for 2-3 minutes. This allows time for the active ingredients to start breaking down tarnish and oxidation. Don’t let the polish dry completely.
Buff to a Shine
With a fresh microfiber cloth, start buffing the filing cabinet surface to a shine. Use circular motions. Apply mild pressure as you buff. Keep buffing until the section is gleaming.
Repeat on All Sections
Follow this process on the remaining filing cabinet sections until every exposed metal surface has been polished. Remember to re-apply polish as needed.
Get Inside Drawers
You’ll also want to polish the inside drawer portions that you see when pulling files. Tilt the drawers at an angle to better access the inner metal.
Tips for a Flawless Metal Filing Cabinet Polish
Follow these tips for getting the best, longest-lasting polish on a metal filing cabinet:
- Work in the shade – Direct sunlight can cause polish to dry too quickly before it has a chance to break down tarnish.
- Remove rings and bracelets – Jewelry can scratch the metal while you polish. Cover hands with gloves.
- Start with finest polish – Try the mildest polish first. Only move to a more abrasive formula if needed.
- Rinse and re-apply if needed – If polish residue remains, rinse with water and re-apply for a deeper clean.
- Avoid circular motions on plates – Use straight back-and-forth motions on large flat surfaces to reduce swirl marks.
- Re-buff with dry cloth – After polishing, do a final buff with a dry microfiber cloth to increase shine.
- Watch for peel marks – Some polishes can leave peel marks as they dry. Wipe away excess before it dries.
- Clean up drips right away – Immediately wipe away any drips or polish runs to prevent staining.
- Work with the grain – Polish along the metal’s grain, not against it, for best results.
Recommended Metal Polishes
There are many great metal polish products to help restore filing cabinets. Here are some top options:
Simichrome Metal Polish
- Contains just enough fine abrasives to penetrate tarnish
- Safe for most metals including chrome, copper, stainless steel
- Leaves a brilliant long-lasting finish
- Enriched with protective barriers to help repel fingerprints
BlueMagic Metal Polish
- Ammonia-free formula won’t etch surfaces
- Great for brass, copper, stainless steel, aluminum
- Includes polishing agent and fine buffing abrasives
- Removes oxidation and restores luster
Flitz Metal Polish
- Combination of cleaning agents and polishing abrasives
- Works well on stainless steel, brass, aluminum, and more
- Restores shine and provides a protective coating
- Can help remove small scratches and water spots
Mothers Mag & Aluminum Polish
- Made specifically for aluminum but works on other metals too
- Removes corrosion, water spots, and light oxidation
- Contains no harsh abrasives so won’t scratch metal
- Leaves a glossy, fingerprint-resistant finish
Maintaining the Polish on a Metal Filing Cabinet
To keep your freshly polished metal filing cabinet looking its best:
- Avoid harsh cleaners – Stick to gentle soap and water for cleaning. Harsh products can strip polish.
- Don’t let polish build up – Letting polish accumulate can create a hazy look.
- Dust regularly – Wipe down often with a microfiber cloth to prevent dust buildup.
- Re-apply polish every few months – Regular touch-ups help maintain the protective polish layer.
- Immediately clean spills – Don’t let water, oil or corrosive liquids sit on metal surfaces.
- Consider a protectant wax – A wax finish adds extra shine and protection from fingerprints.
With the proper technique and products, you can make your outdated metal filing cabinet look like new again with a fresh polished finish! Just be sure to keep up with regular care to maintain that gleaming look.
Frequently Asked Questions About Polishing Metal Filing Cabinets
What type of polish is best for a filing cabinet?
For filing cabinets, a polish specifically made for metal works best. Look for a polish containing petroleum distillates or oxalic acid to cut through tarnish. Avoid polishes with harsh abrasives. Test polish on an inconspicuous spot first.
How can I get into small details and corners?
Use a small paintbrush to gently apply polish into engraved grooves, corners, or other intricate details on the filing cabinet. Let it sit for 2-3 minutes before buffing. The brush gives you access to tight spots.
What is the white residue left behind after polishing?
The white hazy residue is typically dried polish that wasn’t fully buffed off. Re-wet a microfiber cloth with water and re-buff the area to remove residue. In the future, thoroughly buff all polish until no trace remains.
How do I avoid swirl marks on flat metal surfaces?
Use straight back-and-forth motions when polishing large flat plates or panels. Rubbing in circles can leave behind light circular swirl marks over time. Go against the grain briefly at the end to catch any marks.
Why does my filing cabinet look cloudy after polishing?
This cloudy look is likely caused by polish that was allowed to dry on the surface. Re-wet the area with water and metal polish using a circular motion to fully remove the remaining residue. Thoroughly buff dry.
How can I polish deep scratches out of the metal?
Very deep scratches will require a more abrasive polish to remove metal material along with the scratch. Or use very fine sandpaper to smooth them out before polishing. Start with 1500 grit sandpaper and work up.
Will polishing remove rust spots on my filing cabinet?
Polish alone won’t eliminate rust entirely. First use a rust remover chemical or very fine sandpaper to get rid of the rust. Once removed, polish the area to blend with the surrounding finish. Prevent future rust with polish.
How often should metal filing cabinets be polished?
It depends on use, but aim to polish your filing cabinets every 2-3 months for optimal shine. High-traffic offices may need polishing monthly. Apply a protectant wax after polishing to help maintain the finish longer.
What’s the best way to polish metal filing cabinet drawers?
Fully remove drawers to polish the inner and outer surfaces. Tilt drawers on their side to better access the inner metal. Use a small brush for corners. Avoid circular motions to prevent swirls. Always buff thoroughly.
Conclusion
Polishing a metal filing cabinet helps restore its luster and protect it from ongoing wear and tear. While it takes some elbow grease, the results are definitely worth it. Following the proper preparation, application, and maintenance steps can keep your metal filing cabinet looking freshly polished. Be sure to use quality metal polish products and work in sections for the best outcome. With the right technique, you can make faded filing cabinets shine like new again.
