How to Redo a Metal Filing Cabinet

A metal filing cabinet can be a useful storage solution in an office, home, or other setting. However, over time these cabinets can start to show wear and look outdated. Redoing or refinishing a metal filing cabinet is an economical way to update its appearance and get more life out of the existing piece. With some simple cleaning, sanding, priming, and painting, you can give a tired old filing cabinet a fresh new look.

Benefits of Redoing a Metal Filing Cabinet

There are several advantages to redoing a metal filing cabinet rather than purchasing a new one:

• Cost savings – The materials needed to refinish a cabinet are relatively inexpensive compared to the cost of buying a new one. This is an affordable way to update the look of your office or workspace.
• Environmental benefits – Refinishing an existing cabinet reduces waste and the need for additional raw materials to manufacture a new one. It’s a greener, more sustainable option.
• Customization – With a DIY redo, you can choose your own paint color, finish, and hardware. This allows you to match your existing décor or create any look you want.
• Quality materials – Older metal filing cabinets were often made with durable steel that can last for years with proper care and maintenance. Retaining this quality piece saves money in the long run.
• Nostalgia – Refinishing an old cabinet may have sentimental value if it’s been in your family or office for generations. The redo retains that charm.

As long as the cabinet frame is structurally sound, refinishing the exterior to give it an updated appearance is usually a straightforward DIY project.

How to Prepare a Metal Filing Cabinet for Refinishing

Proper preparation is crucial for achieving the best end results when refinishing a metal filing cabinet. Follow these key steps to get the cabinet ready for priming and painting:

Clean the Cabinet Inside and Out

Remove all contents from the filing cabinet drawers and thoroughly clean the interior. Use a mild detergent and water to remove dirt, grease, and buildup.

For the exterior, wipe down all surfaces with a degreasing cleanser formulated for metal. Trisodium phosphate (TSP) substitute is a good option. This removes any oil, wax, or grime. Rinse with clean water and let dry completely.

Use denatured alcohol on a rag to wipe down the exterior one final time. This helps the paint adhere best.

Remove Hardware and Accessories

Using a screwdriver, remove all hardware such as handles, drawer pulls, locks, and any remaining hinges. Set this hardware aside in a safe place.

Also remove any plastic or metal label holders affixed to the drawers. Take off any wheels or casters on the base of the cabinet as well.

Sand Away Paint and Imperfections

Use 120 to 220 grit sandpaper to sand down the existing paint finish or any rust spots. Work in the direction of the grain to avoid scratching the metal. Be sure to wear gloves and a facemask for protection.

Sand all surfaces thoroughly to create some “tooth” for the primer and paint. Focus on any pitted or imperfect areas to smooth them out. The goal is to get down to bare metal again.

After sanding, wipe the cabinet with a tack cloth to remove any metal dust.

Fill Small Holes and Gouges

Examine the surfaces closely and use a metal filler putty to patch any small dents, holes, or other damage that remain. Allow the filler to dry completely as directed before lightly sanding smooth.

The cabinet exterior should now be ready for priming and painting with any flaws filled and the surface lightly roughed for adhesion.

How to Prime and Paint a Metal Filing Cabinet

With the preparation work complete, you can now refresh the look of your filing cabinet with a coat of primer and your choice of paint color and finish.

Apply Metal Primer

It’s recommended to use a specialty metal primer designed for maximum adhesion and corrosion resistance on metal surfaces. Rust-inhibiting metal primers are ideal for filing cabinets.

Before priming, lightly scuff sand the surfaces with 220 grit sandpaper to remove any shiny areas. Use a high-quality mini foam roller and applicator brush to apply two thin coats of metal primer, allowing proper dry time between coats as directed.

The primer creates a uniform base layer for the paint and helps it last longer.

Paint the Cabinet

After at least 24 hours drying time for the primer, the cabinet is ready for fresh paint. For professional standards, an industrial enamel spray paint formulated for metals works great.

Alternatively, you can brush on oil-based or latex paints. Lightly sand between coats with 220 grit sandpaper to ensure proper adhesion.

Apply two finish coats of your chosen paint color, allowing the full drying time between coats as directed by the manufacturer’s instructions. The finish coat paint color completely revitalizes the look of your filing cabinet.

Optional Accents

If desired, you can add custom details like:

• Painting the interior a fun contrasting color before reloading the drawers.
• Stenciling on designs for additional texture and visual interest.
• Adding new brushed nickel or chrome hardware to tie in your décor.

Get creative with paint techniques, decals, or hardware to make your revamped filing cabinet unique!

Tips for a Smooth Filing Cabinet Refinishing Process

Follow these helpful tips for the best results as you’re prepping and refinishing a metal filing cabinet:

• When removing old hardware, place it in labeled bags to keep organized for reinstallation.
• Clean surfaces thoroughly with degreaser and denatured alcohol for proper paint prep.
• Always follow safety precautions like gloves, eye protection, and proper ventilation.
• Use high-quality primer and paint products specifically formulated for metal.
• Allow proper dry times between coats as directed for most durable finish.
• Gently sand between coats with fine 220 grit sandpaper for ideal adhesion.
• Work in a dust-free area for a clean finish since metal filing cabinets have many crevices.
• Apply thin, even coats of primer and paint instead of thick single coats that can run or drip.

With proper preparation and painting techniques, you can extend the life of your filing cabinets with a like-new look and custom color upgrade.

Frequently Asked Questions About Refinishing Metal Filing Cabinets

Here are answers to some of the most common questions people have about redoing metal filing cabinets.

What type of paint should I use?

For the most durable finish, use industrial quality spray enamel or oil-based paint. Latex and acrylic paints also work but may be less resilient over time. Opt for paint marketed specifically for metal that contains rust inhibitors and UV blockers.

What about chalk paint? Can I use that?

Chalk paint has a matte, distressed finish but typically does not adhere well directly to smooth metal. For chalk paint, the cabinet would need to be primed first, then lightly sanded between layers as the paint cures.

Should I take the cabinet apart or leave it assembled?

For simpler DIY projects, the cabinet can be left fully assembled for refinishing. Taking it apart allows for painting the interior sections and provides easier access for sanding the frame. But it requires careful disassembly and reassembly.

Will my paint finish be damaged when loading the drawers again?

The paint should fully cure in about 2 weeks if following the manufacturer’s directions before reloading. When putting contents back in, use care not slide or scratch the drawers against the painted frame. Use drawer liners as added protection.

How do I get a smooth, streak-free painted finish?

Proper metal preparation, high quality primer, using a mini foam roller, and applying thin coats is key. Sanding lightly between coats helps too. Working in a dust-free space keeps specks out of the wet paint.

Can I get creative and stencil or add designs?

Absolutely! Once the cabinet is freshly painted, you can let your creativity run wild and stencil on designs with decorative painter’s tape or add decals, foil prints, or other accents. The options are endless.

Conclusion

Refreshing old metal filing cabinets by prepping, priming, and repainting the exterior is an easy and affordable way to update the look of your office or workspace. With proper cleaning, sanding, use of metal-specific primers and paints, and good application techniques you can achieve professional-looking results.

Redoing existing furniture like filing cabinets is a sustainable alternative to buying new, cost-effective, and allows for creative customization. With a little time and effort, you can get organized with a filing cabinet sporting a fresh new color and style.

The properly prepared paint will bond tightly to the metal for a long-lasting finish that looks great. Follow the techniques outlined here for how to successfully redo a metal filing cabinet. In no time you’ll have beautiful “new” filing cabinets to organize your home office or business paperwork in style.