How to Redo a Metal Storage Cabinet

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Refurbishing an old metal storage cabinet can give it a fresh new look while saving you money compared to buying a new one. With some time and effort, you can redo a metal storage cabinet on your own. This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step.

Assessing the Cabinet and Planning the Redo

Before you start working on redoing your metal storage cabinet, take some time to assess its current condition and plan out the redo project:

Take Note of the Cabinet’s Condition

Carefully inspect the cabinet inside and out for any structural damage, rust, dents, or other issues. Make note of problem areas.
Test the cabinet doors and drawers to make sure they open and close properly. Look for misalignment or areas in need of repair.
Check the cabinet hinges and hardware. Make sure screws are tight and components function properly.

Determine the Scope of the Redo

Decide how extensive you want the redo to be. Will you be repainting, adding new hardware, replacing components, etc?
Set a budget for any materials/supplies you’ll need to purchase.
Allow plenty of time for repairs, prep work, and finishing. Redoing a cabinet is labor intensive.

Choose a New Finish for the Cabinet

Some popular options for refinishing metal cabinets include:

Paint: Gives a smooth, colorful finish. Use high-quality enamel paint.
Stain: Shows off the natural grain of the wood cabinet interior. Apply protective polyurethane after.
Distressed/antique look: Involves intentionally creating a worn, weathered aesthetic.
Wallpaper: For a fun, bold patterned look. Use adhesive wallpaper designed for furniture.

Gather Necessary Supplies

Make sure you have all the supplies you’ll need for the stages of your cabinet redo project:

Surface prep: Sandpaper, filler compound, cleaner, steel wool
Painting: Paint, primer, brushes, paint tray, drop cloths
Staining: Stain, wood conditioner, rags, brushes, polyurethane
Hardware: Hinges, handles, knobs, pulls, locks, etc.
Tools: Screwdrivers, wrench, putty knife, safety gear, etc.

Prepping and Repairing the Cabinet

Proper prep work ensures your finished metal storage cabinet will look great and hold up over time.

Clean Surfaces

Give all surfaces of the cabinet a thorough cleaning before beginning work:

Remove any items stored inside and wipe down the interior.
Use a degreaser to clean the exterior metal surfaces. This helps paint/finish adhere properly.
Use a wire scrub brush to remove any big grime or rust spots.
Wipe everything down well with a dry cloth when finished cleaning.

Fill Any Holes or Gaps

Examine the cabinet for any holes, gaps, or imperfections that need filling:

Use wood filler compound to patch holes and dents in the cabinet interior. Let dry completely.
For minor metal exterior flaws, apply auto body filler, allow to cure, then sand smooth.
Use spackle or putty for small gaps around edges or joints. Let fully dry before sanding.

Sand Cabinets and Drawers

Thoroughly sanding creates an optimal surface for your new finish:

Use 120-150 grit sandpaper to sand all interior and exterior surfaces.
Sand metal surfaces until you have removed any gloss or shine.
For wood, sand with the grain direction to avoid scratches.
Spend extra time sanding any damaged areas to improve adhesion.
Finish by wiping sanded surfaces with a dry cloth to remove dust.

Make Any Needed Repairs

Tighten any loose hinge screws or hardware. Replace any damaged components.
Use wood glue and clamps to re-attach any loose veneer or interior parts.
If drawer rollers are worn, replace old tracks and guides so drawers glide smoothly.
Fix any broken weld joints using a welder or metal epoxy adhesive.

Painting Metal Cabinets

Follow these best practices when painting metal storage cabinets:

Remove Doors, Drawers, and Hardware

Painting will be much easier if you first detach any removable parts of the cabinet:

Label door/drawers so you can reattach in the same spots later.
Remove hinges, handles, and any other hardware. Set aside all screws.
Take your time removing components to avoid damaging the cabinet.

Choose the Right Type of Paint

For painting metal, use a high-quality enamel paint designed for metal and wood:

Opt for oil or alkyd-based enamel paint. The resins allow for a harder finish.
Latex enamel is also an option, though may take more coats to achieve an even finish.
Buy the best metal paint you can afford for a smooth, durable finish.

Apply Primer

A quality metal primer helps the paint adhere properly to the metal surface:

Look for primer specifically made for metal. Rust blocking primers are also a good choice.
Apply a thin, even primer coat using a foam roller or nylon brush.
Let the primer dry fully before painting. Check manufacturer’s dry time.

Paint the Cabinets

Follow good paint practices for stellar results:

Paint in a dust-free area with adequate ventilation.
Use a nylon or polyester brush for smoothest results.
Maintain a “wet edge” and paint in the direction of the metal grain.
Allow proper dry time between coats according to the paint directions.
Apply at least 2-3 thin, even coats for best coverage and durability.

Cure Paint Fully Before Reassembly

Give paint several days to cure before reattaching doors, drawers, and hardware:

Oil-based paints take up to 7 days to fully cure.
Curing makes the paint more chip and scratch resistant over time.
Once fully cured, rub surfaces lightly with extra fine steel wool to smooth any bumps.

Staining and Sealing Wood Cabinet Interiors

Staining and sealing the interior wood components of your metal storage cabinet gives them richness and protection:

Prep Interior Wood Surfaces

Lightly sand interior wood using 220 grit sandpaper to scuff the surface.
Wipe away any dust with a dry cloth after sanding.
Use a liquid deglosser or fine grit sandpaper to remove any existing glossy finish.

Condition the Wood

Applying specialty wood conditioner helps stain absorb evenly for a uniform appearance.
Use a clean cloth to apply conditioner according to manufacturer directions. Let soak in fully.
Conditioning isn’t a must, but does help prevent blotchy stain results.

Apply Desired Stain

Use a foam brush or lint-free cloth to wipe stain over surfaces. Apply in direction of wood grain.
Let stain sit for 5-10 minutes so it fully absorbs, then wipe away any excess.
Allow stain to dry per label directions before applying a second coat, if desired.

Seal with a Protective Finish

Polyurethane is ideal for sealing in stain and protecting the wood finish.
Carefully brush on 2-3 coats of oil-based poly, allowing full drying between coats.
For extra protection, coat sealed wood with a paste wax and buff gently with a soft cloth.

Install New Handles and Hardware

Replacing your metal cabinet’s handles and hardware is a simple way to give it an updated, fresh look:

Select New Handles and Pulls

Some options to consider:

Stainless steel handles offer an elegant, contemporary look.
Vintage glass or crystal knobs have a classic appeal.
Black wrought iron pulls provide an industrial touch.
Ceramic handles come in fun, colorful designs.

Attach New Handles Properly

Refer to any instructions included with new handles for specific mounting details.
Make sure to position handles evenly spaced apart. Measure carefully.
For knobs, carefully drill any new holes needed using the correct size bit.
Fill existing handle holes with wood filler if not using same spacing. Allow to fully dry before sanding smooth.

Consider Other Hardware Upgrades

Upgrade cabinet hinges to soft-close models to prevent slamming.
Install childproof locks if small children will access the cabinet.
Add slide-out trays or other organizational elements to the cabinet interior.

Tips for Achieving an Antique Look

If your goal is to give your metal cabinet a vintage, timeworn appearance, these tips can help recreate that antique look:

Create a Weathered Paint Finish

Apply paint unevenly or add blotches and patches of color for an imperfect look.
Immediately after painting, rub corners or edges with sandpaper to simulate worn paint.
Once paint has dried, use steel wool to add scuff marks and expose metal underneath.

Add Signs of Natural Aging

Use brown and black watered down paints to make wood look older and faded.
Paint on irregular cracks or wood knots using acrylic paint.
Rub some graphite powder into recessed areas to mimic tarnished hardware.

Distress the Cabinet

Create small dents with the end of a screwdriver for an aged, dented effect.
Gently hammer metal edges to bend them slightly and make them look worn.
Use fine grit sandpaper to rub away paint on corners or areas that would naturally see more wear.

Finish with a Protective Coating

A matte varnish or sealant locks in the antique aged look.
Spray with a matte finish polyurethane for protection without added shine.
Or apply a light beeswax coating by rubbing it into surfaces with a soft cloth.

Maintaining Your Refinished Metal Cabinet

To keep your redone metal storage cabinet looking like new for years to come:

Wipe down painted metal surfaces periodically with a mild cleaner and soft cloth. Avoid abrasive cleaners.
Use a wood furniture polish to clean the interior wood as needed.
Look for signs of new rust developing and sand and touch up paint as soon as you spot any.
Avoid placing cabinet in direct sunlight or moisture to prevent fading/peeling.
If paint finish sustains any chips or damage, promptly sand the area and re-coat with paint to prevent rust.
Every 2-3 years inspect hinges, slides, and hardware. Tighten or replace components if needed.

Tips for Redoing Metal Cabinets

Keep these additional tips in mind for your metal cabinet redo project:

Work in a well-ventilated area, wear gloves/goggles, and take safety precautions if using chemical strippers or solvents.
When removing old paint, try to determine if it could contain lead. Take proper precautions if so.
New cabinet interiors can be created using plywood, beadboard, or metal sheeting if the original is damaged.
Glass door inserts can help open up and lighten the look of enclosed metal cabinets.
Change the cabinet layout by adding new interior shelves, drawers, or other storage elements.
Try spray painting small metal hardware like hinges and handles before reinstalling for a quick update.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of paint adheres best to metal cabinets?

Opt for an oil-based or alkyd enamel paint. The resins allow it to dry to a hard, durable finish that bonds well to metal. Using a primer made for metal also improves paint adhesion.

What’s the best way to get an antique look?

Distressing techniques like uneven paint, sanding edges, exposing some metal, and intentionally denting or bending components will give a vintage, timeworn appearance. Finishing with a matte sealer locks in the look.

How do I get rid of rust on a metal cabinet?

Light rust can be removed by scrubbing with steel wool and a wire brush. For heavy rust, use a chemical rust remover gel. Apply remover, let sit per directions, then scrub area and wipe clean.

Should I remove the doors and drawers before painting?

Yes, you’ll get much better paint coverage if you detach the doors, drawers, and hardware before painting. It allows you to fully paint the cabinet frame and finish components smoothly.

How do I get rid of old flaking paint?

Use a paint scraper to remove large paint chips. For small amounts of peeling paint, thoroughly sand surfaces to strip the finish. Chemical paint strippers can also be used per label directions. Wear proper safety gear.

What’s the best way to repair wood cabinet interiors?

Fill small holes with wood filler, allow to fully dry, then sand smooth. Use wood glue for minor cracks. Badly damaged wood may need to be replaced with new plywood/boards cut to size.

Summary

Refinishing an old metal cabinet is a satisfying DIY project that can give new life to vintage storage furniture. With some elbow grease and these steps, you can redo a metal cabinet into a functional showpiece:

Inspect, clean, and repair cabinet boxes and hardware before preparing surfaces.
Thoroughly sand metal and wood components to prep for new paint or stain.
Apply a fresh coat of high-quality enamel paint or wood stain and protective sealer.
Replace aged hardware with new handles and pulls to give it an updated look.
Optionally distress the cabinet to achieve a trendy vintage aesthetic.
Maintain the renewed cabinet by cleaning and touching up paint when needed.

With proper prep work, materials, and technique, you can revive the look, function, and storage appeal of a worn metal cabinet. The end result will be a renewed cabinet you can cherish for years to come.

How to Redo a Metal Storage Cabinet