How to Redo Old Metal Kitchen Cabinets

Introduction

Redoing old metal kitchen cabinets can completely transform the look and feel of your kitchen. Metal cabinets were very popular in the past, but over time they can start to look dated and worn. With some creativity and elbow grease, you can give new life to your old metal cabinets. There are several methods for redoing metal cabinets, depending on your budget, skills, and desired outcome. This guide will walk you through the process of preparing, painting, refinishing, and updating old metal kitchen cabinets to create a fresh, modern look. With the right techniques and products, you can makeover your outdated metal cabinets and fall in love with your kitchen all over again.

Should You Keep or Replace Metal Kitchen Cabinets?

Before deciding to redo your metal kitchen cabinets, consider whether it might be better to replace them altogether. Here are some pros and cons of keeping vs. replacing metal cabinets:

Pros of Keeping Metal Cabinets

• Cost effective: Refinishing or repainting existing cabinets is far less expensive than a full replacement.
• Preserve integrity: Metal cabinets are sturdier and longer-lasting than many new options. With some TLC they can last for decades to come.
• Eco-friendly: Refurbishing utilizes fewer raw materials and produces less waste compared to manufacturing new cabinets.
• Maintain layout: Keeping the existing cabinet footprint avoids disruptive layout changes.

Cons of Keeping Metal Cabinets

• Limited design options: Metal cabinet doors don’t offer the range of styles that new replacement doors could provide.
• Prone to dents: Metal dents more easily than wood or laminate cabinets. Dings over time can make them look worn.
• Difficult to match appliances: It may be hard to find new appliances and fixtures that coordinate well with old metal finishes.
• No customization: Keeping metal cabinets doesn’t allow for tailoring them to your unique storage needs.

Pros of Replacing Metal Cabinets

• Contemporary styles: New cabinets offer endless options for door styles, finishes, and colors to match your vision.
• Storage solutions: Replacement cabinets can be customized with pull-outs, lazy susans, and other storage solutions.
• Cohesive look: New cabinetry coordinates beautifully with new countertops, backsplashes, fixtures, and appliances.
• Higher resale value: Kitchen updates with new cabinetry tend to recoup a higher percentage of their cost.

Cons of Replacing Metal Cabinets

• Expensive: The cost of purchasing and installing new custom cabinetry can run tens of thousands of dollars.
• Disruption: Removing old cabinets and installing new ones requires living through a major renovation.
• Waste: Perfectly good existing cabinets end up in landfills.
• Layout limitations: Structural elements like walls, windows and plumbing restrict layout changes.

Overall, if your old metal cabinets are structurally sound, remodeling them is typically the most budget-friendly option. Replacing cabinets can make sense if you want a total style change or your current layout is inefficient.

Preparing Metal Kitchen Cabinets for Refinishing

Proper prep work is crucial for achieving great results refinishing metal kitchen cabinets. Follow these key steps:

Clean Surfaces

Grease, dirt and residue needs to be removed so paint can properly adhere. Wash cabinet interiors, exteriors, doors and frames with a degreasing cleaner like TSP substitute. For stubborn grease stains, use a citrus-based degreaser and scrub with a nylon bristle brush. Rinse thoroughly and let dry completely.

Remove Doors and Hardware

Detach all cabinet doors, drawers and hardware (handles, hinges etc.) using a power drill or screwdriver. This allows you to refinish components separately for easiest access. Number doors and drawers to ensure proper reattachment later.

Repair Damage

Inspect closely for dents, holes, rust spots or other damage. Use auto body filler designed for metal to fill dents smooth. Sand and feather edges of filled areas. Wire brush rust spots thoroughly and apply metal primer before filling holes or gaps with wood filler. Sand once dry.

Scuff Sanding

Lightly scuff sand all cabinet and door surfaces using 220 grit sandpaper. This helps paint adhere better. Be sure to sand inside and out, wiping away dust between coats.

Proper cleaning, detachment, repairs and sanding sets up metal cabinets for success. Now the fun part…picking your new finish!

Painting vs. Refinishing Metal Kitchen Cabinets

You can change the look of metal cabinets either by painting or refinishing. Here’s how to decide which route is best for your kitchen:

Benefits of Painting Metal Cabinets

Affordable – Painting uses inexpensive paints versus refinishing materials.

Any color – Paint allows unlimited color options from brights to neutrals.

Quick – Painting can usually be completed over a weekend versus refinishing taking several days.

Durable – Modern cabinet paints create a hard, scratch-resistant finish.

Easy touch-ups – Painted cabinets are simple to spot treat if damaged.

Benefits of Refinishing Metal Cabinets

Preserves texture – Refinishing maintains the original brushed metal look versus painting over it.

Shows wear less – Oil-rubbed bronze and other dark finishes hide scuffs better than paint.

Less prep work – Refinishing doesn’t require thorough sanding and cleaning like painting.

Environmentally friendly – Refinishing avoids paint VOCs and smell.

Metal look – If you want a metallic sheen, refinishing is the better choice.

Popular Paint Colors for Kitchen Cabinets

If you opt for painted metal cabinets, consider these trending color options:

• White – Classic, clean and opens up small kitchens
• Light grey – A warmer alternative to stark white
• Navy – For a bold, dramatic effect
• Soft green – Calming and works with many styles
• Black – Striking and stylish when done right
• Antique white – A versatile, slightly distressed white

How to Paint Metal Kitchen Cabinets

Follow these steps for flawless results painting metal cabinets:

1. Remove doors, drawers and hardware (See Prep Steps)

2. Clean and sand surfaces thoroughly

This allows paint to adhere properly.

3. Wipe sanded surfaces with tack cloth

Pick up any remaining dust or debris.

4. Apply high-quality primer

Priming helps the paint stick to the slick metal surface. Opt for a primer made specifically for metal.

5. Let primer dry then lightly sand

Sanding the primer coat gives the topcoat paint something to grip.

6. Clean and tack cloth surfaces again

Remove all dust between coats for best results.

7. Apply two coats of cabinet paint

Use a high-quality cabinet enamel in your color choice. Allow proper drying time between coats.

8. Replace doors, drawers and hardware

Reattach everything once paint has fully cured. Enjoy your refreshed cabinets!

Choosing the right combination of primer and paint ensures your painted metal cabinets turn out looking fantastic.

How to Refinish Metal Kitchen Cabinets

Here’s the process for refinishing metal cabinets instead of painting:

1. Remove doors, drawers and hardware (See Prep Steps)

2. Clean surfaces thoroughly with degreaser

Remove any grease, dirt or residue so new finish adheres well.

3. Sand lightly to rough up surface

This “keys” the finish into place. Use fine (220-400) grit sandpaper.

4. Mask off any areas not being refinished

Use painter’s tape and drop cloths to avoid drips and splatters.

5. Apply metal finishing solution

Choose oil-rubbed bronze, brushed nickel, aged copper or another on-trend metallic finish. Apply finish with a paint pad applicator or fine bristle brush.

6. Allow finish to fully dry

This may take 2-3 hours between coats. Follow product label directions.

7. Apply protective sealant finish

This adds durability and enhances sheen. Polyurethane works well for most applications.

8. Reattach doors, drawers and hardware

Once fully dry, your vintage metal cabinets will look brand new again!

Choosing an Oil-Rubbed Bronze or blackened metal finish is a great way to give metal cabinets a contemporary facelift. The finishing products leave a professional high-end look.

Updating Old Metal Kitchen Cabinets on a Budget

If your budget is tight, you can still update your old metal cabinets to give your kitchen a mini makeover:

New Hardware

Replace outdated handles and knobs with modern brushed nickel, oil-rubbed bronze or matte black hardware. Look for handle-free options for a super sleek look. This easy update makes a big impact.

Shelf Liner

Line cabinet interiors with fresh shelf liner to add color and hide wear. Choose patterns or solid colors like lemon, robin’s egg blue or coral to complement your walls or backsplash. Shelf liner is inexpensive and easily replaceable.

Spray Paint Accents

Use spray paint to transform door and drawer hardware, hinges, exposed metal trim and vents a trendy matte black, gold, bronze or metallic finish. This creates contrast against your existing cabinet color.

New Pulls and Knobs

In addition to updating cabinet hardware, scored knobs paired with cup or bin pulls create an eclectic mismatched look. Mixing metals like aged bronze knobs with black metal pulls gives new life to old cabinets on a budget.

With minimal investment, these easy DIY upgrades can refresh the look of metal kitchen cabinets until you’re ready for a full redo down the road.

FAQs About Redoing Metal Kitchen Cabinets

What kind of primer should I use on metal cabinets?

For best results, use a primer specifically made for metal. Rust-inhibiting primers that contain zinc or iron help deter future corrosion issues.

What sheen of paint works best on cabinets?

A satin, eggshell or semi-gloss finish offers a nice balance of durability and an attractive, subtle sheen on cabinets. Full gloss shows imperfections while flat has no sheen and stains easily.

Will refinishing remove the brushed metal pattern?

No, an oil-rubbed bronze or metallic finish will darken the brushed metal look but will not fully obscurate the pattern. The metal grain will still show through finished dark colors.

Is it possible to change just the cabinet doors?

Certainly. Replacing existing doors with new slab or shaker-style doors in wood, laminate or thermofoil can update the look without replacing the whole cabinet box.

Can I spray paint metal cabinets for a smoother finish?

Yes, you can spray your primer and cabinet paint using a paint sprayer. This takes some practice but results in a more seamless finish than brush painting.

Conclusion

Redoing old metal kitchen cabinets provides a budget-friendly way to revive your kitchen’s style. With some elbow grease to clean, prep, paint or refinish your existing cabinets, you can update the heart of your home. Use this guide to help choose your new cabinet finish, colors and hardware. With smart techniques and product selections, you can achieve magazine-worthy results and learn how to redo old metal kitchen cabinets like a pro.