How to Refinish an Old Metal Storage Cabinet

Refinishing an old metal storage cabinet can give it a fresh new look and help extend its life. With some sanding, priming, painting, and new hardware, you can transform a worn-out cabinet into a beautiful focal point in your home. Follow this step-by-step guide to refinishing a metal storage cabinet.

Gather Your Supplies

Before starting the refinishing process, make sure you have all the necessary supplies:

• Sandpaper in various grits – Start with a coarse grit like 80 or 100 to remove any old paint and rust, then use progressively finer grits like 120, 220, and 400 to smooth the surface for painting.
• Paint stripper (if needed) – To remove thick layers of old paint or varnish.
• Putty or wood filler – To fill any holes or dents. Let dry completely before sanding smooth.
• Rags, tack cloth, and safety gear – Such as gloves, eye protection, and a mask.
• Primer – Plastic or metal primer provides the optimal base coat for painting metal.
• Paint – Any high-quality spray paint or enamel works well. Choose your desired sheen and color(s).
• New hardware – Consider updating or replacing the pulls, hinges, and any other hardware.

Prepare the Cabinet Surface

Proper surface prep is crucial for a smooth, long-lasting finish. Here are the key steps:

1. Remove the Doors and Hardware

Use a screwdriver to remove all doors, hinges, handles, and any other hardware from the cabinet. Set them aside in a safe place until reassembly.

2. Clean the Surfaces

Give the cabinet a thorough cleaning using mild soap and water to remove grease, grime, and loose debris.

3. Strip Away Old Paint

If there are areas of peeling or chipping paint, use a paint stripper according to the product directions to fully remove all layers of old paint. This provides the smoothest base for new primer and paint.

4. Sand Away Rust and Blemishes

Use coarse 80-100 grit sandpaper to sand down any rust spots. Then smooth the overall surfaces, progressing to finer 120, 220, and 400 grit papers. Always sand in the direction of the metal grain.

5. Fill Any Holes and Dents

Use wood putty or plastic filler to fill any holes, dents, or cracks for a flawless finish. Let dry fully then sand smooth.

6. Remove All Dust and Debris

Wipe all surfaces completely with tack cloths to pick up any remaining dust or debris left from sanding.

Apply Primer and Paint

With properly prepped surfaces, you’re ready for fresh new color. Here’s how to apply it:

1. Prime All Surfaces

Use a high-quality metal primer to coat all interior and exterior surfaces. This helps the paint adhere tightly. Allow the primer coat to dry fully before painting.

2. Add Your Top Coat(s)

Apply 1-2 coats of your chosen spray paint, allowing proper drying time between coats. For a smooth factory-like finish, opt for an oil-based enamel.

3. Consider a Clear Top Coat (Optional)

For added protection on frequently used cabinets, apply 1-2 thin coats of a clear polyurethane over the painted finish.

4. Allow Proper Cure Time

Refer to the product labels for full cure times. This could take 1-2 weeks before the paint fully hardens and is ready for regular use and cleaning.

Reassemble and Install Hardware

Once the cabinet paint has fully cured, it’s time for reassembly:

1. Replace the Doors and Hinges

Reattach the doors using the original hinges, or update with new ones if needed. Make any hinge adjustments to ensure proper door alignment.

2. Add Updated Hardware

Install new knobs, pulls, or handles to give your refreshed cabinet a modern look. Brushed nickel, chrome, or matte black are popular choices.

3. Attach Any Additional Trim Pieces or Features

If your cabinet had decorative details like trim molding, brackets, or spindles, reattach them now using adhesive or hardware.

4. Seal Edges and Touch Up Paint

Use a small artist’s brush to spot paint any hinges, edges, or hardware holes. This prevents moisture exposure that could lead to future rust.

Troubleshooting Common Refinishing Issues

Even if carefully executed, it’s common to encounter a few issues when refinishing. Here are some quick fixes:

Problem: Old paint won’t fully strip away

Solution: Use a heat gun to soften thick paint layers before scraping and sanding away completely.

Problem: Rust keeps reappearing after sanding

Solution: Treat rusty spots with a rust converter before priming to prevent continued oxidation.

Problem: Brush marks are visible in the paint

Solution: Ensure paint isn’t applied too thickly. Opt for high-quality spray paint instead of brushed on.

Problem: Paint is sticky/smearing days after application

Solution: The paint did not properly cure likely due to cold conditions. Gently re-sand and reapply fresh coats.

Problem: Paint peeling or bubbling

Solution: Always use proper primer and fully sand glossy surfaces to improve adhesion.

Tips for a Flawless Refinished Cabinet

Follow these pro tips as you undertake your metal storage cabinet makeover:

• Take your time with surface prep – this makes all the difference in the final product.
• Remove doors and hardware to refinish separately for easiest access to all surfaces.
• When spray painting, use light even coats versus heavy spraying to prevent drips.
• Stir paint frequently and during application to prevent uneven coloring.
• Always follow all safety precautions indicated on chemical product labels.
• Work in a well-ventilated area and allow plenty of drying time between coats.
• Apply a clear coat over painted finishes for extra protection and sheen.
• Let paint fully cure for 1-2 weeks before hanging doors and using cabinet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have some uncertainties about refinishing your storage cabinet? Here are answers to some common questions:

Should I repaint or refinish a metal cabinet?

If the current paint is in decent shape, you can likely repaint directly over it after proper prep. But extensive peeling or flaking paint will require completely stripping the finish and refinishing for a smooth new surface.

What kind of new paint should I use?

High-quality spray paints or enamels specifically made for metal work best. Opt for satin, semi-gloss, or high-gloss sheens for easy cleaning and durability.

Do I need to prime before painting metal?

Yes, primer provides superior adhesion and corrosion resistance. Always use a metal-specific primer before adding your topcoats.

How do I get rid of rust on an old metal cabinet?

Use coarse sandpaper to remove rust down to bare metal, then apply a rust converter before priming and painting to stop continued oxidation.

What’s the best way to remove sticky old paint?

Heat guns work well for softening layers of sticky paint for easier scraping. Chemical paint strippers also help break the bond for complete removal.

Should I paint the inside of the cabinet?

For longest life, yes – paint the inside surfaces using the same process as the exterior for full protection from moisture damage.

How can I give my cabinet doors a smooth finish?

Lay doors flat on sawhorses or an elevated surface while spray painting for the most even coating.

Achieve Beautiful Results with a DIY Cabinet Refinish

With the right products and techniques, you can give an outdated metal storage cabinet new life through refinishing it yourself. The process requires patience and meticulous surface preparation, but the payoff is rewarding.

Take your time sanding, priming, painting, and reassembling, and you’ll have a revitalized cabinet that looks like it came fresh from the store. Not only will you save money compared to a professional refinish, you’ll also have the satisfaction of restoring something old into something beautiful through your own handiwork.