Refinishing old metal kitchen cabinets can completely transform the look of your kitchen. With some time and effort, you can strip away years of wear, dirt, and outdated color to reveal the hidden beauty in your existing cabinets. This comprehensive guide will walk you through all the steps needed to refinish metal kitchen cabinets, from prep work and removing doors, to choosing new paint colors and techniques, and reinstalling the refreshed cabinet doors. Follow these tips and with a little elbow grease, you can revive your old metal cabinets on a budget.

Assessing Your Old Metal Cabinets

Before deciding on how exactly to refinish your metal kitchen cabinets, thoroughly examine their current condition. This will help determine the best approach for refurbishing them.

Check for Rust and Corrosion

Inspect inside and out for any rust spots or corroded areas. Light surface rust can be removed and treated, but deep rust may mean the metal is too far gone and needs replacing.

Test for Lead Paint

Old metal cabinets may have lead-based paint, especially if they date pre-1978. Use a lead testing kit to be sure. Special precautions must be taken if stripping lead paint to avoid contamination.

Look for Dents and Damage

Note any dents, holes, warped panels or other damage. Dents may need professional repair. Damage beyond surface level may mean replacing doors or cabinets.

Assess Hinges and Hardware

Make sure hinges open and close properly and hardware like knobs or pulls are still sturdy. Replace anything that is loose, corroded or damaged.

Once you’ve fully assessed the condition, you can determine the best approach to refinishing that will yield quality results.

Gathering Your Refinishing Supplies

Refinishing metal kitchen cabinets requires an array of supplies. Make sure you have all the necessary tools, equipment, and materials on hand before starting your project.

Safety Gear

• Goggles and gloves to protect your eyes and hands
• Face mask to prevent inhaling paint fumes
• Drop cloths to cover floors and countertops

Cleaning Supplies

• Mild detergent for initial cleaning
• TSP substitute to degrease cabinets
• Sandpaper in varying grits to scuff surfaces
• Rags, scrub brushes, and tack cloths for cleaning

Painting Materials

• High-quality primer formulated for metal
• Oil-based or latex paint for the finish coat
• Foam rollers and angled brushes to apply new paint
• Paint tray, stir sticks, and strainers to prepare paint

Hardware Tools

• Screwdrivers, wrenches, and pliers to remove hardware
• Fillers and drill for fixing holes and damage
• Surface prep tools like orbital sander if needed

Gather all materials before starting. This will allow the refinishing process to go smoothly from start to finish.

Preparing Your Old Metal Cabinets for Painting

Proper preparation is crucial for getting the best end results when refinishing metal kitchen cabinets. Follow these key steps to get your cabinets ready for painting:

1. Empty Cabinets and Remove Doors

Take everything out of the cabinets and detach the doors. Lay doors on a flat, protected surface. Remove as much hardware as possible.

2. Clean Surface Grime and Grease

Wash cabinet boxes and doors with a mild detergent. For stubborn grease, use TSP substitute and scrub with a degreaser to cut through accumulated dirt.

3. Sand Down Surfaces

Lightly scuff metal surfaces using 180-220 grit sandpaper to rough up the finish. This helps paint adhere better.

4. Wipe Clean

Use a damp rag to remove dust. Then wipe down with a tack cloth to remove any debris or oil left from sanding.

5. Fill Holes and Imperfections

Fill any holes, dents or surface damage with metal filler. Once dry, sand smooth.

6. Prime Metal Surfaces

Apply a high-quality metal primer allowing proper dry time between coats. Primer creates a base for paint.

Once prepped, the cabinets should be stripped down to bare metal, free of grime, rust, and damage, ready for painting.

Choosing the Right Paint for Refinishing Metal Cabinets

When researching paint options for refinishing metal kitchen cabinets, you generally have two good choices:

Oil-Based Paint

Oil-based enamel paint provides a hard, durable finish that resists chipping, denting, and yellowing. It adheres well to metal surfaces. Oil paint requires mineral spirits for cleanup.

Latex Acrylic Paint

Latex acrylic paint is water-based, making it easier to apply and clean up. It dries faster than oil and resists fading and yellowing. Use high-quality latex paint formulated for metal.

Considerations when choosing paint:

• Sheen level – semigloss or gloss offer the most protection for high-traffic cabinets
• Color – lighter tones help small kitchens feel more open
• Specialty finishes – textured or metallic paints add visual interest

Test paint swatches on cabinet doors to view under your lighting before committing to a color. Proper metal paint prep and application will lead to a durable, beautiful finish.

Techniques for Painting Metal Cabinets

Follow these key techniques when painting metal kitchen cabinets to achieve an even, streak-free painted finish:

1. Work in a Ventilated Area

Paint in a well-ventilated area and allow plenty of dry time between coats. This is essential when using oil-based paints.

2. Maintain a Wet Edge

Maintain a wet edge when painting by brushing from unpainted into painted areas before paint dries. This prevents lap marks.

3. Use Quality Applicators

Invest in good quality mini foam rollers and angled brushes. Lint-free microfiber or foam rollers provide smoother application on metal.

4. Apply in Thin, Even Coats

Paint in multiple thin, even coats allowing proper dry time rather than one thick coat. Thick coats can become gummy.

5. Inspect Between Coats

Check for any drips or missed spots between coats. Touch up as needed so flaws don’t get sealed under the final coat.

Proper paint prep and application technique leads to a smooth factory-like finish on DIY refinished metal cabinets.

How to Refinish Cabinet Doors

Refinishing the cabinet doors makes the biggest visual impact when painting metal kitchen cabinets. Follow these steps to completely transform the doors:

Remove Door Hardware

Remove hinges, knobs, and pulls. Fill any leftover holes with wood filler; let dry and sand smooth.

Clean and Scuff Door Surface

Wash doors with mild detergent, rinse, then lightly sand to rough up the surface for painting.

Prime and Paint Doors

Apply a quality metal primer, allowing proper dry time before adding finish color coats.

Paint Door Front and Back

For full coverage, paint the front and back of doors and all edges. Allow proper dry time between coats.

Reattach Hardware

Once fully dry, reattach the hinges and install updated hardware like knobs or pulls for a fresh new look.

For a smooth professional finish on doors, use high-quality mini foam rollers and angled sash brushes. Completely painting the cabinet doors makes the biggest visual impact.

Refinishing Worn Cabinet Boxes

The cabinet boxes or cases often show more wear than the doors. Follow these tips when refinishing worn metal cabinet boxes:

• Remove shelving and hardware before painting boxes. Fill any hardware holes with filler.
• Clean boxes well using degreaser to remove grime before lightly sanding.
• Use high quality small foam rollers and angled brushes to paint boxes. Rollers allow a smoother finish on flat expanses.
• Paint all sides and interior of cabinet boxes for full coverage with primer and finish coats. Don’t forget the cabinet top and bottom.
• Touch up paint between coats for a flawless finish.
• Replace hardware and shelving once the freshly painted boxes are fully dry.

Taking time to refinish the cabinet boxes along with the doors gives you a complete updated kitchen look.

Tips for Drying Cabinet Doors

Allowing doors adequate dry time is crucial in the refinishing process. Here are some tips for proper paint drying:

• Let doors dry fully laying flat, not standing on edges, to prevent drips running.
• Dry cabinet doors in a dust-free space, out of direct sunlight.
• Follow paint manufacturer’s instructions for dry times between coats. Oil enamels take longer than latex.
• Use a fan to help circulate air and speed dry times, but avoid blowing dirt onto the wet paint.
• For quicker drying, bring doors into a warm area like the garage and close them off from pets or kids.
• Don’t reattach doors until fully cured, usually 2-3 days for oil-based, 1 day for latex.

Rushing the drying process can ruin the paint job, so be patient. Proper dry times lead to a durable finish.

Updating Cabinet Hardware

Replacing old hardware with updated knobs and pulls provides a quick facelift along with your cabinet refinishing.

• Choose hardware that complements your new cabinet color – go for brushed nickel, oil rubbed bronze or matte black for a contemporary look.
• Stick with a uniform style throughout the kitchen for a cohesive look. Mixing and matching knobs looks disjointed.
• Make sure new hardware fits properly before screwing it in. Measure screw lengths.
• Use a drill with the proper sized bit to install new hardware and avoid stripping screw holes.
• Consider adding hooks, shelves or pull-out trays inside cabinets to increase storage options. Hardware makes a big impact. Invest in quality pieces that align with your kitchen style. Take time to properly install.

Avoiding Common Mistakes When Refinishing Cabinets

When refinishing old metal kitchen cabinets, watch out for these common mistakes:

• Skipping the prep work – Surface prep is crucial for proper paint adhesion. Don’t rush this step.
• Choosing the wrong paint – Invest in quality oil-based or latex enamel paints designed specifically for metal.
• Applying paint too thick – Too much paint causes drips and leads to uneven finish. Keep coats thin.
• Not allowing adequate dry time – Rushing between coats or rehanging doors too soon leads to chipping and damage.
• Failing to clean up overspray – Use drop cloths and tape off areas to prevent specks of paint on counters or floors.
• Not replacing damaged hardware – Old hardware looks dingy against fresh paint. Upgrade knobs, hinges, and pulls.

With care and patience, you can avoid common pitfalls and end up with beautiful revitalized metal cabinets.

Maintaining Your Refinished Metal Cabinets

To keep your refinished metal kitchen cabinets looking fresh, implement these maintenance practices:

• Allow painted cabinets to cure fully for 30 days before cleaning. Use only mild soap and water.
• Avoid abrasive cleaners or scouring pads which can scratch the finish.
• Reseal painted surfaces yearly with a clear polyurethane for added protection.
• Hand wash cabinet doors using a soft sponge or rag to prevent chipping at edges. Avoid excessive moisture.
• Replace rusting screws or hinges right away to prevent further corrosion or damage.
• Touch up any nicks in the paint as soon as they occur to prevent additional chipping.

With proper care and maintenance, your freshly refinished metal cabinets will stay beautiful for years to come.

FAQs About Refinishing Metal Kitchen Cabinets

Should I strip existing paint before refinishing cabinets?

Not usually necessary. Scuff sanding the surfaces provides enough “tooth” for paint adhesion. Stripping old paint is messy and time consuming.

What type of primer should I use?

A quality oil-based or latex primer formulated specifically for metal provides good corrosion resistance and paint adhesion. Sherwin Williams DTM Wash Primer is a great option.

Can I use a paint sprayer to paint cabinets?

Paint sprayers can be tricky for DIYers to get an even finish. Roller and brush application tends to look more professional.

How do I revive yellowed cabinets?

Lightly sanding and priming with a stain-blocking primer will help cover yellowing before applying your topcoats of fresh paint.

Should I paint cabinet interiors?

The cabinet interiors don’t need as many coats as the exterior, but should be painted for full coverage and to prevent moisture damage.

Refinishing your old metal kitchen cabinets can seem like an overwhelming project, but taking it step-by-step yields beautiful results. With patience and proper techniques, you can revive your outdated cabinets on a budget. The finished look will make all your hard work worthwhile, giving you a kitchen space you can be proud of.

Conclusion

With some dedicated time and effort, refinishing metal kitchen cabinets can give a completely updated look to your kitchen without needing a full remodel. Follow the techniques outlined here for prepping, painting, and refinishing worn metal cabinet surfaces, doors, and hardware. Take things slowly, do the prep work thoroughly, invest in quality paints and applicators, and practice patience at each stage. The end result will be gorgeous, refreshed metal cabinets that look like new for a fraction of the cost of replacing them. With a little elbow grease and TLC, you can restore beauty and function to well-made metal cabinets that have years of life left in them.