How to Refinish Vintage Metal Cabinets

Refinishing vintage metal cabinets can breathe new life into old furniture and add a unique touch to your home. With some time and effort, you can strip away years of wear and tear to reveal the original beauty and charm of vintage cabinets. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to refinish metal cabinets to give them an updated yet classic look.

Assessing the Cabinets

Before you begin refinishing, thoroughly examine the vintage metal cabinets to determine their current condition.

• Look for any structural damage, weakened joints, missing hardware or major dents that need repairing first.
• Check if there are any layers of old paint that need to be removed.
• Identify the original metal beneath – is it steel, aluminum or something else? This will impact the refinishing process.
• Test for lead paint if stripping old layers of paint. Take proper safety precautions if lead paint is detected.

Once you’ve assessed the overall state of the cabinets, you can then determine the scope of work for the refinishing process.

Prepping and Cleaning the Cabinets

Proper prep work is crucial for a smooth refinishing process.

• Clear out the cabinets and remove the doors, drawers and hardware (handles, hinges). Set the hardware aside for later reinstallation.
• Use a degreaser or TSP substitute to clean grimy surfaces and remove old grease and oils.
• Sand down rough paint edges or rust spots with 120-220 grit sandpaper.
• Fill dents and drill holes with metal filler compound and let dry completely.
• Use a palm sander with 150 grit paper to scuff up surfaces for better paint adhesion.

Thorough cleaning and light sanding prep the cabinets for fresh paint or stain.

Stripping Old Paint

If there are many layers of old flaking or cracked paint, you’ll need to strip the cabinets fully before refinishing them.

• Chemical strippers – Apply a heavy duty chemical paint stripper, let it sit for 15-20 minutes, then scrape away the softened paint with a putty knife. Wear protective gear when using harsh strippers.
• Heat gun – Use a heat gun to soften old paint and immediately scrape it off with a putty knife. Be careful not to scorch the metal.
• Sanding – For thin paint coats, use 80-120 grit sandpaper to sand away paint. Avoid sanding if the paint may contain lead.

Stripping may take many rounds of applying strippers or sanding to get down to the original metal. Rinse stripped cabinets thoroughly before painting.

Priming the Metal

Once stripped down to bare metal, the cabinets need to be primed before painting.

• Lightly sand stripped cabinets with 220 grit sandpaper to smooth any rough areas.
• Clean and degrease the metal again before priming.
• For steel cabinets, use a metal etching primer to get excellent paint adhesion.
• For aluminum, use a specially formulated aluminum primer.
• Apply 2-3 thin, even coats of primer allowing proper dry time between coats.

The primer coat provides a consistent base for the new paint to adhere to.

Painting Techniques

You can paint refinished vintage cabinets any color you like to match your home’s décor. Here are some tips for painting metal:

• For an ultra smooth finish, spray paint the cabinets. Hang or position doors horizontally for spraying.
• Alternatively, use high quality enamel paint and apply with a foam roller and angled brush.
• Opt for cabinet-specific paint with hardener additive for a durable finish.
• Apply 2-3 thin coats of paint rather than one thick coat for a smoother look.
• Lightly sand between coats and clean to remove any dust particles.
• Allow each coat to dry fully before adding another coat.
• Be patient! Rushing the paint job will likely result in unsightly drips and uneven coverage.

Take your time with the painting process for best results. The wait is worth it for a renewed vintage cabinet set!

Applying New Hardware

Once the painted cabinets are fully dry, reattach the original hardware or update the look with new handles and knobs. Here are some tips when installing hardware:

• Clean hardware before reattaching it to remove any dust or grime.
• Use new hardware screws to firmly anchor the hardware into place. Fill old screw holes first.
• Install handles centered precisely on doors and drawers for a seamless look.
• Get help holding heavy doors in place while attaching hardware.
• Seal around hardware pieces with clear caulk to prevent moisture getting in.
• Consider a mix of vintage style and modern hardware for an eclectic twist.

Hardware is the finishing touch that adds that final pop of style!

Protecting the Finish

To extend the life and beauty of your refinished vintage cabinets:

• Allow paint or stain to cure fully, about 2-3 weeks, before use.
• Clean spills promptly and avoid abrasive scrubbing.
• Use small furniture pads under heavy items to prevent scratches.
• Reseal with a fresh coat of paint or polyurethane as needed over time.
• Limit exposure to direct sunlight to reduce fading.

With some careful maintenance, your refreshed vintage cabinets will look lovely for years to come!

FAQs

How do I get rid of rust on old metal cabinets?

Light rust can be sanded away with 120 grit sandpaper. For heavier rust, use a rust removal solution or stripping pads before sanding and priming.

What kind of new paint should I use?

High quality cabinet enamel or automotive paints work well for refinishing metal cabinets. Opt for paint with a hardener for added protection.

What’s the best way to strip paint from metal cabinets?

Using a chemical paint stripper is the most effective way to remove old paint from metal cabinets. Be sure to take safety precautions when handling harsh stripping chemicals.

Can I change the color of my vintage metal cabinets?

Yes, you can paint vintage metal cabinets any new color. Priming first will allow the new paint to adhere well for full coverage.

How do I get a smooth, professional looking paint finish?

Spray painting is ideal for the smoothest finish on metal cabinet surfaces. If brush painting, use high quality tapered trim paint brushes and apply thin coats.

Conclusion

Refinishing metal cabinets rather than replacing them is a sustainable, budget-friendly way to update your kitchen or bath to feel like new. With some elbow grease and patience, you can strip away old paint and corrosion to reveal the charming style of vintage cabinets. Prepping, priming, painting and adding new hardware will all contribute to a gorgeous, on-trend finished look. Just be sure to prepare properly for the process and allow sufficient drying time as you complete the steps. Take pride in preserving a bit of history while also making it fresh and current again. Your refinished vintage metal cabinets will add unique character to any room!