How to Refurbish a Metal Cabinet

Refurbishing a metal cabinet can breathe new life into old furniture and save you money compared to buying a new one. With some simple cleaning, repairs, and a fresh coat of paint, you can transform a worn-out metal cabinet into a beautiful showpiece for your home. This comprehensive guide will walk you through all the steps needed to refurbish a metal cabinet from start to finish.

Cleaning and Prepping the Metal Cabinet

The first step is a thorough cleaning to remove grease, grime, and rust. This prep work ensures the new paint adheres properly for a smooth, durable finish.

Supplies Needed

• Mild detergent or degreaser
• Scouring pad
• Rags
• Mineral spirits
• Sandpaper (150 grit and 220 grit)
• Tack cloth
• Drop cloths

Steps for Cleaning

1. Remove the cabinet doors and drawers (if any) and set hardware like knobs and hinges aside. This gives you easy access to all surfaces.
2. Mix a mild detergent like dish soap with warm water in a bucket. Use a scouring pad dipped in the solution to scrub away surface grime and grease from all sides of the cabinet and the interior.
3. Rinse with clean water and dry thoroughly with rags.
4. Use mineral spirits applied with rags to dissolve thicker grease deposits. Let it sit for 5 minutes before scrubbing with a scouring pad. Rinse and dry.
5. Sand away any rust spots with 150 grit sandpaper until you expose the bare metal beneath.
6. Sand all surfaces (except the interior) with 220 grit sandpaper to scuff up the finish. This helps the paint adhere better. Wipe clean with tack cloth.
7. Vacuum up all sanding dust. Lay down drop cloths in your workspace. The cabinet is now ready for painting.

Painting Techniques for a Refurbished Metal Cabinet

Applying a fresh coat of paint is the fun part! There are several effective techniques to choose from depending on your preferences:

Spray Painting

• Use high quality spray paint formulated for metal. Enamel paint offers a smooth, durable finish.
• For best results, hang cabinet doors outdoors to spray paint. Use drop cloths underneath.
• Apply thin, even coats and let dry fully between coats. About 3 coats provides good coverage.
• Spray inside cabinet box outdoors. Or use a paint sprayer attachment on a shop vac to contain overspray.

Brush Painting

• Use oil-based or acrylic enamel paints. Metal paint provides rust prevention.
• Use a high quality natural bristle brush for smooth flow and stroke marks.
• Apply paint liberally to all surfaces. Work methodically and maintain a wet edge.
• Work in the direction of the metal grain for an even finish.
• Let paint dry fully between coats. Lightly sand between coats for maximum adhesion.

Rolling and Tipping

• Foam rollers apply paint quickly and minimize brush marks. Use 4-inch rollers.
• “Tip off” the paint by gently brushing over the wet roller coat to smooth it out.
• Work top to bottom and maintain a wet edge between sections.
• Finish with 2-3 tipped coats for professional results.

No matter which paint method you choose, proper surface prep and patience lead to the best outcome. The end result will be a cabinet that looks factory-finished!

Repairs to Refurbish Your Metal Cabinet

While cleaning and painting refreshes the overall look, inspect your cabinet for any repairs needed to restore its structural integrity. Here are some common fixes:

Reinforce Loose Joints

• Use wood glue injected into joints with a glue syringe. Clamp overnight while glue dries fully.
• For quick-drying glue, hammer joints snug then glue and hold 30-60 seconds.
• Badly warped joints may need brackets attached with wood screws to firmly reconnect.

Replace Rusted-Out Panels

• Measure and mark the damaged section to be replaced.
• Carefully cut out the rusted metal with an angle grinder or jigsaw.
• Cut and fit a new replacement panel (or plywood). Secure with screws.
• Fill seams with wood filler, allow to dry, then sand smooth.

Repair Dents and Gouges

• Use auto body filler (Bondo) to fill dents and gouges. Apply in layers, sanding smooth between coats.
• An easier option is to fill small dents with spackle. Aim for a slightly rounded finish so paint covers evenly.
• Use painter’s putty for deep gouges. Press into holes and depressions before painting.

With repairs complete, you can now paint your strengthened cabinet. Proper prep and repairs ensure your refurbished cabinet will last for years!

How to Add New Hardware and Shelving

Swapping out the original dated hardware for new knobs, pulls or handles gives your refurbished metal cabinet a stylish updated look. For removing stubborn old hardware screws, use a screwdriver and hammer to carefully tap them counterclockwise. Here are tips for installing new hardware and shelves:

Hinges

• Measure existing hinge positions. Mark new hinge locations with pencil.
• Use a drill/driver to pilot holes before driving in screws to secure hinges.
• Adjust doors so gaps between are even. Tighten screws completely.

Knobs and Pulls

• Confirm drill bit size for holes (usually 1/4 inch for cabinet knobs).
• Tape knobs on doors/drawers and mark pilot holes. Drill holes.
• For handles, measure and mark placement. Drill pilot holes at an angle if needed.
• Attach knobs snugly by hand or use a screwdriver. Don’t over tighten.

Shelving and Drawers

• Measure the cabinet interior and mark shelf placement. Make sure shelves are level.
• Set shelves on standards, brackets or cleats attached inside the cabinet.
• For drawer glides, measure and attach rails to the cabinet interior with screws.
• Attach drawer slides to drawers. Insert drawers and adjust glide screws until aligned.

With all new hardware installed and shelving adjusted, your metal cabinet makeover is finished! The last step is to move it to its new home and fill it up.

Top Tips for Refurbishing a Metal Cabinet

Here are some additional pointers to ensure success as you breathe new life into a worn metal cabinet:

• Work in a well-ventilated area when cleaning, sanding, and painting. Wear protective gear like gloves and safety goggles.
• Use a deglosser or sand thoroughly if painting over an existing finish to help the new paint adhere.
• When spray painting outside, don’t work in direct sunlight or if rain is expected. Wind can also disrupt paint flow.
• Apply painter’s tape around the interior edges of the cabinet box before spray painting doors and drawers. This creates a neater paint line.
• Distress new paint with fine sandpaper before applying a top coat if aiming for a vintage, timeworn look. Wipe away dust between coats.
• Prime painted surfaces before attaching new hardware. Drilling into paint could cause cracking or chipping.
• Fill any old hardware holes with wood filler and sand smooth. Drill new pilot holes for installing replacement hardware.
• Work slowly when removing old paint to expose original metal. Chemical strippers are effective but use cautiously and follow directions.

With the right supplies, techniques and a little elbow grease, you can give an outdated metal cabinet new life! The end result will look cohesive and custom.

Frequently Asked Questions About Refurbishing Metal Cabinets

Below are answers to some common questions about modernizing and restoring metal kitchen cabinets, hutches, tool chests and more:

What kind of paint adheres best to metal surfaces?

For the most durable finish, use oil-based or enamel spray paints formulated especially for metal. Acrylic latex paint will also work but may require more coats. Be sure to prepare surfaces properly and apply a primer first.

How do I get a smooth painted finish on metal?

Thorough sanding of the original finish allows fresh paint to adhere evenly. Apply multiple thin coats, sanding lightly between each coat. Spray painting and “tipping off” brushed coats minimizes brush marks. Finishing with high grit sandpaper leaves a silky smooth result.

What’s the best way to remove rust from a metal cabinet?

For light rust, sand vigorously with 150 grit sandpaper until you expose bare metal. For heavy rust, use a wire brush attachment on a power drill. Vinegar or naval jelly also help dissolve rust chemically but require more elbow grease. Severely rusted panels may need replacing.

What kind of new hardware should I buy for a restored metal cabinet?

Stainless steel or brushed nickel knobs and handles have a nice modern, metallic aesthetic. Oil-rubbed bronze hardware looks stylish against painted metal. Measure existing hardware holes to determine new hardware sizes needed.

How do I repair broken joints or sagging shelves on old metal cabinets?

Use strong wood glue or epoxy injected into cracks and clamps to remake a solid joint. Small brackets underneath provide added support. Replace warped shelving with new boards or plywood cut to size. Sturdy shelf standards keep shelves perfectly level.

What’s the best technique for painting cabinet doors and drawers?

It’s easiest to remove doors and drawers from the cabinet box so all sides can be readily accessed. Set them on sawhorses to spray paint or brush paint evenly. Use painter’s tape to prevent the hinges from getting painted for quick reattachment later.

Can I change the layout of shelves and drawers when refurbishing a cabinet?

Absolutely! Now is the time to customize your storage. Refinish the cabinet interior as needed, then reinstall shelving in different configurations using sturdy brackets. You can also convert a shelf space to drawers by installing drawer slide hardware.

How do I achieve a distressed or vintage look for my refurbished cabinet?

After thoroughly curing the final paint coat, lightly rub edges and corners with fine grit sandpaper to delicately distress the paint. Apply a top coat in a contrasting tint for an antiqued look. Or use paint additives to create a crackled finish. Work slowly for natural results.

Refurbishing and repurposing worn metal furniture like cabinets is a satisfying and budget-friendly way to give them new purpose. With some skill and elbow grease, you can customize them to suit your unique style.

Conclusion

Revitalizing an old metal cabinet through refurbishing techniques allows you to salvage existing furniture pieces rather than buying new. This comprehensive guide covers all the key steps needed for a successful DIY cabinet makeover.

The process starts with cleaning out grime, repairing hardware, and fixing structural issues. Apply a fresh coat of paint using spray paint, brush painting, or a combination of both for a flawless factory-finish. Install updated hardware like sleek pulls, handles or knobs to give your renewed cabinet a modern feel.

With some creativity and attention to detail, you can customize the interior storage system of shelves and drawers to suit your needs. Now you have the knowledge to turn worn-out metal cabinets into stunning showstoppers that add style, function and value to your living space.