Refurbishing an old metal medicine cabinet can give your bathroom a vintage yet updated look. With some cleaning, painting, and minor repairs, that outdated medicine cabinet can become a charming focal point again. Follow these steps to give new life to a metal medicine cabinet.

Assess the Medicine Cabinet’s Condition

Start by taking a close look at the current state of the metal medicine cabinet. Check for:

• Rust or corrosion – Look inside and out for any rust spots or corrosion. This can spread if not addressed.
• Loose hinges – Confirm the door is still securely attached. Try opening and closing it to check for loose hinges.
• Missing hardware – Make note if any latches, knobs, or other hardware are missing or damaged.
• Shelving – Check if the interior shelving or glass is broken or missing.
• Door alignment – See if the door sits evenly when closed or if adjustments need to be made.
• Holes or damage – Inspect for any holes, dents, or other damage that may need patching.

Making notes on the current condition allows you to identify all the steps needed in the refurbishment process.

Remove the Medicine Cabinet

Before you can refinish the cabinet, you need to remove it from the wall.

Materials needed:

• Flathead screwdriver
• Cordless drill with screwdriver bit
• Pliers
• Pry bar (optional)

Steps:

1. Turn off electricity at the circuit breaker. Make sure power is disconnected for safety.
2. Remove any shelving, glass, or hardware from inside the cabinet and set it aside carefully.
3. Using a flathead screwdriver, unscrew and remove any screws going through the side walls into studs.
4. Use pliers to remove any remaining long screws along the top or bottom edges.
5. Insert a pry bar into the seam between the cabinet and wall. Gently pry outward to break the seal of any caulk or adhesive.
6. With help, lift the cabinet off the wall. Take care not to bump the wall.
7. Detach any remaining hardware or wiring. Remove any backing or blocks from the wall holes.

Now you can move the cabinet to a workspace to refinish it.

Clean the Cabinet

With the cabinet removed, thoroughly clean both the interior and exterior.

Supplies Needed:

• Soft cloths
• Warm soapy water
• Degreaser or TSP cleaner
• Scrub brushes
• Mineral spirits
• Sandpaper
• Protective gear (gloves, goggles, mask)

Steps:

1. Put on protective gear to stay safe from chemicals and dust.
2. Mix warm soapy water and scrub every surface with a soft cloth to remove grime and oils.
3. For tougher grease spots, apply a degreaser like TSP and let sit before scrubbing.
4. Use coarse sandpaper to lightly scuff any remaining rust spots or peeled paint.
5. Wipe down with mineral spirits to remove all residue. Let fully dry.

Thorough cleaning removes dirt, grease, and any rust to prepare the bare metal for new paint.

Make Any Repairs

Examine the cleaned cabinet for any areas in need of repair:

• Rust spots: Sand down to bare metal and apply rust reformer primer.
• Corrosion: Use 100 grit sandpaper to remove damage then spot prime.
• Dents or holes: Fill in with metal filler compound and sand smooth.
• Loose hinges: Tighten screws or replace hinges as needed.
• Missing hardware: Replace any latches, knobs, or glass shelf brackets.
• Door alignment: Adjust hinges or add shims until door sits evenly.

Properly prepping and making repairs ensures the refinished cabinet will be structurally sound.

Prime the Medicine Cabinet

Priming provides an important base layer for the new paint to adhere to.

Supplies Needed:

• Metal primer (either spray cans or brush-on primer)
• High-quality bristle brushes
• Paint tray

Steps:

1. For spray primer, lay down drop cloths and masking tape. Follow the can directions for best results. Apply thin, even coats.
2. For brush-on primer, use a high-quality metal primer for best adhesion. Pour into a paint tray.
3. Use an angled trim brush to carefully apply the primer to the metal cabinet and all edges.
4. Allow the primer coat to fully dry as indicated on the product directions before painting.

The metal primer creates a surface for the paint to stick to so it lasts.

Add Color With Paint

Time to give this old medicine cabinet new life with a fresh coat of paint.

Supplies Needed:

• Exterior semi-gloss latex paint
• Paintbrush and mini roller
• Paint tray
• Painter’s tape
• Drop cloth

Steps:

1. Prep the workspace by taping off any adjacent walls and laying a drop cloth.
2. Stir the paint well before starting. Pour some into a paint tray.
3. Use a brush for the cabinet frame, hinges, and hardware. Apply paint smoothly and evenly.
4. Use a mini paint roller for larger flat areas on the door and cabinet box. Roll with light pressure.
5. Apply two thin coats of paint rather than one thick coat for best coverage.
6. Let the paint fully dry between coats according to label directions.
7. Remove tape and clean up once the final coat has dried.

The fresh coat of durable exterior latex paint gives the medicine cabinet a brand new updated look!

Reinstall the Medicine Cabinet

You’re almost done. It’s time to hang the refinished medicine cabinet back on the wall.

Supplies Needed:

• Tape measure
• Level
• Stud finder
• Drill
• Screws
• Silicone caulk & caulk gun

Steps:

1. Find the wall studs using a stud finder and mark their locations.
2. Hold the cabinet against the wall at the desired height. Mark the top corners.
3. Set the cabinet aside. Use a level and draw a horizontal line between the marks.
4. Drill pilot holes in the studs behind this line.
5. Apply a silicone caulk bead along the back edge perimeter before lifting into place.
6. Align cabinet to holes and insert screws to secure to the studs.
7. Allow the caulk to fully dry before using the cabinet.
8. Reinstall any shelving, glass, or hardware pieces removed earlier.

Mounting it securely helps the revitalized medicine cabinet serve your storage needs for years to come.

Helpful Tips

• Work in a well-ventilated area when painting or using chemicals.
• Test paint or primer on an inconspicuous spot first to ensure adhesion.
• Wear protective gear like gloves and goggles when cleaning, sanding or painting.
• Use painter’s tape around the outer edges for a crisp paint line.
• Allow sufficient drying time between coats for best results.
• Store any hardware like knobs or latches in a bag during the refinishing process.
• Check for clearance before reinstalling to open fully without hitting surrounding walls.

With some time and care, you can take a worn-out medicine cabinet from outdated to updated with a simple refurbishment. The renewed storage piece will add visual interest and vintage flair to your bathroom’s decor.

Frequently Asked Questions About Refurbishing Old Medicine Cabinets

Refurbishing an old metal medicine cabinet can seem daunting. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions.

What kind of paint should be used?

For best adhesion and durability on metal, use an exterior semi-gloss latex paint. Avoid alkyd enamel.

Does the paint need a primer?

Yes, it’s crucial to first apply a metal primer so the paint bonds properly.

How is existing rust dealt with?

Lightly sand any rust, then spot prime with a rust reformer primer before painting.

What about holes or dents in the metal?

Fill small holes and dents with metal filler compound before sanding smooth and painting.

Should spray paint or brush-on paint be used?

Spray paint can be quick but requires masking off areas. Brush painting allows more control.

How long does the paint need to dry?

Follow the product label, but typically allow at least 24 hours between paint coats.

What’s the best way to remove old caulk?

Use a plastic putty knife or spatula to gently scrape off old caulk without damaging the surface.

What kind of new caulk should be used?

A silicone caulk offers flexibility and is waterproof once fully cured.

How are medicine cabinets attached to the wall?

Most attach into wall studs using long screws through side brackets or the top and bottom edges.

Should existing electrical be removed?

If wired for a light, it’s generally recommended to remove old electrical during refurbishing.

Conclusion

Refurbishing an old medicine brings new life to a once outdated bathroom feature. With some simple cleaning, repairs, priming, and a fresh coat of paint, the metal cabinet can become a focal point full of rustic charm. Just be sure to prep the surface fully, use metal-appropriate paint and primer, and make any needed structural repairs before reinstalling the revived cabinet on the wall. With a little time and creativity, that outdated eyesore can become an artistic vintage element that adds character to any bathroom’s decor.

How to Refurbish an Old Metal Medicine Cabinet

Refurbishing an old metal medicine cabinet can seem like a daunting task. But with some cleaning, sanding, priming and painting, you can give new life to a outdated bathroom fixture. Here are some step-by-step instructions to properly refinish a metal medicine cabinet.

Supplies Needed

• Protective gear (gloves, safety goggles, mask)
• Screwdrivers
• Pry bar
• TSP or degreaser
• Coarse sandpaper
• Metal primer
• Exterior paint
• Paintbrushes
• Paint tray
• Mineral spirits
• Rags
• Painter’s tape

Removing the Old Medicine Cabinet

First you need to remove the existing cabinet from the wall. Be sure to turn off electricity at the circuit breaker before starting.

1. Take out any shelves or glass. Remove any screws securing the side walls to wall studs. You may need to pry it gently off the wall if caulking is holding it in place.
2. Detach any plumbing or wiring connected to the cabinet.
3. Carefully take the medicine cabinet down, being cautious not to bump the wall. Patch any wall holes.

Cleaning the Cabinet

Thorough cleaning is key to prep the surface for painting.

1. Use TSP cleaner and steel wool to scrub away grime and rust.
2. Rinse with water and let dry fully.
3. Scuff with coarse sandpaper to help paint adhere better.
4. Wipe down with mineral spirits to remove residue.

Making Repairs

Inspect closely and fix as needed:

• Use metal filler compound on dents and holes
• Sand down rust and use rust reformer primer
• Tighten hardware or replace as necessary

Priming the Cabinet

After repairs, apply a quality metal primer:

• Brush on primer works best for medicine cabinet
• Cover all interior and exterior surfaces
• Allow primer to dry fully before painting

Painting the Cabinet

• Use exterior grade semi-gloss latex paint
• Stir paint before starting and work in a well-ventilated area
• Apply two thin coats for best coverage, letting dry in between
• Use a small paintbrush for trim details and roller for flat areas
• Remove painter’s tape around edges once fully dry

Reinstalling the Cabinet

1. Find and mark stud locations to attach the cabinet.
2. Drill pilot holes into the studs.
3. Apply silicone caulk to back edges before mounting.
4. Insert screws through sides into studs to hold in place.
5. Let caulk dry fully before using.

With some effort, you can take a worn-out medicine cabinet from outdated to updated. Be sure to prep, prime, paint and secure it properly so it will last for years to come.

FAQs about Refurbishing Medicine Cabinets

What kind of paint should be used?

For metal, use an exterior semi-gloss latex paint. Enamel paints don’t adhere as well.

What about holes or dents?

Fill small dents with metal filler compound and let dry completely before sanding smooth.

Does the paint need a primer?

Yes, it’s crucial to apply metal primer first so the paint bonds properly.

How do you deal with rust?

Lightly sand any rust spots, wipe clean, and apply a primer made for rust before painting.

Spray paint or brush painting?

Brush painting often works best, allowing you to fully coat all edges. Use small trim brushes.

How long should the paint dry?

Follow label directions, but usually 24-48 hours drying between coats is recommended.

How are medicine cabinets attached?

Most affix into wall studs with long screws through the side brackets or top/bottom edges.

Can old caulk be removed?

Use a plastic scraper or putty knife to gently remove old caulk without damaging the surface.

Should existing wiring be removed?

If currently wired for a light, it’s generally best to remove old electrical during the refurbishment process.

Summary

Refurbishing an old metal medicine cabinet just takes some elbow grease and the right supplies. With thorough prep work, metal primer, proper painting techniques, and securing it firmly back to the wall, you can bring new life to the outdated bathroom fixture. Just be patient during the process. An improved sense of style and extra storage will make the effort worthwhile.