How to Refurbish Metal Cabinets for Outdoor Use

Refurbishing metal cabinets for outdoor use can breathe new life into old, worn cabinets and help protect them from the elements. With some cleaning, sanding, priming, and painting, you can give your metal cabinets a fresh new look perfect for your patio, deck, or garden. Follow this guide to learn how to refurbish metal cabinets to withstand the outdoors.

Assessing the Cabinet Condition

Before beginning your refurbishing project, thoroughly examine the metal cabinet to determine its current condition. Check for:

• Rust – Look along the edges, hinges, handles and corners for any rust spots or flaking paint. Rust needs to be completely removed before priming and painting.
• Dents and dings – Note any dents, scrapes or holes in the metal. These may need to be filled in for a smooth finish.
• Paint condition – Check if the existing paint is cracked, peeling or scratched. All loose paint will need to be removed before repainting.
• Door/drawer function – Test that doors and drawers open and close properly. Adjust or replace hinges as needed.
• Shelves or hardware – Remove shelves and hardware like knobs and pulls before refurbishing. Set items aside for reinstallation later.

Thoroughly examining the cabinet lets you identify all areas needing attention before starting the refurbishment work.

Cleaning the Metal Cabinet

After assessment, clean the metal cabinet thoroughly before beginning the refurbishing steps. Follow this cleaning process:

Supplies Needed

• Bucket of warm water
• Mild dish soap
• Clean cloths and rags
• Scrub brush or abrasive sponge
• Soft-bristle toothbrush
• Mineral spirits or paint thinner
• Plastic sheeting or drop cloths

Cleaning Steps

1. Wash – Mix warm water and mild dish soap in a bucket. Dampen a clean rag and wipe down all cabinet surfaces to remove dirt and grease.
2. Scrub – For stubborn debris, use a scrub brush or abrasive sponge with the soapy water. Gently scrub affected areas but avoid scratching the metal.
3. Rinse – Wipe all surfaces with a clean, damp rag to rinse away soap residue. Allow the metal to fully dry.
4. Remove paint – Use a plastic scraper to peel away any cracked or flaking paint. Mineral spirits or paint thinner on a cloth can help dissolve stuck-on paint.
5. Clean hardware – Use a toothbrush dipped in soapy water to gently clean cabinet hardware and remove old paint. Rinse and dry completely.

Proper cleaning removes built-up grime and prepares the metal for subsequent refurbishing steps.

Sanding the Cabinet

Once cleaned, sand down the metal cabinet to smooth any rough areas and remove rust and paint residue.

Supplies Needed

• Sandpaper in various grits
• Sanding block or electric sander
• Tack cloth
• Drop cloth
• Safety gear like gloves and mask

Sanding Steps

1. Remove doors and hardware – Fully remove all doors, shelves and hardware. Sand separately later.
2. Drop cloth – Cover surrounding work area with drop cloth to contain sanding debris.
3. Rough sand – Use 80-100 grit sandpaper to remove any rust spots, loose paint or flaking metal coatings. Sand back to bare metal.
4. Smooth sand – Switch to a finer 120-150 grit sandpaper. Smooth any rough patches, scratches or holes.
5. ** corners and details** – Use a sanding block for hard-to-reach areas like corners.
6. Final sand – Lightly sand all surfaces with 220-400 grit paper for an ultra smooth finish.
7. Clean surfaces – Wipe cabinet with a tack cloth to remove all sanding dust and debris.

Thorough sanding prepares the bare metal for priming and painting.

Filling Holes and Imperfections

After sanding, inspect the cabinet for any holes, scratches or dents needing filler.

Supplies Needed

• Metal filler compound or wood filler
• Putty knife
• Sandpaper

Steps for Filling Holes

1. Clean holes – Wipe holes with a dry cloth to remove dust and debris.
2. Apply filler – Per package instructions, prepare filler compound and press into holes with putty knife.
3. Smooth fill – Once dry, sand filler smooth and level with surrounding surface.
4. Final sand – Lightly sand entire cabinet with fine sandpaper to smooth any rough spots.

Filler levels any imperfections for a damage-free cabinet exterior.

Priming the Metal Cabinet

Sanding exposes fresh bare metal needing priming before painting the finish coat.

Supplies Needed

• Metal primer spray paint
• Drop cloths
• Painters tape
• Sandpaper

Priming Steps

1. Clean surfaces – Wipe all surfaces with a tack cloth to remove dust.
2. Protect areas – Use painters tape to mask off any areas not being painted.
3. Prepare paint – Shake the metal primer spray paint vigorously per can directions.
4. Apply primer – Spray a thin, even layer of metal primer onto all cabinet surfaces. Follow manufacturer drying times.
5. Inspect coverage – Look for any missed spots and apply additional primer as needed for full coverage.
6. Sand smooth – Once fully dry, lightly sand primed surfaces to smooth any drips or rough areas.

The metal primer provides excellent corrosion resistance and adhesion for the new paint.

Painting the Metal Cabinet

With the cabinet primed, now complete the renewal process with a fresh coat of exterior paint.

Supplies Needed

• Exterior paint in desired color
• Painters tape
• Paintbrushes and rollers
• Drop cloths

Painting Steps

1. Remove hardware – Fully remove all doors, drawers, shelves and hardware. Set aside to paint separately.
2. Clean surfaces – Wipe down cabinet with a tack cloth to remove dust.
3. Cover areas – Use painters tape to mask off any surfaces not being painted.
4. Paint cabinet box – Use a paintbrush to neatly cut in edges and corners. Then use a roller to paint the cabinet box evenly. Work in thin coats.
5. Paint doors and drawers – Paint the door and drawer fronts with even brushstrokes. Paint sides and edges as well.
6. Paint hardware – Use a paintbrush to apply paint to any hardware like knobs, hinges or pulls.
7. Apply final coat – Once paint is fully dry, apply a second finish coat for full color coverage.
8. Remove tape – Carefully remove all painters tape after paint dries completely.

Fresh paint gives the cabinet a like-new look perfect for enhancing any outdoor space.

Installing New Hardware

Consider updating old hardware or replacing missing pulls and knobs with new hardware.

Supplies Needed

• Cabinet hardware like knobs, pulls or hinges
• Screwdriver
• Drill

Steps for New Hardware

1. Fill old holes – If removing old hardware, fill leftover holes with wood filler and sand smooth.
2. Mark new holes – Mark spots for new hardware placement with a pencil.
3. Pre-drill holes – Use a drill bit slightly smaller than the screw size to pre-drill the holes.
4. Install hardware – Attach new hardware like knobs, pulls or hinges with a screwdriver.

Installing updated hardware adds a modern touch to your renewed vintage cabinet.

Sealing and Protecting the Finished Cabinet

The final step is adding a protective sealant to shield the painted metal from outdoor elements.

Supplies Needed

• Exterior polyurethane sealant
• Paintbrush or spray applicator
• Drop cloth

Steps for Sealing

1. Clean cabinet – Wipe painted cabinet with a tack cloth to remove dust.
2. Cover surfaces – Protect surrounding areas with a drop cloth.
3. Apply sealant – Using a paintbrush or sprayer, apply a coat of exterior sealant per manufacturer instructions.
4. Dry completely – Allow sealant to fully dry as directed on the product label.
5. Inspect finish – Look for any missed spots and apply another coat of sealant if needed.
6. Cure time – Wait the recommended cure time before handling and installing the finished cabinet.

The polyurethane sealant provides a protective barrier against sun, rain, and moisture damage.

Tips for Maintaining Outdoor Cabinets

• Wipe cabinets down regularly with a damp cloth to prevent dirt buildup.
• Reapply protective sealant every 1-2 years or as needed when you notice wear.
• Watch for chips or scratches in the paint and touch up as soon as possible.
• Treat any rust spots quickly with sanding and touch up primer and paint.
• Consider covering metal cabinets during winter months or severe weather.
• Avoid placing cabinets directly in areas of roof runoff or gutter drainage.
• Use cabinet contents like dishes or appliances soon after removing them from storage to prevent condensation.

With proper prep, priming, painting and sealing, your renewed metal cabinets will provide many years of durable outdoor storage and style.

Common Questions About Refurbishing Metal Cabinets

What type of paint should be used for outdoor metal cabinets?

Exterior paint formulas specifically designed for metal are best for refurbishing outdoor cabinets. Look for oil-based or latex paints containing rust-inhibitive pigments and UV blockers that limit sun damage.

What kind of primer is best for metal cabinets?

For refurbishing metal cabinets, use a metal etching primer or dedicated galvanized metal primer. Avoid standard wood primer which lacks the corrosion-fighting properties needed for exterior metal surfaces.

How do you prep metal cabinets before painting?

Proper prep is crucial for good paint adhesion. Clean cabinets with mild detergent before sanding to remove all dirt, grease, mildew and flaking paint. Sand to expose bare metal before wiping clean with a tack cloth and applying metal primer.

Should I completely remove old paint when refurbishing cabinets?

If the existing paint is in good shape with no major cracking or peeling, you can likely paint over it after proper prep work. Focus on removing all loose, flaking paint with sanding before priming and painting.

How long does paint last on outdoor metal cabinets?

When properly prepared and treated with exterior metal paint and protective topcoat, painted metal cabinets can typically last 3-5 years before needing touch ups. Higher quality paints and sealants can extend repaint cycles further.

What is the best protectant for painted metal?

An outdoor-rated polyurethane sealant is ideal for protecting painted metal cabinetry used outside. The clear topcoat prevents moisture penetration and helps the finish resist damage from UV exposure. Reapply every 1-2 years.

How do you fix rust spots on outdoor cabinets?

Light rust can often be removed by sanding the area back to bare metal and spot priming before reapplying paint. For severe rust, chemical removers may be needed to fully strip the area before priming and painting.

Can you change cabinet hardware when refurbishing?

Yes, updating old cabinet hardware is an easy way to give metal cabinets a new modern look. Fill any unused holes with filler before installing new hardware. Look for durable hardware materials like stainless steel or brushed nickel.

Final Thoughts

With some time and effort, you can give tired exterior metal cabinets new life. Follow the steps for thorough cleaning, sanding, priming, painting and sealing for revitalized storage that looks great and withstands outdoor conditions. Renewing worn metal cabinets yourself saves money compared to expensive cabinet replacement. Plus, you can enjoy the satisfaction of DIY-ing a functional home upgrade. With proper prep and maintenance, your refreshed metal cabinets can withstand constant outdoor exposure for years to come.