Refurbishing old metal cabinets can give your home a fresh new look without breaking the bank. With some simple cleaning, repairs, sanding and new paint, you can transform dated and worn cabinets into stunning showpieces. This comprehensive guide will walk you through all the steps for refurbishing metal cabinets and bring new life to your kitchen or bathroom.

Assess the Cabinets and Make a Plan

Before you start refurbishing, thoroughly examine the current state of the metal cabinets. Check for any structural damage, loose hinges, missing hardware or holes that need patching. This will help you determine the repairs needed and develop a plan.

Make a list of all tasks like:

• Cleaning
• Removing doors and hardware
• Sanding
• Filling holes
• Priming
• Painting
• Replacing hinges/handles

Having a plan in place will ensure you don’t miss any important steps.

Remove the Doors and Hardware

The next step is to detach the cabinet doors and remove all hardware like hinges, handles and knobs. This gives you full access to clean and sand the cabinet boxes and doors properly.

Be careful when removing the doors so as not to bend or warp them in the process. Remove hinge pins and lift the doors off gently. Label each door with masking tape so you can reattach it to the right cabinet later.

Place door knobs, handles and hinges in a plastic bag and label it for easy retrieval. Remove any remaining screws from the cabinet frames.

Thoroughly Clean the Cabinets

Now that you’ve removed the doors and hardware, it’s time to clean. Give the cabinet boxes and doors a good scrubbing to remove grease, grime and residues.

Supplies Needed:

• Mild detergent or degreaser
• Water
• Clean rags
• Non-abrasive scrub pad

Mix a cleaning solution of mild detergent and warm water. Use a scrub pad and cloth to clean all surfaces, including the insides and edges. For stubborn grease spots, let the degreaser sit for 5 minutes before scrubbing.

Rinse with a wet cloth and completely dry the cabinets. Inspect closely and repeat cleaning if needed. Proper cleaning is crucial for optimum paint adhesion.

Make Any Needed Repairs

Examine the cleaned cabinets for any holes, dents, loose joints or missing pieces that need fixing. Here are some common repairs:

Fill Holes and Dents

Use spackle or wood filler to patch holes and dents in the metal. Allow it to dry completely and then sand smooth.

Tighten Joints and Attachments

Tighten any loose joints or attachments with a screwdriver. Re-secure any parts that are detached.

Replace Missing Pieces

If any shelves, drawers or hardware are missing, measure and cut replacements from wood or metal as needed. Reattach with appropriate adhesives or hardware.

Repairing damage will provide a smooth surface for painting.

Sand the Cabinets Thoroughly

Sanding is the most time-consuming but essential step for getting a flawless finish. To remove any rust, grime or old paint, you need to sand thoroughly before painting metal.

You’ll need to sand both the cabinet boxes and doors. For best results, do it in multiple rounds with increasingly finer grit sandpaper:

Round 1: 80-100 grit sandpaper to remove surface rust, old paint or scratches

Round 2: 120-150 grit to smooth out rough patches

Round 3: 220 grit for feathering edges and final smoothing

Always maintain the original shape of the cabinets while sanding. Wear goggles and a face mask to protect from dust. Completely wipe cabinets clean after each round.

Prime the Cabinets

Priming develops a surface for the new paint to adhere properly. For metal, it’s best to use an oil-based metal primer. It seals the porous metal surface and provides a protective coating.

Steps for Priming:

1. Lightly sand cabinets with 220 grit sandpaper to scuff up the surface.
2. Remove any dust with a tack cloth.
3. Apply a thin first coat of metal primer and let dry completely.
4. Sand again lightly with 220 grit sandpaper.
5. Wipe clean and apply a second coat of primer.

The cabinets should be fully primed for painting after the second coat fully dries.

Add Paint for a Fresh New Look

Now for the fun part – picking a color and painting the cabinets! You can choose oil or latex-based cabinet paint in any color you like. Light or bright hues work well for a fresh look.

Follow all preparation and application instructions on the paint can labels. Here are some key tips for painting success:

• Lightly sand primed cabinets with 220 grit sandpaper before painting
• Clean surface thoroughly and remove any dust
• Use good quality mini paint roller and brush
• Apply thin even coats and let each coat fully dry before adding another
• Use painter’s tape for clean edges and to protect adjacent surfaces
• Add 2-3 coats for best coverage and vibrancy

Be patient and allow sufficient drying time between coats. Once the final coat has dried, you can enjoy your revamped cabinets!

Reattach Doors and Hardware

The last step is to put the cabinets back together with the refinished doors and hardware.

• Screw hinges back onto cabinet frames and doors
• Reattach door handles and knobs
• Test opening/closing motion before tightening screws
• Use wood glue or adhesive to replace any detached shelves or dividers

Take your time with the reassembly to ensure proper alignment and smooth working motion.

Enjoy Your Refurbished Cabinets!

With some work and care, you’ve extended the life of your metal cabinets and updated the look of your space. Here are some final tips for maintaining your refurbished cabinets:

• Use mild cleaners and avoid harsh chemicals
• Re-tighten screws on handles if they become loose
• Watch for rust and immediately sand and re-paint any problem spots
• Wax or seal annually to protect the finish

Proper care will help your revamped metal cabinets look fresh for years to come! The savings of refurbishing vs. replacing kitchen cabinets or bathroom vanities can be significant too.

Hopefully you feel confident to take on a metal cabinet refurbishing project using this step-by-step guide. With the right preparation and techniques, you can transform the worn out cabinets in your home into a stunning feature.

Frequently Asked Questions About Refurbishing Metal Cabinets

Refurbishing metal cabinets is a great way to save money while giving your kitchen or bathroom a fresh new look. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about the process:

Can I refurbish cabinets without removing the doors?

It is not recommended. Removing the doors allows you to fully access the cabinet interiors for cleaning, repairs and painting. It also prevents damage to the doors from the refurbishing process.

What is the best way to remove old paint and rust from metal cabinets?

Thorough sanding with coarse 80-100 grit sandpaper is ideal for stripping off old paint or surface rust from metal. Be sure to wear goggles and a mask when sanding. Sand in the direction of the metal grain only.

Should I clean the cabinets with soap and water before painting?

Yes, it is very important to wash cabinets with a degreaser or mild detergent solution prior to sanding or painting. This removes residues that can impede proper paint adhesion.

Can I use regular wood filler on holes in metal cabinets?

No, for repairs it is best to use a metal filler made specifically for auto body, appliances or metal furnishings. Wood filler will shrink and not bond properly when dry.

How many coats of primer and paint do metal cabinets need?

Most pros recommend two coats of metal primer after sanding, followed by two to three coats of cabinet paint for full coverage and protection. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

How long should I wait between primer and paint coats?

It’s crucial to allow each coat of primer or paint to fully dry before adding another. Drying times vary based on products used. Generally, wait 24 hours between primer coats and 8-12 hours between paint coats.

What kind of paint is best for refurbishing metal cabinets?

High quality oil or latex-based cabinet paints are recommended for durability and smooth finish. Avoid universal or all-purpose paints. Semi-gloss or satin paint finishes help highlight cabinet details.

Can I use the same paint for the cabinet interiors and exteriors?

Yes, the same cabinet paint can be applied to the inside and outside surfaces of metal cabinets for color consistency. Most cabinet paints today are low odor and VOC-free.

How soon can I use the cabinets after refurbishing?

Allow the paint at least 2-3 days of drying time to fully cure and harden before reinstalling cabinet doors and hardware. Avoid opening/closing doors or placing dishes inside for 5-7 days.

What’s the best way to maintain refurbished metal cabinets?

Use mild cleaners instead harsh chemicals. Re-tighten any loose hinges or handles promptly. Watch for rust spots and re-paint as needed. Apply annual wax or protective sealer to prevent deterioration.

Conclusion

Refurbishing worn and dated metal cabinets is an achievable DIY project that can give your kitchen or bath a fresh facelift. With some elbow grease and adherence to each preparation step, you can easily transform your cabinets without the high cost of professional refacing or replacement.

The keys are proper cleaning, sanding, priming, quality paints and allowing adequate drying time between steps. Focus on repairing damages, applying thin even coats, and reattaching doors and hardware carefully.

Revitalizing old metal cabinets not only improves functionality and aesthetics, but adds value to your home. With this detailed guide and a little patience, you can tackle a cabinet refurbishing project and enjoy the rewards for years to come.