How to Repaint a Metal Cabinet

Introduction

Repainting a metal cabinet can breathe new life into old, worn-out furniture. With some preparation and the right materials, it’s easy to repaint metal cabinets and give them an updated, customized look.

Whether you want to match a new decor, unify a mismatched set of cabinets, or just protect worn metal from rusting, refinishing a metal cabinet with paint is a budget-friendly revamp. Follow this step-by-step guide to learn how to repaint a metal cabinet like a pro.

Step 1: Clean the Metal Surface

Before painting, it’s crucial to start with a clean surface free of residue for the best adhesion. Here are some tips for cleaning metal cabinets prior to painting:

• Remove doors and drawers. Detach cabinet doors, drawers, and hardware to make the painting process easier. Remove shelving if possible.
• Remove grease and oils. Clean interior and exterior surfaces with an all-purpose cleaner or degreaser to remove any oils, grease or cooking residue.
• Sand away rust. Use 120 to 220 grit sandpaper to sand away any rust spots on the metal until you expose shiny metal.
• Wipe clean. Give the metal cabinet a final clean with a lint-free cloth dampened with acetone or denatured alcohol to remove any remaining surface contaminants.

Thorough cleaning gives the paint something to grip onto. Now the metal is ready for painting!

Step 2: Scuff Up the Metal Surface

For best adhesion, it’s important to scuff up and degloss the metal cabinet prior to painting. This helps the paint stick. Lightly sand all surfaces with fine 220-400 grit sandpaper to rough up the finish.

Focus sanding on:

• Smooth areas – Scuff to remove any shine and give the paint texture to bite into.
• Previously painted areas – Degloss to roughen surfaces for better adhesion.
• Edges and corners – Sand to smooth rough areas. Rounded corners hold paint better.

Quick tip: For hard to reach areas like hinges, use a small piece of sandpaper wrapped around a pencil eraser.

Avoid sanding completely down to bare metal, which can require priming. The goal is just to scuff up the existing finish. Wipe away dust with a dry cloth when finished.

Step 3: Fill Any Holes or Imperfections

For a flawless painted finish, take time to fill any holes, scrapes or imperfections in the metal. These can become even more noticeable after painting.

Use painter’s putty or metal filler designed for imperfections in metal. Follow product instructions for drying time before sanding smooth and painting.

For small holes less than 1/8 inch, a vinyl spackling paste can suffice. Dry completely before lightly sanding smooth.

Step 4: Mask Off Areas

To protect parts of the metal cabinet from overspray, mask off any areas you don’t want painted. This includes:

• Hinges
• Hardware or handles
• Interior shelves
• Edges and trim

Use painter’s tape for better adhesion and crisp paint lines. For maximum hold on metal, press down firmly along edges when applying tape.

You can also remove items like handles if easily detachable. For any parts that can’t be removed, like hinges, cover well with painters tape and plastic.

Step 5: Apply Primer

Most metal surfaces need a coat of primer before painting to help the new paint adhere. Use a high-quality spray primer formulated for metal. Shake the can vigorously before spraying.

What Type of Primer to Use

• For smooth metal, an acrylic bonding primer bonds paint best.
• For previously painted metal, use a rust-inhibiting primer.
• For rusted areas, first spot prime with a rust-stopping metal primer before overall priming.

How to Apply Primer

Hold the can 6 to 8 inches from the surface and spray in even, overlapping strokes. Work in sections for full, uniform coverage. Let primer dry completely before painting.

For best corrosion protection, be sure to apply two coats of metal primer allowing proper dry time between coats.

Step 6: Paint the Metal Cabinet

You’re finally ready to paint! While spray paint is quick and provides an ultra-smooth finish, brushed-on paint works too.

Spray painting is best for large, flat expanses while brushing reaches intricate areas like hinges. Combine both for the best results.

Prep Work for Spraying

Before spraying, remove doors, drawers and hardware (or mask well). Give primer 1-2 hours to dry.

Set up a spray area outside or in a well-ventilated spot. Lay down a drop cloth to protect surroundings from overspray.

Shake the paint vigorously for 2 minutes before starting. Test spray onto cardboard to check nozzle.

How to Spray Paint

Hold the can 10 to 12 inches from the surface. Use quick, even strokes, slightly overlapping each pass. Keep the can the same distance away as you spray back and forth horizontally.

Work in sections starting at the top and moving down. Let the paint tack up between coats. Vertical surfaces require 2-3 coats for full coverage.

Finish with full, uniform coats holding the can closer at 8 inches. Check for drips and runs as you go. Add thinner coats to fix drips that do occur.

Brush Painting Technique

Use a quality lacquer, enamel or multi-surface brushable spray paint. Stir the paint before and during use. Pour into a paint tray.

Dip the brush into the paint, then use an in-and-out motion to brush on an even coat. Apply paint with the grain of the metal.

Work in sections and maintain a wet edge as you go by brushing back into still-wet areas. Let sections dry before doing the entire piece.

Tip: Use small craft brushes for hard to reach areas around hinges or beading. Q-tips help tidy corners and edges.

Apply at least 2-3 coats of brushed-on paint for best coverage and durability. Lightly sand then wipe clean between coats to ensure proper adhesion.

Step 7: Reinstall Doors, Drawers and Hardware

Once the final coat of paint has dried 24 hours, the metal cabinet is ready for reassembly.

Carefully remove any masking and painters tape. Wipe away any tape residue with mineral spirits.

Reinstall the doors, drawers, handles and removable hardware using a drill or screwdriver. Add back shelving and interior fittings.

Finally, apply a clear water-based polyurethane over the painted finish for extra durability and stain resistance if desired.

Tips for Achieving a Flawless Painted Finish

Follow these best practices for a smooth, professional-looking painted metal cabinet:

• Lightly sand between coats to remove any bumps or debris stuck in the paint – this ensures an even finish.
• Always maintain a wet edge and follow the direction of the brush strokes for a seamless appearance.
• Use a small, fine tipped paintbrush to paint hard to reach spots and edges. Q-tips also help perfect small areas.
• Work slowly and methodically. Avoid rushing the painting process.
• Apply long, consistent spray strokes, slightly overlapping with each pass.
• Add thinner “tack coats” to correct any drips or runs. Allow proper dry time between coats.
• Let each coat fully dry before adding the next. Drying in a dust-free area prevents debris from sticking.
• Finish with a protective clear coat for added durability and stain resistance.

Proper prep work, patience, and attention to detail will pay off in a gorgeously revamped metal cabinet!

FAQs About Repainting Metal Cabinets

Still have some questions? Here are answers to the most frequently asked questions about repainting metal cabinets:

Do I need to remove doors and hardware before painting?

• Yes, removing doors, drawers and hardware allows for easier access to all surfaces when painting. It also prevents paint splatter on these parts.

What primer works best on metal?

• For unpainted metal, a metal etching primer or bonding primer work best to help paint adhere. For previously painted metal or rust spots, use a metal primer formulated to block rust.

Should I scuff up the surface before painting metal?

• Lightly scuffing with 220 grit sandpaper is recommended to help paint bond tightly to slick metal surfaces. Avoid sanding down to bare metal.

How many coats of spray paint do metal cabinets need?

• 2-3 full coats of spray paint properly applied typically gives full coverage on metal cabinets. Add extra coats if coverage is spotty or thin.

What kind of paint adheres best to metal cabinets?

• Enamel, lacquer, and multi-surface spray paints formulated for metal provide the best adhesion and most durable finish on metal cabinets.

Can I use a brush instead of spray paint on metal cabinets?

• Yes, quality multi-surface brushable spray paints work well brushed on. Use a small brush for hard to reach spots. Maintain a wet edge for a uniform look.

How soon can I reinstall doors after painting cabinets?

• It’s best to wait at least 24 hours after the final coat before rehanging doors, drawers and hardware on freshly painted cabinets.

Should I use a clear coat over painted metal cabinets?

• A clear polyurethane coat helps protect the painted finish from scratches, chips, grease, and moisture damage. It makes cleaning easier too.

Conclusion

With the right prep work and painting technique, it’s easy to give outdated, worn metal cabinets new life with a fresh coat of spray paint.

Carefully cleaning, priming and painting metal can make old cabinets look brand new. Just be sure to thoroughly degrease and scuff the surface first for the best paint adhesion.

Spray painting ensures an ultra-smooth factory finish, while brushed on paint allows you to easily coat hard to reach areas. Combining the two methods results in a flawless, professional looking painted cabinet.

With custom colored paint and updated hardware, you can revive your metal cabinets on a budget. Just take your time taping off areas and applying multiple thin coats for beautiful, long-lasting results.