How to Repaint Metal Filing Cabinets

Introduction

Repainting metal filing cabinets can breathe new life into old office furniture and make them look like new again. With some effort, patience, and the right materials, anyone can transform dull, scratched up cabinets into freshly painted pieces that improve the look of an office.

In this comprehensive guide, we will cover the complete process of repainting metal filing cabinets from start to finish. We will discuss all the steps involved, including cleaning and prepping the cabinets, choosing the right paint and supplies, techniques for applying the paint, and tips for achieving a smooth, professional-looking finish.

Whether you want to update the look of old filing cabinets or salvage second-hand ones, this guide will provide everything you need to know to repaint metal cabinets yourself and save the high cost of buying new ones. With the right approach and high-quality paint, you can make tired old office furniture look fresh and modern.

Gather Materials and Supplies

Before starting the painting process, you need to gather all the necessary materials and supplies. Having everything ready beforehand will make the job go faster and smoother. Here are the key items you will need:

Cleaning and Prep Supplies

• Mild detergent or degreaser to clean cabinet surface
• Sandpaper (180-220 grit)
• Tack cloth
• Painter’s tape
• Drop cloths

Paint and Equipment

• High-quality metal primer
• Oil-based or enamel paint for metal
• Foam rollers (3-4 inch nap)
• Angled trim brush
• Paint trays
• Paint stirring sticks

Other handy items include rags, paint thinner, rubber gloves, paint suits or old clothes, and a headlamp or work lights. Quality brushes and rollers and a sturdy stepladder will also help for reaching and painting the tops of tall filing cabinets.

Clean Cabinets Thoroughly

Before painting, it is essential to thoroughly clean the cabinets to remove any dirt, grease, oil or other surface contaminants that could interfere with proper paint adhesion.

Here are the main cleaning steps:

• Remove all drawers and hardware (knobs, locks, slides etc.) from the cabinets. This gives you easier access to all cabinet surfaces.
• Wipe down all surfaces with a mild detergent or degreasing solution and warm water using rags. Scrub any visibly dirty or greasy areas.
• Carefully scrape off any peeled paint, rust spots or large buildups with a plastic paint scraper.
• Lightly sand all cabinet surfaces using 180-220 grit sandpaper. This roughens the surface for better paint adhesion.
• Use a tack cloth to remove any dust or debris after sanding.

Thorough cleaning and light sanding prepares the metal for painting by removing anything that could cause the new paint to chip or peel later on.

Apply Primer Coat

Once the metal cabinets are cleaned, repaired and dried, apply a high-quality metal primer designed for use on metal surfaces. Priming is a key step that helps the topcoat adhere properly and prevents imperfections like rust from causing problems later on.

When selecting primer, choose an oil-based, high-bond primer made specifically for metal. Products like Rust-Oleum Professional High Performance Metal Primer are ideal options.

Here are some tips for successfully applying primer:

• Use painter’s tape and drop cloths to mask off any adjacent surfaces and flooring.
• Shake or stir the primer thoroughly before and periodically during use.
• Apply a uniform coat of primer using a high-quality roller with a short nap (1/4″ or 3/8”). Load the roller evenly without overloading.
• Use an angled trim brush to prime the edges, corners, seams and any hard-to-reach spots.
• Allow the primer coat to fully dry for at least 24 hours before sanding.

Once dry, lightly sand the primer coat using fine (220 grit) sandpaper. This smoothens the surface for topcoating. Wipe away any dust with a dry cloth after sanding.

Apply Paint in Thin Coats

With the primer coat fully dried and sanded, you are ready for the finished color topcoat. When choosing paint, select a high-quality oil-based enamel, alkyd or latex paint designed specifically for use on metal. Semi-gloss or gloss sheens work best for cabinets.

It is critical to apply thin, even coats and allow proper drying time between coats. Rushing the paint job can ruin the final finish. Here are some top tips for achieving a flawless painted finish:

• Lightly sand the primer coat again to ensure a smooth surface before painting
• Carefully follow the paint manufacturer’s recommended coverage rate when loading the roller. Do not apply the paint too thick.
• Roll on the paint evenly in one direction using an up-and-down or side-to-side motion. Avoid rolling back-and-forth excessively.
• Use an angled trim brush to neatly paint the edges, hinges, handles and any hard-to-reach areas the roller cannot get into.
• Allow each coat to dry fully (usually 24 hours) before applying the next coat. Lightly sand between coats using 220 grit paper.
• Apply at least 2-3 thin topcoats for complete coverage and a hard, durable painted finish.
• Work in a clean, dust-free area to avoid contaminants landing in the wet paint.

Patience and allowing proper drying produces a smooth, professional-looking painted finish on your metal cabinets.

Refinish Drawers and Hardware

While the cabinet bodies are drying between coats, you can refinish the drawers and hardware which were removed before painting.

Lightly scuff-sand the drawers to roughen the surface and use the same primer and paint techniques to apply thin, even coats. Paint the interior of open drawers as well for a fully finished look.

For hardware like knobs and handles, clean thoroughly and gently sand to prepare the surface. Use spray paint designed for metal fixtures to apply a fresh coat of color. Allow proper drying time before re-installing the hardware.

Helpful Painting Tips and Tricks

Follow these additional pointers to get the best results from your cabinet painting project:

• Maintain a “wet edge” by brushing back into areas you just painted to prevent lap marks as you work. Work in sections.
• Periodically stir the paint to maintain uniform color and consistency.
• Use painter’s tape and drop cloths to protect nearby surfaces from drips and messy overspray.
• Use a small foam roller for easier maneuverability when painting narrow drawer fronts and tight spaces.
• Work top to bottom when painting doors – this avoids drips from landing onto freshly painted lower sections.
• A headlamp or work lights are useful for illuminating shadowed areas inside cabinets.
• Ventilate the room well and allow fresh air flow to dry the paint efficiently.

Applying these tips will help you achieve a smooth, professional-looking painted finish.

Mistakes to Avoid When Painting Metal Cabinets

When taking on a DIY painting project like metal filing cabinets, it is also helpful to know common mistakes to avoid:

• Skipping thorough surface cleaning and sanding – adhesion failures result
• Applying paint too thickly – leads to unsightly drips and runs
• Not allowing proper drying time between coats – causes tackiness or imprints
• Choosing the wrong paint sheen – some are prone to showing scuffs and stains
• Using low-quality brushes – can leave visible brush marks
• Working in a dirty or dusty environment – leads to contaminants in the paint
• Failing to prepare drawers, edges etc. properly – visible scratches or unfinished paint lines show

By being aware of these potential pitfalls, you can watch out for them and achieve much better results. Taking the time to prep properly and applying paint correctly prevents many hiccups.

Drying and Curing Time

Oil-based enamels, epoxies and other cabinet paints require up to 2 weeks of curing time to fully harden and become scratch resistant after the final coat is applied. Latex-based paints cure faster, but still need a week before the finish is fully hardened.

It is important not to put the cabinets into service before adequate curing occurs. Drawers and doors should not be opened and closed excessively either during the curing period. Doing so can damage the paint finish.

Once fully cured, the painted metal cabinets are ready to be loaded up with files and office supplies again. The paint will be fully hardened and resistant to scuffs, fingerprints and other marks from daily use.

How Long Does the New Paint Last?

With proper surface prep, application of quality primer and paint, and adequate curing time, a freshly painted metal filing cabinet can look great for many years.

The durability depends on factors like:

• Quality of paint used – Higher end oil or enamel paints last longer than basic latex paints
• Frequency of use/abuse – Heavy daily filing use in a busy office can degrade the paint faster than occasional light home office use
• Care and cleaning – Harsh cleaners or scouring pads damage the painted surface faster

Typically, if you follow the preparation and application steps correctly, the new paint job should maintain its beautiful, refreshed look for 3-5 years or longer without needing to be redone. With light use, high-end paint, and careful handling, it can look pristine for over 10 years.

Cost Comparison – DIY vs Professional

Repainting filing cabinets yourself does take some effort, but saves significantly compared to hiring a professional painter.

A typical professional cabinet painting job costs $300 to $1000 or more depending on total cabinet size and other factors.

Doing it yourself with high quality materials, you can repaint cabinets for under $150 in many cases. The specific cost depends on:

• Number of cabinets and their size
• Choice of paint (basic latex vs premium enamel or alkyd paint)
• Whether new hardware is needed

Even when factoring the value of your time and labor, repainting cabinets is 80% cheaper than professional painters on average.

The key tradeoff is spending your own time and effort vs the convenience of hiring a pro. But real cost savings can be achieved with a DIY approach.

Conclusion

From cleaning and priming to final coats and curing, this guide covers everything needed to repaint metal filing cabinets like a pro.

While it takes some work, repainting cabinets is an achievable DIY project for most people. The potential cost savings versus buying new cabinets or hiring painters makes the effort worthwhile.

With quality materials, proper preparation, and attention to detail when applying the new paint, you can give dull old metal cabinets new life with a fresh modern color and durable, long-lasting finish.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of paint adheres best to metal filing cabinets?

Oil-based enamels, alkyd paints and epoxy coatings provide the best adhesion and most durable finish on metal filing cabinets. Latex primers and paints also work well for metal if proper preparation and coating steps are followed.

Can I use a paint sprayer instead of brushes and rollers?

Yes, you can use a paint sprayer to apply the primer and paint on metal filing cabinets.HVLP spray guns work great for larger cabinet painting projects. Proper spraying technique is essential for an even finish.

How do I restore cabinets with rust spots or flaking paint?

Lightly sand any rust spots or flaking paint to remove the damaged areas. Spot prime bare metal areas before applying overall primer coat. Severe rust may require special converters before priming.

What sheen (gloss level) works best for filing cabinet paint?

Semi-gloss or gloss enamels (sheens of 50 or higher) provide the most durable and stain-resistant finish for high-use office cabinets. Satin or eggshell finishes (20-30 sheen) also work well if you prefer less shine.

Can I paint over previously coated filing cabinets?

Yes, as long as the existing paint coating is intact, you can paint over it after proper cleaning and sanding to prepare the surface. De-glossing solutions help new paint adhere to slick surfaces like oil-based enamel.

How soon can I use the cabinets after painting?

Curing times of 1-2 weeks are recommended before putting painted cabinets back into use. Allowing the paint to fully harden prevents damaging the finish.

Will paint wear off high-contact edges or handles over time?

Yes, painted surfaces on cabinet edges or hardware will gradually show some paint wear from repeated contact over the years. Touch-up coats can fix this periodic wear as needed.