How to Repaint Vintage Metal Kitchen Cabinets

Repainting vintage metal kitchen cabinets can completely transform the look of your kitchen. With the right prep work, paint, and technique, you can give old cabinets a fresh, updated appearance. This comprehensive guide covers all the steps needed to repaint metal kitchen cabinets and achieve a beautiful, long-lasting finish.

Assessing Your Vintage Metal Cabinets

Before beginning any painting project, it’s important to assess the current condition of your vintage metal cabinets. Look for signs of:

• Rust or corrosion – Address any rust issues before painting. Use a wire brush or sandpaper to remove loose rust. For more severe rust, use a rust converter primer.
• Peeling paint or varnish – Strip off all loose and flaking paint so the new paint can adhere properly.
• Grease or dirt buildup – Clean cabinets thoroughly prior to painting using a degreasing cleaner.
• Dents, holes, or other damage – Fill dents and holes with metal filler before painting.

If the metal itself is in good shape with only minor cosmetic issues, painting is likely a viable renewal option. For cabinets with extensive damage or rust, replacement may be better than attempting to repaint.

Cleaning and Prepping Vintage Cabinets

Thorough cleaning and prep work is crucial for achieving great painted metal cabinets. Follow these steps:

1. Remove Cabinet Doors and Hardware

Remove all doors, drawers, shelves, and hardware pieces prior to cleaning and painting. This allows you to fully clean and paint the cabinet boxes and provides easier access.

2. Clean Surface with Degreaser

Mix a strong solution of TSP substitute or other degreasing cleaner and hot water in a bucket. Scrub all cabinet surfaces with a heavy-duty sponge or brush. Rinse thoroughly and let dry. Repeat as needed to remove all grease and grime.

3. Lightly Sand Glossy Areas

For any shiny or glossy areas, lightly sand to rough up the surface. This helps paint adhere better.

4. Remove Rust and Flaking Paint

Use sandpaper, steel wool, or a wire brush to remove any loose rust and flaking paint. Sand rough edges smooth.

5. Clean and Dry Surfaces

Wipe all surfaces with a tack cloth to remove dust. It’s critical that surfaces are completely clean and dry before priming.

6. Fill Any Holes or Imperfections

Use metal filler compound to fill any holes, scratches or dents. Let dry completely and sand smooth.

7. Mask Off Areas Not Being Painted

Use painter’s tape and plastic sheeting to mask off any areas you don’t want painted, like wall surfaces adjacent to cabinets.

Choosing the Right Paint and Primer

The right primers and paints are essential for a long-lasting finish on metal kitchen cabinets:

• Primer – Use an adhesion-promoting primer specifically made for metal. Rustoleum and Krylon metal primers work very well.
• Paint – Opt for a durable satin, semi-gloss or gloss oil-based enamel paint. Latex and chalky finishes don’t hold up as well.
• Color – For vintage metal cabinets, creamy whites, warm grays, or subtle colors look best. Avoid bold primary colors.

Some excellent all-in-one primer + paint products are also available if you want the convenience of a single product.

Priming Vintage Metal Cabinets

Applying a quality metal primer provides maximum paint adhesion and corrosion resistance:

1. Read Safety Labels

Primers contain solvents, so ensure proper ventilation and wear gloves/mask as needed.

2. Apply Primer Generously

Use a high-quality brush and apply a thick, even coat of metal primer to all cabinet surfaces – fronts, sides, backs, boxes, shelves, trim, etc.

3. Allow Proper Dry Time

Let the primer dry thoroughly according to label directions before painting, usually at least 24 hours. Cool temperatures or high humidity can lengthen dry times.

4. Look for Missed Spots

Inspect all surfaces and spot prime any areas the primer didn’t cover. This prevents future paint failure.

5. Lightly Sand if Needed

If the primer dried rough or bubbly, do a light sanding to smooth surfaces for painting.

Priming thoroughly ensures your painted metal cabinets stay looking freshly painted for many years.

Painting Techniques for Metal Cabinets

Follow these tips for applying cabinet paint like a professional painter:

1. Work in a Dust-Free Area

Paint in an area away from dust that could contaminate the wet paint, like a garage or basement area.

2. Use Good Quality Supplies

Invest in high-quality mini paint roller covers, angled brush, and liner brush. Don’t skimp on supplies.

3. Stir Paint Frequently

Vigorously mix the paint often during use to ensure color consistency and smooth flow.

4. Use an Angled Brush on Edges

Carefully paint all exposed edges and trim pieces first with an angled sash brush.

5. Roll Large Flat Areas

Quickly roll large flat areas using steady, straight strokes and minimal pressure.

6. Brush Inside Corners

Use liner brush to precisely paint hard-to-reach corners and edges.

7. Apply Multiple Thin Coats

Wait proper dry time between coats. Multiple thin coats look better than thick globs.

8. Inspect Between Coats

Check for drips and missed spots. Touch up with brush before applying the next coat.

9. Remove Tape Promptly

Pull off painters tape immediately after the final coat before the paint fully dries.

10. Allow Proper Cure Time

Wait several days after painting to reinstall doors and hardware. This prevents sticking and paint damage.

With careful application techniques, your vintage metal cabinets will have a smooth factory-like painted finish.

Painting Cabinet Doors

Painting the doors separately from the cabinet boxes allows for easier handling and better paint coverage:

• Remove all hardware – knobs, hinges, pulls, etc.
• Sand and prime doors on all sides.
• Set doors on sawhorses for painting. This gets doors up off any surfaces.
• Use small roller and angled brush to paint. Roller handles flat areas, brush all edges and details.
• Paint door fronts and edges first, then ends and backs.
• Allow proper dry time between coats according to label.
• Reinstall hardware after painted doors have cured fully. Fill old hardware holes with wood filler if needed.

Maintaining Your Painted Finish

To keep your repainted vintage metal cabinets looking freshly painted for many years:

• Allow paint to cure fully for several weeks before cleaning. Use only light pressure.
• Avoid abrasive cleaners or scrub sponges which can mar the finish.
• For grease splatter or drips, wipe gently with soft cloth and mild soap and water.
• Reseal painted surface every 1-2 years with fresh clear coats of polyurethane. This prevents yellowing and fading.
• Immediately touch up any nicks, scratches or dings. Spot paint to prevent rust.
• Check hinges and pulls periodically. Tighten or replace if needed to prevent damage.

With proper prep, paint selection, and application techniques, it’s totally possible for DIYers to repaint old metal kitchen cabinets and make them look brand new. Just take your time and follow the steps in this guide for fantastic results. Give those well-worn but beloved metal cabinets new life with a fresh coat of paint!

Frequently Asked Questions About Repainting Metal Kitchen Cabinets

Can I paint over rust?

No, all rust needs to be removed before painting metal cabinets. Leaving rust under paint will lead to future paint failure as the rust continues to spread underneath. Use sandpaper, steel wool, or a wire brush to remove all rust down to the bare metal before priming.

What kind of paint adheres best to metal cabinets?

For metal, always use an oil-based enamel paint rather than latex acrylics. Enamel paints bond tighter to slick metal surfaces. Opt for satin, semi-gloss or gloss sheens for best durability. Specialty primers made for metal also improve paint adhesion.

Should I remove old paint before repainting cabinets?

If the existing paint is in good shape with no peeling or flaking, you can paint over it. Lightly sand glossy areas to rough up the surface. Make sure to thoroughly clean and degrease before repainting. If paint is peeling or damaged, remove it down to the bare metal.

How do I get paint drips out of metal cabinets?

Unfortunately dried paint drips on metal cabinets are difficult to remove without taking paint off surrounding areas. Prevent drips when painting by applying thin coats, checking between coats, and catching drips when still wet. If drips happen, let paint fully cure then carefully scrape with a plastic putty knife and touch up spot.

Can I spray paint my metal cabinets?

While spraying can seem faster, for kitchen cabinets it often leads to a messier finish. Brushing and rolling allows you to detect and fix drips or thin spots as you go. If spray painting, hang doors in a controlled spray booth area to contain overspray. Still back brush after spraying for an even coat.

How long does it take for painted cabinets to cure?

Oil-based cabinet enamels can take up to 2 weeks to fully cure and harden. Avoid cleaning or replacing doors and drawers for at least 3-5 days. Use care when replacing items for several weeks to prevent sticking or imprints in the paint. The wait is worth it for a durable finish!

What sheen is best for painting cabinets?

For metal cabinets, satin and semi-gloss enamels are good choices. Satin is smooth with a subtle sheen, while semi-gloss has a harder, slightly shiny finish. Gloss has a bright shine that shows imperfections. Avoid flat or matte paints—they don’t hold up or clean as well on cabinets.

Can I paint metal cabinets without primer?

Primer provides important adhesion properties—without it paint may chip, peel, or wear off over time. An adhesion-promoting metal primer ensures paint sticks tight. Some paint and primer all-in-one products work on metal too. But straight paint over bare metal isn’t recommended.

How do I fix paint rubbing off cabinet corners?

The edges and corners of cabinets take a lot of wear. To prevent paint wearing off over time, prep well by sanding and apply primer thoroughly so paint adheres tightly. Add extra coats of paint on high-contact areas. Semi-gloss or gloss enamels resist rubbing better than satin.

Conclusion

Reviving dated or worn vintage metal kitchen cabinets with a fresh coat of paint is a very achievable DIY project. With some time and effort, you can completely transform your old cabinets on a budget. Use the steps in this guide to properly clean, prep, prime, and paint your cabinets and you’ll love the “new kitchen” look you can create. Just be patient during the process and allow adequate dry time between steps for success. In the end, you’ll have stunning metal cabinets with a durable, professional-quality painted finish.