How to Repair 30’s Metal Kitchen Cabinets

Restoring vintage 1930s metal kitchen cabinets to their former glory requires a bit of elbow grease, but the end result is well worth the effort. With some cleaning, conditioning, paint or polish, and new hardware, you can give new life to these timeless pieces. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to repair 30’s metal kitchen cabinets.

Assessing the Condition of Your 30s Metal Cabinets

The first step is to thoroughly examine each cabinet to determine what repairs are needed.

• Look for rust, flaking paint, dents, or other damage on the exterior surfaces. Rust can often be removed, while deep scratches or dents may require filling.
• Check that cabinet doors and drawers open and close properly. Adjust or replace hinges as needed.
• Inspect the cabinet interiors for damaged or corroded surfaces. Shelves may need reinforcement or replacement.
• Test to see if cabinets are securely attached to the wall. Reanchor any loose cabinets.
• Assess the condition of the existing hardware. Replace missing or damaged hinges, latches, knobs, or pulls.

Cleaning and Prepping the Cabinets

Once you’ve assessed the condition, roll up your sleeves and clean the cabinets to prepare for repairs.

• Remove doors, drawers, and shelves to make cleaning easier. Number pieces to keep organized.
• Clean surfaces using a degreaser or TSP substitute to remove grime and oils.
• Scrub with a nylon brush or abrasive sponge. Avoid using metal brushes or steel wool.
• For stubborn deposits or rust, use a rust remover gel or naval jelly. Rinse thoroughly.
• Sand glossy finishes to rough up the surface and help paint adhere.
• Wash with water and let dry completely before painting or polishing.

Structural Repairs

Address any structural or foundational issues to ensure cabinets are solid and secure:

• Reinforce weak cabinet sides or bottoms with wood strips or metal brackets.
• Fill dents with automotive body filler, allow to dry, then sand smooth.
• Fix detached cabinets by refastening to wall studs with screws.
• Adjust or replace broken hinges and latches for proper door/drawer functioning.

Refinishing the Metal Surfaces

There are two main options for refinishing – paint or polish:

Painting

• For a more updated look, paint with a metal-specific enamel primer and paint.
• Opt for satin, semi-gloss, or high gloss sheens for easy cleaning. Matte finishes can look dull.
• Spray painting gives the smoothest finish, but brush painting works too. Allow proper dry time between coats.
• Finish with a protective clear coat for added durability.

Polishing

• To restore the original vintage shine, use a metal polish made for chrome, stainless steel, aluminum, etc. Apply with a soft cloth.
• Remove tarnish, oxidation, and small scratches. Buff until glossy sheen is achieved.
• Avoid polishes with harsh abrasives, which could scratch the surface. Use milder polish and elbow grease instead.
• Maintain the finish with periodic polishing. Use polish formulated for kitchen use.

New Hardware

Swap out the old hardware for new pulls, knobs, hinges, and latches:

• Stick with period-appropriate styles like porcelain knobs or sleek rounded pulls.
• Brushed nickel, chrome, polished brass, and antique bronze finishes work well.
• Ensure new hinges are properly sized. Take doors to the hardware store for fitting.
• Adjust latches and catches so doors close snugly without slamming or sagging.
• Attach new hardware using existing screw holes to avoid drilling new ones.

Restoring Interiors

To complete the restoration, refinish the cabinet interiors:

• Clean grimy surfaces with TSP or degreaser and a nylon scrub brush.
• Sand and wipe away dust before painting or polishing interiors as desired.
• Opt for durable semigloss or high-gloss enamel paints for easy cleanability.
• Check existing shelves for stability. Refasten any loose brackets or supports.
• Replace severely damaged shelves with new pre-cut shelves sized for 30″ cabinets.
• Install shelf liner to protect shelves from scratches and spills. Choose liner with a vintage look.

With some dedicated restoration work, vintage 30s kitchen cabinets can be revitalized into functional centerpieces of a retro or vintage-style kitchen. Take proper safety precautions, work patiently, and pay attention to detail. With quality materials and effort, the results will bring these metal classics back to life.

Frequently Asked Questions About Repairing 30s Metal Kitchen Cabinets

How can I remove rust from 30s metal cabinets?

To remove light surface rust, use steel wool or fine sandpaper. For heavy rust, apply a rust removal gel, let it sit per product instructions, then scrub and rinse. Naval jelly also works well.

What’s the best way to get dents and dings out?

Use automotive body filler to fill dents and scratches. Allow to fully dry, then sand smooth. Detailed sanding and painting will hide imperfections.

Do I need to strip old paint before repainting cabinets?

If the existing paint is intact, you can paint over it after properly preparing the surface. If paint is peeling or cracking, strip it by sanding or using a paint stripper prior to repainting.

Can I spray paint metal cabinets for an even finish?

Yes, spray painting with an enamel paint formulated for metal will provide the most even, professional looking finish. Use light coats and allow proper dry time between coats.

What type of new hardware should I buy?

Look for hardware in vintage styles like porcelain knobs or rounded pulls. Opt for finishes like nickel, chrome, brass, or bronze. Take doors and drawers when shopping to test for fit.

How do I stop cabinet doors from sagging over time?

Adjust or replace old hinges so doors hang straight. Tighten door catches so the doors close snugly without slamming. Add extra catches along the top if needed to prevent sagging.

Conclusion

Restoring metal kitchen cabinets from the 1930s requires time and elbow grease, but yields gorgeous results. With attention to surface preparation, structural repairs, refinishing, and installing updated hardware, you can modernize these vintage pieces without losing their enduring retro charm. Take proper safety precautions when stripping, sanding, and painting. Work methodically and thoughtfully to bring out the craftsmanship of quality metal cabinets. With some tools, supplies, and vintage inspiration, your restored 30s metal cabinets will be the shining stars of your kitchen or bath for years to come.