How to Restore a Metal Hoosier Cabinet

Introduction

Metal hoosier cabinets were very popular in the early 1900s as a functional piece of kitchen furniture. Built with enamel or porcelain surfaces, they often incorporated flour bins, spice racks, and other built-in organizational components. Over time, hoosiers fell out of fashion as kitchen styles changed. But recently, there has been renewed interest in restoring these charming antique cabinets.

Restoring a metal hoosier cabinet can help preserve a beautiful piece of history. It also allows you to customize and update the cabinet to suit your modern kitchen. With some cleaning, repairing, sanding, painting, and new hardware, an old hoosier can look like new again. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the entire process of restoring your vintage metal hoosier cabinet.

Assessing the Hoosier’s Condition

Before starting on restoration, you need to thoroughly examine the hoosier cabinet for any damage or missing parts. Look inside all drawers, doors, and compartments. Note any cracked porcelain, chipped enamel, broken hinges, rust spots, loose joints, or missing hardware. If certain parts are damaged beyond repair, you may need to find replacement pieces from architectural salvage stores or online auctions.

Pay special attention to the cabinet surface. Enamel and porcelain can easily chip and crack over the years. Check for any hairline cracks or spiderweb cracks on the enamel. Small cracks and chips can be repaired, but deep cracks or large missing chunks may mean you need to fully re-enamel the hoosier’s exterior.

Examine the metal surfaces for signs of rust and corrosion. Light surface rust can be removed through sanding and refinishing. But deep, pitted rust may mean parts of the cabinet need to be replaced if repair is not possible.

Also inspect the cabinet for any infestations. Old wood and flour bins can attract bugs over time. Look for any bore holes, larvae, eggs, or other signs of pests. Address any infestations before restoring the hoosier.

Cleaning the Hoosier Cabinet

Once you’ve assessed the condition, it’s time for a deep clean. Remove all drawers, doors, and removable parts from the cabinet.

Cleaning the Interior

Vacuum out all dust and debris from the inside of the cabinet and compartments. Use a small brush attachment to reach corners.

For stuck-on grease, dirt, and grime, use a degreasing agent like citrus cleaner or mineral spirits. Test on a small area first. Apply with a soft cloth, allow to sit for 5 minutes, then wipe clean.

For odors from food or pests, sprinkle baking soda inside the cabinet. Let sit overnight, then vacuum out. baking soda absorbs stubborn smells.

Go over all interior surfaces with a mild detergent and warm water solution. Use a soft cloth or soft scrub brush. Wipe dry with a clean cloth.

Cleaning Hardware and Surfaces

Clean door hinges, latch hardware, and handles by soaking in white vinegar for 20 minutes. Scrub with a toothbrush, then dry thoroughly.

Clean enamel or porcelain exteriors with a mix of baking soda and water into a paste. Gently rub over surface with a soft cloth. Rinse and wipe dry.

For metal surfaces, make a paste of lemon juice and salt. Rub over surface with a soft cloth, allow to sit for 10 minutes, then rinse and dry. This helps remove tarnish and stains.

Use fine steel wool (000 grade) to gently rub any stubborn grime off metal or enamel. Wipe clean afterwards.

Cleaning and Restoring Wood Surfaces

Wash wood drawers, flour bins, and trim with a damp cloth and mild cleaner. Avoid excessive water that can warp wood.

Lightly sand wood surfaces with 220 grit sandpaper to remove any stains or dirt trapped in the grain.

Apply a wood restoration polish to rehydrate and protect the wood. Let dry completely.

Seal restored wood with polyurethane to protect from future water damage and staining.

Replacing any Un-Salvageable Parts

After thorough cleaning, you may find that some parts are too damaged or rusted to restore. Look for replacement bins, drawers, hinges, and hardware from architectural salvage stores. Vintage pieces will best match the originals.

Repairing Damage and Wear

Your hoosier will likely need some repairs after years of wear:

Repairing Chipped or Cracked Porcelain/Enamel

For small chips, use enamel touch-up paint to fill in the missing enamel. Allow paint to dry fully. Lightly sand with fine grit sandpaper until smooth.

Deep cracks or large missing sections will need professional re-enameling for full coverage. Many auto body shops offer this service. They can match vintage enamel colors.

Filling Holes from Pest Infestations

Use auto body filler putty to fill any holes left behind from borers or pests. Allow putty to dry fully, then sand flush with the cabinet surface.

Apply primer, then paint in the original enamel color. Lightly sand again until smooth.

Replacing Rusted or Corroded Metal

Sand down lightly rusted areas with 220 grit sandpaper until you reach bare metal. Clean sanded area, apply primer, and repaint.

For deep rust or corrosion damage, it may be necessary to cut out the damaged section. Weld in a same-sized piece of new sheet metal. Grind welds smooth, apply body putty as needed, then prime and paint.

Reinforcing Wobbly Joints or Hinges

Remove loose hinges and use wood glue to re-adhere them solidly in place. Allow glue to dry fully before reattaching doors.

For loose joints, apply wood glue into the joint. Clamp pieces tightly together until the glue dries. Wipe away any excesssqueeze-out.

If joints are loose due to stripped screw holes, re-drill holes slightly larger and use larger screws. You can also fill old holes with toothpicks and wood glue before re-drilling.

Refinishing Worn or Damaged Wood Surfaces

Use 100-220 grit sandpaper to sand wood surfaces, handrails, drawers, and trim. Sand until you reach bare wood.

Apply a stain if desired to change color. Wipe on gel stain with a cloth, allow to sit 5 minutes, then wipe off excess.

Protect sanded bare wood with polyurethane. Apply 2-3 coats, lighty sanding between each coat.

Restoring the Exterior Appearance

The original exterior metal and enamel provides the signature look of a hoosier cabinet. Proper restoration will make the exterior look like new again.

Stripping Old Paint and Enamel

If you need to take the hoosier down to bare metal, use a paint and varnish remover like Citristrip. Brush liqud on, allow to sit for up to 30 minutes. The enamel can then be scraped off with a putty knife or wire brush.

Wear protective gloves, eyewear, and a mask when working with chemical strippers. Work in a well-ventilated area.

Sanding and Priming the Metal

Once stripped to bare metal, sand the entire exterior with 180-220 grit sandpaper to smooth and prepare the surface.

Vacuum up all sanding dust. Wipe the metal with a tack cloth.

Apply a thin coat of metal primer and allow to fully dry. Lightly sand again with 400 grit sandpaper.

Matching and Applying New Enamel

To match vintage enamel colors, bring a sample chip to the paint store. They can custom mix a close match.

Buy an enamel paint designed for metal and porcelain. Carefully follow manufacturer’s instructions for drying times.

Apply 2-3 thin, even coats of enamel, drying fully between coats. Lightly sand between coats for a smooth finish.

Painting or Staining Replacements

For any new wood pieces you’ve replaced, apply gel stain to match the original wood tone. Top coat with polyurethane.

Prime and paint any replaced metal parts using the matched enamel paint. Let dry fully.

Polishing Metal Details

For any exposed unpainted metal like handles or kickplates, apply a metal polish paste. Buff the metal with a soft cloth until it shines. Remove any residue and reapply protective enamel/polyurethane around edges.

Restoring Interior Storage and Organization

The interior storage and compartments are key functional parts of any hoosier. Bring these back to working order:

Fixing and Adjusting Doors and Drawers

Tighten any loose hinge screws. If doors are uneven, you can deepen hinge mortises with a chisel to adjust fit.

If drawers are sticky or don’t slide smoothly, wax the runners with paraffin wax.

For loose drawer fit, apply thin felt pads to tighten up the space.

Refinishing and Sealing Wood Bins

Sand and refinish any interior wood bins or surfaces, following directions above.

Seal with polyurethane to protect from food stains and spills.

Cleaning and Restoring Hardware

Soak vintage hardware like latches, pulls, and knobs in white vinegar. Scrub with a toothbrush and dry thoroughly.

Use metal polish to buff hardware and restore shine. Reinstall hardware.

Replacing Shelves and Inserts

Measure each compartment to cut replacement shelves from sanded plywood. Stain/seal shelves to match.

Print vintage inserts like spice labels if desired. Otherwise, leave compartments blank for customization.

Installation of New Hardware and Accessories

Part of updating your restored hoosier is installing new hardware and handy accessories:

Mounting New Hinges and Pulls

For a more updated, streamlined look, install new hinges and hardware in a brushed nickel or oil-rubbed bronze finish.

Use hinge sizes that match the originals. mortise new hinges into door edges at the same placements.

Adding New Lighting Inside

Wiring a new interior light can illuminate the entire interior. Consult an electrician to wire in a vintage style fixture.

Battery-powered LED lights are another option requiring no wiring. Stick-on options attach directly inside.

Attaching Functional Accessories

Spice racks, knife blocks, and other accessories customize your hoosier. Look for versions meant for cabinet installation.

Use brackets or rails fastened inside the cabinet to mount accessories in place. Follow all hardware instructions.

Labeling Bins, Drawers, and Cabinets

Print and apply custom vintage-style labels identifying each compartment. Match time period of the hoosier style.

Free printable options are available online. Or design custom labels matched to your kitchen.

Preserving and Maintaining the Restored Hoosier

To keep your hoosier looking freshly restored for years to come:

• Wipe up spills right away to prevent stains on interior compartments
• Use cutting boards inside cabinet to prevent knife scratches
• Avoid placing hot pans or dishes directly on exterior enamel
• Spot clean exterior enamel gently with mild soap and water
• Apply paste wax once per year to seal and protect the exterior finish
• Keep wood surfaces conditioned with furniture polish to avoid drying out
• Tighten any loose hardware as needed
• Adjust doors/drawers if they become loose or sticky over time
• Touch up paint chips on metal or enamel as soon as they appear

Your vintage hoosier cabinet is now restored to its former glory! With care and maintenance, it will serve as a beautiful and functional centerpiece of your kitchen for years to come. The restoration process takes time and elbow grease, but the end result is well worth the effort. Enjoy showing off your antique hoosier’s refreshed charm and customized storage solutions.

Frequently Asked Questions About Restoring Metal Hoosier Cabinets

What are the benefits of restoring an antique hoosier cabinet?

Restoring a vintage hoosier allows you to preserve a piece of history, customize it to your needs, and add beautiful antique style to your modern kitchen. Refinishing and repairing the original materials also uses fewer resources than building new.

What tools and supplies do I need?

Basic supplies include paint stripper, sandpaper, wood filler, primer, paint, enamel, wood stain, polyurethane, metal polish, replacement hardware, and wood for repairs. Helpful tools include putty knives, tack cloths, steel wool, clamps, chisels, and paint brushes.

How do I repair cracked or missing enamel?

Small chips can be filled with enamel paint. Large cracks or missing sections need professional re-enameling. Auto body shops offer this service and can color match the original enamel.

Should I paint the exterior a new color?

Matching the original colors preserves the vintage look, but you can paint it any color you like. Just be sure to use enamel paint formulated for metal.

How do I get rid of rust on metal surfaces?

Light rust can be sanded down to bare metal, primed, and repainted. Deep rust may need damaged sections cut out and replaced with new metal.

What’s the best way to clean the original wood bins and drawers?

Clean gently with a damp cloth and mild detergent. Avoid excessive water. Refinish with sanding, staining, and sealing with polyurethane.

Where can I find replacement parts?

Check architectural salvage stores, antique shops, and online auctions for suitable vintage replacement parts. New hardware can update the look.

How can I adjust and repair old doors and drawers?

Tighten hinges and realign as needed. Wax runners for smooth drawers. Felt pads can tighten loose fit.

Conclusion

Restoring a metal hoosier cabinet is a rewarding do-it-yourself project for antique lovers. While it requires time and diligence, the process is entirely manageable for a dedicated DIYer. Taking the cabinet down to its original wood and metal surfaces allows you to repair damage and customize with new finishes and hardware. In the end, your hoosier will once again be a beautiful and functional centerpiece in your kitchen. Enjoy the satisfaction of preserving a piece of culinary history.