How to Restore a Metal Sink Cabinet

Introduction

Metal sink cabinets are a staple of many kitchens and bathrooms. Over time, they can become worn, rusted, or damaged. Restoring a metal sink cabinet to its former glory is an affordable way to update the look of your space without a full remodel. With some cleaning, painting, and minor repairs, you can make even an old, beaten-up metal cabinet look brand new again.

In this comprehensive guide, we will walk through all the steps needed to fully restore a metal sink cabinet. We will cover:

• Assessing the cabinet’s current condition
• Cleaning and preparing the surfaces
• Applying primer, paint, and sealant
• Repairing rust spots and other damage
• Replacing broken or missing hardware
• Adjusting doors and drawers as needed
• Protecting the restored cabinet

By the end of this guide, you will have the knowledge and details needed to restore your metal sink cabinet to a like-new condition from top to bottom. Let’s get started!

Step 1: Assess the Cabinet’s Current Condition

Before beginning any restoration work, you need to thoroughly assess the current condition of the metal sink cabinet. This will allow you to identify all areas that need attention.

Carefully inspect inside and out for any signs of:

• Rust
• Corrosion
• Dents, scratches, or holes
• Peeling paint or chrome
• Warping or other structural damage
• Loose or missing hardware

Check drawers and doors to see if they open and close properly. Test hinges and sliding mechanisms. Make notes on any issues or problem areas you find.

This inspection will help focus your restoration efforts on the cabinet areas that need it most. It will also help you plan out what supplies you need to complete the job.

What to Look For When Assessing Condition

When inspecting the cabinet, look closely for these common issues:

• Rust: Check edges, joints, and anywhere metal is exposed. Rust often starts in hard to see crevices.
• Corrosion: Look for greenish oxidation, pitting, and flaking, especially around chrome fixtures.
• Dents and Scratches: Note dents on surfaces and scratches through paint to bare metal.
• Warping: See if doors, drawers, or surfaces bend or twist out of shape.
• Loose Hardware: Try pulling on handles and knobs to check for looseness.
• Damage: Note cracks, holes, missing pieces, or anything broken.

Finding all the cabinet issues in advance makes for an easier restoration.

Step 2: Clean Surfaces Thoroughly

Once you’ve assessed the condition, the next step is a thorough cleaning of the metal sink cabinet. Proper cleaning is crucial to ensure paint and primers adhere correctly.

You’ll want to clean both the interior and exterior surfaces. Be sure to degrease any areas around sinks or plumbing.

Supplies Needed

• Rags or paper towels
• Trisodium phosphate (TSP) cleaner
• Household degreaser
• Painters tape
• Sandpaper
• Safety gear (gloves, mask, goggles)

Instructions

1. Use TSP cleaner to wipe down all surfaces, inside and out. This removes dirt, grease, and old paint.
2. Scrub extra-dirty areas with a degreasing agent. Concentrate on the sink area and any visibly greasy spots.
3. Lightly sand paint that is chipping or peeling. Feather the edges smooth. Wipe away any dust.
4. Use painters tape to mask off nearby walls, countertops, floors. Protect surfaces from drips.
5. Wipe down all surfaces again with a lint-free cloth. Let fully dry before priming or painting.

Proper cleaning gives the new paint something to “bite” into. It also prevents globs of old grease or dirt from ruining your freshly painted finish.

Step 3: Apply Primer to the Cabinet

Once the metal sink cabinet is cleaned, you can apply primer. The right primer will help the new paint stick tightly.

For best adhesion on metal, use a specialty metal primer. Alternatively, an oil-based primer works too.

Supplies Needed

• Metal primer or oil-based primer
• Paintbrush, foam brushes, and roller
• 180 grit sandpaper
• Rags and cleaning solvent

Instructions

1. Use 180 grit sandpaper to scuff up the cleaned metal surfaces. This helps the primer grip.
2. Wipe cabinet with a rag and cleaning solvent. Remove any oily residue or dust.
3. Apply a coat of metal primer using a paintbrush for trim and a roller for flat surfaces.
4. Allow primer to fully dry as directed on the label, usually at least 24 hours. Proper drying prevents adhesion problems.
5. Lightly sand primed surfaces with fine 220 grit sandpaper. Wipe clean.

The cabinet is now ready for painting. Properly primed metal accepts new paint much better for a smooth, durable finish.

Step 4: Paint the Sink Cabinet

With surfaces cleaned and primed, you can now paint the metal sink cabinet. Painting transforms the look completely.

For cabinets, an oil-based enamel works best. It dries hard and smooth. Choose a semi-gloss or high gloss sheen for easy cleaning.

Supplies Needed

• Oil-based enamel paint
• Paintbrush, roller, paint tray
• 220 grit sandpaper
• Rags and cleaning solvent
• Painter’s tape

Instructions

1. Lay down drop cloths and tape off surfaces to protect floors and counters.
2. Lightly sand primed surfaces with 220 grit sandpaper. Wipe clean.
3. Apply the first coat of paint in thin, even strokes. Roll larger areas and use a brush for trim.
4. Allow paint to dry fully, then sand again with fine 320 grit sandpaper. Wipe away dust.
5. Apply the second coat of paint. Two coats are recommended for best coverage and a smooth finish.
6. Let the paint cure fully, about 7 days. Then a protective clear coat can be applied.

Take your time with prep and painting. Correctly applied enamel paint keeps your restored cabinet looking pristine.

Step 5: Repair Rust Spots and Damage

If your metal sink cabinet has any rust spots or damage, these need addressed before painting. Otherwise flaws will show through the new paint job.

For small rust spots, sanding and priming is often sufficient. For heavier rust and damage, filling and patching is needed.

Supplies Needed

• Sandpaper
• Metal primer
• Metal filler compound
• Putty knife
• Paint brush

Instructions

1. Sand rusted areas to bare metal with 80 grit sandpaper. Feather edges.
2. Wipe sanded areas with solvent. Apply metal primer totreated rust spots.
3. For scratches or dents, fill with metal filler compound and allow to fully cure. Sand smooth.
4. Spot prime over any repairs and feather out edges with primer. This helps hide repairs.
5. Once primed and dry, inspect repairs. Make sure surfaces are smooth and flaws fully covered.

Making these minor repairs helps lead to a flawless painted finish. The cabinet will look like new again.

Step 6: Replace Broken Hardware

Replacing broken or missing hardware is an essential restoration step. New hardware gives the fresh paint job a perfect finishing touch.

Take inventory of all handles, hinges, knobs, pulls, latches, and hooks. Look inside drawers and doors too.

Supplies Needed

• New hardware pieces
• Screwdriver
• Tape measure
• Pencil

Instructions

1. Remove and inspect all existing hardware. Clean built-up grime off hinges.
2. Make note of any missing or broken hardware that needs replacing. Measure for proper sizing.
3. Purchase replacement hardware pieces. Try to match original style or upgrade to new ones.
4. Before painting, install new hardware. Check that screws are tight and parts operate smoothly.
5. Use painters tape to cover hardware while painting. Remove tape immediately after.

Choosing hardware that matches the style of your cabinet ties the whole restored look together. Take time to find just the right pieces.

Step 7: Adjust Doors and Drawers

It’s common for cabinet doors and drawers to become misaligned over years of use. A full restoration job includes realigning them.

If doors sag or rub, hinges likely need tightened. For sticking drawers, rollers and tracks probably need lubrication.

Supplies Needed

• Screwdriver
• Lubricating oil or wax stick
• Wood shims
• Sandpaper

Instructions

1. Tighten loose hinge screws to lift sagging doors back into alignment.
2. Rub lubricating wax onto sticky drawer rollers and tracks. Open and close to distribute.
3. Use wood shims to adjust doors or drawers that sit crooked or tilt.
4. sand down corners or edges if doors or drawers catch and scrape when opening.
5. Confirm all doors and drawers now open and shut smoothly with no scraping or rubbing.

Taking this time to fine tune everything prevents doors and drawers from damaging your freshly restored cabinet.

Step 8: Apply Protective Clear Coat

The final step is applying a protective clear coat over the painted metal cabinet. This seals the finish and helps it hold up to everyday use.

For metal sink cabinets, a polyurethane clear coat works best. Water-based polyurethane is good for kitchens and baths.

Supplies Needed

• Polyurethane clear coat
• Paintbrush, roller, and paint tray
• 320 grit sandpaper
• Lint-free rags
• Painter’s tape

Instructions

1. Lightly sand painted cabinet with 320 grit sandpaper. Wipe away any dust.
2. Use painter’s tape to mask off nearby surfaces from drips as needed.
3. Apply the first coat of clear polyurethane with a paintbrush or foam roller. Smooth out any drips.
4. Allow the first coat to dry fully. Then lightly sand again with 320 grit sandpaper.
5. Wipe cabinet with a tack cloth. Apply the second coat of polyurethane and let cure fully.
6. Optionally apply additional coats, lightly sanding between each, for a thicker finish.
7. Once fully cured, remove painter’s tape and enjoy your freshly restored cabinet!

The polyurethane clear coat protects the beautiful paint finish for years to come.

Maintaining Your Restored Metal Sink Cabinet

Put some effort into maintaining your restored metal sink cabinet and it will continue looking fresh for many years. Here are some care tips:

• Use cabinet door buffers to prevent knobs knocking against the surface.
• Immediately clean up any spills or splatters. Avoid letting moisture sit on surfaces.
• Wash cabinet by hand with only mild liquid soap. Avoid abrasive cleaners.
• Apply a fresh coat of wax yearly to protect the finish.
• If paint chips or scratches, touch up quickly to prevent further damage.
• Adjust hinges and rollers again if doors and drawers become misaligned.

With proper care, your restored metal sink cabinet will continue looking like new for years of everyday use.

Frequently Asked Questions About Restoring Metal Sink Cabinets

What type of paint should be used?

For metal sink cabinets, an oil-based enamel paint works best. Enamel dries hard and provides a smooth, durable finish that stands up to moisture. Semi-gloss or high gloss look great.

Does the cabinet need to be primed first?

Yes, it’s crucial to apply metal primer before painting a metal sink cabinet. Primer helps the new paint stick tightly so it won’t chip or peel.

How do you repair rust damage?

Light surface rust can be sanded down before priming and painting. For heavier rust, use a metal filler compound to patch holes and deeply pitted areas.

Should you replace all hardware?

Not necessarily. If existing hardware is in good shape, it can be cleaned up, tightened if needed, and reused. Replace any pieces that are worn out or missing.

How do you fix sagging cabinet doors?

Doors that sag are usually due to loose hinges. Tighten the hinge screws going into the cabinet frame to lift doors back into proper alignment.

What helps make painted cabinets shine?

Applying a clear coat of polyurethane over the paint provides a glossy finish that looks freshly painted even after years of cleaning.

Can you change the color when restoring cabinets?

Absolutely! Restoring cabinets is a great chance to update their color. Make sure to prime fully before applying new paint for best coverage.

Conclusion

Restoring worn metal sink cabinets helps give kitchens and bathrooms an affordable makeover without the mess and cost of a full remodel. With some elbow grease and the right techniques and products, you can make dingy cabinets look factory-fresh again.

Carefully cleaning, sanding, priming, painting, and sealing creates a durable, updated finish that will keep your restored cabinet looking like new for years of everyday use. Improving any hardware and fixing drawers and doors completes the job.

Just take the process step-by-step. Proper preparation is key – don’t skip on the cleaning and sanding. Use specialty metal primer and paints designed to stick to slick surfaces. Top off with a protective clear coat.

With this how-to guide’s detailed steps and advice, you can fully restore your metal sink cabinet to a like-new condition. A few weekends of hard work gives you an updated kitchen or bath without a big expense.