A metal filing cabinet can be an invaluable storage solution in homes and offices. Over time though, wear and tear can take its toll, leaving cabinets looking dull, scratched or rusted. Restoring a metal filing cabinet to its former glory is possible with some cleaning, sanding, priming and repainting. With a little elbow grease, you can give new life to an old metal filing cabinet.

Clean the Filing Cabinet Thoroughly

The first step is a thorough cleaning to remove built-up grime, dust and residues. This allows fresh paint to adhere properly for a smooth finish.

Supplies Needed

• Mild detergent or degreasing cleaner
• Clean cloths
• Toothbrush or other small scrubbing brush
• TSP substitute if there is grease or oil present
• Eye protection, gloves and mask

Instructions

• Remove all contents from the filing cabinet drawers and shelves.
• Mix a mild detergent like dish soap with warm water in a bucket. Or use a degreasing cleaner if oil and grease need to be removed.
• Dip a clean cloth in the soapy water and wring out excess.
• Start washing the exterior of the filing cabinet. Scrub any especially dirty areas with a toothbrush or other small scrub brush.
• Use TSP substitute cleaner for any oily or greasy areas, following label directions carefully.
• Rinse the cloth frequently as you clean. Change the water as it gets dirty.
• Remove drawers and shelves and clean separately, if needed. Let them dry fully before replacing in the cabinet.
• Allow the filing cabinet to dry completely before moving on to sanding. At least 24 hours.

Thorough cleaning removes built-up grime and provides the smooth, clean surface needed for painting metal.

Sand Away Scratches, Rust and Flaking Paint

Once completely dry, the next step is sanding. This smoothing out any scratches, eliminates rust and flaking paint so the new coat will adhere properly.

Supplies Needed

• Sandpaper in varying grits – 80, 150 and 220 recommended
• Sanding block, sanding sponge or electric sander
• Tack cloth
• Painters tape
• Eye protection, gloves and mask

Instructions

• Tape off any areas you do not want sanded, like glass panes or labels.
• Start sanding with a medium grit sandpaper like 150. Use a sanding block or sponge for hard to reach areas.
• Sand in the direction of the metal grain to avoid scratches.
• Use a finer 220 grit paper for final smoothing.
• Remove sanding dust with a tack cloth.
• Use 80 grit paper only for eliminating rust. Then smooth with finer paper.
• Sand drawers and shelves separately.
• Remove all dust with a dry cloth after sanding before priming.

Sanding prepares the metal for fresh paint to adhere properly. Take time for thorough smoothing to achieve the best results.

Apply Primer Coats to the Sanded Surface

Once sanded smooth, a primer coat is highly recommended before painting the filing cabinet. Primer helps the top coat adhere better while providing extra corrosion resistance.

Supplies Needed

• Primer suited for metal – rust inhibiting primer recommended
• Foam brush, roller or paint sprayer
• Drop cloth
• Painters tape
• Eye protection, gloves and mask

Instructions

• Use painter’s tape to mask off any areas you do not want primed.
• Stir the primer thoroughly before and periodically during use.
• Apply a thin, even primer coat using a foam brush, paint roller or sprayer.
• Allow to dry completely. Follow product directions.
• Lightly sand again with fine 220 grit sandpaper.
• Wipe away dust with a tack cloth.
• Apply a second, thin primer coat for maximum corrosion resistance.
• Remove tape and primer overspray before top coat.
• Allow primer to cure following manufacturer’s directions before painting.

Priming provides excellent prep for the top coat and helps prevent future rust. For best results, apply two thin primer coats.

Paint the Cabinet in Desired Color

With proper prep work completed, the filing cabinet is now ready for a fresh coat of paint. Enamel, acrylics or spray paint all work well on primed metal.

Supplies Needed

• Exterior paint in desired color
• Foam brush, roller or paint sprayer
• Drop cloth
• Painters tape
• Eye protection, gloves and mask

Instructions

• Tape off any adjacent surfaces you don’t want painted.
• Stir the paint thoroughly before and during use.
• Apply a thin first coat of paint, using a brush, roller or sprayer.
• Allow paint to dry completely before adding another coat.
• Sand lightly with fine 220 grit paper between coats to smooth.
• Apply second coat of paint in thin, even layer.
• Remove any paint drips right away with a damp cloth.
• Allow paint to cure fully before use, following manufacturer’s directions.
• Apply additional coats as needed for full, even coverage.
• Remove tape and overspray when fully cured.

Choosing a shade like crisp white, bold red or classic black looks fantastic on a restored metal filing cabinet. Proper prep ensures the fresh paint adheres beautifully.

How to Maintain the Restored Filing Cabinet

With a bit of periodic care, you can keep a restored metal filing cabinet looking its best for years to come. Here are some maintenance tips:

• Use a dolly and recruit helpers when moving to prevent scratches.
• Dust regularly with a microfiber cloth to prevent buildup.
• Immediately clean any spills or liquids that contact the finish.
• Apply a fresh coat of wax occasionally to protect the paint.
• Touch up any scrapes or nicks in the paint when they occur.
• Keep cabinet away from moisture and humidity to avoid rust.
• Store papers and files in folders rather than loose to reduce wear.
• Buff gently with polish every few months for added shine.

Proper cleaning, prompt touch-ups, waxing and more will help the restored filing cabinet retain its luster. With some simple maintenance, it can look fantastic for many years.

Frequently Asked Questions About Restoring Metal Filing Cabinets

Here are answers to some common questions about restoring old metal filing cabinets:

Can I restore a filing cabinet without sanding?

Sanding provides the smooth, bare surface that paint and primer need to adhere properly. For best results, thorough sanding is a must before priming and painting metal.

What is the best primer to use?

On metal, a primer designed specifically for metal or rust inhibiting primer is best. The primer should be compatible with the top coat paint used. Oil-based or enamel primers often work well.

How many coats of primer and paint are needed?

Two thin coats of primer and at least two coats of paint help ensure full coverage and even coloring. Sand lightly between coats for a smooth finish.

How long does it take to fully restore a filing cabinet?

With proper drying time between steps, allow 1-2 days for cleaning, sanding and priming. Painting and curing time adds another day or two. So 3-4 days total is common.

What kind of paint works best on metal filing cabinets?

Enamel, acrylic, and oil-based paints bond excellently to primed metal. Spray paint also provides great coverage. Choose indoor or outdoor paint as needed.

Can I change the color when restoring a filing cabinet?

Yes, you can paint a filing cabinet any color desired to give it a whole new look. Thorough prep work helps the new color adhere well for a beautiful finish.

What filing cabinet colors look best?

Classic black, bright white, bold red, navy blue and mercury gray all look fantastic on restored metal filing cabinets. Choose a color that fits your decor.

Restoring an old metal filing cabinet can seem daunting but is very achievable with some time and care. Follow these steps and maintenance tips to give it new life.

Conclusion

Restoring worn metal filing cabinets is a very rewarding do-it-yourself project. With some cleaning solutions, sandpaper, primer and paint, you can makeover an old cabinet into a fantastic storage solution. Just be sure to allow proper dry time between steps for best results. A little elbow grease gives new life to scratched, dull and rusted metal filing cabinets. Plus a restored cabinet with fresh paint makes a stylish statement in any room. With proper prep work and maintenance, your restored filing cabinet will look beautiful for years to come.

How to Restore Metal Filing Cabinet

Restoring an old metal filing cabinet can refresh your office storage and decor. With some cleaning, sanding, priming and repainting, you can overhaul a worn or rusted filing cabinet. The process does take some time and muscle, but the results are well worth it. Follow these steps to give a metal filing cabinet new life with a stunning makeover.

Assess Cabinet and Gather Supplies

Start by examining the filing cabinet to determine the extent of wear, rust or damage present. This will guide just how much cleaning or sanding needs to be done during restoring. Assemble all the necessary supplies before beginning:

• Cleaning solutions like degreaser, TSP substitute, detergent
• Sandpaper in various grits
• Sanding tools – block, sponge, electric sander
• Rust inhibiting primer for metal
• Paint in desired color – enamel, acrylic or spray
• Paint supplies – roller, brush, sprayer
• Drop cloths, paint tape, tack cloth
• Safety gear – gloves, mask, eye protection

Prepping the metal surface properly provides the key to a successful paint finish.

Clean Thoroughly Prior to Sanding

Before sanding or priming, it’s crucial to thoroughly clean the filing cabinet to remove grease, grime and residues. Follow these steps:

• Remove all contents from the cabinet drawers and shelves.
• Mix a degreasing solution and wash all surfaces inside and out.
• Rinse well and let the filing cabinet dry completely before sanding.
• Pay extra attention to scrubbing any visibly dirty or oily areas.
• For metal with rust present, use a rust removal solution before detergent.
• Clean drawers and shelves separately if needed for best results.

Proper cleaning is the first vital step in metal filing cabinet restoration.

Sand Away Imperfections in the Metal

Once dry, smooth away any scratches, rust spots, flaking paint or other imperfections by sanding thoroughly. It is key to get down to bare, smooth metal for the primer and paint to adhere properly.

• Start sanding with medium 150 grit sandpaper, working in the direction of the metal grain.
• Use finer 220 grit sandpaper for the final smoothing.
• For rust removal, start with coarse 80 grit paper then work up to finer grits.
• Remove all sanding dust with tack cloths before priming.
• Be sure to sand down shelves and drawers as well.
• Wear proper safety gear like gloves, goggles and a mask during sanding.

Thorough sanding is the essential second step to ensure a beautifully restored filing cabinet.

Apply Primer Coats to Prep for Paint

Next, apply primer designed for metal to protect against future rust and help the paint adhere tightly. Two thin coats are recommended for maximum coverage.

• Before priming, wipe away all sanding dust with a dry tack cloth.
• Use painter’s tape to mask off any areas you don’t want to prime.
• Apply the first thin, even coat of primer and let fully dry.
• Sand lightly again then wipe away dust.
• Use a foam roller, brush or sprayer to apply the second primer coat.
• Allow primer to cure following manufacturer’s directions before painting.

Primer provides vital preparation before applying the top color coat to the filing cabinet.

Paint Filing Cabinet in Desired Color

Once priming is complete, the filing cabinet is ready for a fresh coat of durable paint in any color you choose. Vibrant reds, classic black or bright white all look stunning.

• Again, mask off any areas not being painted and stir the paint well.
• Apply the first, thin paint coat using a paintbrush, roller or sprayer.
• Allow to dry fully then sand lightly to smooth.
• Add the second coat of paint for full, even coverage in the desired shade.
• Remove any drips immediately and let paint cure per manufacturer’s directions.
• Additional paint coats may be needed for very dark colors or to cover repairs.
• Remove masking tape and overspray once fully cured.

With proper prep, the paint will bond beautifully to provide a vibrant and durable finish.

Maintain the Restored Filing Cabinet

To keep your restored filing cabinet looking fresh, maintain it properly by:

• Dusting and cleaning regularly.
• Immediately wiping up any spills on the finish.
• Applying wax occasionally for added protection.
• Touching up scrapes or damaged paint when needed.
• Keeping in a dry area away from moisture.

With periodic maintenance and care, a restored metal filing cabinet will retain its beauty for many years to come. The process takes some time and elbow grease, but renewing an old filing cabinet gives extremely rewarding results.

How to Restore Metal Filing Cabinet

Metal filing cabinets are common in homes and offices for their durable construction and ample storage space. But after years of use, dents, rust and worn paint can leave cabinets looking shabby and worn. Thankfully, with some effort, metal filing cabinets can be restored to look like new again. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to restore a metal filing cabinet.

Supplies Needed

Restoring a metal filing cabinet requires having these supplies on hand:

• Cleaning solutions – Mild detergent, degreaser, TSP substitute
• Sandpaper – Coarse 80 grit, medium 150 grit, fine 220 grit
• Sanding tools – Block, electric sander, sanding sponge
• Metal primer – Rust inhibiting
• Top coat paint – Acrylic, enamel, spray paint
• Paint supplies – Brushes, rollers, sprayer
• Drop cloths, masking tape
• Tack cloth, rags
• Safety gear – Gloves, eye protection, mask

Clean Thoroughly

Before painting, it is crucial to thoroughly clean the filing cabinet to remove all dirt, grease, dust and grime so the new paint adheres well.

• Empty drawers and shelves fully of all contents.
• Mix a cleaning solution of mild detergent and warm water. For grease, use a degreaser instead.
• Scrub all surfaces inside and out with a rag or small brush soaked in the cleaning solution.
• Rinse surfaces well after scrubbing to remove all residue.
• Allow the filing cabinet to dry fully before sanding – at least 24 hours.

Thorough cleaning is the vital first step to ensure a smooth, attractive painted finish.

Sand Away Flaws

Once dry, flaws in the existing paint and metal like scratches, rust spots and rough edges need to be smoothed and removed by sanding.

• Begin sanding using medium 150 grit sandpaper, working in the direction of the metal grain.
• For rust removal, start with coarse 80 grit paper then smooth with finer grits.
• Finish sanding with fine 220 paper for a silky smooth surface.
• Use a sanding block or sponge for hard to reach spots.
• Remove all sanding dust with a tack cloth before priming.

Proper sanding provides the perfect bare, uniform surface for painting.

Apply Primer Coats

After sanding, a primer designed specifically for metal should be applied to protect the filing cabinet from future rust and help the paint adhere properly.

• Use painter’s tape to mask off any glass or areas you don’t want primed.
• Apply a thin, even first coat of primer with a brush, roller or sprayer.
• Let the primer coat dry fully, then sand lightly again.
• Wipe away dust with a tack cloth and apply a second primer coat.
• Allow primer to cure thoroughly before painting.

Primer is the key to long-lasting, professional paint results.

Paint Filing Cabinet

Once priming is complete, the metal filing cabinet is ready for a fresh coat of durable paint to give it a brand new look.

• Stir the paint well before using and intermittently while painting.
• Apply paint in thin, even coats using a foam roller, brush or spray paint.
• Allow each coat to dry fully before adding another. Lightly sand between coats.
• Add additional coats as needed to achieve desired color and coverage.
• Immediately wipe away any drips or runs in the paint.
• Let paint cure fully before use – at least 24 hours.

Paint in colors like bold red, bright white or classic black will look stunning against the primed metal surface.

Maintain the Finish

To keep a restored metal filing cabinet looking its best:

• Dust and clean the cabinet regularly.
• Immediately wipe up spills or liquids that contact the finish.
• Apply a coat of wax occasionally for added protection.
• Touch up scrapes or damaged paint spots promptly.
• Keep cabinet away from direct moisture to prevent future rust.

Proper maintenance keeps a restored filing cabinet in mint condition for many years of stylish storage in any home or office.

How to Restore Metal Filing Cabinet

Metal filing cabinets are the workhorses of office storage. But after years of constant use, they can look worn down and rusted. Thankfully, with some time and elbow grease, it is possible to restore a metal filing cabinet to like-new condition again. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to revitalize an old metal filing cabinet.

Assess Cabinet Condition

Start by examining the filing cabinet for any scratches, dents, rust spots or damage to determine how much work will be needed in the restoration process. Also make note of how many drawers and shelves there are.

Gather Necessary