How to Restore Rusted Metal Cabinets

Rust can quickly damage metal cabinets, making them look old and worn. Thankfully, with some cleaning products and a little elbow grease, you can restore metal cabinets to like-new condition. This comprehensive guide will walk you through all the steps needed to remove rust from metal cabinets and help them regain their original luster.

Why Metal Cabinets Rust

Metal cabinets are prone to rusting for a few key reasons:

Moisture – Any exposed metal surface can collect condensation, water droplets, or high humidity over time. This moisture sits on the metal and causes it to oxidize, forming rust. Kitchens and bathrooms tend to have more ambient moisture, making cabinets in these rooms rust faster.

Poor Paint or Finish – Factory-applied paint and clear coats act as a shield against moisture. If the original finish was cheap or improperly applied, the metal underneath is vulnerable to rusting.

Scratches or Chips – Any small imperfections in the surface paint or finish expose the raw metal to moisture and air. This kicked off the rusting process.

Salt Air – Homes located along coastlines are exposed to salt in the humid sea air. The sodium chloride molecules settle on surfaces and accelerate rust formation.

No matter the exact cause, rust needs to be removed and prevented from returning or it will continue to spread.

Supplies Needed to Remove Rust

Removing rust and restoring metal cabinets requires just a handful of supplies from your local hardware store. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Rust removal solvent – Look for rust removers that contain oxalic or phosphoric acid. These active ingredients dissolve rust on contact.
• Sandpaper – Coarse 80-120 grit sandpaper removes stubborn rust, while 220-400 smoothes the surface.
• Rags & scrub pads – For applying remover and scouring off the rust.
• Safety gear – Rubber gloves, safety glasses, and a face mask when sanding.
• Primer & paint – For protecting the now pristine metal surface.
• Paintbrush & roller – Apply the fresh paint smoothly and evenly.

Optional but helpful extras include a putty knife for scraping off rust flakes, tack cloth for prep, and a palm sander for quicker smoothing. Now let’s dive into the process.

How to Remove Rust from Metal Cabinets

With the right products and some determination, you can completely remove even severe rust from metal cabinets. Follow these key steps:

Step 1 – Empty the Cabinets

Before tackling rust removal, you need access to the entire cabinet – inside and out. Completely empty the contents and give the interior a quick wipe down if needed.

Step 2 – Wash the Cabinets

Use a wet rag to wipe away any grease, dirt, or grime on the cabinet exterior. Let the metal fully dry before moving onto the next steps.

Step 3 – Apply Rust Remover

Follow the product instructions and liberally apply your rust remover of choice. Focus on the most rusted areas first. Allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes.

Step 4 – Scrub Away Rust

Use a scrub brush, pad, or old rag to manually scrub the rusted areas. The rust should start flaking or dissolving. Reapply remover as needed.

Step 5 – Rinse the Cabinets

Once all the rust is gone, rinse the cabinets with clean water to remove any chemical residue. Fully dry the metal.

Step 6 – Sand Away Stains

If any rust stains, pits, or scratches remain, use 80-120 grit sandpaper to sand them away.

Step 7 – Smooth & Shine

Finish up by sanding the cabinets with 220-400 grit paper. This smooths and shines the metal surface.

Step 8 – Wipe Clean

Use a dry rag to remove all sanding dust. Tack cloth picks up any remaining particles. The cabinets should now look renewed.

Step 9 – Apply Primer

One coat of metal primer helps the new paint adhere tightly. Allow the primer coat to fully dry.

Step 10 – Paint the Cabinets

Apply two thin, even coats of quality metal paint in your color of choice. Allow each coat to dry before adding another.

Step 11 – Replace Contents

Once the paint is fully cured in about 48 hours, replace the cabinet contents. Enjoy your restored cabinets!

Taking the proper time and care to remove rust and repaint metal cabinets restores their attractive appearance and protects the surface against future rusting.

Tips for Preventing Rust on Metal Cabinets

Prevention is the best medicine when it comes to keeping metal cabinets rust-free for years to come:

• Keep cabinets dry – Promptly wipe spills, repair leaks, and minimize moisture exposure.
• Manage humidity – Run exhaust fans, dehumidifiers, and A/C to regulate home humidity.
• Apply protective finishes – Maintain the paint or finish to shield from moisture and scratches.
• Install ventilation – Improving air flow inhibits condensation buildup inside cabinets.
• Avoid abrasives – Use microfiber cloths and gentle cleaners to not scratch the surface.
• Check for damage – Periodically inspect for chips, scratches, bubbling paint and address asap.
• Limit salt exposure – Use rugs and mats to minimize tracked-in salt near coastal homes.
• Add rust-inhibiting strips – Adhesive strips inside the cabinet box prevent future rust.

With diligent preventive care, your restored metal cabinets should stay pristine and rust-free for many years before needing updated.

Common Questions About Restoring Rusted Metal Cabinets

Restoring worn, rusted metal cabinets is a straightforward DIY project. But a few common questions often come up:

Is it better to replace or restore rusted cabinets?

If the rust damage is minimal, restoration is probably better than fully replacing the cabinets. But if the rust has caused major pits, holes, or structural issues, then replacement may be the wiser option.

How long does it take to restore rusted cabinets?

The hands-on restoration work of removing rust, sanding, and repainting cabinets takes 2-3 days. But allowing primer, paint and finish to fully cure adds several more days. Plan on a full week for a complete restoration.

What kind of paint should be used?

High-quality cabinetry paint or traditional rust-inhibiting metal paint both work well. The key is using primer first and applying multiple thin coats for a smooth finish.

How do you remove rust from inside cabinets?

The same rust removal process applies inside or outside. Wipe with remover, scrub, sand away stains, and wipe clean. Rust-inhibiting strips can also be placed inside to prevent recurrence.

Is rust dangerous on kitchen cabinets?

Rust itself poses no health risks and is harmless to touch. But allowing cabinets to rust extensively can eventually compromise their structure and cause collapse risks.

Can you just paint over rust?

Painting over rust without properly removing it first is not recommended. The rust will continue spreading under the paint and eventually peel and flake the paint away too.

How long does it take for cabinets to start rusting?

In humid environments or with damage, rust can begin forming in less than a year. With pristine finishes and dry conditions, high-quality cabinets can stay rust-free for 5+ years.

Do professionals need to restore metal cabinets?

While hiring pros certainly makes the job easier, DIYers can absolutely restore metal cabinets themselves with some elbow grease. Following the right steps is key.

Restoring worn, rusted metal cabinets is extremely gratifying. With the right tools and techniques, anyone can breath new life into their old, rusty kitchen or bathroom cabinets. The renewed luster is well worth the effort.

Conclusion

Rusty metal cabinets don’t have to be a lost cause. With the proper use of rust removers, sandpaper, primer, and paint, you can successfully transform the worn exteriors and interiors of metal cabinets. The keys are thoroughly removing all rust down the bare metal, smoothing and shining the surface, and applying protective finishes.

Prevent future rust and deterioration by keeping cabinets dry, controlling humidity, promptly fixing chips and scratches, and using gentle cleaners. Some periodic upkeep and inspections will keep your renewed metal cabinets looking pristine for years to come.

With a DIY rust removal and painting project, even badly rusted metal cabinets can be restored to a like-new condition. So don’t despair or replace them too quickly. With some supplies, steps, and elbow grease, you can restore the life and luster to your rusty metal cabinets.