How to Restore Vintage Metal Kitchen Cabinets

Restoring vintage metal kitchen cabinets can breathe new life into an outdated kitchen. With some cleaning, a few repairs, and a fresh coat of paint, metal cabinets from decades past can look modern and stylish again. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to restore vintage metal kitchen cabinets.

Assess the Condition of the Cabinets

The first step is to thoroughly inspect the metal cabinets to identify any issues that need addressing. Check for:

• Rust or corrosion – This can often be found around joints and screws. Light surface rust can be removed, but deep rust may mean replacing parts of the cabinet.
• Dents and dings – Minor dents can be hammered out, but large dents will likely remain visible even after restoration.
• Missing or loose hardware – Take note of any hinges, latches, knobs etc that need replacing or tightening.
• Peeling paint/chrome – Excessive peeling can mean completely stripping and repainting is required.
• General dirt and grease – Decades of cooking residue will need thorough cleaning.

Clean the Cabinets

With the condition assessed, it’s time to clean. Make sure to use safety gear like gloves and eye protection.

Remove Grease and Grime

• Use a degreasing cleaner or mix baking soda and water into a paste. This can help cut through layers of oily grime. Scrub with a stiff brush.
• For stuck-on residue, let the paste sit for 15 minutes before scrubbing.
• Rinse thoroughly after cleaning and allow to fully dry.

Remove Rust and Corrosion

• Light rust can be removed with a wire brush or fine grit sandpaper.
• For heavier rust, use a rust removal solvent or a vinegar soak to help dissolve corrosion before scrubbing.
• Remove any parts that are too rusted to save. Sand down rough edges.
• Clean out any rust inside cabinets with a wire brush or steel wool.
• Wipe down with acetone or mineral spirits after derusting.

Restore Chrome or Paint

• Assess if chrome trim pieces need complete re-chroming or can be salvaged. Re-chroming services can be expensive.
• Remove any loose paint down to the bare metal using a paint scraper, heat gun, sandpaper or chemical stripper.
• Clean and sand surfaces to prepare for new paint. Wipe away any residue with a tack cloth.

Repair Cabinet Boxes and Doors

With the cabinets clean, address any structural repairs needed:

Reinforce Loose Joints

• If joints are coming apart, use wood glue and clamps to firmly secure. Clean excess glue once dry.
• For broken welds, use a welder to re-weld joints. Grind down and smooth welds after.

Fix Dents and Dings

• Use a hammer and dolly set to carefully knock out small dents from the inside of the cabinet.
• For stubborn dents, apply heat with a hair dryer or heat gun while pushing out the dent.
• Use automotive body filler (Bondo) to fill any large holes or gaps that cannot be repaired. Sand smooth after drying.

Replace Missing/Damaged Hardware

• Upgrade to new hinges, handles, latches etc. This can modernize the look.
• Clean up or replace any damaged drawer slides or rollers for smooth gliding.
• Use a drill to remove old hardware and install new hardware in the same holes if possible.

Address Rust Holes

• Small holes can be patched with metal patches and bondo filler.
• For larger holes, it may be necessary to cut out the damaged section and weld in new metal.
• Grind welds smooth and use filler to blend seamlessly. Sand until smooth after drying.

Apply New Finish

The final step is applying a fresh new finish:

Prime and Paint

• Wipe all surfaces with tack cloth before painting to remove any dust.
• For a smooth finish, apply 1-2 coats of metal primer before painting.
• Use a high-quality acrylic enamel spray paint. Apply multiple light coats for even coverage.
• Consider a dry-brush highlight technique on edges and hardware for a textured look.

New Chrome Finish

• For a shiny chrome look, use a chrome spray paint following the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Apply thin coats, allowing 10-15 minutes of drying between coats.
• Finish with a clear sealer for extra protection.

Clear Coat for Protection

• For longevity, apply 1-2 coats of clear polyurethane or clear enamel sealant.
• Allow proper drying time between coats. Lightly sand between coats for maximum durability.

Improve Functionality

Beyond aesthetics, some upgrades can improve how the cabinets function:

• Install new organizational inserts like drawer dividers, lazy susans etc.
• Add new interior lighting inside the cabinets for visibility. Use battery-powered LEDs.
• Replace old cabinet hardware with soft-close hinges and slides.
• Change out drawer and door knobs for a more modern look.
• Add glass inserts to upper cabinets doors to open up the space.

With some elbow grease and strategic upgrades, restoring well-built vintage metal kitchen cabinets can give them a new lease on life while retaining their retro charm. Just take it step by step to revitalize an outdated kitchen.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you remove rust from old metal cabinets?

Light rust can be removed with sandpaper, steel wool, or a wire brush. For heavy rust, use a rust removal solvent or vinegar to help dissolve corrosion before scrubbing and wiping the area clean.

What kind of paint is best for refinishing metal cabinets?

An acrylic enamel spray paint formulated specifically for metal works best for refinishing metal cabinets. Ensure proper prep and apply thin multiple coats for a smooth factory-like finish.

What is an easy way to update dated metal cabinet hardware?

An easy upgrade is to replace old hinges, knobs, and handles with new hardware. Choose hardware in a modern style and finish to give vintage cabinets a fresh updated look.

Should you keep or remove old wallpaper inside vintage cabinets?

Removing the old wallpaper is recommended for thoroughly cleaning and refinishing the cabinets. New contact paper can be reapplied inside if desired.

How do you repair holes or dents in metal cabinet doors?

For small holes and dents, use a metal patch, bondo filler and sanding to smooth and fill in the damaged spot. Welding in new metal is needed for larger holes. Apply filler over welds to blend the repair.

Conclusion

Restoring metal kitchen cabinets from the 1950s, 60s or 70s can seem like a daunting task. But with some research and the right approach, anyone can DIY this project. Focus on thoroughly cleaning, making structural repairs, applying new paint or chrome, and upgrading hardware. Take your time with each step for professional-looking results. With strategic restoration, vintage metal cabinets can look stylish, functional and trendy again.