How to Revamp Metal Kitchen Cabinets

Redesigning your kitchen with metal cabinets provides an excellent opportunity to refresh the look of one of the most used spaces in your home. While metal cabinets are durable and long-lasting, over time they can become dated or worn. Revamping metal kitchen cabinets allows you to restore them to a like-new condition or give them a completely new style. With some effort and creativity, you can transform your metal kitchen cabinets into a stunning focal point that gives your kitchen an updated, high-end look.

Assess the Condition of the Cabinets

Before deciding on how to revamp your metal kitchen cabinets, thoroughly examine their current state. This will help you determine which approach will work best.

Consider the following:

• Age of the cabinets – Older cabinets are more likely to have damage, worn surfaces and show their age more. Newer metal cabinets may just need some style updating.
• Amount of wear – Look for scratches, dents, stains, rust and peeled surfaces. Severely worn cabinets may need extensive work.
• Quality of construction – Inspect how the cabinets were originally made. Poor construction may not be worth the effort to refinish.
• Hardware – Evaluate the hinges, pulls and handles. Replacing hardware is an easy upgrade.

Once you’ve assessed the current condition, you can decide whether your metal kitchen cabinets need minor renovations or a complete makeover.

Clean the Cabinets Thoroughly

Before making any changes, it’s important to clean the cabinets fully to prepare them for revamping.

Follow these steps for cleaning metal kitchen cabinets:

• Remove all cabinet doors, drawers, shelves and hardware. Number each piece to keep them organized.
• Wash cabinet frames with a degreasing cleaner. Scrub any sticky or greasy areas.
• Use a multi-surface cleaner on cabinet doors, shelves and drawers. Scrub with a scouring pad to remove grime.
• Rinse all cabinet parts thoroughly with clean water and let dry completely.
• Pay special attention to handles, hinges and pulls when cleaning. Remove any stuck-on dirt or grime.
• For stainless steel cabinets, use a stainless steel cleaner and polish for a sparkling finish.

Thorough cleaning is time-consuming but essential. It removes any contaminants that could interfere with refinishing the metal.

Choose a Revamp Technique

Once your metal kitchen cabinets are clean, it’s time to choose which approach you’ll use to revamp them. Consider the condition of the existing cabinets along with the new look you want before selecting a technique.

Refinishing

This preserves the cabinets while restoring their appearance. It’s ideal for cabinets in decent shape.

Options include:

• Painting – Provides limitless color options from bold to neutral. Use a bonding primer and enamel cabinet paint.
• Staining – Tinting with stains adds rich wood tones. Use gel stains formulated for metal.
• Replacing doors – Install new doors for an instant facelift while keeping cabinet boxes.

Resurfacing

This approach overlays the old cabinet surfaces with new materials. It allows heavily damaged cabinets to look completely new.

Popular resurfacing techniques:

• Laminate – Formica or other laminates adhere directly to cabinet surfaces for built-in durability.
• Thermofoil – A vinyl wrapping gives a seamless look as it bonds to the cabinets.
• Veneer – Thin wood veneers applied with adhesive provide a wood look.
• Tiling – Marble, ceramic or glass tiles give a custom finish.

Refacing

With refacing, you replace all the exterior surfaces while retaining the cabinet boxes. It modernizes dated or worn cabinets affordably.

• New doors, drawer fronts, veneer side panels and trim are installed over the old boxes. This gives a fully updated, cohesive look.

Combination Approach

Sometimes a combination of techniques works best. You may want to reface cabinet frames but replace doors, or paint boxes and resin-coat shelves. Mix and match elements to achieve your ideal revamped kitchen.

Refinishing Metal Kitchen Cabinets

If your cabinets are structurally sound with minor cosmetic flaws, refinishing is an excellent option. Painting and staining refreshes cabinets affordably.

Prep Work

Proper prep work ensures the new finish adheres properly.

• Remove doors, hardware and shelves from the cabinets. Also detach end panels if possible.
• Fill any cracks, holes or joints with wood filler. Allow to dry completely.
• Sand surfaces thoroughly with 120-150 grit sandpaper to rough up the finish.
• Clean sanded surfaces with a deglosser or mineral spirits to remove residue.
• Mask off any areas you don’t want refinished, like countertops or floors.
• For painting, apply 1-2 coats of a bonding primer formulated for metal. Allow drying between coats.

Once prepped, the cabinets are ready for the new finish. Proper prep prevents peeling or chipping of the upgraded finish.

Painting Metal Kitchen Cabinets

Painting metal cabinets opens up unlimited color options. The key is using the right type of paint.

• Enamel cabinet paint bonds best to metal surfaces. Opt for a satin or semi-gloss finish for durability and wipeability.
• If your cabinets are laminate or thermofoil, use a dedicated bonding primer first.
• Apply 2-3 thin, even coats of paint using a high quality angular sash brush. Allow proper drying time between coats.
• Distressed paint finishes involve applying paint then sanding partially away to reveal metal underneath. Seal with a clear wax for protection.
• For stainless steel cabinets, use a dedicated primer and paint formulated for stainless steel.

With good prep and the proper materials, painted metal cabinets can have a beautiful, quality finish. Take your time applying the paint. Proper coats and drying achieves a smooth, durable result.

Staining Metal Kitchen Cabinets

For an upscale wood-like finish, staining metal cabinets is an option. Gel stains offer deeper penetration and adhesion.

• Use 120-150 grit sandpaper to scuff cabinets prior to staining. Remove any glossy areas.
• Clean thoroughly with a degreasing agent. Metals stained over residue will reject the stain.
• Wipe on gel stain using a clean, lint-free cloth or foam applicator. Allow 10-15 minutes penetration before wiping away excess.
• Multiple coats can be applied for a richer look. Allow full drying between coats.
• Once staining is complete, protect the finish with three coats of a metal-formulated polyurethane.

With the right preparations and products, staining can make metal cabinets look like real wood. The finish needs careful maintenance to retain its luster.

Resurfacing Metal Kitchen Cabinets

For worn or damaged metal cabinets, resurfacing provides a cost-effective way to make them look completely new. Overlaying existing surfaces disguises flaws.

Laminate

Laminate sheets designed for direct cabinet application can adhere right over old surfaces.

• Remove cabinet doors and hardware. Lightly sand surfaces to rough them up.
• Clean with a degreaser and allow to fully dry. Apply adhesive to back of laminate.
• Press laminate onto cabinet surface using a hand roller or laminate squeegee to smooth and adhere.
• Use a router with flush trim bit to cleanly trim excess laminate at edges and openings.
• Reinstall cabinet doors, shelves and hardware.

With its patterned, solid color or woodgrain options, laminate provides a quick kitchen update. Professional installation is recommended for flawless results.

Thermofoil

Thermofoil utilizes heat to adhere a plastic film over cabinets for seamless coverage.

• Doors must be removed but most thermofoil systems overlay frames. Little prep needed.
• Roll a sticky primer/sealer onto cabinet surfaces. Allow to fully cure.
• Apply trim molding using nails or adhesive. This frames out cabinet openings.
• Activate foil adhesive with heat gun. Smooth foil over surfaces, pressing out bubbles. Trim off excess foil.

Thermofoil gives cabinets a factory-made appearance. Precise wrapping technique prevents bubbles or tearing. Hire a professional for best results.

Veneer

Thin veneer “skins” attach over old cabinet surfaces with adhesive for a real wood facade.

• Cabinet frames and doors must be smoothed and prepped to accept veneer.
• Glue veneer skins into place with adhesive using a hand roller. Work from the center outward.
• Use a veneer edge trimmer to cut skinny strips for hard-to-cover areas.
• Apply edge banding to conceal any exposed cabinet box sides or fronts.

The thin but durable wood veneers completely transform the look from metal to wood. Combining with new doors and hardware finishes the makeover.

Tiling

For a trendy, high-end look, tiling metal cabinets makes a big impact.

• Remove doors, shelves, hardware. Clean boxes well and fill any holes or uneven areas.
• Apply thinset mortar using a notched trowel. Press tiles firmly into thinset.
• Use a grout float to force grout into tile joints. Wipe away excess once dry.
• Use bullnose tiles on cabinet edges for a finished look.

From sleek subway tile to ornate options like marble, tiled cabinets make a stunning focal point. Leave some cabinets untiled for contrast.

Refacing Metal Kitchen Cabinets

Refacing keeps the existing cabinet box frames while replacing all exterior surfaces with new doors, veneers and hardware. It provides a completely refreshed look for worn cabinets.

• Have a professional cabinet company precisely measure your cabinets for custom overlays.
• Select new cabinet door styles and finishes that align with your desired look.
• Professionals will remove old doors and install new replacements, along with veneered side panels and trim.
• Updated hardware and molding completes the refacing job.

Refacing is ideal for renovating cabinets on a budget. The boxes stay intact while everything facing out gets upgraded. Achieve major style impact without full cabinet replacement.

Additional Revamping Ideas

Complement your cabinet revamp with these additional touches:

• Update hardware with knobs, pulls or handles in new finishes. Matte black and brass are popular today.
• Install decorative end panels on cabinet frames for an architecturally interesting look.
• Replace worn metal countertops with new solid surface, quartz or natural stone. This beautifully ties together your revamped cabinets.
• Paint the kitchen walls a bold, complementary color. Tie in undertones from the new cabinet finish.
• Upgrade lighting above and inside the cabinets. LED offers bright task lighting.
• Crown molding and trim along the tops of the cabinets give a built-in custom look.

Revamping your metal kitchen cabinets renews the space affordably. With some creativity and elbow grease, you can transform the heart of your home into a stunning kitchen that looks and functions like new.

Frequently Asked Questions About Revamping Metal Kitchen Cabinets

Can I paint over stainless steel cabinets?

Yes, you can paint over stainless steel cabinets to change up the look. Be sure to scuff up the surface completely and use bonding primer and enamel cabinet paint formulated for metal.

What kind of paint adheres best to metal cabinets?

Enamel paint bonds best to metal cabinet surfaces. Look for enamel cabinet paints designed for use on metal kitchen cabinets for the most durable finish.

Should I remove doors and drawers before refinishing cabinets?

Yes, removing all hardware, doors, drawers and shelving makes refinishing cabinets much easier. Numbering each piece makes reinstallation organized.

What finish options work on laminate cabinets?

Laminate cabinet surfaces can be painted, re-laminated or thermofoiled. Staining laminate will not work. New laminate or vinyl film overlays disguise dated surfaces.

Can tile be applied directly over metal cabinets?

Preparing the surface is key. Scuff and clean the metal, fill any holes and apply appropriate thinset and primers to allow the tile to properly bond to the metal cabinets.

Is it worth refacing old metal kitchen cabinets?

If the internal structure remains sturdy, refacing can absolutely be worthwhile to refresh worn metal cabinets. New doors, veneers and hardware make the cabinets look completely updated.

Can I mismatch cabinet finishes, like paint some and laminate others?

Yes, you can mix finishes to create contrast. Painted frames with stained doors or patterned laminate bases with solid doors make interesting designs.

What primer works best for staining metal cabinets?

Gel stain formulated for metals provides the best penetration and adhesion on bare metal. Always test in an inconspicuous spot first.

Should I hire a contractor to reface my metal cabinets?

Refacing involves precision measurements and installation, so hiring a cabinet refacing company is highly recommended to get professional results.

Conclusion

Revamping dated or worn metal kitchen cabinets restores them affordably and lets you style them to suit your home. With a good cleaning followed by refinishing, refacing or resurfacing, you can give your kitchen cabinets a much-needed face lift. Use high-quality products, proper techniques and take your time to achieve stunning results. In a weekend or with a professional’s help, you can take those outdated metal cabinets and make them a beautiful centerpiece of your refreshed, inviting kitchen.