How to Sand Metal Cabinets

Sanding metal cabinets is an important process to help prepare them for painting or staining. It removes any dirt, grease, old paint or rust and gives the surface a smooth, even finish for the new paint to adhere to. With some basic tools and technique, you can sand your metal cabinets and get them ready for a fresh new look.

What You’ll Need

• Sandpaper – 120 & 220 grit
• Sanding block or electric sander
• Tack cloths
• Painters tape
• Drop cloths

Safety Tips

When sanding metal cabinets, keep these safety tips in mind:

• Wear protective eyewear and gloves to avoid injury from metal splinters.
• Use a dust mask or respirator to avoid breathing in metal and paint particles.
• Work in a well-ventilated area and clean up dust regularly.
• Follow directions for electric sanders to avoid electric shocks.

Prepare the Cabinets

Before sanding, you need to prepare the cabinets properly:

• Remove doors, handles and hinges. Keep hardware together in labeled bags.
• Use painters tape to mask off areas you don’t want sanded.
• Cover floors and countertops with drop cloths to catch dust.
• Clean surfaces with a degreasing agent to remove dirt and grease.

Sanding Technique

Follow these steps to sand metal cabinets smoothly and efficiently:

1. Start With Coarse Grit Sandpaper

• Begin sanding using 120 grit sandpaper. This rougher grit helps strip off top layers of old paint and smooth out rough areas.

2. Sand in Different Directions

• Sand in a horizontal direction first, then in a vertical direction, to ensure even sanding.

3. Work Methodically

• Divide surfaces into sections and systematically work on each section before moving to the next.

4. Get Into Grooves

• Use sanding blocks or sand by hand to get into corners, crevices and grooves.

5. Avoid Pitting the Metal

• Use medium pressure and frequent sandpaper changes to avoid pitting or scratching the original metal.

6. Sand Edges Thoroughly

• Pay special attention to sanding rounded edges and lips of cabinets smoothly.

7. Finish With Fine Sandpaper

• Go over all areas again with 220 grit sandpaper to smoothen surfaces.

8. Wipe Clean

• Use tack cloths to remove all dust between sanding and painting.

Tips for Sanding Different Metals

Follow metal-specific tips when sanding:

• Steel – Sand firmly to remove rust then smooth edges carefully.
• Aluminum – Avoid pitting by using extra fine final grit sandpaper.
• Wrought Iron – Sand lightly and smooth edges to avoid damage.

Common Sanding Problems

Issue: Swirl marks or uneven sanding

Fix: Change sanding direction, use sanding block

Issue: Rust keeps reappearing

Fix: Use a rust converter before sanding

Issue: Paint gumming up sandpaper

Fix: Start with coarse grit paper and change frequently

Safety First When Sanding Metal Cabinets

Sanding metal produces fine dust that can be hazardous to inhale. Take appropriate safety precautions:

• Use a dust mask or respirator
• Work in a well-ventilated area
• Use eye protection and gloves
• Clean up regularly with a vacuum

Avoid hazards like electric shocks and metal splinters – read tool directions and work carefully. Stay safe!

Achieving a Smooth Sanded Finish

With some elbow grease and these sanding techniques, you can get metal cabinets ready for paint or stain:

• Sand methodically in different directions
• Start with coarse grit and finish with fine
• Work thoroughly into crevices and edges
• Adjust pressure to avoid pitting metal
• Clean surfaces well between sanding
• Follow safety precautions

Proper sanding takes a little time and effort, but gives great results. The smooth surface will allow fresh paint to adhere tightly and give a beautiful revitalized look to your worn metal cabinets.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sanding Metal Cabinets

How to sand metal cabinets?

Start with 120 grit sandpaper to strip old paint and level the surface. Finish sanding with 220 grit to smooth everything out. Always sand in different directions and work methodically in sections. Pay special attention to edges and grooves.

What sander should I use for metal cabinets?

You can sand metal cabinets by hand using sandpaper wrapped around a sanding block. For electric sanders, a random orbital sander works well and helps avoid leaving swirl marks.

How to get rust off metal cabinets before painting?

For stubborn rust, use a rust converter chemical first which will turn the rust into an inert layer you can sand off. Then sand rigorously with coarse 120 grit sandpaper to remove all traces of rust.

Should you sand metal cabinets before painting?

Yes, it’s important to thoroughly sand metal cabinets before painting or staining to rough up the surface for the paint to adhere properly. Sanding removes any gloss, rust, old paint and creates a key for the new paint.

What grit sandpaper for metal cabinets?

Start with 120 grit sandpaper to strip and rough up the surface. Then do a final smoothing sand with 220 grit to prep for painting. For delicate metals like aluminum, a fine 280 grit final sanding is best to avoid pitting.

Conclusion

Sanding metal cabinets is a necessary preparation step before painting or refinishing them. While it takes some work, it’s a straightforward process using 120 and 220 grit sandpapers and methodical sanding techniques. Ensure you sand all surfaces thoroughly, especially rounded edges and lips. Finish up by wiping all dust away with tack cloths. Then you’re ready to apply fresh new paint for a revitalized look. Follow safety precautions for eye and respiratory protection when sanding metal. With these tips, you can successfully sand your metal cabinets and achieve the smooth base needed for long-lasting, beautiful paint results.