How to Smooth Paint on a Metal Medicine Cabinet

Painting a metal medicine cabinet can help update the look of your bathroom. However, painting metal can be tricky because paint may not adhere well to the slick surface. Proper preparation and technique are key to getting a smooth, durable painted finish on a metal medicine cabinet. Here is a step-by-step guide to smoothly painting a metal medicine cabinet.

Clean and Prepare the Surface

The first step is to thoroughly clean and prepare the metal surface for painting. Here’s how:

Remove the Medicine Cabinet Doors

• Take the doors off the cabinet so you can work on them individually. Removing the doors makes the painting process much easier.

Clean the Surfaces

• Wipe down all surfaces with a degreasing cleaner or mineral spirits to remove any dirt, grease, or oil. This helps the paint adhere properly.
• Lightly sand the metal with fine grit sandpaper to roughen and dull the surface. This gives the paint something to grip.
• Wipe again with a tack cloth to remove any sanding dust.

Apply Primer

• On bare metal, it’s crucial to first apply a coat of primer formulated for metal. The primer creates a barrier between the slick metal and topcoats of paint.
• Allow the primer to fully dry per the manufacturer’s instructions before painting.

Use the Right Paint Products

Choosing paint products specifically made for application on metal will provide the best, longest-lasting finish:

• For the topcoat, use a high-quality latex enamel paint made for metal. Latex enamel is durable and scrubbable.
• Consider using a separate paint primer as your basecoat before applying the latex enamel topcoat for maximum adhesion.
• Alternatively, use an “all-in-one” metal paint that contains primer and paint in one product.
• For painting small details, use acrylic craft paint pens in coordinating colors. The pens allow painting fine lines and edges smoothly.

Apply Paint in Thin, Even Coats

The key to getting a smooth finish on metal is using multiple thin coats of paint rather than globs of thick paint:

• Stir the paint well before and during use.
• Use a high-quality mini foam roller or soft bristle brush.
• Roll or brush on the paint gently in one direction.
• Apply paint in 2-3 thin, even coats allowing proper dry time between coats.
• Thin coats prevent drips and brush marks that can leave grooves once dry.
• Lightly sand lightly between coats for an ultra-smooth finish.

Tips for Painting Medicine Cabinet Doors

Follow these tips when painting the doors for best results:

• Tape off any glass mirrors or knobs you don’t want painted.
• Paint the door edges first with a brush before painting the main surfaces with a roller.
• Work in sections, painting the recessed panels of the doors before painting the raised trim.
• Use painter’s tape and acrylic craft paint pens for crisp paint lines along the trim.
• Paint hinges separately before re-attaching doors.

Allow Proper Dry Time

• Allow the full drying time listed on the paint can before recoating or reinstalling doors.
• Drying time may take longer with cooler temperatures or higher humidity.
• Fully cured paint takes a week or longer to become scratch resistant. Handle doors gently.
• Avoid closing doors or putting weight on them until paint has fully cured.

With proper prep and painting technique, you can achieve a smooth factory-like painted finish on your metal medicine cabinet that will stand up to moisture and frequent use. Take your time with the prep work and paint application for beautiful results.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use spray paint on a metal medicine cabinet?

Spray paint can work but doesn’t always provide the smoothest finish on metal surfaces. For the best results, use brush-on latex enamel paint applied in thin coats.

What type of primer should I use?

Use a metal primer made specifically for painting metal surfaces. Common options are rust-inhibiting primers and etching primers that grip slick metal.

How do I know if my paint is fully cured?

Most latex paints fully cure in 5-7 days. The paint will feel hard rather than tacky when rubbed. Fully cured paint is more scratch resistant but can still be damaged by hard blows or scrapes.

What is the best way to paint trim and recessed areas?

Use painter’s tape to mask off edges for super straight lines. Use a small trim brush to cut in recessed areas before rolling surrounding surfaces. Acrylic craft paint pens can also paint trim smoothly.

Can I paint over rust spots?

Lightly sand any rust, apply a rust-inhibiting metal primer to the sanded areas, then apply your topcoat paint. This helps prevent further rust from forming under the new paint.

What do I do if the paint bubbles or peels?

If paint bubbles or peels, the metal surface was likely not cleaned, sanded, and primed properly. Completely remove peeled paint and start over, properly preparing the metal before repainting.

Conclusion

Smoothly painting a metal medicine cabinet provides a fresh facelift for your bathroom. Follow the steps for proper cleaning, sanding, priming, and painting using quality metal-specific paints. Applying multiple thin coats leads to a flawless factory-like finish. Allow the full drying and curing times before reinstalling the doors to avoid sticking or tacky paint. With some diligence and the right products, you can achieve durable, beautiful results painting metal.