How to Spray Paint Metal Kitchen Cabinets

Spray painting metal kitchen cabinets can completely transform the look of your kitchen by giving worn or outdated cabinets a fresh, new finish. With the right prep work, materials, and technique, you can achieve a smooth, durable, and professional-looking paint job that makes your metal cabinets look brand new. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know to successfully spray paint your metal kitchen cabinets.

Plan Your Paint Project

Before picking up a paint sprayer, take the time to properly plan your project for the best results.

Choose the Right Paint

When spraying metal cabinets, you need a paint formulated to bond to slick surfaces like metal or laminate. The two best options are:

• Alkyd/Oil-Based Paint – Provides the most durable finish and adheres well to metal. Dries slower than latex paint. Use odorless mineral spirits to clean up.
• 100% Acrylic Latex Paint – Not quite as durable as oil-based but works well on metal. Faster drying times and cleans up with soap and water.

For kitchen cabinets, look for interior paints with an eggshell, satin, or semi-gloss sheen to make cleaning easier. Matte paint shows more flaws on cabinets.

Pick Spray Painting Over Brushing

Spraying paint allows it to be applied more smoothly and evenly than brushing. This is crucial for properly painting smooth metal as it helps the paint adhere properly. Spraying also delivers better coverage with fewer coats needed.

Buy Supplies

Gather all the necessary supplies before starting:

• Paint sprayer – Either an airless sprayer or HVLP sprayer will work well
• High quality nylon/polyester brush – For cutting in edges
• Paint primer and paint
• Painters tape
• Drop cloths – To protect floors and countertops
• 220 grit sandpaper
• Tack cloth
• Paint strainer
• Paint thinner if using oil-based paint
• Rags
• Safety gear – Respirator, goggles, gloves, etc.

Remove Cabinet Doors and Drawers

Taking cabinet doors, drawers, and hardware off the cabinets makes spraying the frames much easier. Number doors and drawers to ensure proper reassembly.

Set door hinges aside so you can reuse them later.

Clean the Cabinets

Thoroughly clean cabinets using a degreasing agent to remove any dirt, oils or grime that could interfere with paint adhesion.

Pay special attention to any areas with grease buildup. Let cabinets fully dry before priming or painting.

Patch Holes and Imperfections

Inspect cabinets for any holes, scratches or imperfections, and patch these with spackling paste and sand smooth. This prevents imperfections from showing through the new paint.

Sand Cabinets Lightly

Use 220 grit sandpaper to scuff sand the cabinets. This roughens the surface for better paint adhesion. Take care not to expose bare metal.

Set Up a Spray Paint Area

Choose an area that is well-ventilated, dust-free, and protected from overspray. Cover floors and counters with drop cloths. If spraying indoors, open windows and use fans to direct paint mist outside.

Prepare and Prime the Cabinets

Proper prep and priming are vital steps for successful, long-lasting results spray painting kitchen cabinets.

Remove Cabinet Hardware and Doors

If you haven’t already, fully remove all hardware like knobs and hinges from cabinet doors and frames. Removing doors and drawers makes spraying the frames much easier.

Clean With TSP Substitute

Give cabinets a final cleaning using a TSP substitute cleaner. This removes any residual dirt, grease or soap scum that could affect paint bonding.

Rinse thoroughly and let dry fully.

Apply Wood Filler

Use wood filler to patch any remaining screw holes or imperfections. Allow to fully cure per manufacturer directions, then sand smooth.

Lightly Sand Cabinets

Give cabinets a final light sanding with 220 grit sandpaper. This gives the primer and paint more surface area to bond to.

Remove Dust

Carefully wipe all surfaces with a tack cloth to remove any dust. Any dust left behind can create flaws in the finish.

Apply Primer

Use an oil-based or 100% acrylic primer specifically designed for metal. Apply a thin, even coat according to manufacturer directions.

For best results, use the same brand primer as your paint. Let primer fully dry before painting.

Replace Door Hardware

Once the primer has fully dried, reattach any door hinges and hardware you removed using a drill.

Spray Painting Techniques

Follow these key technique tips when spray painting kitchen cabinets for flawless, professional-looking results:

Work in Sections

Only spray one or two cabinet boxes at a time before moving on. This prevents paint from drying too quickly or dripping.

Keep a Wet Edge

Maintain a “wet edge” – overlap passes while paint is still wet to prevent lap marks and uneven coverage. Work methodically section-by-section.

Use Multiple Thin Coats

Apply multiple thin, even coats rather than one heavy coat. Thin coats help prevent drips and runs. Let each coat fully dry between applications.

Keep Sprayer Moving

Keep the sprayer nozzle moving at all times – avoid staying in one spot, which causes drips and uneven coverage. Maintain a constant motion.

Be Consistent

Keep the sprayer the same distance from the surface and use passes at the same speed for a consistent finish. Irregular motions make the paint look uneven.

Check for Runs

Periodically check surfaces for any drips or runs, especially on vertical surfaces like cabinet fronts and doors. Touch up as needed.

Spray Vertically

When spraying cabinet sides and fronts, spray vertically to prevent drips. Angle horizontally only for hard to reach areas.

Spray Edges First

When spraying frames, start with the cabinet edges and work towards the middle. This helps prevent blotchiness or dark edges.

Watch Overlap Areas

Pay close attention where spray passes overlap. Insufficient overlap creates dark stripes, while over-overlapping wastes paint.

Let Dry Between Coats

Allow each coat to fully dry before adding another. Drying times vary by paint brand – refer to labels. Cooler temperatures lengthen drying times.

Lightly Sand Before Final Coat

Gently sand cabinets with 220 grit sandpaper before the final coat to smooth any dust nibs or imperfections. Be careful not to expose bare primer.

Spray the Cabinet Frames

With proper prep complete, you can start spray painting the cabinet frames using the techniques outlined above. Follow these additional tips:

Cover Floors and Counters

Cover any nearby floors, countertops or backsplashes with plastic sheeting to protect from overspray. Mask off areas 6-8 feet around work area.

Remove Doors and Drawers

Make sure all doors, drawers and hardware are detached and removed before spraying. This provides the easiest access to all frame surfaces.

Tape Off Hinges

Use painters tape to cover any hinge mortise holes. This prevents paint buildup that could affect door alignments later on.

Spray Inside Frames First

Spray the inside of cabinet frames and carcass first before doing the outside surfaces and visible areas.

Seal Exposed Edges

Check side and top edges of cabinet frames and seal with primer if bare wood is exposed. This prevents moisture damage.

Mind Interior Corners

Use an angled paint spray pattern when coating hard-to-reach interior corners to prevent blotchiness or inadequate coverage.

Check for Sags

Inspect undersides of shelves and cabinet tops for any paint drips or sags. Touch up as needed so surfaces are fully covered.

When all frames are painted, let them dry thoroughly before proceeding to doors and drawers.

Spray Painting Cabinet Doors

With the frames painted, you can move on to spraying cabinet doors and drawers. Follow these tips for great results:

Spread Doors Out

Lay doors out on sawhorses or an elevated worktable, spaced well apart. This allows you to easily spray all sides.

Clean Hardware Holes

Use a rag and paint thinner to wipe out any paint that may have seeped into hardware holes. This ensures hardware fits back tightly.

Mind Edges and Grooves

Use an angled spray pattern to thoroughly coat door edges and any recessed grooves without excessive buildup.

Get Hinges and Edges

Pay extra attention to hinge mortises and door edges. Mistakes here are highly visible later on.

Check Knob Holes

Inspect knob or pull holes on drawers and doors for paint buildup. Clean as needed so hardware fits correctly after re-installation.

Spray Both Sides

Fully spray coat both the back and front of doors, even if the backs won’t be seen. This prevents warping or peeling.

Touch-Up Imperfections

Closely inspect doors and use a small foam brush to touch up any spots the sprayer may have missed.

Insert Hardware

Once doors are completely dry, carefully re-insert cabinet hardware using a screwdriver. Take care not to scratch the fresh paint.

Applying the Final Coat

The final paint coat ties your whole painted cabinet system together into a cohesive, uniform finish.

Inspect Prior Coats

Examine doors, frames and drawers for any flaws in the previous coats like drips, thin spots, or debris nibs. Touch up as needed.

Lightly Sand

Use 220 grit sandpaper to gently smooth each piece before applying the final coat. This ensures proper paint adhesion.

Clean Surfaces

Wipe sanded pieces thoroughly with a tack cloth to remove all dust particles before painting.

Mind the Overlap

When spraying the final coat, be mindful of overlap, spraying evenly from wet edge to wet edge to prevent lap marks.

Check for Sags

Watch for paint drips or sags, especially in corners. Adjust spray angle or thin paint if needed to prevent this.

Coat All Sides

Don’t forget to spray all sides of doors and drawers, as well as inside cabinet frames, to completely seal the paint job.

Allow to Fully Cure

Let the final coat dry and cure thoroughly before reattaching doors and drawers. Oil-based paint may take up to 2 weeks to fully harden.

Troubleshooting Spray Paint Issues

Despite best efforts, you may encounter some spray paint problems. Here are some common issues and how to fix them:

Drips and Runs

Causes: Spraying too close, applying too much paint, painting in high humidity.

Fix: Adjust distance, spray thinner coats, use dehumidifier if needed.

Paint Not Sticking

Causes: Surface not cleaned/prepped properly, oil-based paint over latex, spraying too lightly.

Fix: Properly prep surface, use compatible primer and paint, adjust spraying technique.

Brush Marks Showing Through

Causes: Insufficient sanding between coats, applying too much primer.

Fix: Thoroughly sand between coats, use thinner primer coats.

Orange Peel Texture

Causes: Spraying too far away, paint drying too quickly, improper thinning.

Fix: Spray closer to surface, adjust paint thinner ratio, control humidity.

Uneven Sheen

Causes: Rushing coats, inconsistent spray motion, poor overlap technique.

Fix: Be patient between coats, use consistent speed and overlap.

Caring for Newly Painted Cabinets

Here are some tips for keeping your spray painted kitchen cabinets looking like new after finishing:

• Allow paint to cure fully before cleaning – around 2 weeks for oil-based.
• Gently wipe with a microfiber cloth and mild soap and water. Avoid abrasive cleaners.
• Use cutting boards and cabinet liners to protect from scratches, dents, and grease stains.
• Clean spills promptly with mild soap and water to avoid stains setting in.
• Reapply a fresh coat of paint every 2-3 years to keep cabinets looking their best.
• Avoid slamming or rubbing cabinet doors and drawers to prevent chipping paint.

With proper preparation, spray technique, and care, your DIY spray painted metal kitchen cabinets can maintain their freshly updated look for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I spray paint kitchen cabinets without removing doors?

It’s best to remove doors and drawers prior to painting cabinets. This allows you to fully spray the cabinet frames and carcass. It also prevents paint from getting on hinges or hardware holes.

Do metal kitchen cabinets need special primer?

Yes, use a metal primer before painting metal cabinets. Oil or acrylic based metal primers work well to help the paint properly adhere.

How long does it take for painted cabinets to cure?

Oil-based cabinet paint cures in 5-7 days but takes 14 days to fully harden. Latex acrylic paint dries quickly but takes 30 days to fully cure and harden. Avoid heavy cleaning during this time.

Should I use HVLP or airless sprayer to paint cabinets?

Both work well, but airless sprayers provide higher paint output with less overspray. This makes them ideal for larger cabinet painting projects.

What kind of paint finish is best for kitchen cabinets?

An eggshell, satin or semi-gloss finish is ideal for kitchen cabinets. These offer easy cleanability while minimizing visible brush marks that show on shiny paints.

Can I spray paint over wood cabinets?

Yes, you can spray right over existing wood cabinet surfaces. Properly sand and prime first for best adhesion and smoothness.

How do I fix paint drips when spraying cabinets?

Adjusting spray technique helps prevent drips down cabinet surfaces. For existing drips, wait until paint has partially dried then gently scrape off using a razor blade.

What is the fastest way to dry painted cabinets?

Aim fans directly at cabinets to speed drying times. Dehumidifiers also accelerate drying. Oil-based paints simply require more time than latex.

Conclusion

Revitalizing dated, worn kitchen cabinets with a fresh spray paint finish is an affordable DIY project that can completely transform the look of your space. While the process involves careful prep and painting technique, the results are well worth the effort. Armed with this guide and the right tools, even DIY beginners can achieve professional-looking spray painted metal cabinets. Just be sure to focus on proper cleaning, priming, sanding and spray fundamentals. In a weekend’s time, you can take dull, greying cabinets from dreary to dazzling.