Metal cabinets are a versatile and durable choice for any room in your home. But over time, they can start to look dull, dated, or worn. Sprucing up metal cabinets is an easy and affordable way to give them new life without the cost of replacing them. With some cleaning, paint, hardware, and organizational upgrades, you can transform the look of metal cabinets and make them shine again.

Deep Clean Cabinets Inside and Out

The first step in any cabinet makeover is giving them a deep clean. Remove everything from the inside and thoroughly wipe down all surfaces with a degreasing cleaner. Pay close attention to handles and hinges which attract dirt and grime over time. For outside surfaces, use a multi-surface cleaner and gently scrub any sticky or greasy spots. Rinse and let dry fully before moving onto the next steps.

Supplies Needed

• Degreasing cleaner like Simple Green or Dawn
• Multi-surface household cleaner
• Microfiber cloths
• Soft scrub brush or sponge
• Tack cloth

Tips for Cleaning Metal Cabinets

• Use a toothbrush to clean in crevices and around hardware
• Vinegar mixed with water also works to cut grease
• For stainless steel, rub gently in the direction of the grain
• Avoid abrasive pads or scrubbers which can scratch
• Rinse and dry fully to avoid streaks or water spots

Taking the time to deeply clean metal cabinets provides the ideal smooth, grease-free surface for painting or new finishes to properly adhere. Plus, it makes the inside of cabinets fresh to hold dishes, food, and other contents.

Sand Down Surfaces and Wipe Away Dust

Once cabinets are fully cleaned, take a close look for any scratches, chips, or imperfections in the existing finish. Make repairs where needed with metal epoxy filler. Lightly sand all surfaces to rough them up and allow paint to grip better. Start with 220 grit sandpaper and move up to 400 grit for a ultra smooth surface.

Be sure to thoroughly wipe cabinets with a tack cloth after sanding to remove all dust particles before painting or staining. Pay special attention to corners, edges, and hardware as dust loves to collect there. Proper sanding and removing dust ensures your new finish will last without chipping or peeling.

Supplies for Sanding Metal Cabinets

• Sandpaper in 220, 400 grits
• Sanding block or electric sander
• Tack cloth
• Metal epoxy filler if needed
• Protective gear like gloves and mask

When sanding, always rub in the direction of the metal grain and avoid staying in one spot too long. Even pressure results in an even surface for your finish. Spend the time needed to get cabinets ultra smooth for the best results.

Apply New Paint, Stain, or Finish

Now comes the fun part – choosing a fresh new color or finish for your metal cabinets! There are several options depending on the look you’re going for:

Paint

Paint totally transforms the look of metal cabinets with virtually any color. Opt for a direct to metal paint that provides excellent adhesion and durability without requiring a primer first. Semi-gloss or gloss sheens have a smooth, wipeable finish perfect for cabinets. Use an angled brush and apply in smooth, even strokes. Do 2-3 thin coats allowing proper drying time between coats.

Consider complementing your cabinet color with new hardware in an accent tone for extra pop. Or go bold with a two-tone scheme like navy blue cabinets with brass fixtures. Paint opens up many possibilities!

Stain

For a natural, wood-like finish, staining metal cabinets is easy and gorgeous. Oil-based penetrating stains work best to infuse rich color while allowing the metal grain to show through. Wipe on with a rag in circular motions, let penetrate for 5 minutes, then buff off any excess. Go darker for more drama or lighter for a weathered, rustic vibe.

Staining brings out the natural beauty of metal while protecting it. Finish with a clear polyurethane for sheen and added protection. Popular stain colors for metal cabinets include walnut, espresso, gray, and charcoal.

Clear Coat

If you want to maintain the original metal color, a clear topcoat adds durable protection and sheen. Opt for oil-based or urethane options specifically made for metal. Apply 2-3 thin coats with a foam brush allowing proper drying time between coats.

A clear topcoat allows the natural beauty of stainless steel, galvanized, or other metal finishes to shine through while guarding against scratches and wear. It’s a simple upgrade that keeps the original look fresh.

Tips for a Smooth Paint or Stain Finish

• Always use proper primer if recommended
• Apply in thin, even coats for best look
• Lightly sand between coats for maximum adhesion
• Use a small foam roller in hard to reach spots
• Work in a dust-free space with adequate ventilation
• Allow full cure time before hanging cabinets back up

Applying a fresh coat of paint, stain, or clear finish takes metal cabinets from dull to stunning. Properly prepping the surface ensures whichever option you choose lasts for many years of use.

Update Cabinet Hardware for a Facelift

Once your cabinets are cleaned, sanded, and finished with new color – it’s time to complete the transformation with updated hardware. Swapping out worn handles and hinges for modern finishes gives a high-end facelift without the expense of new cabinets. Here are some easy upgrades:

Knobs and Pulls

Change the style and finish of knobs or pulls to establish the overall look you want – be it modern, farmhouse, industrial, or classic. Opt for materials like stainless steel, black iron, brass, acrylic, or nickel. Cool hardware paired with your new cabinet color makes a real style statement.

Hinges

Replace old hinges with soft-close models so cabinets open and shut smoothly without slamming. They come in a variety of finishes to match your handles. Consider concealed hinges for a streamlined, invisible look.

Drawer Slides

Upgrade old sliders to full extension models so drawers glide out completely for full access to contents. Side mount versions keep the drawer interior completely usable without front-to-back rail supports.

Take time installing your new hardware so knobs and pulls align properly and hinges operate smoothly. Well-chosen hardware completes the transformation of your revamped metal cabinets.

Maximize Storage with Organizers, Racks, and Bins

Sprucing up the inside of cabinets makes them more functional and easier to organize all your contents. Here are handy storage additions for metal cabinets:

Lazy Susans

Install lazy susan turntables in corner cabinets to access items easily. Great for food, plates, pots, and small appliances.

Tiered Shelves

Stackable metal shelves double your usable space. Adjust to fit different cabinet heights.

Drawer Dividers

Customize drawers with removable dividers to neatly corral silverware, utensils, or tools.

Spice Racks

Mounted racks keep spice jars organized and easy to identify. Attach inside cabinet doors for quick access while cooking.

Storage Bins

Clear plastic bins neatly hold kitchen supplies and keep items visible. Labeling helps identify contents.

Take measurements and utilize all possible space inside your revamped cabinets with racks, turntables, bins and other DIY storage solutions. This keeps the interiors as fresh as the beautiful new exterior.

Painting Metal Cabinets

Painting is one of the most popular ways to revitalize old metal cabinets on a budget. The right prep work and application techniques allow virtually any paint color to adhere strongly to metal for years of beauty. Follow these best practices for painting metal cabinets like a pro.

Choose the Right Paint

While standard wood paints work on some metals, specialty paint made specifically for strong adhesion to metal surfaces is recommended. The proper formulation prevents chipping, cracking, or peeling even under heavy use.

• Direct to Metal Paint – Offered by brands like Rustoleum, Krylon, and Valspar, these provide excellent grip without requiring a primer first.
• Hammered Paint – Contains silicone additives to withstand expansion and contraction of metal with temperature changes. Good for cabinets in garages, sheds, and outdoors.
• High Heat Paint – Formulated for adverse conditions, these withstand temperatures up to 600°F for industrial use.

For most standard indoor cabinets, a quality direct to metal paint provides the optimal combination of adhesion, durability, and appearance.

Important Prep Steps

Proper prep ensures paint adheres tightly for a flawless finish that lasts.

• Wash and degrease cabinets to remove all dirt, oil, and grime so paint can bond tightly.
• Sand surfaces thoroughly with 220 then 400 grit sandpaper to rough up and degloss for better adhesion.
• Carefully fill any scratches, holes, or damages with metal epoxy filler and sand smooth when dry.
• Remove any existing rust completely with a wire brush or rust remover solution.
• Wipe all surfaces with a tack cloth before painting to pick up any remaining dust or debris.

Avoid skipping steps in prep work – this lays the foundation for a smooth, lasting finish.

Brush vs Spray Application

Brushing paint on by hand takes more time but offers greater control, minimizes mess and drips, and reduces waste since you mix only what’s needed. Use high-quality nylon or polyester bristle brushes. Maintain a wet edge and apply in smooth strokes.

Spraying with an HVLP spray gun is faster but requires masking off the area and has more overspray. Thin paint slightly per manufacturer instructions for optimal spray flow. Spray in even back & forth layers. Allow proper dry time between coats.

Either brushing or spraying works well if proper techniques are followed. For smaller DIY projects, brushing may be the simpler option.

Finish Options

The sheen level of your paint impacts its durability and washability. Consider where cabinets are located and how much use they will receive.

• Matte – Provides a subtle sheen and hides imperfections well. Somewhat susceptible to marking and scuffing under hard use.
• Satin/Eggshell – With medium sheen, these are common choices for cabinets. Offer good durability with easy wipe-up.
• Semi-Gloss – Harder finish resists moisture, stains, and scrubbing. Ideal for kitchens or bathrooms. Shows more imperfections.

For most cabinet uses, a satin or semi-gloss finish provides the best balance of aesthetic and protection.

Application Tips

• Lightly sand between coats with 400 grit paper to ensure proper adhesion.
• Apply two primer coats and two paint coats for optimal coverage and longevity.
• Work in thin, even coats allowing 2-4 hours of drying time between coats.
• Keep paint can stirred frequently to prevent pigment from settling.
• Stay Organized – line up doors and drawers so everything is painted and replaced properly.

With good products and proper methods, freshly painted metal cabinets provide a facelift for a fraction of replacement cost. Just allow 1-2 weeks for full curing before hanging and filling cabinets. Then step back and enjoy your beautiful new look!

Staining Metal Cabinets

Staining is a great way to change the look of metal cabinets while allowing the natural grain and texture to show through. Penetrating stains infuse rich color into the metal pores for a natural, translucent finish. Here is a guide to beautifully stain metal cabinets.

Benefits of Staining Metal

Enhances Natural Beauty – Unlike painting which covers surface completely, stains showcase the unique metal grain patterns.

Warmer Look Than Paint – Stain imparts a rich, wood-like finish without hiding metal texture.

Lower Fumes Than Paint – Most stains have less odor and emit fewer VOCs than paints and enamels.

Easier Touch-ups If finish gets damaged, stain can be reapplied just to that spot versus repainting entire surface.

Staining brings out the best in metal while protecting it. A quick DIY upgrade versus replacing cabinets!

Prep Work is Key

As with painting, proper prep ensures stain adheres optimally for long-lasting results.

• Clean thoroughly with degreaser and water then let dry fully.
• Sand lightly to rough up surface – 220 grit removes any glossy sheen.
• Wipe clean with a tack cloth after sanding to remove all dust before staining.

Avoid skipping important prep steps – this allows stain to really grip into metal pores versus just laying on top.

Oil-Based Stains Work Best

Penetrating oil-based stains formulated for metal provide superior results versus water-based options. The thicker consistency absorbs deeply into metal for rich, vibrant coloring that resists wear. Some top brands include:

• Minwax – Known for wood stains, they make metallic finishes like Antique Oil, Espresso, and Weathered Steel specially for metal.
• Varathane – Their Premium Interior Stain sticks well while allowing grain to show. Use a foam brush for smooth application.
• Rust-Oleum – Their oil-based Metal Stain repels water and adds rust protection. Use on indoor or outdoor metal pieces.

Always check the label and confirm “formulated for use on metal” before purchasing stain for your cabinets.

Application Tips

• Stir stain well before applying for consistent coloring.
• Use a clean lint-free rag or foam brush. Apply in direction of metal grain with even strokes.
• Let stain penetrate 5-10 minutes then wipe away any excess. Overstaining can cause tackiness.
• Apply two coats for best protection, allowing 2-4 hours dry time between coats.
• Finish with a clear coat like polyurethane for added protection and sheen if desired.

With proper prep and application, staining is an easy weekend project to give metal cabinets new life! The natural yet rich finish brings warmth to any room.

How to Paint Galvanized Metal Cabinets

Galvanized steel cabinets bring a modern industrial look with their matte gray finish. But over time, they can appear worn or discolored. Painting galvanized metal cabinets is an affordable way to refresh their appearance. Learn how to properly prep and paint galvanized steel for a durable, quality finish.

Choosing Paint for Galvanized Metal

The keys to success are using a paint specially formulated to bond tightly to the slick galvanized surface, and proper pretreatment to rough up and degloss the metal.

Some good paint options include:

• Rustoleum Professional DTM Acrylic
• Krylon Dual Superbond Paint + Primer
• Valspar/Zinsser DTM Acrylic

Avoid standard wood or plastic paints. Opt for a paint like above developed specifically for direct to metal application.

Important Prep Steps

Thorough prep helps paint grab onto slick galvanized metal.

• Wash surfaces with TSP or degreaser to remove any oil, grease, or residue
• Lightly sand using 150-220 grit sandpaper to rough up and degloss the surface
• Wipe clean with a tack cloth after sanding to remove any dust

Proper sanding, cleaning, and deglossing are vital for paint to properly adhere to galvanized steel.

Priming Galvanized Metal

Most quality DTM paints contain additives that allow direct application without a separate primer coat. However, some experts still recommend spot priming:

• Prime heavily rusted or damaged areas after repairing with metal epoxy filler
• Prime raw galvanized metal that has been sanded or scrubbed down to bare metal

Use a corrosion-resistant primer able to withstand the hot dipped galvanized finish. Rustoleum Clean Metal Primer or Krylon Galvanized Metal Primer are good options.

Application Tips

• Apply 2-3 thin, even coats of paint allowing proper dry time between coats for maximum durability
• Use high quality nylon or polyurethane paint brushes for smoothest results
• Maintain wet edge and avoid excessive brushing which can pull paint away from metal
• Spray paint application requires less thinning and flows nicely for smooth finish
• Lightly sand between coats with fine (400 grit) sandpaper for optimal adhesion

With quality paint, proper surface prep, and careful application, your dated galvanized steel cabinets will soon look fresh and new again.

How to Stain Stainless Steel Cabinets

Stainless steel cabinets give a modern, sleek look perfect for contemporary kitchens. But sometimes you want to warm up their clinical vibe. Staining adds color while allowing the stainless grain to still shine through. Here’s how to successfully stain stainless cabinets.

Clean and Sand

As with any refinishing project, thorough cleaning and sanding ensures finish adheres well.

• Wash cabinets with degreasing cleaner and non-abrasive scrub pad
• Sand lightly with fine (220) grit sandpaper to degloss and rough up surface
• Wipe clean with tack cloth after sanding to remove all dust particles

Proper cleaning and sanding prep helps the stain really grab and bond to the stainless steel.

Choose Oil-Based Stain

Penetrating oil-based stains formulated specifically for metal work best on stainless cabinets. The oil carriers deeply infuse color while allowing the brushed grain to show through.

Some good options:

• Rust-Oleum Oil Stain
• Krylon Metallic Stain
• Minwax Antique Oil Finish

Avoid water or gel stains. Oil-based products penetrate and bond best for long-lasting results.

Staining Technique

• Stir stain thoroughly before applying for consistent coloring
• Use a clean lint-free rag or foam brush. Apply along grain direction using thin, even strokes.
• Allow to penetrate 5-10 minutes then gently wipe away any excess. Overstaining can cause tackiness.