How to Strip a Metal Cabinets of Paint Off

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Painting metal cabinets can give your kitchen or bathroom a quick facelift. But over time, the paint may start to chip, peel, or just look dated. When that happens, you’ll need to strip off the old paint before repainting. Stripping paint from metal cabinets takes time and elbow grease, but it’s a project a home DIYer can tackle. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to strip a metal cabinets of paint off properly.

Why Strip Paint Off Metal Cabinets?

There are a few reasons you may want to strip the paint off your metal cabinets:

• The existing paint is chipped, peeling, or cracking. Paint in poor condition will need to be removed before repainting.
• You want to change the color. Maybe you’re just tired of the current hue or want something brighter and more modern. Stripping allows you to take the cabinets back to the original metal surface for a new color.
• The cabinets were painted improperly. If the original paint wasn’t scuffed or primed correctly, it may not adhere well. Taking the paint off and starting over will help the new paint job last.
• You want a distressed, vintage look. Stripping off some of the painted finish exposes the metal underneath for an antiqued, rustic vibe.

No matter the reason, taking paint off metal cabinets lets you reveal the raw surface underneath for repainting or refinishing.

How to Prepare for Paint Stripping

Stripping paint is messy work, so you’ll need to take some preparatory steps:

Remove Cabinet Doors and Drawers

Taking the cabinet doors, drawers, and hardware off makes the stripping process easier. Set all removed pieces in a safe, protected area while you work.

Clear Countertops and Surrounding Area

Cover nearby countertops with drop cloths to protect from splatters and drips. Remove anything on the countertops or below the wall cabinets.

Wear Protective Gear

Put on safety goggles, gloves, and an apron or old clothes to protect your eyes and skin from chemicals. A respirator mask is also recommended when working with paint strippers.

Ventilate the Room

Paint fumes can be powerful, so open windows and doors and switch on fans to keep air circulating. If possible, work outside for even more airflow.

Once the space is prepped, you’re ready to start removing paint from the metal cabinets.

Choosing a Paint Remover

There are three main options for stripping paint – chemical strippers, heat guns, and sanders. Each has pros and cons:

Chemical Paint Strippers

Paint stripping chemicals work by breaking down the layers of paint to loosen them from the metal surface underneath. There are a few types:

• Methylene chloride: A strong and fast-acting solvent, but it can irritate skin and eyes and give off harsh fumes. Should only be used with proper ventilation.
• N-Methylpyrrolidone (NMP): Made from a soybean byproduct, so it’s less toxic. Works more slowly than other chemicals but is effective at loosening many paint layers.
• Benzyl alcohol: Derived from flowers, this is a low-odor, low-toxicity option. However, it may not work as aggressively as other strippers.

Chemical strippers can be brushed or sprayed on. Allow the product to sit for 5-15 minutes before the paint can be scraped off with a putty knife.

Heat Guns

A heat gun applies super high temperatures (up to 1,000°F) to soften and blister the paint layers. Slowly pass the heat gun over the surface until you can scrape the paint off. Use caution not to hold it in one spot too long, as metal cabinets can quickly overheat.

Sandpaper/Sanders

For smaller projects, you may be able to sand the paint off by hand using coarse 60-80 grit sandpaper. Power sanders like random orbit sanders can speed up the job on larger areas. The downside is that sanding takes longer and makes a big mess.

For metal cabinets, we recommend starting with chemical strippers, as they are the least labor-intensive. Then you can use sandpaper for any remaining spots as needed.

How to Strip Paint Off Metal Cabinets

Once you’ve assembled supplies and prepped the workspace, follow these steps:

1. Remove Doors and Hardware

Take off all cabinet doors, drawers, and hardware – knobs, pulls, hinges, etc. Set them aside in a protected spot.

2. Clean the Cabinets

Give the cabinet boxes and doors a thorough cleaning before stripping. Grease and dirt can interfere with paint removers.

3. Apply Paint Stripper

Apply a thick layer of chemical paint stripper evenly across the metal surface, using long brush strokes. Follow the product directions for estimated coverage.

4. Let Stripper Dwell

Leave the stripper to dwell for 5-15 minutes. This gives the chemicals time to fully penetrate and bubble up multiple paint layers.

5. Scrape Away Paint

Use a plastic scraper or putty knife to scrape off the softened, blistered paint. Try to remove as much as you can in each area before reapplying more stripper.

6. Use Sandpaper for Stubborn Spots

If there are any areas where the paint won’t budge, use 60-80 grit sandpaper to rough up the surface. This helps the stripper penetrate.

7. Wipe Surface Clean

Once you’ve removed all the paint, wipe down the bare metal with mineral spirits to get rid of any stripper residue. Let the cabinets dry completely.

8. Prime and Repaint

Now you have a clean surface ready for priming and repainting. Make sure to scuff sand first for better paint adhesion.

Tips for Stripping Paint Off Metal Cabinets

Follow these tips for the best results as you strip away old cabinet paint:

• Work in small sections for the easiest paint removal.
• Rinse your scraper/putty knife frequently so paint doesn’t build up and get redeposited.
• Reapply stripper as needed until all paint is gone. Multiple applications may be necessary.
• Use a plastic scraper to avoid scratching the cabinet metal.
• Wear safety equipment – goggles, gloves, respirator mask – when using chemical strippers.
• Properly dispose of paint chips/residue according to your local regulations.
• If using a heat gun, keep the nozzle moving constantly so you don’t scorch the metal.
• To avoid repetitive motions, alternate scraping with your right and left hand.

Taking your time with prep, using proper stripping products, and carefully following directions will get your metal cabinets back to a fresh, bare surface. Be patient, take the necessary safety precautions, and soon you’ll have cabinets ready for a new factory-fresh look.

FAQs About Stripping Paint Off Metal Cabinets

Some common questions about taking paint off metal cabinets:

What kind of paint stripper is best for metal cabinets?

For metal, we recommend a methylene chloride-based liquid stripper. Formulas with this strong solvent cut through paint quickly and effectively. Avoid gels or eco-friendly citrus strippers, as they may not work as aggressively.

Can I use a heat gun to remove paint from metal cabinets?

Yes, you can use a heat gun to strip paint from metal. Keep the heat gun moving constantly at least 6 inches from the surface so you don’t warp the metal. Avoid holding it over one spot too long. Be extremely cautious, as the high heat can damage metal irreparably.

What grit sandpaper should be used when stripping cabinets?

Use 60-80 grit sandpaper after stripping to rough up tough, stuck-on paint spots. You can also lightly sand metal cabinets before painting to help the new paint adhere. Just be careful not to overly scratch the surface.

How do you dispose of paint stripped from cabinets?

Check your local regulations. In most areas, dried paint chips and residue can be disposed of in normal household trash. The chemicals in liquid stripper mean it needs proper disposal – ask your local waste management company.

Is there a simple homemade paint stripper recipe?

You can make a basic stripper by mixing 2 parts baking soda, 1 part water, and 1 part washing soda (sodium carbonate). Apply the paste and let sit before scraping. However, store-bought chemical strippers are stronger.

How do I protect wood floors/countertops from paint stripper?

Cover any surfaces around the cabinets with plastic drop cloths. You may also want to mask off wood surfaces using painter’s tape. Wipe up any drips or splatters immediately to avoid damage.

Can I leave paint stripper on overnight instead of washing right away?

No, you should not leave chemical paint strippers on a surface for an extended period. Follow the manufacturer’s directions for dwell times. Leaving chemicals on too long risks permanent damage to the underlying surface.

Is it necessary to use primer when repainting previously painted cabinets?

Yes, priming ensures better adhesion for the new paint, especially if you stripped down to the bare metal. Use an oil-based primer specifically formulated for metal after thoroughly cleaning and sanding.

Conclusion

Removing old failing paint from metal cabinets takes some work, but restores them to a fresh, attractive look. The process involves:

• Prepping your workspace and taking cabinets apart
• Choosing an effective but safe paint stripper
• Applying the stripper and allowing proper dwell time
• Carefully scraping off the bubbled paint
• Sanding down stuck-on spots as needed
• Wiping cabinets clean and priming for repainting

While stripping paint is labor-intensive, the results are worth it. Follow all safety precautions, take your time, and soon you’ll have metal cabinets ready for a new paint job or finish. Careful prep work also helps ensure the new coating will adhere tightly and last for years before needing to strip again. With some perseverance and these tips, you can achieve professional-looking results.