How to Strip and Clean Metal Cabinets

Introduction

Metal cabinets are a popular choice for kitchens, bathrooms, garages, and other areas of the home due to their durability, strength, and classic style. However, over time metal cabinets can show wear such as scratches, dents, faded paint, rust, and grime buildup. Refinishing metal cabinets through stripping and cleaning can restore them to a like-new condition or allow you to update them with a fresh new paint color.

Stripping and cleaning metal cabinets is a multi-step process that requires time and elbow grease, but is a project a motivated DIYer can tackle at home. Having the right tools, supplies, and techniques will make the job easier and help you achieve professional-looking results. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to successfully strip and clean metal cabinets in your home.

Assess the Cabinets and Make a Plan

Before starting the stripping and cleaning process, take time to carefully assess the condition of the metal cabinets. Determine if they are made of steel, aluminum, or another metal alloy. Look for any scratches, dents, rust spots, peeling paint, or other damage. Try opening drawers and doors to see if they operate smoothly.

Based on the assessment, decide if you want to fully strip the cabinets down to bare metal, or if cleaning and light sanding will suffice before repainting. Taking cabinets down to bare metal will require heavy-duty chemical strippers and intensive labor, but allows you to start fresh with a new paint finish. Light cleaning and sanding preserves more of the existing paint but requires it to be in fairly good shape to repaint.

Gather all supplies and materials needed before starting. Clear out the cabinet contents and protect nearby surfaces from damage. Allot ample time for the project, as stripping and cleaning metal cabinets can take 15-20 hours or longer start to finish depending on the cabinet size and condition. Let household members know when you plan to be working on the cabinets.

Remove Cabinet Doors and Hardware

Before any stripping or cleaning, detach the cabinet doors by removing the hinges. Carefully label each door and hinge to ensure you can reattach them to the correct cabinet frame later. Use a screwdriver to remove the hinges and detach any pulls or knobs.

Set the hardware aside in a labeled bag or bin so it does not get misplaced. Numbering doors and frames with painter’s tape is also helpful for quick reassembly. Stack the doors out of your way but in a safe location to prevent damage during the stripping process.

Clean Cabinets with TSP Solution

For cabinets that only need surface cleaning or light prep for painting, an all-purpose cleaner such as trisodium phosphate (TSP) is a good first step. Mix 1⁄2 cup TSP with 1 gallon of warm water until dissolved. Wearing protective gloves, use this TSP solution and a soft scrub brush or sponge to gently scrub the outside and inside of the cabinets to cut through grease and grime buildup.

Focus on scrubbing in the direction of the grain to avoid scuff marks. Rinse with clean water and dry thoroughly with a lint-free cloth. Let cabinets sit for several hours until completely dry before sanding or painting.

Scuff Sand Cabinets

For cabinets in relatively good shape that will be repainted a similar color, you may only need to scuff sand to rough up the surface before priming and painting. Use 120-150 grit sandpaper and “feather” the existing paint by lightly sanding to dull the glossy areas.

Brush off any sanding dust with a dry cloth. Spot sand any scratches or imperfections down to bare metal, then use spackle or wood filler to patch holes and dents if needed. LET patched areas dry fully before sanding smooth.

Strip Cabinets with Chemical Paint Stripper

For cabinets with failing paint or that you want to take down to bare metal for a new painted or metal finish, chemical stripping will be required. An industrial-strength paint stripper is applied to eat through multiple layers of paint.

Safety gear like solvent-resistant gloves, eye protection, and old clothes is a must when using chemical strippers. Work in a well-ventilated area and follow instructions precisely. Common metal cabinet strippers include:

• Methylene chloride: Fast acting but higher odor and fumes
• N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP): Slower acting but less odor
• Benzyl alcohol: More eco-friendly option but may require repeat applications

Apply a thick even coat of stripper over all cabinet surfaces using a brush or roller. Let it sit for 5-20 minutes until bubbling and blistering occurs. Use a plastic putty knife to gently scrape off the softened paint, taking care not to gouge the metal underneath.

Repeat stripper application and scraping until multiple layers have been removed and only a thin residue remains. Wipe all surfaces with mineral spirits to remove any stripper residue before sanding. Properly dispose of paint stripper sludge according to local hazardous waste guidelines.

Sand Cabinets to Bare Metal

Once paint stripper has removed the bulk of old paint, take cabinets down to bare metal by sanding. For large flat surfaces, an orbital sander with 80-120 grit discs will make quick work of sanding off residue. Use 220-400 grit paper for final smoothing.

For smaller details, edges and trim, sand by hand using a sanding block or sanding sponge. Wear proper eye and dust protection when sanding metal, which can create fine metal shavings. Thoroughly wipe cabinets with a dry tack cloth when done sanding to remove all metal dust before priming.

Clean and Remove Rust

If the metal underneath the paint has any rust spots or corrosion, these will need to be cleaned and removed prior to recoating the cabinets. Use a wire brush or sandpaper to scrub rust spots, exposing bare metal underneath.

Wipe with mineral spirits to clean the area, then spot prime with a rust-inhibiting primer meant for metal. For minor surface rust, products like Naval Jelly can be applied to convert rust into an inert protective barrier before priming and painting.

Clean Cabinet Interiors

While exteriors are being stripped and sanded, use the opportunity to deep clean grimy cabinet interiors before putting contents back in. Remove all shelves and hardware.

Use a degreasing cleaner and scrub brush to wash all interior surfaces, then rinse with clean water and wipe dry with a lint-free cloth. Replace any damaged shelving with new cabinet-grade plywood cut to size. Install shelves and hardware with new fasteners once the cabinet exteriors are refinished.

Work Safely!

When stripping and sanding metal cabinets, be sure to take appropriate safety precautions:

• Wear solvent-resistant gloves, eye protection, and an OSHA-approved respirator
• Avoid skin contact with paint strippers
• Work in a well-ventilated area
• Take frequent breaks to allow fumes to dissipate
• Keep an eye rinse solution and fire extinguisher on hand
• Properly dispose of all hazardous waste

Exercise caution when using power tools like orbital sanders and wire brushes. Unplug tools before changing discs and brushes. Allow all chemical fumes to dissipate before continuing work. Thorough cleanup will help keep your workspace safe.

Prime Cabinets

Once stripped to bare metal and properly cleaned, the cabinets need to be sealed with an appropriate metal primer before applying your topcoat finish. Priming provides corrosion resistance and allows for proper adhesion of the new paint.

Use self-etching or etching primer formulated especially for galvanized steel, aluminum, and other metals. Apply in thin even coats according to manufacturer instructions, usually with a high-quality brush. Allow each coat to fully dry before adding another. Lightly sand with fine (220+ grit) sandpaper between coats for an ultra-smooth finish.

Paint Cabinets

With priming complete, the cabinets are ready for your choice of topcoat paint or finish. For a durable and washable painted metal finish, select an alkyd enamel or urethane paint in your desired sheen and color. Semi-gloss or high-gloss sheens have a bit more shine and are easier to clean.

As with priming, apply painting coats smoothly and evenly using good quality applicator brushes and mini rollers. Allow proper drying time between coats. Sand lightly before adding the final 1-2 finish coats for a flawless look. If desired, add cabinet hardware templates during painting to save time. Reinstall doors, shelves, and hardware once fully cured.

Alternative Finishing Methods

While paint is the most common metal cabinet finish, other options exist as well:

• Polished metal: For a chrome, brass, bronze or other metallic look, have cabinets professionally plated instead of painted.
• Patina: Apply oxidizing chemicals to antique copper, bronze, or brass finishes. Wax protects the patina while showing character.
• Oil-rubbed bronze: Wipe-on finishes create an aged bronze look without stripping. Several coats are applied then buffed by hand.
• Metal laminate: Adhesive laminates come in metal-look finishes like stainless steel, chrome, copper etc. and can cover existing cabinet fronts.
• Wallpaper: Use removable wallpapers with metallic patterns or textures to refresh old cabinets without heavy refinishing.

Tips for Success

Refurbishing metal cabinets through stripping and cleaning takes some time and elbow grease, but following these tips will help ensure success:

• Test stripper or paint on a small hidden area first to judge effectiveness and results
• Use high-quality brushes and rollers meant for smooth metal surfaces
• Allow extra drying time between coats as metal conducts and holds moisture
• Work slowly and methodically over time to avoid cutting corners or getting sloppy
• Maintain ventilation to allow fumes to fully dissipate before continuing work
• Follow all safety precautions when using harsh chemicals or power tools
• Label cabinet parts carefully for easy reassembly after refinishing

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you get paint off metal cabinets?

The best way is using a heavy-duty chemical paint stripper formulated for metal substrates. Scrape off softened paint with plastic putty knives, then sand to bare metal.

What kind of paint do you use on metal cabinets?

Use a high-quality self-etching or etching primer meant for metal, followed by alkyd enamel or urethane paint finishes which provide hardness and washability.

Can I spray paint metal cabinets?

Yes, spray painting with an HVLP spray gun is an option but requires extensive masking and surface prep. Brushing and rolling often gives better results on cabinetry.

How do you antique metal cabinets?

Antiquing involves inducing oxidation on the metal to darken it through exposure to vinegar, lemon juice, or chemical patinas. The dark aged finish is then sealed with wax.

How long does it take to refinish metal cabinets?

The full process of stripping, cleaning, sanding, priming, and painting metal cabinets typically takes 15-20 hours or longer depending on their size and condition. Schedule accordingly.

Summary

With some determination and the right approach, DIY refinishing of metal cabinets through stripping, cleaning, sanding, and repainting can give them a amazing makeover. Taking cabinets down to bare metal allows a fresh start with built-in corrosion resistance and your new color of choice.

Focus on safety and proper prep work like labeling, surface sanding, and priming to ensure your painted finish adheres smoothly and lasts. While laborsome, restoring metal cabinets saves money over a cabinet replacement and gives them new life while retaining their strength and durability.