How to Strip and Polish a Metal Filing Cabinet
A metal filing cabinet can be a great storage solution for your home or office. Over time, the original paint or finish can wear, peel and flake. Stripping and polishing a metal filing cabinet will restore its luster and give it a fresh, updated look. With some time and effort, you can strip and polish the metal to reveal a beautiful finish.
Preparing to Strip the Metal Filing Cabinet
Before starting to strip the finish, take some time to prepare properly. Rushing into the stripping process can cause more work in the long run. Follow these tips to get set up:
Clear a Well-Ventilated Work Area
Stripping chemicals and paint removers give off strong fumes. Work outside or in a garage with the doors open. If working indoors, open windows and use fans to circulate fresh air. Wear protective gear like a respirator mask, gloves and goggles.
Remove the Drawers and Hardware
Take out all drawers from the cabinet and remove the hardware like handles and hinges. Set them aside and strip the cabinet box and drawers separately. Numbering drawers will help keep them organized.
Clean the Surface
Use a degreaser or all-purpose cleaner to wash away built-up grime, grease and dirt. This helps the stripper work more effectively. Rinse thoroughly and let dry fully before stripping.
Gather Your Supplies
Have all tools and materials ready before starting. Necessary supplies include:
- Paint stripper or remover
- Plastic putty knives and scrapers
- Steel wool pads (ultra-fine grade)
- Sandpaper (120 to 220 grit)
- Rags, brushes and paintbrushes
- Mineral spirits or paint thinner
- Rubber gloves, goggles & respirator mask
- Drop cloths or sheets
Protect Surrounding Areas
Cover nearby surfaces like floors and walls with sheets or tarps. Stripper can easily damage other finishes. Work in a contained area to simplify clean-up later.
Stripping the Old Finish
With the proper setup, you can now tackle removing the old paint or varnish from the filing cabinet. Take time and properly strip all surfaces.
Apply a Thick Coat of Stripper
Use a disposable brush or paintbrush to liberally apply a heavy coating of stripper over the entire cabinet. Follow product instructions carefully. Apply more on extremely stubborn areas.
Allow the Stripper to Soak In
Leave the stripper to penetrate the finish for 15 minutes or as directed on the product. Reapply to areas that dry out. Don’t allow it to dry completely.
Scrape Away the Finish
Use a plastic putty knife or scraper to gently lift away the paint or varnish. Apply pressure at an angle just to remove the finish, not gouge the metal. Take care around ornate details and corners.
Wipe Surface Clean
Use heavy-duty rags soaked in mineral spirits to thoroughly wipe away any remaining stripper paste and finish residue. Allow it to completely dry.
Sand Away Stubborn Areas
If any old paint remains stuck in crevices or corners, use 120-220 grit sandpaper to gently remove. Take care not to overly scour and scratch the metal. Wipe clean with a dry rag afterwards.
Repeat as Needed
Examine closely for any leftover paint or varnish. Reapply more stripper and scrape again focusing on stubborn spots. Multiple passes may be required to completely strip down to the bare metal.
Polishing the Stripped Metal
Once fully stripped, polishing the metal helps smooth any minor scratches, nicks or imperfections left from the paint remover. Follow this multi-step process:
Wash with Dish Soap
Mix a few drops of dish soap into warm water. Use this mild solution to wash the stripped metal surface. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and dry completely.
Address Any Rust or Corrosion
Check for any problem rust spots or corrosion. Remove these using fine grit sandpaper, steel wool or a rust removal solution. Sand evenly to blend and smooth.
Work in Ultra-Fine Steel Wool
Gently rub ultra-fine (0000 grade) steel wool over the stripped metal surfaces using even, circular motions. Avoid excessive pressure. Frequently wipe away residue with a clean dry rag.
Apply Metal Polish
Use a high-quality metal polish or restorer made for use on antique, stripped or raw metals. Apply using a soft cloth. Rub in a consistent direction following the grain of the metal.
Buff to Shine
Switch to a clean, dry cotton cloth and buff vigorously to reveal the natural luster. Take time to build up a durable shine, regularly reapplying polish and rubbing in different directions.
Clean and Remove Residue
Wipe down thoroughly with a dry rag once more to remove any remaining residue or leftover polish. Examine closely for any missed areas and repeat polishing if needed.
Applying a Clear Protective Finish
For added protection and sheen, a clear topcoat can be applied over stripped metal. Options include:
- Polyurethane
- Clear shellac
- Paste wax
- Lacquer
Prep the Surface
Ensure the stripped metal is clean and dry first. Use steel wool or fine sandpaper to smooth any tiny imperfections. Remove all dust and debris before applying a topcoat.
Apply Thin Even Coats
Use a high-quality natural bristle brush to apply multiple thin coats. Allow proper drying time between coats as directed by the product instructions. Avoid brushing back over areas that have dried.
Allow Proper Dry Time
Let the final coat fully cure for at least 24-48 hours before use. Test thickness by gently pressing a fingernail into an inconspicuous spot – it should not dent or mark if fully dry.
Buff Out Brush Marks
Use extra-fine steel wool (0000 grade) to gently remove any apparent brush strokes and create an ultra-smooth surface shine. Be cautious not to rub through the finish.
Clean Residue
Wipe with a dry soft cloth to remove all steel wool fragments. Examine closely for dust in crevices and corners. A tack cloth helps grab leftover debris.
The clear coat protects the work you did stripping and polishing the raw metal. Proper application provides a durable yet beautiful finish.
Reassembling the File Cabinet
With a fully stripped and polished filing cabinet, you can now reassemble and enjoy your revitalized storage piece.
- Replace all hardware like hinges and handles if still in good shape. Upgrade if worn.
- Clean, polish or repaint the drawers to match the refreshed cabinet box.
- Reinstall the cleaned and polished drawers. Verify smooth operation.
- Touch up any small scratches or nicks with matching polish.
- Apply bumpers or felt pads to the bottom of the cabinet to protect flooring.
- Move carefully into the desired location in your home or office.
Taking time to strip and refinish an old metal filing cabinet gives it new life with a bright polished appearance that will last for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to strip and polish a filing cabinet?
Stripping takes 1-3 hours depending on the size. Polishing adds another 1-2 hours. Allow about 5-6 total hours for a full standard four-drawer filing cabinet.
What is the best stripper to use?
An aggressive chemical gel stripper works best to penetrate thick paint layers. Look for methylene chloride-free options for safety. Citrus or soy-based strippers are slower but safer.
Can I polish over rust spots?
No, rust and corrosion need to be fully removed by sanding before polishing. Any remnants will continue to spread underneath polish.
What if water causes new rust spots?
Right after stripping, dry immediately and apply a rust inhibitor. Once polished, top coat with polyurethane or wax to seal against moisture.
How often does a filing cabinet need polishing?
Polished metal stays bright and shiny for 1-2 years with proper care. To maintain luster, occasionally reapply polish and buff out any buildup.
Conclusion
Stripping decades of old paint and grime to reveal the raw metal underneath takes considerable work. But the beauty of the polished metal and satisfaction of restoring an old piece makes the effort worthwhile. With proper preparation, safety precautions and patience, anyone can learn how to strip and polish a classic metal filing cabinet. Follow the steps to slowly strip away the finish, polish out imperfections, and apply a protective topcoat. In a weekend, you can uncover the hidden luster. Your refreshed filing cabinet will regain its striking metallic shine to use for many more years organizing your home or office.
