Stripping old paint and rust off a metal filing cabinet can revitalize and restore this once-practical piece of office furniture. With some time and effort, you can take a dull, outdated filing cabinet from shabby to chic.

Stripping, prepping, and repainting a metal filing cabinet allows you to customize it to match your style. Whether you want to repurpose the cabinet for home storage or simply freshen up its look in the office, stripping the old finish is the first crucial step. Follow these steps to strip paint from a metal filing cabinet successfully.

Gather the Proper Supplies

Stripping paint from metal requires specific tools and materials for safety and effectiveness. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:

• Paint stripper: Choose a stripper formulated for metal and follow the product directions. Strippers with methylene chloride work quickly.
• Paint scraper: Opt for a scraper with a rigid blade to remove bubbled and loosened paint. Disposable scrapers prevent lead paint transfer.
• Steel wool: Fine 0000-grade wool helps scrub off stripped paint residue.
• Sandpaper: 180-220 grit removes remaining paint and rust spots after stripping.
• Chemical-resistant gloves: Protect your hands from harsh stripper chemicals. Nitrile gloves work best.
• Safety glasses: Prevent stripper chemicals from contacting your eyes.
• Drop cloths: Keep splatters and drips off surrounding surfaces.
• Mineral spirits: Wipe down metal with mineral spirits before priming to remove grease.
• Rust remover (optional): For heavily rusted cabinets, a phosphoric acid-based rust remover helps eliminate oxidation before priming bare metal.
• Primer/paint: Choose primers and paints formulated for metal like oil-based alkyd primers and enamels.

Gather all supplies before starting to make the stripping process fast and efficient. Be sure to work in a well-ventilated area and take safety precautions when using chemical paint strippers.

Remove Drawers and Hardware

Before tackling the cabinet exterior, remove all drawers and hardware like hinges and handles. This prevents chemicals from dripping into drawers and gives you full access to all cabinet surfaces.

To remove drawers, pull firmly on each drawer front to slide it out. Place removed drawers in a safe area to prevent damage.

For hinges, look for screw heads you can loosen with a screwdriver. Pull hinge pins out of their brackets once loosened.

Handles or knobs usually have visible screw heads behind them you can unscrew using a Phillips-head screwdriver. Place any removed hardware like knobs and hinge pins in a small container so they don’t get lost.

With all drawers and hardware detached, you’ll be able to strip paint from the entire cabinet easily.

Apply Paint Stripper

Read the product directions on your paint stripper and prepare it according to instructions. Stir the stripper before use if necessary.

Use a chemical-resistant brush, roller or rag to liberally apply a thick, even coat of stripper to all metal surfaces on the cabinet. Focus on fully covering each part of the cabinet – sides, top, bottom, back, inside of doors, and door fronts.

Let the stripper sit for the amount of time specified on the product instructions. Typically strippers need 20 minutes to 2 hours before paint can be scraped off. Set a timer to ensure you don’t let the stripper dry.

As the stripper penetrates the layers of paint, it will bubble up and begin to loosen. Use a plastic scraper to test if paint is ready to remove in spots after the minimum time specified. If paint doesn’t scrape off cleanly, let the stripper sit longer.

Scrape Off Loosened Paint

Once the stripper has adequately softened and lifted the old paint, use your scraper to peel off any bubbled or loosened paint. Hold the scraper at a 45° angle to get under lifted paint and remove it.

Focus on scraping directionally with the wood grain on cabinet doors and side panels. Use short, firm strokes to lift paint up and away.

For smaller details like grooves and trim, use a small fine-edged scraper, brush or toothpick to dislodge paint. Mineral spirits help dissolve any remaining finish in crevices.

Thoroughly wipe off all dissolving paint, stripper residue, and globs with mineral spirits as you work. Reapply stripper to any spots with paint still adhering to quickly lift it.

Be sure to scrape off all lifted paint soon after applying stripper. Letting dissolved paint dry onto the surface again makes it harder to remove.

Remove Remaining Paint with Steel Wool

Even after thoroughly scraping, some paint residue usually remains stuck to the metal’s surface. Use fine 0000 steel wool and mineral spirits to scrub off any lingering paint.

Dip your steel wool into mineral spirits and vigorously scrub areas with leftover paint, wiping frequently with a clean rag. The steel wool provides just enough abrasion to remove the remnants of stripped paint without scratching the bare metal underneath.

Rinse your steel wool pad out in mineral spirits when it gets clogged. Switch to a new section or pad once the steel wool starts to drag across the surface.

Buffing with steel wool also helps feather and even out paint edges where stripping chemical didn’t fully penetrate. Blend these areas to create a smooth, uniform surface.

Sand Rust Spots and Irregularities

At this point, inspect the cabinet for any remaining rust spots, bumps, or paint irregularities. Use 220 grit sandpaper to sand away any oxidation or roughness.

Fold your sandpaper into a small square. Then, rub in the direction of the metal grain using firm, even pressure. Make sure to smooth any pits and blotches thoroughly to prep for priming.

Sand lightly when working on edges or detailed trim to avoid rounding them off. Wipe sanded areas with a tack cloth before primer.

For severely rusted areas unresponsive to sanding, apply a phosphoric acid-based rust remover as directed before sanding to convert oxidation into an easier-to-remove surface coating.

Clean and Dry the Cabinet

Before priming and painting your stripped cabinet, wipe down all metal surfaces with mineral spirits one final time. Open the cabinet up fully and allow it to dry completely.

Use an electrical fan to speed drying if needed. Check for any residue in crevices and wipe it away. Scrub with steel wool if necessary.

The metal needs to be entirely free of paint stripper chemicals and lingering grease for primer to properly stick. Allow a minimum of 24 hours to fully dry.

Now you’re ready to apply primer and enjoy your revitalized filing cabinet!

Supplies Needed for Stripping Paint Off Metal

Having the right supplies on hand makes stripping old paint off metal filing cabinets much easier. Here are the essential materials needed:

Paint Stripper

The most important supply is an effective paint stripper or remover formulated to work on metal. Paint strippers contain strong chemicals that soften, blister, and lift old finishes.

Look for methylene chloride-based strippers which are the most powerful for metal surfaces. Avoid caustic strippers better suited for wood, like those with sodium hydroxide.

Gel-type strippers are also useful for vertical surfaces since they cling better than liquid types. For antiqued finishes with many layers, a thick paste stripper often works best.

Follow all usage and safety instructions when using paint strippers and wear appropriate skin and eye protection. Proper ventilation is also a must.

Paint Scrapers

Scrapers quickly remove bubbled and loosened paint once the stripper has done its work. Opt for a scraper with a rigid, sharp 2”- 4” blade set at a low angle in a sturdy handle.

Disposable plastic scrapers are a smart choice since they can simply be thrown away when finished to prevent lead paint residue transfer.

Having a few different scraper sizes on hand helps tackle detailed areas. A small 1” putty knife scraper is useful for grooves and trim.

Steel Wool and Sandpaper

After scraping up the majority of the lifted paint, steel wool scrub pads and sandpaper take care of any remaining residue.

0000 super fine grade steel wool works well to rub off paint without scratching the bare metal underneath when combined with mineral spirits. Upgrade to 000-grade wool for more scrubbing power if needed.

For sanding down rust spots, oxidation, and paint irregularities, use 150-220 grit sandpaper. Fold it into a small pad for smoothing flat surfaces. Finishing with 220 grit creates the ideal surface profile for primer to stick to.

Cleaning Supplies

Cleaning solutions like mineral spirits help wipe away paint stripper residue and dissolved paint globs throughout the stripping process. Tack cloths pick up dust and particles between steps.

Paint thinner can substitute for mineral spirits. Avoid soapy water since it can leave a film.

Green abrasive pads remove rust once treated with a rust converter product without damaging the metal.

Safety Gear

Chemical-resistant gloves, eye protection, and drop cloths are essential safety supplies. Nitrile gloves stand up to harsh paint stripper chemicals better than latex.

Safety glasses keep splashes and debris out of your eyes. Drop cloths protect nearby surfaces from drips.

For heavy stripping work, you may want to use a respiratory mask or work outdoors to avoid breathing in chemical fumes.

Proper gear and precautions allow you to strip paint safely. Investing in quality supplies makes the job much smoother from start to finish.

How to Prepare a Metal Filing Cabinet for Paint Stripping

Prepping a metal filing cabinet correctly before paint stripping ensures the process goes efficiently. Follow these key steps:

1. Empty the Filing Cabinet

Remove all files and contents from the cabinet drawers. This prevents papers and items from being damaged during the stripping process. It also allows you to access the inner drawer surfaces.

Box up and label your files carefully so they can be returned to their correct place afterwards. Existing filing folders can be reused once you refinish the emptied drawers.

2. Detach Drawers

Fully extracting all drawers permits complete access to the exterior cabinet framework. Simply slide each drawer out firmly from the cabinet.

Set aside the removed drawers safely to prevent dents and bends. Drawers are easy to reinstall once stripping is complete.

3. Remove Hardware

Take off hinges, handles, knobs, and any other hardware attached to the cabinet. This keeps paint stripper chemicals away from cabinet hardware.

For hinges, unscrew any visible screw heads and lift the hinges away from their brackets. Protect hinge pins from bending.

Unscrew knobs, handles, or pulls from screw heads located under or behind them. Place all detached hardware together securely.

4. Clean Surfaces

Use a degreaser like diluted TSP and rags to wipe down the filing cabinet prior to stripping. Remove built-up grime and grease splatters.

Degrease both the cabinet frame/body and the drawers themselves inside and out. Let all surfaces dry completely since paint stripper won’t penetrate greasy areas.

5. Cover Surroundings

Spread plastic drop cloths around the workspace to protect nearby surfaces from paint splatters and drips. Tape drop cloths down firmly at the edges.

Wear old clothes and shoes to avoid splatter damage as well. Strippers often cause permanent staining.

Prepping correctly takes time up front but prevents headaches later. Follow these steps and you’ll avoid many common paint stripping headaches on a metal filing cabinet.

How to Strip Paint From a Metal Filing Cabinet

Stripping old paint from a metal filing cabinet restores it to a fresh, clean surface. Follow this process:

1. Apply Paint Stripper

First, put on all necessary personal protective equipment like gloves, long sleeves, and eye shields according to the paint stripper product directions. Cover any nearby surfaces with plastic sheeting as well.

Use a chemical-resistant brush, rag, or roller to liberally apply a thick, even coat of paint stripper to all areas of the filing cabinet you wish to strip. Fully cover metal surfaces while avoiding runoff.

Allow the paint stripper to sit for the time recommended on the product label. Typically 20 minutes to 2 hours. Set a timer to avoid letting the stripper dry prematurely.

As the stripper soaks in and penetrates the paint layers, bubbling and blistering begin. Use a plastic scraper to test if the paint is ready to be lifted off before proceeding.

2. Scrape Off Loosened Paint

Once paint has adequately softened, use your scraper to peel it away from metal surfaces. Hold the scraper at a 45° angle and apply firm, even pressure.

Slowly scrape with the wood grain on cabinet door and side panels to avoid gouges. Use lighter pressure on trim and edges. Disposable scrapers prevent paint chip residue.

Wipe away dissolved paint globs and stripper residue with mineral spirits frequently. Reapply stripper to any stubborn spots for another soak time.

3. Scrub With Steel Wool

Even after thorough scraping, residual paint often remains stuck to the metal. Use 0000 steel wool and mineral spirits to scrub off remaining residue.

Dip steel wool in mineral spirits then vigorously wipe stalled stripper areas, rinsing wool pads frequently. Switch to new steel wool once scrubbing effectiveness declines.

Take care around distressed areas, grooves, and decorative details. Avoid applying too much pressure, which can scratch metal. Wipe frequently with clean rags.

4. Sand and Wipe Down

Finally, sand any remaining rust spots, bumps, and irregularities using 150-220 grit sandpaper. Then, wipe down all stripped metal surfaces with mineral spirits to remove grease and residue.

Once completely dry, the filing cabinet is ready for priming and painting. Caution – do not let children or pets access the area until fumes dissipate. Proper stripping takes patience but yields professional results.

Common Problems When Stripping Paint Off Metal

Stripping old paint off metal filing cabinets seems straightforward but several issues can arise. Here are some common problems and fixes:

Stripper Not Penetrating Paint

If paint isn’t bubbling or blistering, the stripper isn’t penetrating. Allow more soak time, reapplying stripper until paint bubbles up. Ensure the metal is cleaner and drier before reapplying.

For surfaces with many paint layers or antiqued finishes, upgrade to a more powerful paste stripper. Avoid excess stripper dripping as this wastes product.

Burns and Skin Irritation

Paint stripper chemicals cause burns and rashes without proper skin protection. Always wear chemical-resistant gloves like nitrile. Long sleeves/pants prevent exposure.

Rinse any stripper contact immediately with water. Temporary stinging and redness means you must take greater precautions going forward.

Metal Discoloration

Stripped metal sometimes appears darker or yellowed after removing old paint. This happens when new metal below is revealed. Avoid over-scrubbing to prevent worse discoloration.

If slight, primer and fresh paint make the change unnoticeable. Severe darkening may need professional stripping beyond DIY methods.

Peeling Adjacent to Stripped Areas

Paint peeling or flaking near stripped areas means the stripper slightly weakened surrounding paint. Feather edges smooth with fine sandpaper.

Use primer and repainting to create a uniform appearance. In the future, apply stripper more precisely to avoid drift.

Rust Returning Quickly

New flash rust forming soon after stripping means the metal wasn’t cleaned/prepared properly before priming. Wipe down immediately with mineral spirits if rust appears.

Going forward, rinse stripped metal with vinegar and let dry fully prior to coating with primer to prevent continued rust problems.

Staying aware of common issues allows for quick troubleshooting. Focus on proper preparation, ventilation, and protection to avoid many stripping problems on metal cabinets.

Tips for Stripping Paint Faster

Paint stripping can be time-consuming. Here are tips for stripping paint from metal filing cabinets more quickly:

• Raise temperature – Heat accelerates chemical stripper reactions. Position a portable heater or lamps to warm the metal and reduce stripper dwell time. Don’t exceed 90°F.
• Use a power scraper – An electric paint scraper with reciprocating blades removes paint faster than manual scraping alone. Take care not to gouge metal.
• Apply thickly – The more stripper applied, the faster it works. Use an almost gunky amount, then reapply to keep it wet. Avoid excessive dripping.
• Score paint – Use coarse sandpaper or a scoring tool to rough up paint before stripping. This gives chemicals more surface area to penetrate the coating.
• Work in sections – Divide the cabinet into sections and strip in stages rather than all at once. This prevents reapplying over dried stripper.
• Use spray stripper – Spray-on strippers cover more area faster. Have a wet rag ready to immediately wipe to prevent dry spray.
• Upgrade products – Commercial-grade or aircraft paint strippers work more powerfully than standard versions. Use proper ventilation.
• Avoid delays – Scrape paint as soon as the stripper dwell time is up. Leaving it sit once bubbled allows paint to re-harden.

Small tweaks add up, allowing metal paint removal in hours instead of days. Work smart, not merely hard, when stripping for time savings.

How to Strip Paint From Metal Filing Cabinet Drawers

Don’t forget to strip paint from metal filing cabinet drawers along with the outer case. Follow this process:

Remove Drawer Contents

First, empty drawers completely so no items get damaged by paint stripper. Box and label the contents carefully for easy refiling later.

Dispose of any rubbish accumulated in drawers. A clean start makes refinishing easier.

Detach Drawers

Slide each drawer completely out from its runner tracks in the cabinet interior. Set drawers aside in a safe, covered spot to prevent dents.

Without drawers inserted, both drawer box exteriors and inside cabinet surfaces are accessible to strip.

Strip Drawer Box