A metal file cabinet is a classic piece of office furniture that has been around for decades. While metal file cabinets remain popular for their durability, security, and style, they can start to look dated over time. Updating a metal file cabinet is an easy and budget-friendly way to give your office a fresh new look without having to replace the cabinet entirely. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to update metal file cabinets to keep them looking their best.

Clean the Inside and Outside of the File Cabinet

The first step in updating a metal file cabinet is to thoroughly clean both the inside and outside. This will create a blank canvas for you to work on.

Supplies Needed

• All-purpose cleaner or degreaser
• Clean cloths
• Toothbrush or other small scrub brush

Directions

1. Remove all files and folders from the drawers. This will make it easier to access all surfaces.
2. Wipe down the outside of the cabinet with an all-purpose cleaner or degreaser and a clean cloth. Pay special attention to handles and edges where dirt accumulates.
3. Use a small scrub brush or toothbrush dipped in cleaner to scrub away any grime built up in grooves, corners, or engraved details.
4. Clean the drawers inside and out with your all-purpose cleaner and clean cloths.
5. Use compressed air or a vacuum with a brush attachment to remove dust from hard to reach areas like drawer glides or ventilation holes.

Thoroughly cleaning your metal file cabinet provides the perfect blank slate for your cosmetic upgrades. Once dry, it will look refreshed.

Sand Down Any Rust Spots

While metal file cabinets are incredibly durable, they can develop light rusting or corrosion over many years of use. If your cabinet has any rust spots, take the time to sand them down before applying any new paint or finishes.

Supplies Needed

• Fine grit sandpaper (180 or 220 grit)
• Masking tape
• Tack cloth

Directions

1. Lightly sand any rust spots using fine grit sandpaper. Start with 180 or 220 grit. You want to smooth and blend the areas without stripping all the cabinet’s original finish.
2. Use masking tape to tape off any adjacent surfaces you don’t want to disturb, like a laminate countertop.
3. Wipe away all sanding dust with a tack cloth once finished.

Sanding down light rust will help your paint adhere properly while blending any blemishes into the original finish.

Apply New Paint or Finish

Applying a fresh coat of paint or metal finish will instantly give your outdated file cabinet a modern facelift. You can choose spray paint for a smooth factory finish or brush-on paint for a more artisanal look.

Supplies Needed

• High-quality spray paint or brush-on paint in your color of choice
• Painters tape
• Tarp or drop cloth
• Sandpaper (180 and 220 grit)
• Tack cloth
• Paint brush and mini foam roller (for brush-on paint)

Directions

1. Thoroughly clean and sand the cabinet according to the steps above to create an ideal surface for painting.
2. Use painter’s tape to mask off any areas you don’t want painted, like cabinet interior or adjacent surfaces.
3. For spray paint: Lay down a tarp or drop cloth. Follow the directions on the can for best application, shaking vigorously before use and spraying in even strokes from about 8 inches away. Apply 2-3 thin coats for a smooth finish, letting dry completely between coats.
4. For brush-on paint: Use a small paint brush for edges and hard to reach areas, then quickly roll over flat surfaces with a mini foam roller for an even coat free of brushstrokes. Apply 2-3 thin coats, allowing to dry fully between each.
5. Once the final coat has dried, remove any masking tape and wipe away any last specks of dust with a tack cloth.

A fresh coat of paint is an easy way to update the look of your metal file cabinets to be more modern and stylish.

Add New Hardware

Switching out the existing hardware for updated handles and knobs is an inexpensive way to give your newly painted file cabinet a complete facelift. Look for hardware that complements your new color scheme.

Supplies Needed

• New cabinet hardware (handles or knobs)
• Screwdriver

Directions

1. Use a screwdriver to carefully remove the existing hardware. Try to keep screws organized.
2. Clean hardware holes thoroughly since old paint or rust could affect the fit of new hardware.
3. Referring to the hardware instructions, install new handles or knobs in the same configuration as the old hardware unless you want to change the layout.
4. Tighten all screws securely, being careful not to strip the holes.

New knobs or handles provide the perfect finishing touch, adding style and personality to your refreshed metal file cabinet.

Add Organization Inside Drawers

Now that the outside has been spruced up, focus on optimizing the inside of your file cabinet by adding organizational elements to the drawers. This will make your new filing system as efficient as its sleek exterior.

Supplies Needed

• File folders
• Hanging file folders + bars
• Dividers or folders
• Drawer organizer trays
• Label maker

Directions

1. Designate drawers for specific file types – hanging files, letter/legal files, additional accessory drawers for supplies.
2. Install hanging file bars in any drawers designated for hanging folders. Transfer existing files to new labeled folders.
3. Use drawer dividers, partitions or file folder organizer trays to divide other drawers into sections for letter/legal files.
4. Label new file folders clearly with your label maker. Organize in alphabetical or chronological order.
5. Use accessory drawers to store office supplies like pens, notepads, etc. Use dividers to organize.

Optimizing your drawers with new filing tools tailored to your needs will make your updated filing system as sleek and modern as its exterior.

Add Style with Accessories

Personalize your finished file cabinet and jazz up your office space by accenting with fun accessories and decorative flair.

Ideas

• Add a plant on top for an organic accent
• Use baskets or trays to corral smaller supplies
• Stick on patterned contact paper inside drawers for a pop of color
• Attach a bulletin board to show off reminders and photos
• Add a small bench or plant stand next to the cabinet for display space

Get creative with stylish accents that show off your personality while complementing your newly updated metal file cabinet. The options are endless!

With a little elbow grease and creativity, giving new life to a tired metal file cabinet is a fun and achievable DIY project, resulting in a storage solution that looks and functions better than ever before. Just follow these key steps:

1. Clean inside and out
2. Sand down any rust
3. Apply fresh paint or finish
4. Switch out hardware
5. Organize inside drawers
6. Add accessories and style

In just a weekend, you can fully transform an outdated metal filing cabinet into a custom storage solution that makes the perfect statement in your office.

FAQ Related to Updating Metal File Cabinets

Upgrading metal file cabinets is a great way to refresh your office’s look on a budget. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about giving metal file cabinets a facelift:

Is it hard to paint a metal file cabinet?

Painting metal file cabinets is actually quite easy! The key steps are preparing the surface by sanding, applying 2-3 thin coats of adhesion promoting primer, and using spray paint or brush-on paint for the topcoat color. Painter’s tape helps protect interior surfaces. Just be sure to let each coat dry fully before adding the next.

What kind of paint adheres best to metal?

For the best adhesion on metal filing cabinets, use primer specifically formulated for metal before applying your topcoat of paint. Oil-based primers and spray paints formulated for metal adhere especially well compared to other types of paint.

How do you update old metal office furniture?

Some easy ways to update old metal office furniture include:

• Clean thoroughly and remove any rust
• Apply a fresh coat of paint in a modern color
• Replace outdated hardware like knobs and handles
• Add new organizational elements like file dividers
• Stick on contact paper inside drawers for an instant pop of color
• Style decoratively with accessories like plants, baskets or trays

Can you change the color of metal filing cabinets?

Yes, metal filing cabinets can definitely be repainted to change the color. As long as you prepare the surface properly by cleaning and sanding, prime, and apply spray paint formulated for metal, you can easily restore a metal file cabinet to look like new or transform the color completely.

What is the most popular color for file cabinets?

Traditional file cabinet colors are neutrals like black, grey, beige or white. But updating the color with a statement shade like navy blue, red, green or yellow is a great way to add personality. Pick a color that complements your office’s existing color scheme.

What is the most durable type of file cabinet?

Metal filing cabinets are the most durable option. Look for steel cabinets rather than aluminum. Check that the drawers have steel ball-bearing slides for smooth opening and closing over years of use. Durable baked enamel finishes also help metal cabinets withstand wear and tear while looking great.

What are the different types of file cabinets?

Common types of file cabinets include:

• Vertical filing cabinets in 2, 3, 4, or 5 drawer models. Can be found in letter or legal width.
• Lateral filing cabinets that sit horizontally with lengths like 2, 3, 4, or 5 feet. Often used for long term storage.
• Fireproof/fire-resistant metal filing cabinets that protect documents from damage. Useful for important records.
• Card file cabinets with shallow drawers to organize index cards or recipes.

What should you not use to organize file cabinets?

Avoid using materials like string, paper clips, and rubber bands inside your file cabinet long term as they can break down over time. Opt for metal bars, folders, dividers, tabs, and labels when organizing your updated filing system for the most durable and professional look.

Keeping your filing cabinets looking updated does not have to involve a huge hassle or expense. With some simple cleaning, sanding, paint, new hardware, and organizational accessories, you can give tired metal file cabinets new life with just a weekend of work.

In Conclusion

Updating drab metal file cabinets is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to quickly give your office space a fresh new look. Follow this step-by-step guide to clean, paint, update hardware, organize interiors, and accessorize for a custom filing cabinet makeover. With the right preparation, materials and some creative flair, you can tackle this project in just a weekend. Your important files will be housed in style with a filing system that looks as good as it functions. Keep your metal file cabinets looking their best for years to come with these useful tips for repainting, reorganizing and revitalizing a tried-and-true office essential.