How to Update Old Metal Kitchen Cabinets

Introduction

Updating old metal kitchen cabinets can completely transform the look and feel of your kitchen. While metal cabinets were very popular in past decades, they can start to look dated over time. However, with a little creativity and some DIY skills, you can give your old metal cabinets a fresh, modern update without a full renovation.

In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through all the steps needed to update old metal kitchen cabinets. We will cover cleaning, prepping, and painting techniques, as well as ideas for new hardware and accessories. With some time and effort, you can give your outdated metal cabinets a stylish facelift. Keep reading to learn how to update old metal kitchen cabinets and breathe new life into your kitchen!

Assess Your Existing Cabinets

Before updating your metal kitchen cabinets, take some time to assess their current condition. This will help you determine what steps are needed in the update process.

• Examine for rust or corrosion – Look inside and outside the cabinets for any areas of rust or corrosion. This can weaken the structural integrity of metal cabinets over time. Determine if any problem areas need to be sanded or filled before painting.
• Test doors and drawers – Open and close all doors and drawers to make sure they are functioning properly. Look for any loose hinges or sticking drawers. These issues should be addressed before you paint.
• Check for dents and damage – Inspect the cabinets closely for any dents, chips, or damage. Use spackling or wood filler to fix any imperfections before prepping for paint.
• Evaluate current layout – Consider if you want to reconfigure or replace any of the existing cabinets. Now is the time to replace any old or damaged cabinets.

Thoroughly examining your metal cabinets will inform any repairs, replacements, or layout changes to make prior to painting. Address any issues to ensure your painted cabinets look their best.

Clean Cabinets Thoroughly

Once you have assessed the condition, the next step is to clean the cabinets thoroughly prior to making any updates. Give them a deep clean to remove all grease, grime, and residue.

• Wear protective gloves and eye gear when cleaning. Old cabinet paint may contain lead.
• Remove all shelves, drawers, and hardware (handles, hinges).
• Wash cabinet boxes and doors with a strong degreasing cleaner or TSP substitute. Scrub with a heavy-duty sponge or brush.
• For stubborn grease stains, use a serious degreaser like Krud Kutter or Greased Lightning. Let it sit before scrubbing.
• Rinse cabinets thoroughly with clean water and let dry completely before painting.
• Clean all shelves, drawers, and hardware separately with soapy water.

Thorough cleaning removes all surface grease, dirt, and residue so the new paint job adheres well. Let all cabinet components dry fully before painting.

Sand and Prep the Cabinets

Once your metal kitchen cabinets are cleaned, proper sanding and prep ensures the new paint job sticks and lasts.

• Lightly sand cabinet boxes and doors with 220 grit sandpaper. This scuffs the surface for better paint adhesion.
• Use spackling to fill any holes, dents, or imperfections. Let spackling dry fully.
• Sand again with fine 320 or 400 grit sandpaper for a super smooth finish.
• Carefully sand edges and corners. Avoid rounding off sharp edges.
• Wipe sanded cabinets with a tack cloth to remove all dust.

Proper sanding and prep creates an ideal surface for your paint. Any glossy or slick areas won’t allow good adhesion. A final wipe with a tack cloth is key to remove any remaining dust.

Prime Cabinets Prior to Painting

Priming your kitchen cabinets before painting is one of the most critical steps. The right primer helps the paint adhere properly.

• For metal, use a high-quality bonding primer like Stix. This is formulated for slick surfaces.
• Apply a thin, even coat of primer with a small roller or brush. Too thick of a coat can cause drips or bubbles.
• If priming doors, use painter’s tape for clean edges along outside trim. Remove tape while primer is still wet to avoid pulling up paint.
• Let primer dry fully according to manufacturer’s directions before painting. Primer may take 2-3 hours to dry.
• Lightly sand primed cabinets with 400 grit sandpaper before painting. This helps the topcoat adhere best.

Primer is the key to a smooth, long-lasting paint job. Take your time applying an even coat of bonding primer formulated for metal or slick surfaces.

Paint Cabinets with High-Quality Paint

Choosing the right type of paint is critical when refinishing metal kitchen cabinets. The paint needs to adhere tightly and be durable.

• For metal cabinets, use a high-quality enamel paint such as Benjamin Moore’s Advance. This levels smoothly without brush strokes.
• Select a satin or semi-gloss finish, which is most durable for kitchen cabinets. High-gloss can show imperfections.
• Apply two thin, even coats of paint using a small foam roller or quality angled brush. Allow proper drying time between coats.
• Use painter’s tape for clean paint lines and edges. Remove tape immediately after painting before the paint dries.
• Allow final coat to cure fully 3-5 days before replacing cabinet hardware and accessories. Enamel paint takes time to reach full hardness.

The right enameled paint transforms old metal cabinets into a like-new finish. Apply multiple thin coats, allowing proper drying time between each.

Update Cabinet Hardware for a Modern Look

Once your metal cabinets are painted, updating the hardware is key to give them a fresh, modern look.

• Replace old or dated cabinet pulls and knobs with new hardware. Brass and bronze finishes give a chic, contemporary style.
• Paint or spray existing hardware an on-trend color like black, silver, or champagne gold. Remove hardware and prep properly before spraying.
• For a coordinating look, replace all visible hinges and drawer glides with the same metal finish as new handles and knobs. Use hinge paint to update hinges without full removal.
• Add modern accents like soft-close adapters for drawers and cabinets. These mechanisms prevent slamming.

Swapping in new hardware and accessories makes updated cabinets feel brand new. Complement your paint color with coordinating knobs, pulls, and hinges.

Add Functional Interior Organizers and Accessories

Don’t just stop with a fresh coat of paint! Adding handy organizational products maximizes your updated metal cabinets.

• Install pull-out shelves or drawers for blind corner cabinets. This utilizes wasted space.
• Add pull-out spice racks, tray dividers, or lazy susans for easy access to contents.
• Use shelf liners to prevent sliding or to cover shelving scratches and dents. Self-adhesive vinyl liners are removable and easy to clean.
• Insert pan and tray organizers to neatly store baking sheets, cutting boards, and other awkward items.
• Install under-cabinet lighting for better visibility when prepping food or cooking. LED strip lighting plugs into standard outlets.

Upgrade beyond the cosmetic updates by outfitting your revamped cabinets with handy organizational solutions. Take full advantage of every inch of storage space.

Consider Changing the Layout

If your kitchen feels outdated, assess if altering the existing cabinet footprint would make the space more functional.

• Remove upper cabinets to open up walls for a lighter, more modern look. Paint the exposed wall to complement.
• Take out banks of lower cabinets for open shelving. This also makes a kitchen feel more spacious.
• Switch single lower cabinets for drawer bases for more accessible storage. Full extension drawers maximize usable space.
• Replace old or damaged corner cabinets with modern alternatives. Lazy susans or cabinet “”swing-outs”” improve access.
• Install additional specialty pull-outs like spice racks, tray dividers, or appliance garages.

Don’t be afraid to make structural changes like removing cabinets or altering the footprint. Opening up kitchen walls visually expands the space.

How to Update Old Metal Kitchen Cabinets: Step-By-Step

Now that we’ve covered all the steps involved, let’s outline the full process for updating metal cabinets:

1. Thoroughly clean cabinets to remove grease and grime with a heavy-duty degreaser.
2. Remove doors, drawers, shelves, and all hardware. Set aside to clean separately later.
3. Sand boxes and doors with 220 grit sandpaper to rough up the surface.
4. Fill any holes or imperfections with wood filler and let dry completely.
5. Wipe sanded cabinets with a tack cloth to remove all dust.
6. Apply a bonding primer formulated for metal and let fully dry.
7. Lightly sand primed cabinets with 400 grit sandpaper. Wipe away dust with a tack cloth.
8. Paint cabinets with a high-quality semi-gloss enamel paint using a small foam roller. Apply multiple thin coats allowing proper drying time between coats.
9. Reinstall doors, now painted. Replace old hinges with updated hardware in a matching finish.

10.Clean, paint, and reinstall drawers, shelves, and all other hardware. Consider adding new functional accessories.

11. Seal paint with a polyurethane sealer for added protection and durability.

With this detailed step-by-step guide, you can completely transform your old outdated metal kitchen cabinets on your own. The result will be a revived kitchen updated for a modern look and utility.

Tips for Achieving a Flawless Painted Finish

Painting metal kitchen cabinets like a professional takes skill and practice. Follow these top tips for the best possible finish:

• Always use high-quality primer and paint formulated specifically for metal and cabinets. Cheap paint won’t last.
• Thoroughly clean and lightly sand the original cabinets first for proper paint adhesion.
• Apply thin coats of primer and paint using a small foam roller or premium angled brush. Thick coats can drip or bubble.
• Slowly roll paint on in sections versus all at once. Work methodically to ensure full coverage.
• Allow proper drying times between coats as directed by the paint manufacturer. Rushing the process can ruin the finish.
• Carefully remove painter’s tape from edges before the paint fully dries to prevent chipping or peeling.
• Caulk edges where cabinets meet walls, countertops, or adjacent cabinets for clean gaps without drips.

With care and patience, your DIY painted metal cabinet makeover can rival a professional remodel. Use top quality products and take your time.

Mistakes to Avoid When Painting Metal Cabinets

While painting kitchen cabinets seems straightforward, beginners often make some common mistakes. Avoid these pitfalls for a flawless finish:

• Skipping proper cleaning and sanding – For long-lasting paint adhesion, thoroughly clean and scuff cabinets first.
• Using cheap paint – Invest in premium primer and paint formulated especially for painting metal and cabinets.
• Rushing the drying time – Allow each coat to dry fully before adding another. Rushing it can ruin the final finish.
• Failing to remove doors and hardware – Painting with everything still attached makes for messy, imperfect results.
• Applying paint too thick – Multiple thin coats are better than one thick coat which can drip and pool.
• Forgetting painter’s tape on edges – Pull off tape once paint is applied but still wet. Leaving tape on creates a mess.
• Not fully sealing paint after – Protect painted cabinets by sealing with polyurethane or paste wax once fully cured.

Avoiding common mistakes like these helps new DIYers get pro-looking results. Take your time and use the right cabinet painting products and techniques.

FAQs About Updating Metal Kitchen Cabinets

Still have some questions about revamping old metal kitchen cabinets? Here we answer some frequently asked questions:

Should I remove doors and drawers before painting cabinets?

Yes, you should always remove doors, drawers, shelves, and hardware before painting. This allows for easier access to all cabinet surfaces and prevents paint getting onto components.

What type of paint adheres best to metal?

Look for oil or enamel-based paints formulated specifically for painting metal. Bonding primers also help paint stick to slick metal surfaces.

How do I get a smooth, brushstroke-free finish when painting cabinets?

Use a small foam roller rather than a brush. Roll paint on slowly in sections for even coverage without visible brushstrokes.

How long does it take for painted cabinets to fully cure?

Oil or enamel cabinet paints can take 3-5 days to fully cure and harden. Don’t replace hardware or dishes until paint has fully set up.

Should I hire a pro if I’ve never painted cabinets before?

With proper prep and products, painting cabinets is definitely a DIY-friendly project. Follow tips from this guide for success!

Taking the time to properly update old metal kitchen cabinets provides a huge payoff. With some elbow grease and a thorough step-by-step approach, even DIY beginners can achieve stunning results. Revive your outdated metal cabinets with a fresh modern look that makes your whole kitchen feel brand new.

Conclusion

In summary, updating old metal kitchen cabinets involves assessing their condition, thorough cleaning, sanding and priming, painting with a high-quality enamel, replacing hardware, adding accessories, and potentially modifying the layout. With the right products and techniques, this is a manageable DIY project that can give outdated cabinets new life. Avoid common mistakes, take your time, and follow the detailed steps outlined above for a successful makeover. Transforming dated metal cabinets is an affordable way to update your kitchen’s look without a full remodel.