What Color Paint is Best for Old Metal Cabinets?

Choosing the right paint color for old metal cabinets can transform a dated, worn-out kitchen into a fresh, stylish space. With so many paint colors and finishes available, it can be tricky to select the perfect shade that will complement your existing decor while also revitalizing your cabinets. Certain colors and paint types perform better than others on aging metal cabinetry. Understanding which hues work best, proper preparation and application techniques, and the durability of various paints can help you achieve beautiful results. This comprehensive guide covers all the essential factors to consider when deciding what color paint is best for old metal cabinets.

Benefits of Painting Old Metal Cabinets

Giving worn and outdated metal kitchen cabinets a fresh coat of paint offers many advantages:

• Cost-effective: Painting is much cheaper than buying brand new cabinetry. Even hiring a professional painter is typically less expensive than a full cabinet replacement.
• Quick update: It takes just a couple days to paint cabinets and give your kitchen an entirely new look. Much faster than a major remodel.
• Color change: Paint allows you to easily change the color of your cabinets to give your kitchen the exact style you want.
• Hide flaws: Paint will conceal dents, scratches, stains, and other imperfections in old cabinets.
• Protects metal: Adding new paint coats helps protect aging metal from additional wear and corrosion.
• Increase value: Updating old cabinets by painting them can boost the value of your home if you decide to sell.

Painting metal kitchen cabinets allows you to refresh your space while being budget-friendly. Choosing the ideal color for your old metal cabinets is the most important decision to make this transformation a success.

Factors to Consider When Selecting Paint Color

Many elements go into choosing a paint color for aging metal cabinets:

Cabinet Condition

The condition of your old cabinets will influence which paint colors work best. If the metal has visible scratches, dings, chips or stains, bolder darker colors like black or navy blue will help conceal imperfections better than light shades. For cabinets in good shape, any color palette can work.

Your Color Scheme

Select cabinet colors that complement elements already existing in your kitchen like the counters, backsplash, flooring, and walls. Contrasting or matching the tones already in the space are both viable options. Just ensure the cabinet color goes with other features instead of clashing.

Lighting

The amount and type of lighting in your kitchen impacts how paint colors appear. Shadowing from harsh overhead lighting can make dark paints seem dull and flat. Soft abundant lighting allows you to use any color. Bright light makes grays, off whites, and pastels gleam.

Personal Preference

Most importantly, pick a tone you find aesthetically pleasing. Be sure it fits your style and you enjoy seeing it every day. While trends come and go, choose colors that appeal to your unique taste.

Considering all these factors will guide you towards cabinet paint colors guaranteed to enhance your old metal cabinets and kitchen decor.

Best Paint Colors for Old Metal Cabinets

Certain hues and finish types prove particularly effective at revitalizing aging metal cabinetry. Here are the best paint colors to consider:

White

Crisp bright white paint makes old cabinets look fresh, clean, and contemporary. It reflects light well, making small kitchens feel more open. Timeless and versatile, white complements any style from modern farmhouse to traditional. To prevent discoloration on aged metal, opt for a bright white with cool undertones rather than warm.

Black

Bold, dramatic black paint can transform dated metal cabinets into an elegant statement piece. It masks dents and scratches better than lighter colors. The rich tone pairs nicely with stainless steel appliances and granite countertops. However, black shows crumbs and spills, so those with messy kids or a desire for low maintenance may want to avoid it.

Navy Blue

Deep navy blue evokes a nautical vibe perfect for a seaside cottage kitchen. This versatile hue works equally well modern and traditional spaces. Like black, it conceals imperfections well. To keep things light and bright, use navy on just the lower cabinets and a pale tone on top.

Gray

If you want to update your old cabinets without going too bold, gray is a great choice. From light silvery grays to darker charcoal shades, the options are limitless. Cool-toned grays look especially sharp on worn metal. Soft grays impart an airy cottage feel while bold slate gray makes a sophisticated statement.

Green

Vibrant green like emerald or sage effortlessly transform tired cabinets into the focal point of the kitchen. Depending on the shade, green can exude traditional, rustic, modern or eclectic personality. Deep hues work best for disguising metal flaws. Light greens give off a pleasant, relaxing vibe.

Yellow

Warm, cheerful shades of yellow from pastel buttercream to rich gold infuse any kitchen with a sunny disposition. More saturated yellows allow aged finishes to shine through while soft buttery tones hide imperfections. Yellow elicits cottage country or vintage flair. Use colorful accents throughout the space.

With an endless array of colors and finishes to choose from, selecting the perfect paint shade may seem overwhelming. Focus on colors that mask flaws, complement your existing decor, and appeal most to your personal taste.

Preparing Metal Cabinets for Painting

Proper preparation is crucial for achieving an attractive painted finish on old metal cabinets. Here are some steps to take:

• Clean cabinets to remove grease and grime with a degreaser. Going over surfaces with a mixed solution of TSP and water helps prep for painting.
• Sand cabinet fronts using 220-400 grit sandpaper to rough up the surface and help paint adhere better.
• De-gloss doors and fronts if your cabinets have an existing glossy finish. Use a liquid deglosser, fine grit sandpaper, or special deglossing pads.
• Fill any holes or cracks with spackle and let dry completely. Sand smooth.
• Prime cabinets with a quality metal primer like Rust-Oleum. Two coats ensures optimal adhesion. Allow proper drying time between coats.

Proper prep cleans away grime, roughens up surfaces, removes any gloss, and seals raw wood. Starting with smooth properly primed metal prevents paint cracking or peeling later on.

Best Paint Options for Metal Cabinets

Once your cabinets are prepped, you can select the ideal paint. Certain paints work best for achieving a durable finish on aging metal:

Alkyd Enamel

Alkyd enamel paint contains oils that provide strong adhesion on slick metal and a glossy durable finish. It dries slower than latex but resists chipping and yellowing. Alkyd enamels like Benjamin Moore’s Impervex provide a brilliant glossy finish.

Acrylic Latex

Water-based acrylic latex paints create a lovely satin finish. Options formulated for metals and high traffic areas like Sherwin-Williams ProClassic offer great adhesion and durability on cabinets. Latex paints dry fast but have some drawbacks for metals like susceptibility to scratching.

Epoxy Paint

Two-part epoxy paints create an ultra-durable glass-like finish that resists moisture, scratches, fading and stains. Epoxies adhere extremely well to metals. However, they contain harsh VOCs, require mixing, have a short pot life, and only come in limited colors.

Powder Coating

Powder coating involves applying colored polymer powder to metal and baking it to form a bonded plastic-like coating. Although it requires special equipment, powder coating delivers the ultimate smooth durable finish on metals. It’s more expensive than painting but lasts for many years.

The right paint choice depends on your budget, desired finish, and how long you want results to last. Work with a knowledgeable paint retailer to select the best paint for your goals.

Tips for Painting Old Metal Cabinets

Follow these tips when painting to achieve flawless results:

• Use high-quality mini roller sleeves and angled paintbrushes to reach narrow spaces. Disposable foam rollers apply paint smoothly.
• Work methodically cleaning, priming, and painting one cabinet door or drawer at a time to prevent dripping wet paint from drying at uneven intervals.
• Seal all exposed raw wood edges with primer before painting to prevent moisture damage.
• Allow proper drying times between coats as specified by the paint product directions to prevent trapped moisture bubbles.
• Lightly sand with fine 220 grit sandpaper between coats for enhanced adhesion.
• Apply thin even coats and avoid drips by not overloading the roller or brush with paint.
• Use painter’s tape for clean defined edges and to protect nearby surfaces from drips.
• Finish with a high-quality polyurethane in a matte or satin sheen for added protection.

With the right color choice, paint, tools, and techniques, you can give your outdated metal cabinets an amazingly sleek and stylish makeover that will last for years. Transforming the heart of your home by updating old metal cabinets with a fresh coat of paint provides immense satisfaction along with a beautiful new kitchen.

Frequently Asked Questions About Painting Metal Cabinets

Here are answers to some common questions about painting aging metal kitchen cabinets:

What kind of paint adheres best to old metal cabinets?

Quality metal primer followed by alkyd enamel, acrylic latex designed for metals, or epoxy paint will provide the strongest adhesion on slick aged metal cabinet surfaces.

What finish looks best on old metal cabinets?

A high-gloss finish better conceals imperfections on aged metal. Satin finishes hide flaws well while providing some nice sheen. Matte or flat finishes show more defects.

How do you prep old cabinets for painting?

Thoroughly clean grease and grime off cabinet surfaces using TSP or degreaser solutions. Sand to rough up the finish. De-gloss shiny areas. Fill any holes or cracks with spackle. Prime with a bonding metal primer.

Should you scuff sand metal cabinets before painting?

Lightly scuff sanding with 220 grit sandpaper before priming and painting allows for better mechanical adhesion by roughing up the slick surface of aged metal cabinets.

Can you use kitchen cabinet paint on old metal cabinets?

Yes, quality kitchen cabinet paints like Benjamin Moore’s Advance work great on aging metal cabinets. The self-leveling qualities help produce a smooth finish. Just be sure to prep and prime properly first.

How long does it take to paint metal kitchen cabinets?

The painting process typically takes 2-3 days. Day 1 for cleaning and sanding, day 2 for priming, and day 3 for painting 2 coats including drying times. Smaller projects may only take 1-2 days.

Revitalizing worn metal kitchen cabinets with a fresh coat of paint in an updated color makes a huge impact. Following the recommendations in this guide will help you achieve amazing long-lasting results. With a well-executed paint job, your dated metal cabinets can look incredibly stylish, trendy and custom for a fraction of the price of new cabinetry.

Conclusion

Painting your old metal kitchen cabinets can give a dated kitchen a spectacular makeover while being budget-friendly. Choosing the right paint color is key to making sure your refreshed metal cabinets coordinate beautifully with your existing decor. Whites, grays, navy blues, blacks, greens and yellows are all great color choices depending on the look you want and your kitchen’s current color scheme. Prepare cabinet surfaces properly, select a high-quality paint in alkyd enamel or metal-suited latex, and employ good painting practices. The result will be stunning cabinets that look brand new, yet still reflect your unique personal style. With a wide range of colors and finishes to select from, you can give your old metal cabinets any exciting new look you desire with a simple paint job. Get ready to transform your kitchen affordably into a freshly stylish space you will enjoy for years to come.