What Color to Paint Metal Kitchen Cabinets

Kitchens are often considered the heart of a home. It’s where families gather to cook, eat, and spend quality time together. And if your kitchen features metal cabinets, you likely want to choose a fresh, inviting color for painting them. With so many color options for metal kitchen cabinets, it can be tricky deciding which hue is best for your space and style. This comprehensive guide will explore popular metal kitchen cabinet colors, provide color pairing ideas, and outline the painting process to help you choose the perfect shade.

Benefits of Painting Metal Kitchen Cabinets

Painting metal kitchen cabinets offers many advantages compared to replacing them. Some key benefits include:

• Cost savings – A fresh coat of paint is significantly cheaper than buying and installing new cabinets. Painting provides an affordable way to update the look of your kitchen.
• Quick update – Repainting cabinets provides a fast and easy kitchen refresh. The project can typically be completed over a weekend without extensive renovations.
• Custom color – Paint allows you to customize your cabinets to any color your heart desires. You’re not limited to standard wood stain options.
• Protects metal – Paint forms a protective barrier against scratches, dings, rust, and other damage. It helps preserve the condition of metal cabinets.
• Easier maintenance – Painted cabinets are much simpler to clean as grease and grime don’t penetrate the finish. A quick wipe down is all you need.

With proper preparation and application, painting metal cabinets can give your kitchen an affordable facelift with stunning results.

Preparing Metal Cabinets for Painting

Proper prep work before painting is crucial for achieving an enduring, high-quality finish on metal cabinets. Follow these key steps to get your cabinets paint-ready:

Clean Surfaces Thoroughly

Remove all grease, dirt, dust and debris from cabinet surfaces using a degreasing cleaner or mild dish soap solution. Rinse thoroughly and let dry completely.

Sand Glossy Areas

Use 220 grit sandpaper to scuff up any glossy spots. This helps the paint adhere properly. Focus on sanding doors, frames and any shiny areas.

Repair Damage

Fix dents, scratches or rust spots using filler products. Sand repaired areas smooth.

Remove Doors and Hardware

Taking cabinet doors off the hinges provides easier access for painting. Remove all hardware like knobs and hinges too.

Use Primer

Applying primer is a must before painting metal. It helps the topcoat bond tightly. Use a high-quality metal primer specifically formulated for kitchen cabinets.

Following these steps will get your metal cabinets paint-ready for a flawless, lasting finish.

Best Color Options for Metal Kitchen Cabinets

Paint can transform the entire vibe of your kitchen. When selecting a color for metal cabinets, consider the size of your space, amount of natural light, cabinet style, countertops and backsplash. Here are some of the best colors to consider:

Classic White

A crisp white is a timeless and versatile choice. It creates a light, airy look and matches any style. White makes small spaces appear larger too. Pair with contrasting countertops and backsplash tile for a striking combo.

Bright White

For a clean but slightly warmer look, consider a bright white with subtle yellow undertones such as Swiss Coffee. It provides warmth without feeling too creamy.

Soft Gray

A pale gray like Worldly Gray or Weathered White has a calming presence that works with any kitchen decor. Gray beautifully complements white countertops and stainless steel appliances.

Navy Blue

For a bold and sophisticated style, navy blue cabinets make a dramatic statement. The dark hue contrasts beautifully against light walls, counters and backsplash.

Forest Green

Deep green cabinets bring a charming cottage feel to a kitchen. Paired with natural wood counters and antique-style hardware, green makes for a cozy, timeworn look.

Black

Sleek, stylish black metal cabinets create a modern, edgy vibe. Contrast with light walls and surfaces for contemporary appeal.

Red

A bright cherry red or fire engine red adds retro flair to a kitchen. It makes a bold, lively statement full of personality.

Keep your overall design aesthetic in mind when selecting a shade for metal cabinets. And don’t forget to factor in the undertones of surrounding surfaces.

Ideal Color Combinations

Certain cabinet and countertop color pairings complement each other beautifully while also serving functional purposes. Here are some attractive combinations for metal kitchen cabinets:

White Cabinets + Gray Countertops

A classic combo, white cabinets keep things light and airy against the sleek, cool look of gray counters like concrete, quartz or stone.

Blue Cabinets + White Countertops

Vivid blue cabinets provide a preppy vibe against crisp white countertops for a nautical New England-inspired kitchen.

Green Cabinets + Butcher Block Countertops

Earthy green cabinets complimented by natural butcher block counters create a charming cottage kitchen aesthetic.

Black Cabinets + White Countertops

For dramatic contrast, jet black cabinets pop against bright white countertops like marble or quartz.

Red Cabinets + Black Countertops

Make a bold statement by pairing vibrant red cabinets with sophisticated black granite or soapstone countertops.

Gray Cabinets + Wood Countertops

Cool gray painted cabinets offset warm wood counters beautifully. The mix of materials creates eye-catching depth.

Painting metal kitchen cabinets opens up many exciting color combinations. Select shades that suit your personal style while also coordinating with other kitchen elements.

Paint Sheen for Best Results

When selecting cabinet paint, pay attention to the sheen. Paint sheen determines how glossy or flat the finished surface will appear. The best sheen for metal kitchen cabinets is:

Satin

With a smooth, velvety finish that reflects some light, satin provides the ideal sheen for cabinets. It resists staining and marring while tolerating humidity and moisture. Satin offers a sophisticated medium gloss that enhances cabinetry without appearing too shiny.

Other sheens to avoid:

• Flat – Too dull for cabinets and shows imperfections
• High gloss – Reflective and reveals flaws
• Semi-gloss – Slightly shiny but not as durable as satin

Always stick with satin enamel paint formulated especially for metal kitchen cabinets. The right sheen makes a big difference in the final look and durability.

Painting Process

Follow these steps for successfully painting metal cabinets:

1. Wash and Dry

Use a degreaser to remove all dirt, grease and debris from cabinets. Let them dry completely.

2. Remove Items

Take cabinet doors off hinges along with all hardware and lighting fixtures. Remove all contents from inside cabinets.

3. Lightly Sand

Use 220 grit sandpaper to rough up any glossy areas for better paint adhesion.

4. Wipe Away Dust

Clean sanded surfaces with a tack cloth to remove all dust particles before painting.

5. Apply Primer

Use a high-quality metal primer specifically made for cabinets. Apply a thin, even coat and let dry fully.

6. Lightly Sand Primer

Gently sand the primer coat with fine sandpaper to create a smooth surface for painting.

7. Paint Coats

Apply two to three thin, even coats of satin enamel cabinet paint allowing proper drying time between coats.

8. Replace Hardware

Once paint has cured fully, reattach doors, hardware, fixtures and cabinet contents.

Follow these steps properly and you’ll have gorgeously painted metal kitchen cabinets.

FAQs About Painting Metal Kitchen Cabinets

Still have some questions? Here are answers to the most common queries about painting metal cabinets:

What type of paint should I use?

Use high-quality satin enamel paint designed specifically for painting kitchen cabinets. Avoid universal paints.

Do I need to use primer?

Always apply a metal primer coat first to help the paint stick. Priming prevents flaking or peeling.

How long does the paint last?

When properly prepped and applied, quality cabinet paint lasts 3-5 years before needing touch ups.

How do I get a smooth finish?

Proper sanding between coats ensures an ultra smooth finish. Take time prepping surfaces.

What parts of cabinets should be painted?

Paint the exterior of cabinet boxes and doors along with frames, faces and any visible sides. Don’t paint inside cabinet interiors.

Should I paint doors on or off cabinets?

Painting doors off provides the most even, professional results without mess and drips.

Prepping surfaces thoroughly and using the right products will result in spectacular painted metal cabinets.

Tips for Successfully Painting Metal Cabinets

Follow these pro tips when painting kitchen cabinets for flawless results:

• Always clean metal with degreaser and let dry fully before starting.
• Sand painted areas between coats for an ultra smooth finish.
• Work in a dust-free space to avoid particles sticking to fresh paint.
• Opt for high-end paint designed specifically for kitchen cabinets.
• Use a quality brush and mini foam roller for the smoothest coat.
• Follow the product drying times before adding another layer.
• Seal painted surfaces with a clear topcoat for added protection.
• Don’t forget to paint cabinet trim, molding and frames that are visible.
• Use painter’s tape to prevent drips and runs around cabinet edges.
• Start with the cabinet interior frames before painting external surfaces.

Invest time in proper prep work and apply paint carefully. With patience and the right methods, your metal cabinets will look factory fresh in their new color.

Achieve a Flawless Painted Cabinet Finish

The right color choice can transform plain metal cabinets into the stunning focal point of your kitchen. Hopefully this guide provided helpful insights and tips for selecting a shade that suits your style, space and cabinetry. Preparing surfaces thoroughly and applying paint with care will result in a smooth, durable finish.

Painting metal kitchen cabinets allows you to affordably customize your space. So don’t be afraid to get creative with color to revitalize your kitchen with a colorful pop that matches your personality. With the proper tools and techniques, you can achieve magazine-worthy results.