What is Needed to Paint a Metal Cabinet
Painting metal cabinets can update the look of your kitchen, bathroom, or any other room in your home. With the right preparation and materials, you can achieve a smooth, durable finish. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to paint metal cabinets like a pro.
Introduction
Painting metal cabinets allows you to transform the look of your space without the high cost of installing brand new cabinetry. With a bit of elbow grease and the right supplies, you can change the color, hide flaws, or just freshen things up. Painting metal is very doable as a DIY project if you have the proper tools and take the time to prepare the surface correctly.
When approaching a metal cabinet painting project, follow these basic steps:
- Clean and prepare the metal surface
- Choose the right metal primer
- Select a durable cabinet paint
- Apply primer and paint using proper brush techniques
- Add protective clear coat for a smooth finish
Follow the recommendations in this guide and you’ll end up with a gorgeous, professional-looking paint job that will hold up for years to come.
What Type of Paint to Use on Metal Cabinets
Choosing the right type of paint is critical for getting great results painting metal cabinets. The product needs to adhere properly, resist wear and tear, and hold up to cleaning. Here are the best options:
Oil-Based and Enamel Paints
Paints that contain oil, such as enamel and alkyd, work extremely well on metal. The oils allow the paint to flex as the metal expands and contracts without cracking or chipping. Enamel paints provide a smooth, glass-like finish that cleans up easily.
Epoxy Paint
Two-part epoxy paints create an extra durable finish. The epoxy resins form a plastic-like coating that protects against scratches, stains, and wear. Epoxy paint adheres very well to metals.
Urethane Paints
Urethane paints such as polyurethane are also extremely durable choices for metal cabinets. Like epoxy, polyurethane resists scratching, staining, and wear while providing excellent adhesion.
Acrylic Latex Paint
Water-based acrylic latex paints are affordable and easy to apply. However, they are less flexible than oil-based options and require a primer for proper adhesion on metal. For high-traffic kitchens or bathrooms, acrylic latex won’t hold up as well overtime.
No matter what paint you choose, always use a primer made specifically for metal underneath. The primer helps the topcoat adhere properly for a long-lasting finish.
Supplies Needed to Paint Metal Cabinets
Gathering the right supplies will make your painting project go faster and turn out better. Here are the must-have items for painting metal:
- Metal primer – Etching or bonding primer adheres paint to slick metal surfaces.
- Paint – Oil-based enamel, epoxy, urethane, or high-quality acrylic latex.
- Paint brushes – Angled sash brushes for cutting in edges, wider brushes for larger areas.
- Paint roller – For quickly covering large flat surfaces.
- Drop cloths – Protect floors and countertops from paint drips and spills.
- Painters tape – Mask off edges for a clean paint line.
- Sandpaper – 220 grit and finer for sanding between coats.
- Tack cloths – Lint-free cloths remove dust between sanding.
- Mineral spirits – For cleaning brushes and thinning paint if needed.
- Rags – For wiping up messes and drips.
- Putty knife or plastic scraper – Helpful for removing any loose paint or rust.
- Steel wool – Extra coarse grade helps prep and scuff up metal.
- Chemical stripper – For removing old flaking paint if needed.
- Protective equipment – Gloves, eyewear, mask/respirator if spraying.
How to Prepare Metal Cabinets for Painting
Preparing the surface is the most important step for achieving long-lasting paint adhesion. Follow these steps:
1. Remove Doors and Hardware
Taking off the cabinet doors and handles allows you to fully access all surfaces. Set the hardware aside in a safe place.
2. Clean the Metal
Use a degreasing cleaner or solvent like mineral spirits to thoroughly clean all surfaces. This removes any oils, grease, wax, or other residue.
3. Scuff Up the Metal
Use 100 grit or coarser sandpaper to lightly scuff the surface. This helps the primer and paint adhere properly. Focus on any glossy or smooth areas.
4. Spot Sand Rusted Areas
If there is any rust present, sand these areas with steel wool or 80-100 grit sandpaper until only clean metal remains.
5. Apply Rust Converter (If Needed)
For heavily rusted areas, use a rust converter/metal primer before painting. Let it fully cure.
6. Fill Any Holes/Imperfections
Use spackling paste or metal-specific filler compound to patch any holes, dents, or cracks for a smooth finish. Allow to dry completely.
7. Lightly Sand Again
Give all areas a final scuff sanding with fine 220 grit sandpaper before priming.
Thorough surface prep removes any barriers to paint adhesion for far superior results.
How to Paint Metal Cabinets
Once your metal cabinets are prepped, you’re ready to apply primer and paint. Follow these steps:
1. Apply Primer
Use a high-quality metal primer to coat all surfaces. Etching primers chemically bond to metal to provide maximum adhesion. Allow to fully dry.
2. Lightly Sand Primer
Gently sand the primer coat with fine 220 grit sandpaper to smooth any drips or texture.
3. Clean and Tack Cloth
Wipe down all surfaces with a clean rag and mineral spirits. Use a tack cloth to remove any leftover dust.
4. Paint First Coat
Apply the first coat of your chosen paint using a brush, roller, or sprayer. Work in thin, even coats allowing full drying time between.
5. Lightly Sand Paint
Once dry, lightly sand again with 220 grit sandpaper to smooth out any brush marks or drips.
6. Wipe Clean
Use a clean rag and mineral spirits to wipe away all dust. Tack cloth the surface.
7. Apply Second Coat
Paint on another coat. For the smoothest finish, spray painting works best.
8. Allow to Fully Cure
Check the paint can for full cure times. This is the time required for the paint to reach maximum hardness and durability.
9. Reinstall Doors and Hardware
Once fully cured, put the cabinet doors, drawers, handles, and hinges back in place. Avoid shutting doors until the paint has fully hardened.
Tips for Achieving a Flawless Painted Metal Finish
Follow these best practices for getting professional results:
- Always use high-quality primer and paint designed for metal
- Allow proper drying times between coats
- Work in a dust-free space
- Maintain a wet edge while painting
- Apply in thin, even coats using overlapping strokes
- Be patient – rushing leads to drips and errors
- Lightly sand between coats for a smooth finish
- Finish with a protective clear coat for added durability
Take your time with proper prep work and application. The end results will be worth the effort.
Common Questions about Painting Metal Cabinets
Many people have additional questions when starting a metal cabinet painting project. Here are answers to some of the most common queries:
Can I use latex paint on metal cabinets?
You can use latex, but it won’t hold up as well as oil-based options. Always use a metal primer first for proper adhesion. Enamel, epoxy, and urethane paints are better choices.
What sheen is best for painting cabinets?
A satin, eggshell, or semi-gloss sheen provides the right balance of durability and aesthetic. High-gloss shows more imperfections. Matte is prone to scuffing.
How long does it take to paint metal cabinets?
Plan on at least 5-7 days from start to finish. 1-2 days for prep work, 2 days for primer/paint coats with drying time in between, and another day for reassembling the doors.
Should I remove cabinet doors or paint them in place?
Removing the doors provides easier access to all sides. Lay doors on sawhorses to paint. If leaving in place, use small angled brushes.
Can I spray paint metal cabinets?
Yes, spray painting provides the smoothest, most seamless finish. Use HVLP or airless sprayers to avoid drips and texture.
How long does painted metal last?
With proper prep and application, painted metal cabinets can last 5-10 years before needing touch ups. Use topcoat clear coat for added protection.
Transforming Your Space with Painted Metal Cabinets
Painting metal cabinets opens up many possibilities for customizing your home. Here are some great ways to utilize painted metal cabinetry:
- Go bold – Make a dramatic statement with bright, saturated hues like fire engine red, cobalt blue, or lime green. Glossy enamel paints make colors pop.
- Get creative – Try painted ombre or stenciled designs. Mix colors on cabinet face frames and sides. Paint the interior a fun accent shade.
- Freshen up neutrals – Give greige, white, or black cabinets new life with a coat of paint in the same neutral family. A satin sheen updates their look.
- Lighten and brighten – For a cheerful cottage or farmhouse vibe, paint metal cabinets in soft pastels like pale yellow, robin’s egg blue, or muted sage green.
- Modernize your kitchen – Sleek gray cabinets lend contemporary style painted in hues from light pewter to dark graphite. Combine with polished chrome hardware.
- Warm up your space – Rich shades like chocolate, deep red, and navy blue bring cozy, inviting warmth to kitchens, baths, and living areas.
Whatever color and sheen you choose, prepare properly so your painted metal cabinets maintain their like-new look for years of enjoyment.
Conclusion
Painting metal cabinets allows you to transform the look of your space without the investment of brand new cabinetry. With the right products, preparation, and painting technique, you can achieve showroom-worthy results. Use an etching primer, quality oil-based or epoxy paints, and protective topcoat. Prepare all surfaces thoroughly prior to painting. Allow proper drying time between coats. Finish with a clear coat for added protection. Your freshly painted metal cabinets will look amazing while holding up to busy kitchen or bath use.
