What is the Best Way to Paint Metal Cabinets?

Painting metal cabinets can completely transform the look of your kitchen or bathroom. With the right prep work and painting technique, you can give old metal cabinets a fresh, updated appearance. Here is a comprehensive guide on the best practices for painting metal cabinets.

Clean the Cabinets Thoroughly

Before painting, it’s crucial to clean the metal cabinets so the new paint will adhere properly. Follow these steps:

• Remove all doors, drawers, and hardware (hinges, knobs etc). Set screws aside in a container.
• Wash the cabinet boxes, doors, and drawers with a degreasing agent like TSP substitute or heavy-duty dish soap. This removes built-up grease and oils.
• Scrub with a stiff bristle brush and rinse clean. Let dry fully.
• Use a silicone/wax remover if cabinets were previously waxed. This helps the paint stick. Wipe clean.
• Lightly sand glossy surfaces to dull the finish so paint can grip better.
• Clean up dust with a tack cloth. The cabinets should now be clean and ready for painting.

Properly Prepare the Metal Surface

Prepping metal cabinets for painting is crucial for getting great results. Here are the key steps:

• Scuff sand each cabinet box, door, and drawer using 180-220 grit sandpaper. This roughs up the surface for painting.
• Clean metal with a tack cloth one final time to remove dust.
• Apply a high-quality bonding primer made for metal. Allow to fully dry per label instructions.
• Lightly sand the primed cabinets with fine 320-400 grit sandpaper to smooth them out.
• Wipe clean with a tack cloth again. The cabinets are now ready for your topcoat paint.

Choose the Right Paint for Metal Cabinets

When selecting paint for metal cabinets, you want a formulation designed to stick to slick surfaces. Consider these options:

• Enamel paint: Provides a glossy, durable finish that resists yellowing. Popular for kitchen cabinets.
• Acrylic latex paint: More budget-friendly option that sticks well when used with primer. Has a matte finish.
• Epoxy paint: Two-part paint extremely resistant to chipping, scratches and stains. Used for high-wear situations.
• Chalk paint: Matte finish paint creates a distressed, vintage look. Wax applied on top.

For most metal cabinet projects, a quality enamel or latex paint will perform great.

Apply Paint in Thin, Even Coats

The key to smoothly painted metal cabinets is using thin coats of paint and allowing proper drying time between coats. Follow these tips:

• Use a high-quality trim brush for cutting in edges and painting details. Use a small foam roller for large flat surfaces.
• Roll on an even, thin layer of paint, overlapping strokes to avoid drips. Thick paint will run.
• Paint sides and edges first, then across the main flat cabinet face in sections.
• Allow paint to dry fully before adding another coat. Enamel paint may require overnight drying.
• Lightly sand between coats with fine (320-400) sandpaper so the next coat adheres better.
• Apply 2-3 total coats for complete coverage and an even appearance. Thin coats are better than one thick coat.

Allow Proper Cure Time Before Reattaching Doors/Drawers

Oil-based enamel paints take up to 2 weeks to fully cure while latex paints can be ready in 2-3 days. Allow your painted metal cabinets proper cure time before reinstalling the doors and drawers to avoid sticking. Once fully cured, you can then reattach the hardware.

Maintaining Your Painted Metal Cabinets

With proper prep and application, painted metal cabinets can look great for many years. Follow these tips for longevity:

• Use soap and water for cleaning instead of harsh cleaners which can damage the paint over time.
• Avoid slamming doors or drawers which can lead to paint chipping. Open/close gently.
• Do not apply any waxes or polishes on top of painted cabinets. This can cause yellowing.
• Watch for signs of paint cracking or peeling which indicate a need to repaint. Use fine sandpaper to smooth chips before repainting.
• Consider periodically repainting every 5-10 years to keep cabinets looking refreshed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of primer should I use on metal cabinets?

Use a bonding primer specifically made for slick metal surfaces. This helps the paint bind tightly. Popular options include Zinsser BIN Primer, KILZ Adhesion Primer, and Rust-Oleum Grip Prime.

Can I paint over rust?

No, rust should be removed before painting metal cabinets. Use a wire brush and sandpaper to remove as much rust as possible. Then apply a rust-inhibiting primer before painting.

Should I take the doors and drawers off before painting?

Yes, it’s best to fully remove cabinet doors, drawers, and hardware prior to starting your prep and painting. This allows you to fully clean and paint the cabinet boxes.

How do I achieve an antique distressed look?

After painting, you can lightly sand edges and corners to expose the metal underneath for a worn, vintage look. Using a dark glaze over the base coat then wiping it back also works.

What paint sheen should I use?

For cabinets, an enamel paint with a satin, semi-gloss, or high-gloss sheen is ideal. The subtle sheen looks classic and makes cabinets easy to wipe clean. Avoid a flat/matte finish which stains easier.

Can I spray paint metal cabinets?

Yes, spray painting with an enamel paint can provide a super smooth finish. Make sure to remove doors/drawers and thoroughly prep the surface first. Apply thin coats.

Conclusion

With the proper cleaning, priming, painting, and curing, it is possible to take old worn metal cabinets from dingy to looking factory-fresh. The updated cabinets can make the whole kitchen or bathroom feel bright and new. Just be sure to allow enough drying time between coats, use a primer suited for metal, apply thin paint layers, and avoid slamming doors before the paint has fully cured. Beautiful painted metal cabinets are definitely within reach with some strategic effort.