What Kind of Paint to Use on Metal Filing Cabinet

Introduction

Choosing the right kind of paint for a metal filing cabinet can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. With some basic information on metal paint options and preparations, you can achieve a smooth, durable, and great-looking paint finish.

When painting a metal filing cabinet, there are several factors to consider:

• Type of Metal – Is it steel, aluminum etc? Different metals require different paints.
• Condition of Surface – Is it rusted, previously painted, or bare metal? Surface prep is key.
• Desired Finish – Do you want gloss, satin, matte? Some paint types give different sheens.
• Durability Needs – Will it be frequently used/handled? High-traffic areas need durable paint.
• Indoor/Outdoor Use – Exterior paints withstand weather better than interior paints.

By understanding these factors and choosing the right metal paint for your specific filing cabinet, you can get a flawless, long-lasting paint job.

The most common and effective types of paint for metal filing cabinets are:

• Latex acrylic paint – A good general interior metal paint. Not as durable as others.
• Alkyd enamel paint – More durable than latex for metal, with a smooth glossy finish.
• Rust-oleum – Popular protective paint great for rusted metals and durability.
• Polyurethane paint – Two-part paint extremely durable for interior/exterior metals.
• Hammered paint – Provides a textured “hammered metal” look.

This article will explore these metal paint options in-depth, along with specific steps to prep and paint a filing cabinet to get professional looking results.

Clean and Prepare the Metal Surface

Proper prep is crucial for good paint adhesion and durability. Follow these steps:

1. Remove Drawers and Hardware

Remove all drawers, handles, and hinges from the cabinet so all surfaces can be accessed. Set hardware aside in a safe area.

2. Clean the Surface

Use a degreaser or TSP substitute cleaner with warm water and scrub all surfaces to remove any dirt, oil, grease etc. Rinse well and let dry fully.

3. Sand Glossy Surfaces

If the metal has a glossy factory coating, scuff sand with 220 grit sandpaper to rough up the surface and allow paint to adhere.

4. Spot Prime Any Rust

If there are areas of rust, spot prime just those affected areas with a Rust-Oleum Rust Reformer primer.

5. Use TSP for Heavy Rust

For cabinets with heavy rust, use TSP or Naval Jelly to thoroughly remove rust down to bare metal. Rinse well. Rust-Oleum makes a TSP substitute specifically for paint prep.

6. Fill Holes and Gouges

Use metal filler compound to fill any holes, gouges or dents for a smooth surface. Sand smooth when dry.

7. Lightly Sand All Surfaces

Once clean and dry, lightly sand all surfaces with 220 or 320 grit sandpaper. This helps paint adhere to the slick metal. Be sure to wipe away all sanding dust.

8. Prime Entire Cabinet

Apply a thin coat of quality metal primer like Rust-Oleum or Krylon to all interior and exterior surfaces. Allow to fully dry overnight before painting.

Now the filing cabinet surface is prepped and ready for your choice of metal paint!

Best Type of Paint for Metal Filing Cabinets

Latex Acrylic Paint

Latex acrylic paint, or acrylic enamel, is a good general-use option for painting metal filing cabinets. Here are its pros and cons:

Pros:

• Wide range of color options
• Available in multiple finishes – matte, satin, semi-gloss
• Water cleanup
• Low odor compared to oil-based
• Can be used for indoor or outdoor filing cabinets

Cons:

• Not as durable as other metal paint options
• May require additional primer
• Multiple coats required for full coverage
• Can scratch or chip more easily than other paints

Latex acrylic paint sticks well to properly prepped metal. It is easy to apply with brush, roller or paint sprayer. Two medium coats provides ideal coverage. High quality acrylic enamels such as Behr Premium Plus are recommended for maximum durability.

Latex acrylics offer the widest range of color choices for painting a filing cabinet. They can provide a nice smooth finish in multiple sheens from matte to semi-gloss. However, for heavy use filing cabinets, the less durable acrylic may scratch or chip over time. An additional protective clear top coat can help. They are not quite as tough as alkyd enamel or polyurethane paints.

Alkyd Enamel Paint

Alkyd enamel is a popular and versatile metal paint option. Here are its advantages and disadvantages:

Pros:

• More durable than latex acrylics
• Harder, more scratch resistant finish
• Excellent flow and leveling properties
• Available in high gloss sheens

Cons:

• Limited color choices compared to latex
• Strong odor and fumes
• Long dry and cure times
• Requires mineral spirits for cleanup

Alkyd enamel such as Rust-Oleum Professional Alkyd Enamel are designed specifically for metal and provide a tougher, more durable coating than latex. The hard alkyd resin creates an ultra smooth glass-like surface that resists scratches and stands up to chemicals.

Alkyd enamels offer excellent coverage in less coats. They level nicely for a professional sprayed-on look. The high gloss finishes make colors appear more vibrant. Popular for kitchen and bathroom cabinets, machinery, tools, railings, and other utilitarian metal surfaces.

Use caution when spraying alkyds as the mineral spirits fumes are strong. Provide adequate ventilation and wear a respirator. Alkyd enamel takes longer than latex to fully cure. But the durability and gorgeous glossy finish are ideal for filing cabinets.

Rust-Oleum Paint

Rust-Oleum is a reputable, popular brand for protective metal paints. The pros and cons:

Pros:

• Specifically formulated for metal surfaces
• Stops rust and inhibits future rust
• Durable, scratch resistant finish
• Wide range of specialty finishes – hammered, textured etc

Cons:

• Strong odor requires ventilation
• Surface may require sanding between coats
• Long dry time before recoat

Rust-Oleum has an array of coating options for metal filing cabinets. Their Stop Rust Enamel provides excellent rust prevention and durability. The Hammered finish offers a textured metallic look without actual hammers!

For heavily rusted surfaces, Rust-Oleum Rust Reformer transforms rust and primes in one step. Automotive grade Rust-Oleum paint ensures protection against dings, chemicals, and UV rays.

Most Rust-Oleum coatings contain XYZ technology for increased adhesion, durability, and corrosion resistance. The specialized rust fighting formulas cover well and withstand heavy use on metal cabinets.

Polyurethane Paint

Polyurethane paints create an extremely durable coating for metals. The pros and cons:

Pros:

• Extremely durable, impact resistant finish
• High chemical and abrasion resistance
• Withstands heavy traffic use
• Available in multiple finishes

Cons:

• More expensive than other paints
• Requires mixing two components
• Strong fumes require PPE
• Surface must be free of moisture

Polyurethane paints like the Rust-Oleum Professional Grade provide industrial level protection against wear and tear. The two-part formula does require precise mixing and limited pot life. But it forms a super strong plastic-like coating over metal.

Polyurethane paint is extremely scratch, chip, and chemical resistant. It provides excellent adhesion andUV protection. The industrial strength finish is ideal for high traffic cabinets but requires strict surface preparation.

Hammered Paint

Hammered finish paint gives metal a textured look as if it was hand hammered. The benefits vs drawbacks:

Pros:

• Unique hammered metal aesthetic
• Hides imperfections in surface
• More durable than regular paint finishes
• Good for accent pieces

Cons:

• Can require multiple coats for full coverage
• Not for large uniform surfaces
• Difficult to touch up if damaged
• Can accentuate surface flaws if not prepped well

The hammered metal look provides an attractive antique patina or industrial feel on filing cabinets. The textured finish helps hide scratches or dents that would show on smooth coatings. Brands like Rust-Oleum Hammered Paint are formulated for metals.

Take care to properly prep and prime surfaces to avoid uneven texture results. Hammered paint works best on small accents pieces rather than large flat visible areas. Multiple light coats allow texture to build. Clear coat for added protection.

Step-by-Step Painting a Metal Filing Cabinet

Follow these key steps for a smooth paint job on your metal filing cabinet:

1. Choose Latex, Alkyd Enamel, or Other Paint

Select acrylic latex, an alkyd enamel, or specialized paint like Rust-Oleum or hammered finish based on your specific needs. Consider sheen, color options, and durability requirements.

2. Prepare the Surface Properly

Clean, lightly sand, spot prime any rust, fill dents, and apply a thorough primer coat to all surfaces as outlined above in the preparation section. Proper surface prep is crucial!

3. Apply First Coat of Paint

Use a quality brush, roller, or paint sprayer to apply the first thin, even coat of your chosen metal paint. Maintain a wet edge and avoid drips. Allow to dry completely.

4. Sand Between Coats if Needed

For Rust-Oleum or textured hammered finishes, a light 320 grit sanding between coats may be required for proper adhesion. Remove all dust before recoating.

5. Apply Second Coat of Paint

Apply a second medium coat of paint in the opposite direction of the first coat to ensure full, even coverage. Let dry fully before handling.

6. Add Third Coat or Clear Coat if Desired

For added protection, apply a third coat of paint or a clear coat finish. Allow paint to cure fully before replacing cabinets drawers and hardware.

7. Reinstall Drawers and Hardware

Once paint has cured per manufacturer instructions, typically 24-48 hours, carefully reinstall all drawers, handles, and hinges. Avoid scratching the fresh paint.

Tips for a Professional Paint Finish

Follow these tips for a smooth filing cabinet paint job:

• Properly clean and remove any grease, oil or rust
• Lightly sand glossy surfaces for paint adhesion
• Always prime before painting metal
• Use high quality primer and paint suited for metal
• Allow proper dry time between coats
• Use a small foam roller and lightly brush for a smooth coat
• Maintain a steady hand and wet edge when spraying
• Work in a dust free area
• Lightly sand and recoat for total coverage
• Apply multiple thin coats rather than one thick coat
• Consider hiring a professional if unfamiliar with metal painting

Careful prep work, high quality primer and paints, proper coats and dry time, and finishing techniques will result in a durable, professional paint job on your metal filing cabinets.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of paint adheres best to metal?

Metal paints like Rust-Oleum alkyd enamels, polyurethanes, and specialized paints formulated specifically for metal provide the best adhesion and durability. Always prime before painting.

How do you prepare metal for painting?

To prepare metal for painting, clean thoroughly, sand any glossy areas, spot prime rust, fill dents, apply a metal primer to all surfaces, then lightly sand before painting. Proper prep allows paint to adhere.

Can you use latex paint on metal cabinets?

Yes, latex acrylic enamels can be used on metal filing cabinets. Acrylics aren’t quite as durable as alkyd enamels and may require additional priming and coats. High quality latex paint provides good adhesion if properly prepped.

What causes paint to peel off metal?

Paint peels off metal when the surface isn’t properly prepared. Causes include inadequate cleaning, lack of sanding glossy surfaces, insufficient priming, using low quality paints, recoating too soon, and applying paint too thick.

How do you paint over a rusted metal surface?

To paint over rust, remove loose rust with sandpaper or rust treatment products. Spot prime any remaining rust with a Rust-Oleum Rust Reformer primer. Then apply a quality metal primer to the entire surface before painting.

Conclusion

With the right preparation and painting techniques, you can achieve a smooth, durable, and great looking paint job on a metal filing cabinet. Assess the cabinet’s current condition and intended use to select the most suitable paint – whether it’s durable alkyd enamel, protective Rust-Oleum, versatile latex acrylic, or textured hammered finish. Proper cleaning, sanding, priming, and application of quality metal paint will allow your filing cabinet to stand the test of time while looking fantastic.