What Paint to Use on Metal Cabinets: A Complete Guide
Having metal cabinets in your home or office can provide a sleek, modern look. However, keeping these cabinets looking their best requires proper cleaning and occasionally sprucing them up with a fresh coat of paint. Choosing the right type of paint is key to getting great results. Here is a complete guide on what kind of paint to use on metal cabinets.
Cleaning and Prepping Metal Cabinets Before Painting
Before painting metal cabinets, proper cleaning and prep work is essential. Here are the steps you’ll need to take:
Remove Cabinet Doors and Hardware
The first step is to remove the cabinet doors, drawers, and all hardware including knobs, pulls, hinges, slides, and racks. This allows you to fully access all cabinet surfaces and prevents paint from getting onto the hardware pieces.
Place door hinge screws in a resealable plastic bag and tape it to the back of the corresponding door. For drawer pulls and knobs, you may want to tape them to a piece of cardboard or place each set in separate resealable bags. This keeps all hardware organized and makes reinstallation easier.
Clean Surfaces Thoroughly
Use a degreasing cleaner or solution to remove any built-up grease, oil dirt or grime. Apply it to cabinet surfaces using a sponge or rag. For stubborn areas of grime, let the degreaser sit for 5-10 minutes before scrubbing and rinsing.
You’ll also want to remove any old flaking or chipping paint with sandpaper or a wire brush. Sand to smooth out rough areas so they don’t show through the new coat of paint.
Finish up cleaning by wiping down all surfaces with a tack cloth. This removes any remaining dust or debris that could affect paint adhesion.
Sand Glossy Areas
If the original cabinet finish has a glossy look, you’ll need to scuff it up a bit for the paint to properly adhere. Use 220-grit sandpaper to lightly sand the entire cabinet box and doors.
Be sure you hold the sandpaper flat to create an even dullness over the surface. Completely remove any shine for best results.
Prime Bare Metal Areas
Any exposed bare metal will need to be primed first before applying paint. Look for areas where old paint may have chipped away. Apply metal primer to these spots and let fully dry. Then do a second coat if needed to fully seal the raw metal.
Remove Doors and Drawers
If possible, it’s best to completely remove doors, drawers, and shelves from the cabinet boxes while painting. This allows for easier access to all the nooks and crannies.
Place door hinge screws in a plastic bag and tape it to the back of the corresponding door. Number drawers and doors using painters tape to make reassembly easier. Lay doors on sawhorses or across chairs for painting.
Choosing the Right Type of Paint for Metal Cabinets
With proper prep work completed, now you’re ready to select the right paint. There are a few options that work well on metal:
Oil-Based Alkyd Enamel
Alkyd enamel paint has long been a go-to for painting metal surfaces like cabinets and doors. The alkyd resin provides excellent adhesion and a durable, high-gloss finish.
Oil-based alkyd enamels can be used directly on cleaned and sanded metal cabinets without a primer. They level out nicely to create a smooth surface. Just be sure to allow for proper drying and curing time.
The fumes from oil-based paints can be strong, so proper ventilation is key. Alkyd enamel dries slower than other paints. But it delivers a beautiful, glossy and tough finish.
Water-Based Acrylic Latex
For those wanting to avoid the smell and cleanup of oil-based paints, water-based acrylic latex formulations make a great alternative for DIY cabinet painting.
Many acrylic paint options are now formulated just for painting metal and provide excellent adhesion and durability. Using a water-based acrylic primer first can enhance adhesion on slick metal surfaces.
Latex acrylics offer easier cleanup with soap and water versus solvents like mineral spirits. They also have low odor and dry more quickly than enamels. Just be sure to allow the full curing time before use which may take up to a month.
Epoxy Paint
For exceptionally durable and protective finishes, you could consider an epoxy paint made specifically for metal surfaces. Epoxy coatings are extremely hard, resistant to scratches, chemicals, and moisture.
Most epoxy paints involve mixing a resin and a hardener. Once cured fully, the finish is highly stain-resistant and easily cleaned. But epoxy paints are more labor-intensive to apply. Overall, they deliver one of the toughest coatings.
Spray Paint Finish Options
For small metal cabinet projects, spray paint can provide fast, easy application in a wide variety of color and finish options. Look for spray paints formulated just for metal that offer great adhesion and durability.
Rust-preventative enamels work well for outdoor use, while primers help paint adhere to slick metal surfaces. Spray a few light coats versus one heavy coat for a smooth finish. Just be sure to use spray paints in a well-ventilated area.
Tips for Successfully Painting Metal Cabinets
To get great results painting metal cabinets, follow these top tips:
1. Apply Primer if Needed
For the best adhesion, use a metal primer on untreated metal before painting. This helps provide extra corrosion protection and allows for topcoat paint to bond tightly. If using an oil-based alkyd enamel or epoxy paint, priming first is usually not necessary.
2. Lightly Sand Between Coats
It’s a good idea to do light sanding between each coat of paint using 220-grit or finer sandpaper. This helps remove any dust particles or debris that could affect the following coat. Just be sure you don’t sand all the way down to expose bare metal.
3. Allow Proper Dry Times
Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for dry time between coats. Reapplying paint too soon can lead to poor adhesion and uneven sheen. Let each coat fully dry before sanding and recoating.
4. Work in Thin, Even Coats
Apply paint in nice even coats without overbrushing an area. Thin coats allow paint to fully adhere without sagging or running. Most metal cabinet surfaces require 2-3 coats for full coverage and an even look.
5. Maintain Proper Ventilation
When working with oil-based or spray paints, be sure to ventilate the room by opening windows and doors. Use fans if possible. Ventilation allows fumes to escape and is essential for proper curing.
6. Let Paint Fully Cure
Before hanging doors back up or putting the cabinets into use, allow paint to fully cure based on the manufacturer’s recommendations. This ensures you get the hardness and durability expected from the paint. Oils and epoxies require the longest cure time.
What Kind of Brush or Roller Should You Use?
Having the right painting tools makes applying paint to cabinets much easier. Here are some tips on choosing brushes and rollers:
Quality Synthetic Brushes
Look for tapered, synthetic bristle brushes that are designed for smooth coatings like cabinet paints. Nylon or polyester bristles hold up well for solvent-based paints. Quality tapered brushes provide great control.
Mini Foam Rollers
Short nap or foam rollers are perfect for applying smooth, even coats on doors and cabinet boxes. Choose mini rollers approximately 1-3 inches wide that can easily fit inside a cabinet and reach corners.
Angled Sash Brushes
For cutting in around edges and trim, angled sash brushes make it easy to paint up to an edge cleanly. Look for quality brushes with softened tips and a sharp angle.
Roller Covers and Frames
Keep extra roller covers handy for switching when one gets gummed up with paint. Use roller frames with threaded handles for smoother rolling.
High Density Foam Brushes
In a pinch, foam brushes can work for painting small pieces like drawers and shelves. Look for ones with high density foam and angled beveled tips.
Choosing Paint Sheen Level
The level of gloss or sheen is an important choice to make when selecting cabinet paint. Here are some tips on sheen:
High-Gloss Enamel
High-gloss provides a sleek, light-reflecting look that enhances the metallic surface of metal cabinets. Oil-based alkyd enamels naturally dry to a high-gloss finish.
Satin Enamel
For a softer look, satin enamels have a low luster sheen. They resist staining and stand up well to cleaning. Satin works well for walls and cabinet boxes.
Matte Finish
A flat matte finish camouflages surface imperfections nicely. Matte enamels work well on metal cabinet doors and fronts since they display fewer fingerprints and watermarks.
Semi-Gloss Paint
With moderate gloss levels, semi-gloss offers a classic look for cabinets. It’s easy to clean and touch up if needed. So semi-gloss works well for cabinet door fronts and boxes.
Using Accent Colors
Adding some creative flair with accent colors can give metal cabinets a fun, unique look. Here are some tips on using accent colors:
Colored Interior Shelves
Paint just the removable shelves a bold contrasting color for a nice pop of color inside the cabinet. Try a bright teal, sunny yellow or fire engine red.
Different Color Bases
Consider painting upper and lower cabinets in contrasting colors, or just the lower base cabinets as an accent. This works well with lighter wall colors.
Colored Back Wall
Paint the back wall inside a glass-front display cabinet a rich color to provide depth. Navy blue, emerald, or mustard work nicely.
Metallic Accents
Try a bright metallic like copper, bronze or metallic silver on corner posts, feet or decorative trim as an accent. Spray paint makes this super easy.
Contrasting Cabinet Interiors
Use a dark color like navy blue on the interior of glass-front cabinet doors to make items pop. Leave cabinet boxes a lighter neutral shade.
Safety Tips for Painting Metal Cabinets
Painting metal cabinets does involve some safety precautions. Be sure to follow these tips:
Use Proper Ventilation
When using solvent-based paints or spray paints, always work in a well-ventilated area. Open windows and doors to circulate fresh air and allow fumes to escape.
Wear Protective Gear
Use protective eyewear, gloves, and clothing to avoid exposure when painting. A mask or respirator can filter out paint vapors and dust.
Use Paint Safely
Always read all directions and warning labels on paint cans. Keep paint away from ignition sources and store properly when not in use. Properly dispose of rags, which can self-combust.
Clean Up Properly
Follow recommended solvents and cleaners for cleaning brushes and spills for each type of paint used. Never pour paint down a drain. Allow wet paint in cans to dry fully before disposing.
Work Carefully on Ladders
Use sturdy stepladders when needed to reach cabinets safely. Never lean ladders against cabinets. Have someone hold ladder steady if working up high.
By educating yourself on the best practices for prepping, choosing paints and application techniques, you can take on DIY metal cabinet painting with great success. Carefully follow all safety measures. Take your time to do prep properly and apply paint in thin, even coats. In a weekend, you can give tired metal cabinets a brand new modern look that will last for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions About Painting Metal Cabinets
What paint to metal cabinet?
The best paints for metal cabinets include oil-based alkyd enamel, water-based acrylic latex, and epoxy paint. All provide excellent adhesion and durability on properly prepared metal surfaces.
Do you have to primer metal cabinets before painting?
Priming first is recommended if the metal surface is untreated or has areas of exposed bare metal after sanding. Quality metal primers help paint adhere tightly. Oil and epoxy paints often don’t require a separate primer.
Can you use chalk paint on metal cabinets?
Chalk paint doesn’t contain binders to help it adhere well to slick surfaces like metal. So it’s not recommended for direct application to metal cabinets without proper priming first. For best results, use paint formulated just for metal.
What sheen is best for painting metal cabinets?
A glossy or satin sheen works very well for metal cabinets. High-gloss provides a sleek, light-reflecting surface. Satin enamels resist staining nicely. Matte finishes help hide fingerprints and water spots on cabinet fronts.
How do you prep metal cabinets for painting?
- Remove doors, hardware and shelving
- Clean well using a degreaser
- Sand glossy areas for adhesion
- Prime any exposed bare metal spots
- Lightly sand between coats
Can you paint over rust?
For small rust spots, first sand the area to remove loose rust, wipe clean, then apply a rust-inhibiting primer made for metal before painting. For heavily rusted areas, all loose rust needs to be fully removed down to bare metal before priming and painting.
How long does it take for cabinet paint to cure?
Drying times vary based on humidity and ventilation. Most cabinet paints are dry to touch within 1-4 hours. But allow at least 2 weeks for full curing before hanging doors and using cabinets again. Oils and epoxy take the longest time to fully cure and harden.
Can you spray paint metal cabinets?
Yes, quality spray paints formulated specifically for metal provide great results for small metal cabinet projects. Look for enamel or primer + paint options offering strong adhesion, rust prevention and durability on metal surfaces.
What mistakes to avoid when painting metal cabinets?
Avoid applying paint too thickly in one coat which can cause drips and sagging. Make sure to prep surfaces thoroughly and let paint fully dry between coats. Don’t forget required primer on bare metal. Inadequate ventilation and rushing dry times can also cause poor results.
Conclusion
Updating old metal cabinets by giving them a fresh new paint job is an easy and affordable way to revive the look of any kitchen or bath. With the right preparation methods and paint products that adhere well to slick metal, you can achieve results rivaling professional refinishing. Just be sure to thoroughly clean cabinets, lightly sand, use proper primer if needed, and apply paint in thin, even coats using quality brushes and mini rollers. Allowing each coat to fully dry between applications is key. Oil-based alkyd enamel, water-based acrylic latex and epoxy paints all work excellently for metal cabinet surfaces. Follow safety measures for ventilation when using solvent-based paints. Put in the proper prep work and exercise patience during application and drying, and you can give metal cabinets an updated, durable and beautiful finish.
