What Paint to Use on Metal Cabinets

Painting metal cabinets can update the look of your kitchen, bathroom, or any other room. With the right paint and proper preparation, you can achieve a smooth, durable, and attractive finish. This comprehensive guide will cover everything you need to know about what type of paint to use on metal cabinets.

Choosing the Right Paint for Metal Cabinets

When selecting paint for metal cabinets, you need to consider:

Adhesion

The paint needs to bond tightly to the metal surface for a long-lasting finish. Some options specifically made for metal are:

• Metal paint – Formulated for maximum adhesion and durability on metal surfaces. Often contain primers to help prepare the surface.
• Alkyd/oil-based paint – Adheres well to slick surfaces like metal. Provide a hard, protective finish.
• Epoxy paint – Two-part paint that chemically bonds to metal for incredible adhesion. Highly durable.
• Acrylic latex paint – Water-based acrylics stick well to primed metal. Offer easy cleanup.

Durability

The finish must stand up to wear and tear, especially on cabinets that get a lot of use. Durable paint options include:

• Enamel paint – A type of alkyd paint that dries to a hard, glossy finish. Resists chipping, scuffing, and staining.
• Epoxy paint – Extremely tough with chemical and scratch resistance. Highly impervious to damage.
• Polyurethane paint – Contains a protective clear coat layer for superb durability and abrasion resistance.
• Powder coating – A decorative and protective coating applied as a dry powder then baked on. Very hard.

Ease of Application

Some paints go on easier than others. Look for these user-friendly options:

• Acrylic latex paint – Water-based for easy cleanup. Levels out nicely. Low odor.
• Spray paint – Comes in convenient aerosol cans for quick DIY application. Made for metal.
• Brush-on epoxy – Simpler to apply than traditional two-part epoxy requiring mixing.
• Powder coating – Doesn’t require any painting skills. Done professionally for a flawless look.

Preparing Metal Cabinets for Painting

Proper preparation is crucial for the paint to adhere correctly and achieve the best looking, most durable finish.

Cleaning

Remove all grease, dirt, oil and other contaminants so paint can properly stick. Use a degreaser or TSP substitute to thoroughly clean surfaces.

Sanding

Lightly sand with fine grit sandpaper to rough up the surface for better adhesion. Be careful not to remove any existing paint.

Priming

Applying metal primer will provide extra adherence and corrosion resistance. Oil-based and etching primers work especially well.

Testing for Lead Paint

If stripping existing paint, test for lead which requires safety precautions. Use a lead testing kit or send chips to a lab for analysis to be sure.

Removing Rust

Eliminate rust using sandpaper, steel wool, or a wire brush. Rust-neutralizing sprays convert rust into an inert material that won’t cause future problems.

Filling Holes

Fill any holes or imperfections with spackle or wood filler and sand smooth. This prevents paint from sinking in and showing defects.

Step-by-Step Guide for Painting Metal Cabinets

Follow these steps for successful results:

1. Remove cabinet doors and hardware

Detach doors, knobs, handles and hinges. This allows full access to all cabinet surfaces for easier, neater painting.

2. Clean thoroughly

Use a degreaser like TSP to remove all grease, oils and grime so paint can adhere well. Rinse and let dry completely.

3. Sand lightly

Use 220 grit sandpaper to gently scuff the surface to help paint grip better. Avoid exposing bare metal.

4. Spot prime as needed

On areas of exposed metal or rust spots, apply a quick-drying metal or etching primer.

5. Apply primer coat

For best durability, use an oil-based or rust-inhibiting primer made for metal. Apply a thin, even coat.

6. Fill any holes and defects

Use wood filler or spackle to fix imperfections, then sand smooth when dry.

7. Lightly sand primer

Once primer is fully cured, sand again with fine 220 grit sandpaper to ensure a smooth finish.

8. Clean away dust

Tack cloth, vacuum, and wipe all surfaces with a damp cloth to remove any dust or debris.

9. Apply two paint coats

Use quality enamel, acrylic latex, or other cabinet paint. Allow proper dry time between coats.

10. Replace hardware

Reattach doors, hinges, pulls and knobs once paint is completely cured, typically 2-3 weeks.

Tips for Achieving an Flawless Painted Finish

Follow these tips for professional looking, durable painted metal cabinets:

• Always use high-quality primer and paint designed for metal surfaces. Cheaper paint may not adhere or last.
• Apply paint in thin, even coats using a high-density foam or high-quality bristle brush.
• Only paint in dry conditions when temperatures are between 50-90°F.
• Let each coat fully dry as specified before adding another. Drying between coats is essential.
• Use a small, angled trim brush for cutting in along edges and hard to reach spots for crisp lines.
• Lightly sand between coats using fine 220-400 grit sandpaper to ensure a glass-smooth finish.
• Clean surfaces with tack cloth before painting to remove any dust that could mar the finish.
• Work in sections to maintain a wet edge when painting larger areas so brush strokes blend seamlessly.
• Be patient and allow the full curing time before reinstalling doors. Early use can damage the paint.

Paint Options Specifically Made for Metal

There are several specialty coating products formulated just for application on metal surfaces:

Rust-Oleum Cabinet Transformations

This all-in-one kit contains bonding primer, decorative paint, and topcoat designed to completely change cabinets and metal doors and drawers. Available in multiple sheens and colors.

Krylon Fusion All-In-One

Acrylic latex paint with built-in primer and durable finish made specifically for use on metals, including cabinets, without the need for sanding or priming first.

Modern Masters Metal Paint Collection

Oil and enamel paints developed for use on ferrous and non-ferrous metals. Offer excellent corrosion resistance and adhesion to metal.

Sherwin-Williams Pro Industrial Pro-Cryl Primer

Water-based acrylic primer optimizes adhesion on slick, hard to paint surfaces like galvanized metal, aluminum, stainless steel, and cabinets.

POR 15 High-Temp Anti Rust Paint

Heat-resistant coating made to prevent rust and corrosion on iron, steel, cast iron, and metal surfaces exposed to high temperatures up to 1200°F.

Epoxy Paint as a Durable Option

For the most heavy-duty, industrial-grade finish, two-part epoxy paint is unmatched in adhesion, resistance to scratches/stains, and longevity.

Epoxy paint for metal cabinets provides:

• Incredible bonding power to bare, prepared metal
• Extreme durability under heavy use and wear
• High-gloss, showroom finish
• Protection from moisture, grease, and chemicals
• Resilience to chipping, scratches, and abrasion

While more labor intensive to apply, epoxy creates an exceptionally strong, long-lasting protective finish able to withstand heavy traffic and severe conditions – ideal for cabinets, doors, and surfaces needing the ultimate performance.

Hiring a Professional for Superior Results

For metal cabinets with an intricate design or needing a flawless, factory-smooth painted finish, consider hiring a professional painter experienced in coating metals and cabinets.

Benefits of professional painting include:

• Expertise painting tricky metal surfaces
• Access to commercial-grade paints and equipment
• Smooth, consistent coverage on intricate designs
• Better prepared for longevity compared to DIY jobs
• Proper treatment of lead paint if present
• Perfect results without the frustration

Quality painters who specialize in cabinets and metal will have the skills to prep, prime, and paint your cabinets to look like new again. The cost is well worth it for cabinets that will look fantastic for many years.

Maintaining Your Painted Metal Cabinets

To maximize the lifespan of painted metal cabinets:

• Allow the full cure time before use – at least 2-3 weeks for most cabinet paints.
• Clean painted surfaces with only a soft cloth and mild soap and water to avoid damaging the finish.
• Avoid abrasive cleaners, scrub pads, or steel wool that could scratch the paint.
• Use foil or paper liners on drawer bottoms to prevent scuffing from contents inside.
• Don’t let any water or liquids sit on cabinet surfaces to prevent possible staining.
• Clean up spills immediately with a soft cloth. Avoid harsh cleaners which can react with paint.
• Touch up nicks and scratches quickly with matching paint to prevent oxidation and further damage.

Proper care will maintain the beautiful painted finish and keep your cabinets looking like new for many years. With the right paint and preparation, you can update your metal cabinets with a fresh new color that revitalizes your space.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best paints for metal cabinets?

The best paints for metal are oil-based/alkyd enamels, epoxy paints, polyurethanes, and high quality latex paints designed specifically for metal surfaces, as they provide the adhesion, durability and hardness needed for cabinets.

Do you have to use primer on metal cabinets before painting?

Although not absolutely mandatory, it is highly recommended to use a primer made for metal before painting cabinets for maximum paint adhesion and corrosion protection. Etching primers work especially well to grip slick metal surfaces.

How do you prep metal cabinets for painting?

To prep metal cabinets for optimal paint bonding, first clean thoroughly with a degreaser, then sand lightly to rough up the surface. Spot prime any exposed metal, fill any holes or defects, and apply a coat of dedicated metal primer before painting.

Can you use latex paint on metal cabinets?

Yes, you can use high quality 100% acrylic latex paint on properly prepared and primed metal cabinets. Look for acrylic paints made specifically for application on metal and cabinet surfaces.

What sheen is best for painting metal cabinets?

A satin, semi-gloss, or gloss enamel paint provides a smooth, wipeable finish ideal for kitchens and baths. High-gloss offers the most stain and moisture resistance. Choose your desired level of sheen.

Conclusion

Updating dated, worn metal cabinets by painting them is an affordable way to give your kitchen or bath a fresh, new look. With the right paint and preparation, you can achieve professional-looking results. The keys are using high adhesion paint formulated for metal, properly prepping the surface, applying thin even coats, allowing proper drying time between coats, and maintaining the finish. With this guide’s step-by-step process, tips and product recommendations, you can choose the optimal paint for your metal cabinets and take on this DIY project like a pro.