What Paint to Use on Metal Kitchen Cabinets

Deciding what paint to use when repainting metal kitchen cabinets can be a daunting task. With so many paint options available, it’s important to understand the pros and cons of each type of paint for metal surfaces to ensure you achieve the best, long-lasting results. This comprehensive guide will outline the most suitable paint options for metal kitchen cabinets and provide tips on how to properly prepare and paint metal surfaces.

Introduction

Metal kitchen cabinets never truly go out of style. Whether your cabinets are stainless steel, galvanized metal, or aluminum, a fresh coat of paint can update their look and refresh your entire kitchen’s aesthetic. Painting metal surfaces also protects them from wear, rust, and corrosion over time.

However, not all paints adhere well or last long on metal. The finish may chip, peel, crack, or scratch off if you use the wrong type of paint. Metal cabinet paint jobs need special consideration to ensure proper prep work and paint selection. The end goal is achieving a smooth, durable, and uniform painted finish that makes your metal cabinets look brand new again.

This guide will outline the following:

• Pros and cons of popular metal paint options
• Proper metal cabinet prep and cleaning
• Step-by-step instructions for painting metal cabinets
• Top tips for achieving a flawless, long-lasting paint job
• How to maintain freshly painted metal cabinets

Follow these recommendations, and you’ll have gorgeous, revitalized metal kitchen cabinets that will stay looking pristine for years to come.

Pros and Cons of Paints for Metal Kitchen Cabinets

Choosing the right paint is the most critical factor in achieving beautiful, lasting results when painting metal cabinets. Here are the benefits and drawbacks of the most popular paint options specifically formulated for metal:

Oil-Based/Alkyd Enamel

Pros:

• Provides a hard, glossy, and durable finish
• Adheres very well to metal surfaces
• Resists chipping, cracking, and peeling
• Can be used for both primer and finish coat

Cons:

• Has a strong odor and takes longer to dry
• Cleanup requires mineral spirits
• Not as environmentally-friendly as other paints

Acrylic Latex Enamel

Pros:

• Water-based formula is low odor and fast drying
• Available in multiple sheens including semi-gloss and satin
• Resistant to chipping, cracking, and fading
• Easy soap and water cleanup
• More eco-friendly than oil-based paints

Cons:

• Doesn’t adhere quite as strongly to metal as oil-based
• Requires a primer for best results
• More susceptible to scratches over time

Epoxy Paint

Pros:

• Extremely durable, scratch, chip, and peel resistant
• Highly adhesive to metal and other slick surfaces
• Available in many colors and finishes
• Withstands heavy use and frequent cleaning

Cons:

• Most expensive paint option for cabinets
• Requires exact mixing and limited pot life
• Fumes require proper ventilation during application
• Difficult cleanup with harsh solvents

High-Heat Spray Paint

Pros:

• Withstands temperatures up to 1200°F
• Ideal for surfaces like oven vents and range hoods
• Provides excellent rust resistance
• Fast drying and instant recoat time

Cons:

• Range of color options is limited
• Does not provide as smooth of a finish as enamels
• Durability is lower than other paint options
• Gives off a strong odor while applying

Hammered Metal Finish Paint

Pros:

• Creates a trendy antiqued, weathered metal look
• Covers flaws and scratches well
• No primer needed on bare metal
• Available in oil and water-based formulas

Cons:

• Not recommended for high-traffic areas
• Susceptible to chipping over time
• Glossy finish requires dry time between coats

Keep these pros and cons in mind when deciding on the right metal paint for your specific kitchen cabinets and needs. Now let’s go over the proper prep work required before painting metal surfaces.

Preparing Metal Kitchen Cabinets for Painting

Proper preparation is crucial for creating the best foundation for painted metal cabinets. Follow these steps to get your metal cabinets paint-ready:

1. Remove Cabinet Doors and Hardware

Detach all doors, drawers, and hardware like knobs and pulls prior to painting. This allows you to fully access the cabinet frames and paint doors evenly on all sides. Number hardware and doors to ensure easy reinstallation.

2. Clean and Degrease the Cabinets

Give metal cabinets a thorough cleaning using a degreasing agent like TSP. This removes built-up grime, oil residue, wax, and other contaminants that can interfere with paint adhesion. Rinse cleaned surfaces thoroughly and let dry fully.

3. Sand Glossy Surfaces

For shiny cabinet exteriors, lightly sand to dull the surface. This helps paint grip better. Use 220-400 grit sandpaper and avoid excess pressure. Wipe away sanding dust.

4. Spot Prime Bare Metal Areas

Use a metal etching primer or rust inhibitive primer to spot prime any exposed bare metal spots where previous paint has chipped or peeled. This prevents future rusting.

5. Use Painter’s Tape

Apply painter’s tape around cabinet edges and hardware cutouts to protect surfaces not being painted. Remove tape immediately after painting before the paint has dried.

6. Fill Any Holes or Imperfections

Use a metal-specific filler designed for high heat areas to patch any holes, dents, or surface imperfections. Sand smooth once dry.

Once these steps are completed, the metal surfaces are prepped and ready for painting.

Step-By-Step Guide for Painting Metal Kitchen Cabinets

Follow these instructions when painting your metal cabinets to achieve professional results:

1. Apply Primer

For oil-based paint, priming may not be essential. But for latex enamel, applying a quality metal primer improves adherence and evens out surface porosity. Fully coat all cabinet surfaces, doors, frames, and any new filler spots. Allow primer to dry per manufacturer instructions before painting.

2. Paint Cabinet Boxes and Frames

It’s best practice to paint the cabinet boxes and frames first before doors. Use a quality brush made for smooth metal applications. Apply paint in thin, even coats using smooth strokes, painting with the wood grain direction. Let dry fully and sand lightly to smooth between coats if needed.

3. Paint Cabinet Doors

Set doors on sawhorses or across chairs to paint. Use short, overlapping strokes to apply paint, alternating between horizontal and vertical passes. Paint door edges as well. Allow to dry before flipping to paint the other side. Apply at least two finish coats for best coverage and durability.

4. Reinstall Doors and Hardware

Once fully dry, attach doors, drawers, and hardware using original hardware and numbered doors for proper placement. Avoid closing doors fully until paint has cured for timeframe specified on can.

5. Apply Protective Clear Coat (Optional)

For added durability and stain resistance on frequently used doors and handles, apply 1-2 coats of a protective clear sealer like polyurethane. Allow ample drying time between coats.

Follow these steps carefully, allow proper dry times between coats, and your freshly painted metal cabinets will provide a beautiful, long-lasting finish that revitalizes your entire kitchen.

Tips for Achieving a Flawless Paint Job on Metal Cabinets

Follow these tips and tricks for a smooth, professional-grade paint job on your metal kitchen cabinets:

• When selecting paint sheen, opt for satin or semi-gloss finishes. High-gloss can exaggerate surface imperfections.
• Use high-quality Purdy, Wooster, or Angled sash paintbrushes made specifically for smooth finishes.
• Maintain a wet edge and move quickly to avoid lap marks and brushstrokes in the paint job.
• Apply paint liberally but avoid dripping, splattering, or making the coat too thick.
• Use painter’s tape with delicate surfaces and remove immediately once finished painting.
• Mix paint thoroughly before and during application for color consistency.
• Work in sections and finish entire component like a door before moving to the next.
• Give paint plenty of dry time as specified on the can before recoating.
• Lightly sand painted surfaces between coats for maximum smoothness.
• Finish painting with vertical strokes from top to bottom for a uniform appearance.
• Work in a dust-free area and avoid painting in direct sunlight or humidity.

Applying paint properly on metal requires patience and attention to detail. Follow these tips for stunning, professional-looking results.

Maintaining Newly Painted Metal Kitchen Cabinets

Once your cabinets are painted, you’ll want to properly care for them to keep them looking like new. Here are some maintenance tips:

• Allow the full paint curing time before cleaning or replacing cabinet contents. Oil-based paints take longer to fully harden and cure.
• Use soft microfiber cloths and mild cleaners without harsh chemicals to clean cabinets. Avoid abrasive scrubbing.
• Immediately wipe spills or water drops to avoid any potential staining or damage to the finish.
• Reapply a fresh coat of protective clear sealer annually or as needed to refresh the paint job.
• Avoid hanging heavy items on doors which can lead to chipping or scratching of the painted surface over time.
• Open and close doors gently using handles to prevent cracking at hinges or any damage to the paint.
• Consider adding rubber bumpers to door edges to prevent banging and chipping if cabinets close tightly.

With proper care and maintenance, your freshly painted metal cabinets can maintain their like-new appearance and aesthetics for many years. Avoid harsh cleaning, moisture damage, and wear and tear wherever possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Many common questions come up when painting metal kitchen cabinets. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions:

What type of primer works best for metal cabinets?

For metal, a dedicated metal or rust inhibitive primer works best to maximize paint adhesion. Often the same brand as the topcoat paint is recommended for compatibility.

Do I need to sand metal cabinets before painting?

Lightly sanding removes any gloss and roughs up the surface for better paint adhesion, especially on shiny metal cabinets. Always wipe away dust before painting.

How long does it take for painted metal cabinets to cure?

Oil-based paints take up to 2 weeks to fully cure while latex enamel paints can be recoated after just 4-6 hours. Avoid heavy cleaning or replacing contents until paint has hardened.

Can I use a paint sprayer to paint metal cabinets?

Yes, airless paint sprayers can be used to achieve an ultra-smooth factory finish. Special metal paint formulations are required. Proper spraying technique is crucial to prevent drips.

What precautions should I take when painting metal cabinets?

Work in a well-ventilated area, allow adequate dry time between coats, and use high-quality metal-specific paint. Wear gloves and eye protection when spraying paint.

How do I achieve a rustic, distressed metal cabinet look?

Specific distressing and antiquing paint finishes are available to create this look. Or apply standard paint and manually distress by scraping some of the topcoat off.

Conclusion

Painting metal kitchen cabinets breathes new life into worn, dated kitchens. With the right metal paint formulations and painting techniques, you can achieve a durable, professional-looking finish. The key is proper preparation, high-quality application, and ongoing maintenance once your cabinets are painted.

Carefully consider the type of look, finish, and durability you want when selecting a paint. Oil and latex enamels, epoxy, and other specialty paints each have their own pros and cons for metal surfaces.

Always clean cabinets thoroughly, sand glossy areas, spot prime bare metal, and use painter’s tape for the best results. Apply paint in thin, even coats using smooth brush strokes. Allow ample drying time between coats as directed on the paint can.

Following the recommendations in this guide will have your metal cabinets looking fresh and updated in your dream kitchen’s color scheme and finish. Just be sure to care for painted metal cabinets properly by gently cleaning, avoiding moisture damage, and reapplying protective sealer coats annually. With the right prep work, painting method, and continued maintenance, your painted metal cabinets will shine for many years to come.