What Paint to Use on Metal Medicine Cabinet

When it comes to painting a metal medicine cabinet, choosing the right type of paint is crucial for getting a durable, long-lasting finish. Metal surfaces are slick and require careful surface preparation and paint formulated specifically for metal in order to achieve proper adhesion. The wrong type of paint can chip, crack, or peel off quickly.

In this comprehensive guide, we will discuss the following factors to consider when selecting paint for a metal medicine cabinet:

Surface Preparation for Painting a Metal Medicine Cabinet

Proper surface preparation is the most important step before painting any metal surface. All traces of dirt, grease, oil and especially rust must be removed for the paint to properly bond to the metal. Here are the key steps for prepping a metal medicine cabinet for painting:

Cleaning

The first step is to thoroughly clean the cabinet using a degreasing agent such as TSP substitute mixed with water. This will remove any built-up grease, dirt or other grime. Use a stiff scrub brush and rubber gloves to scrub every surface until only the bare metal remains.

Rinse with clean water and allow to fully dry. Use rags dampened with mineral spirits to remove any remaining oils or waxy residues.

Sanding

Lightly sand the metal with fine 120-150 grit sandpaper to rough up the surface and remove any loose paint or rust spots. This helps the paint better adhere to the slick metal surface.

Be sure to sand in the direction of the grain and thoroughly wipe away all sanding dust with a tack cloth.

Rust Removal

For any areas of rust, use a wire brush or sandpaper to remove as much as possible down to bare metal. A rust-converting primer (see below) can be used if small spots of rust remain.

Priming

After cleaning and sanding, it’s critical to apply a metal primer before painting. The primer coat provides maximum adhesion to the cabinet surface. An aluminum or galvanized metal primer is ideal for medicine cabinets.

Allow primer to fully dry before painting. Lightly sanding between coats of primer also improves adhesion.

Best Paints for Metal Medicine Cabinets

With proper prep work completed, you can now focus on selecting the right type of topcoat paint for the metal cabinet:

Alkyd/Oil-Based Paint

Alkyd paints (also called oil-based or enamel paints) provide the most durable finish for high-traffic metal surfaces like medicine cabinets. The oils allow the paint to better penetrate and adhere to slick metal.

Oil paints create a harder, more scratch-resistant coating. They’re ideal for achieving smooth, glass-like finishes. Oil-based paints also resist chipping, fading, and stand up well to repeated cleaning.

Drawbacks are longer drying times and stronger odor compared to water-based paints. Proper ventilation is key when using these.

Acrylic Latex Paint

Water-based acrylic latex paints are another good option for painting metal cabinets. Acrylic latex coats tend to be more flexible, making them useful where the cabinet may encounter temperature fluctuations.

Latex requires less surface preparation compared to enamels but may require additional coats for full coverage. The finish is not quite as hard as oil-based paints. However, latex paints resist yellowing and have little odor.

Look for exterior or cabinet/trim latex paints formulated for metal. Some contain silicone additives to improve flow and adhesion.

Rust-Preventative Paints

For metal cabinets exposed to moisture, consider a rust-preventative or rust-inhibitive paint, such as Rust-Oleum. These contain rust-inhibiting additives to prevent corrosion and rust from forming under the paint film.

Rust converter primers chemically convert existing rust into an inert protective coating. Rust-preventing topcoats help block oxygen and moisture.

Use rust-inhibitive paints if the cabinet will be exposed to bathroom humidity.

High-Heat Paints

For metal medicine cabinets with built-in lighting, choose a high-heat paint designed for surfaces reaching temperatures up to 200°F. High-heat paints withstand repeated heating/cooling without cracking or peeling.

Hammered Metal Finish Paint

Specialty paints containing metal flakes or powders can recreate a rich hammered metal look on smooth metal cabinets. Multiple coats create an aged, textured finish.

Metal Paint Sheens

Paint sheen, or luster, impacts durability and ease of cleaning. Consider these sheen options:

• Flat – Provides a smooth, matte look. Paint does not reflect light. Vulnerable to staining and marring.
• Satin – Subtle luster. Resists marking and stains. Easy to clean. Ideal for metal cabinets.
• Semi-Gloss – Medium gloss with good stain/impact resistance. Very washable finish.
• Gloss – High-shine finish but shows imperfections. Resists moisture, washing, and scrubbing.

Satin or semi-gloss sheens are preferable for medicine cabinets. They resist moisture, provide some shine, and hide surface irregularities well.

Applying Paint to a Metal Medicine Cabinet

Follow these tips for flawless paint application:

• Lightly sand and clean between coats with tack cloth for maximum adhesion.
• Use high-quality applicator tools – primer and paintbrushes, foam rollers, or paint sprayer. Avoid cheap brushes that can leave bristles and streaks.
• Follow recoat times on the paint can labels. Oil-based enamels require 16-24 hours between coats. Latex paint dries faster.
• Apply in thin, even coats allowing proper drying between coats. Multiple thin coats look better than thick coats which can sag or drip.
• Work in controlled temperatures between 50-90° F and low humidity. Avoid painting in direct sunlight or on hot surfaces.

Proper metal surface prep, using paints designed for metal, following directions, and applying with care will result in a smooth, durable finish able to withstand busy family use.

Cleaning and Caring for Painted Metal Medicine Cabinets

Regular cleaning and maintenance helps preserve the painted finish of your cabinet. Here are some tips:

• Allow paint to cure fully before cleaning – up to 2 weeks for oil-based paints.
• Use mild soap and water. Avoid abrasive cleaners.
• Rinse surface thoroughly after cleaning.
• Immediately wipe up spills, splatters or water spots.
• Reapply protective coatings like wax if directed on the paint can.
• Avoid slamming or scraping doors/drawers. Open/close gently.
• Inspect yearly for any chips or damage to touch up.
• Clean built-in lighting cover panes with glass cleaner.

Proper prep and paint for metal, combined with careful use and cleaning, allows painted medicine cabinets to stay beautiful for years. With the right products and techniques, you can achieve magazine-worthy results!

Frequently Asked Questions About Painting Metal Medicine Cabinets

What paint to use on metal medicine cabinet?

For metal medicine cabinets, oil-based alkyd enamels or acrylic latex paints formulated specifically for metal provide the best adhesion and most durable finish.

How to prepare a metal medicine cabinet for painting?

Proper preparation is key. Clean thoroughly with a degreaser, sand lightly to rough up the surface, and apply a metal primer before painting for maximum paint adhesion.

What kind of primer should I use on a metal medicine cabinet?

A quality metal primer like Rust-Oleum Alkyd Metal Primer or Zinsser Bulls Eye 123 Water-Based Primer provide excellent adhesion to slick metal surfaces.

Should I use spray paint or brush-on paint?

High-quality spray paints or brush-on paints both work well. Spray painting often provides a smoother finish but requires masking off nearby surfaces. Brushing takes more time but offers better control.

How many coats of paint do metal cabinets need?

Typically 2-3 thin, even coats of paint properly applied will provide full coverage and a durable finish on metal. Always follow product directions.

What sheen of paint is best for metal cabinets?

Satin and semi-gloss paints provide the right balance of slight sheen and stain resistance for metal medicine cabinets.

How soon can I use the cabinet after painting?

Oil-based paints take up to 2 weeks to fully cure. Latex paints dry faster but still require a few days before shutting doors/drawers to prevent sticking.

Conclusion

Upgrading the look of a metal medicine cabinet is made simple by following this guide to preparing the surface, selecting the right metal-specific paint, and properly applying it. Satin or semi-gloss oil-based enamel or durable latex paints are up for the task. Proper prep, primer, paint choice, and care will result in a smooth, glassy, and luxurious finish able to hold up for many years of high-traffic bathroom use. With a little time and effort, you can easily refresh a dated metal medicine cabinet with a durable, lasting finish.