Old metal kitchen cabinets can be an eyesore in a newly renovated kitchen. However, before throwing them out or paying for expensive replacements, there are creative ways to give them new life. With a little effort, you can transform tired old cabinets into stylish and functional pieces.

Assess the Condition of the Cabinets

The first step is to thoroughly inspect the existing metal cabinets. Check for any structural damage, rust, or other issues that would make the cabinets unsafe or unable to be refinished.

Things to look for include:

• Rust, corrosion, or paint chipping/peeling – This indicates moisture damage that may require sanding or special treatments.
• Warping or separation of cabinet parts – Ensure the cabinet box and doors/drawers still align and function properly.
• Loose hinges, knobs, or handles – These would need to be tightened or replaced.
• Prior repairs like wood filler or mismatched hardware.

Minor damage can be addressed during the refinishing process. However, serious deterioration may mean the cabinets need extensive repairs or replacement.

Clean the Cabinets Thoroughly

Before painting, refinishing or repurposing the metal kitchen cabinets, they must be cleaned of all grease, grime, and residue. Here are some tips for deep cleaning metal cabinets:

• Remove doors, drawers, and hardware. Clean these separately to access all surfaces.
• Use a degreasing agent like TSP substitute to cut through layers of grease and oils.
• Scrub all surfaces with an abrasive sponge or brush. Pay special attention to the cabinet frame interior and around hinges.
• Use a power washer for exterior cabinet surfaces if years of grease have accumulated. This also removes chalky paint.
• Rinse cleaned surfaces thoroughly then let dry completely.
• Damp wipe interiors with disinfectant to sanitize the cabinets after cleaning.

Thorough cleaning removes accumulated dirt and grease that could interfere with refinishing the metal cabinets.

Refinishing Options for Metal Kitchen Cabinets

Once the old metal cabinets are prepped, it’s time to choose a refinishing technique. There are several options to give the cabinets a fresh new look:

Painting the Cabinets

Painting metal kitchen cabinets allows you to update their color easily. Some tips for a successful painted finish:

• Scuff sand shiny surfaces to help the paint adhere. Wipe away dust.
• Prime cabinets with a bonding primer or metal primer before painting.
• Opt for cabinet-grade enamel spray paint for a smooth, durable finish.
• Use an angled brush to paint corners and edges neatly.
• Add multiple coats for a polished look. Lightly sand between coats.
• Finish with cabinet pulls, knobs, or handles in a coordinating color.

Painted metal cabinets look best in bright, light, or neutral hues. Stay away from darker colors that show scratches.

Refinishing to a Natural Metal

For a more industrial look, strip the cabinet boxes and doors back to the natural metal beneath. Follow these basic steps:

• Remove existing paint with a chemical stripper or sander. Wear protective gear.
• Clean stripped cabinets to remove residue from stripping.
• Buff the metal with an abrasive pad or steel wool to create a brushed look.
• Seal and protect the metal with a clear-coat sealant like polyurethane.
• Upgrade hardware like bin pulls, handles, or knobs.

The natural metal finish gives the kitchen an urban, modern appeal. Stainless steel, galvanized steel, and aluminum cabinets are all on trend options.

Laminate Cabinet Exteriors

For quick makeover, laminate the cabinet exteriors with adhesive plastic sheets. Here’s how:

• Remove doors and hardware. Clean surfaces thoroughly.
• Cut laminate sheets sized slightly larger than cabinet sides.
• Adhere laminate to cabinet boxes and doors using a contact cement.
• Use a router with flush trim bit to trim excess laminate at edges.
• Reattach doors and hardware.

Laminate offers the look of wood or solid surface materials at a fraction of the price. Many patterns like woodgrain, granite, stone, and glossy solids are available.

Wallpaper or Chalkboard Exteriors

For a playful, customizable look, use removable wallpaper or chalkboard vinyl to cover cabinet exteriors.

• Clean and lightly sand surfaces so the material adheres smoothly.
• Cut sheets to size of cabinet sides and doors.
• Apply adhesive wallpaper or chalkboard vinyl. Smooth out air bubbles.
• Use a razor to carefully trim excess material at edges.
• Finish with trendy hardware.

This is a fun way to create a focal point in the kitchen. Kids love cabinets they can draw on with chalk! Wallpaper allows endless pattern and color options too.

Repurposing Metal Kitchen Cabinets

Aside from refinishing, metal cabinets can also be repurposed into new functions around the home. Get creative with these repurposing ideas:

Turn Cabinets into Shelves

Remove cabinet doors and use the bases as open shelving. This works especially well:

• In laundry rooms, garages, basements and sheds to store items.
• On walls or half walls as display shelving.
• As craft station shelving for hobbies or kids’ art supplies.
• As bathroom shelving in retro or industrial styled rooms.

Make a Rolling Cart

Take a single cabinet and add wheels or casters to the bottom to create a rolling cart. Top uses:

• Kitchen island cart for extra storage and prep space.
• Bar cart for serving drinks.
• Craft supply caddy that can be moved around.
• Handyman workbench that rolls to the project.

Create a Bathtub Tray

Use a cabinet door as a bathtub caddy tray for bath essentials. Just attach it to the wall with brackets. Optional extras:

• Waterproof the wood with marine varnish for moisture protection.
• Attach a towel bar or extra shelving to the bottom.
• Add a hook for hanging in the shower when not in use.

Build a Cabinet Coffee Station

Repurpose a wall cabinet or base cabinet into a coffee bar. Just add:

• Small sink or tub basin to fit inside.
• Faucet and plumbing.
• Cabinetry for storage of mugs, beans, coffee maker.
• Countertop space for brewing and mixing.
• Decorative touches like a chalkboard wall or pendant lighting.

Use Cabinet as Garden Storage

Old metal cabinets can be ideal outdoor storage. Use one to:

• Store gardening tools, gloves, and supplies.
• Hold pool toys and accessories.
• Corral sporting equipment like balls, water gear, and more.
• Keep grilling supplies like fuel, utensils, and spices protected.

The metal construction stands up to weather and prevents rusting. Add weather stripping to seal the doors.

Give Cabinets a Furniture Makeover

Metal kitchen cabinetry can be made over into various furniture pieces throughout the home:

Kitchen Storage Bench

Attach a cabinet door to the front of a base cabinet placed horizontally. Add cushion. Great for entryways or at the kitchen table.

TV Console

Remove cabinet doors and place two base cabinets in an L-shape. Finish as a TV stand in the family room.

Outdoor Bar

Use metal cabinets as the base of a weatherproof, outdoor wet bar for patio entertaining.

Mudroom Lockers

Take several wall cabinets and use them as family member cubby lockers by the entryway.

Filing Cabinet/Desk

Lay a cabinet horizontally and remove the original top to create a desktop. Multi-drawer cabinets work great for office filing.

With a little imagination and DIY skills, metal kitchen cabinets can be made into virtually any piece of furniture for any room.

Tips for Refinishing Metal Kitchen Cabinets

To achieve the best possible results from your metal cabinet makeover, keep these key tips in mind:

• Work in a well-ventilated area, wear protective gear, and use chemical strippers safely.
• Thoroughly clean and prepare cabinets so new finishes adhere properly.
• Address repairs needed to ensure cabinets are structurally sound.
• Prime bare metal before painting or clear coating to improve adherence.
• Buy high quality primer, paint, laminate and wallpaper designed specifically for kitchen cabinet use.
• Take doors, drawers and hardware off during refinishing for easier access to all areas.
• Use router edge trimming tools when applying laminates or wallpaper to prevent tears.
• Seal any raw wood edges with varnish prior to laminating or painting to prevent moisture damage.
• Hire a contractor for structural repairs, complex installation work, or plumbing and electrical.

With careful prep and the right materials, metal kitchen cabinets can gain a striking “new” look. Proper techniques help the updated finish last for many years.

What to Do with Old Metal Kitchen Cabinets: Key Takeaways

Renovating your kitchen doesn’t have to mean buying all new cabinets. With some creativity and elbow grease, those old metal cabinets can become functional and beautiful again. Here are the key tips to remember:

• Inspect cabinets carefully first. Address repairs needed to make them structurally sound.
• Clean metal cabinets thoroughly prior to refinishing to remove grease and residues.
• Refinishing options include painting, stripping to natural metal, laminating, or applying wallpaper or chalkboard finishes.
• Repurposing allows cabinets to become rolling carts, open shelving, furniture, garden storage, and more.
• Use high-quality paint, adhesive vinyl, hardware and tools meant for kitchen cabinet refacing.
• Hire contractors for complex installations, repairs, plumbing or electrical work.
• Take safety precautions and work in a well-ventilated area.

Before discarding old metal kitchen cabinets, consider the many ways they can be restored, refaced or reinvented for continued use around the home. With some time and effort, these techniques can stretch your renovation budget while giving outdated cabinets new purpose.

Frequently Asked Questions About Refinishing Metal Kitchen Cabinets

Refinishing metal kitchen cabinets can seem daunting to DIYers. Here are answers to some common questions on how to update the look of metal cabinetry.

Can I paint over existing paint on metal cabinets?

Yes, metal cabinets can be repainted as long as the existing paint is still in good condition. Scuff sand to rough up the surface so the new paint can adhere. Make sure to use a bonding primer or metal primer before repainting.

What type of paint works best?

Look for cabinet-grade acrylic enamel paints in a satin, semi-gloss, or gloss sheen. Avoid flat paints which are harder to clean. Popular brands include Benjamin Moore Advance and Sherwin Williams ProClassic.

Do I need to take doors and hardware off before painting?

Yes, you’ll get the best results from removing cabinet doors, drawers, and all hardware prior to painting. This allows you to access the cabinet frame and door surfaces fully. Number pieces to keep them organized!

What about rusty metal cabinets?

Lightly sand and then apply a rust-inhibiting primer like Rust-Oleum before repainting rusted areas. For heavy rust, remove rust completely by sanding down to bare metal before priming and painting.

Can I remove paint from metal cabinets?

Yes, you can strip paint and take metal cabinets down to the original substrate. Use a chemical paint stripper and wear proper safety gear. An alternative is sanding off the paint with an orbital sander. Finish by wiping clean.

How do I apply new laminate to metal cabinet exteriors?

Thoroughly clean and dry cabinet surfaces first. Use contact cement to adhere plastic laminate sheets sized slightly larger than cabinet sides. Trim excess laminate using a router and flush trim bit.

What about wood veneering metal cabinets instead of laminate?

It is possible to apply thin wood veneers over metal. Special adhesives made for metal surfaces are used. This is trickier than using laminate which can be done by DIYers.

Can Iwallpaper the outside of metal cabinets?

Yes, removable wallpaper or chalkboard vinyl work great on cleaned and lightly sanded cabinet exteriors. Use adhesive specific to kitchen use that resists moisture, grease and heat.

How do I seal natural metal cabinets?

Use a clear-coat metal sealant like polyurethane on bare aluminum, stainless or galvanized steel. Clean thoroughly first and apply 2-3 thin coats, lightly sanding between each.

What’s the best way to clean metal cabinets before refinishing?

Degrease thoroughly with a product like TSP substitute before sanding or painting. For heavy grease buildup, consider power washing. Disinfect interiors once cleaned. Let dry fully before refinishing.

Conclusion

Old, worn metal kitchen cabinets still have a lot of life left with proper refinishing or repurposing. Simple techniques like painting, laminating, or converting to shelving breathe fresh style into outdated cabinetry. With some determined cleaning, elbow grease, and creativity, metal cabinets can transition seamlessly into a remodeled kitchen or serve new functions throughout the home.

Maximizing the use of existing kitchen elements by refacing or reinventing not only saves money, but keeps additional materials out of landfills. Approaching outdated metal cabinetry as a design challenge rather than a burden can lead to innovative, environmentally-friendly results you can take pride in. With the right motivation and techniques, you can give unloved metal cabinets renewed purpose.