What to Re-line Inside Metal Gun Cabinet

Re-lining the interior of a metal gun cabinet is an important process to help protect your firearms and improve the cabinet’s storage capabilities. With some basic DIY skills and the right materials, you can give your old metal cabinet an upgrade. Here are some tips on what to use to re-line the inside of a metal gun cabinet.

Why Re-line a Metal Gun Cabinet?

There are a few key reasons you may want to re-line the interior of your metal gun safe or cabinet:

• Protect against scratches and dents – The thin sheet metal used in many gun cabinets can easily be scratched or dented by the sharp edges or impacts of guns. Adding a lining helps prevent this damage.
• Improve moisture resistance – Gun metals can corrode and wood can warp if exposed to too much humidity inside the cabinet. A lining will help protect against moisture.
• Add storage customizations – Re-lining allows you to add storage features like extra padding, slots, hooks and shelves to organize your firearms and gear.
• Refresh old cabinets – Re-lining an old worn-out gun cabinet can give it a facelift and extended life.

Best Materials to Use

When choosing a material to re-line your metal gun cabinet, you’ll want something durable, protective and customizable. Here are some top options:

1. Wood Paneling

Thin plywood panels are a popular choice for DIY re-lining projects. Plywood is affordable, can be precision cut to size and can be stained, painted or wrapped in fabric. It can also be outfitted with custom slots, ridges or hooks. Use a moisture-resistant plywood for the highest quality.

2. High Density Foam

Foam sheets provide excellent protective padding and shock absorption. Closed-cell foams won’t absorb moisture like upholstery foams. Look for high density options like yoga mat foam. The foam can be layered and cut to create slots and spaces.

3. Felt Fabric

For a quick and simple upgrade, lining the cabinet interior with soft felt fabric can help prevent scratches. Use a few layers for extra thickness. Adhere the fabric with spray adhesive or velcro strips. Felt also helps reduce noise from rattling guns and gear.

4. Carpet

For a more custom look, gluing carpet inside the cabinet provides padding and a finished appearance. Use an indoor/outdoor carpet without a moisture-absorbing backing. Adhere with carpet tape or spray adhesive. Commercial-grade short nap carpet works best.

How to Re-line a Metal Gun Cabinet

Re-lining your cabinet takes some careful planning and elbow grease but can be a DIY project for a motivated owner. Here are the basic steps:

Remove Existing Interior

• Take out all cabinet contents completely.
• Remove any existing interior lining if possible.
• Clean interior surfaces thoroughly.

Prepare New Lining Material

• Choose your preferred lining material and acquire sheets sized for your cabinet walls.
• Cut lining panels to size allowing a 1/2″ margin for error.
• Pre-drill any holes for mounting hardware.
• Sand and finish wood panels if needed.

Install New Lining

• Working one wall at a time, test fit your new lining panels.
• Use spray adhesive to attach foam or carpet linings. Use velcro for removable options.
• For wood, attach with finishing nails or screws drilled into the cabinet frame.
• Take care not to damage the cabinet exterior while fastening.
• Cut holes for shelving supports, power cords, etc.

Add Storage Customizations

• Now is the time to add custom slots, racks, shelves, etc.
• Foam sheets can be layered and carved for slots. Use wood or metal brackets for shelves.
• Get creative to build a storage system optimized for your collection!

With some time and care taken during installation, your upgraded lined cabinet will provide protection and custom storage for years to come. Maintain its condition by keeping the interior climate controlled and avoiding moisture buildup. Enjoy your refreshed gun cabinet!

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of wood can I use to line a gun cabinet?

Plywood, MDF board, and solid wood boards like poplar or oak are all good options. Use exterior grade plywood for maximum moisture resistance. Hardwoods like oak provide durability. Finish wood with polyurethane for protection.

What thickness foam should I use?

1/4″ to 1/2″ foam sheets are common. Use multiple layers if more padding is needed. Denser foams provide more protection. Yoga mat material is durable and easy to work with.

Is it difficult to install carpeting in a cabinet?

With some handy skills, carpeting a cabinet is very doable. Use an adhesive carpet tape or liquid adhesive. Cut carpet to size with a utility knife. Take care to get corners and edges flush for a clean look.

How do I get a lining to stick to the metal?

Thoroughly cleaning and lightly scuffing the metal helps adhesives grip. Foam can be attached with thick double-sided tape. For wood, use construction adhesive and nails into the cabinet frame. Velcro is another removable option.

What can I use to customize the storage space?

Get creative with wood or foam to make slots, racks, ridges and holders sized for your firearms collection. Use pegs, magnets, elastic cords or clips to secure guns and accessories. Foam floor mats can be carved out for shaped pads.

Conclusion

Re-lining your old or damaged metal gun cabinet restores protection and also allows you to customize the storage space. With protective padding, moisture resistance, and storage add-ons, a DIY re-lining project can extend the life of a well-used cabinet. Whether you prefer the quick protection of foam lining or want to tackle a fully outfitted wood interior, the materials and steps above will set you up for success. Just take your time to measure twice and cut once – your firearm collection will be secure and well organized thanks to your upgraded and rejuvenated metal gun cabinet.