What to Use to Paint Metal Cabinets

Introduction

Painting metal cabinets can completely transform the look of your kitchen, bathroom, or any other space in your home. With a fresh coat of paint, dated metal cabinets get revived with color, style, and personality.

But not just any old paint will do. Painting metal requires careful prep work and the right type of paint formulated specifically for slick and non-porous surfaces, or else you’ll end up with chips, peeling, and a paint job that just doesn’t last.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through all the steps and best practices for painting metal cabinets like a pro. We’ll cover everything from cleaning and prepping to priming and painting, as well as troubleshooting common paint problems. Let’s dive in!

Should You Paint Your Metal Cabinets? The Pros and Cons

Before grabbing a paint brush, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of painting metal cabinets. Here are some things to consider:

Pros of Painting Metal Cabinets

• Transforms the look – New paint color completely changes the style and feel of your space. Much cheaper than buying new cabinets!
• Covers flaws – Paint disguises scratches, stains, and other imperfections in the metal.
• Custom color – Paint allows you to match your cabinets to your exact wall color or decor.
• Adds personality – Vibrant paint colors give your space a unique character.
• Inexpensive update – Costs much less than replacing cabinets.

Cons of Painting Metal Cabinets

• Time consuming prep – Metal requires labor-intensive sanding, cleaning, priming.
• Existing hardware may not match – New paint color may clash with old hardware.
• Prone to chipping/peeling – Paint doesn’t adhere as well to slick metal surfaces. Touch-ups may be needed.
• Permanent change – Can’t easily revert back to original metal finish.
• Hiring a pro is costly – Painting cabinets professionally costs $2,000-$5,000.

Overall, if your cabinets are structurally sound, painting metal cabinets is an affordable way to give your kitchen or bath a fresh new look without replacing everything. The project does require patience and elbow grease for proper prep work. But the results are well worth it.

How to Prepare Metal Cabinets for Painting

Preparing metal cabinets for painting is the most important and time-consuming step. Proper prep ensures paint adheres tightly for a long-lasting finish. Here’s how to prep metal cabinets for paint:

Clean Surface

Start by thoroughly cleaning cabinets with a degreasing agent like TSP substitute. Scrub surfaces using a scouring sponge or pad with warm water. This removes built-up grease and oils so paint can properly adhere.

Tip: Wear rubber gloves and safety goggles. Ventilate the area and work in sections. Rinse well and let dry completely.

Sand Away Glossy Finish

Use 120-150 grit sandpaper to scuff up the glossy factory finish on metal cabinets. This removes the slick protective coating so paint can grab onto the rough surface.

Focus sanding on contact points like the cabinet frame, doors, and drawer fronts. Sand evenly until you achieve a uniform dull look. Wipe away sanding dust with a tack cloth.

Fix Dents/Scratches

Use automotive body filler to patch and smooth over any dents, divots, holes, or deep scratches in the metal. Once filler dries, sand flush with surface. Clean and remove any lingering dust.

Remove Doors and Hardware

Take cabinet doors off the hinges and remove all hardware like handles and hinges. This allows you to paint doors evenly and prevents paint buildup around hardware. Set screws aside in labeled bags.

Degrease Again

Give metal cabinets another round of degreasing, scrubbing, and rinsing to eliminate any oils left from sanding or handling the metal. Let cabinets dry fully before priming.

Tips for Prepping Metal Cabinets

• Work in a well-ventilated area. Wear a NIOSH-approved respirator mask when sanding.
• Completely clean and dry cabinets between all steps. Lingering residue prevents proper paint adhesion.
• Sand evenly and thoroughly to remove gloss finish everywhere. Avoid half-done spots.
• Fill dents and scratches for a smooth finish. Don’t cover flaws with thick paint.
• Remove all doors, shelves, and hardware. Reinstall after painting.
• Change sandpaper sheets often. Fresh grit ensures effective sanding. Discard clogged paper.

Thorough prep removes any barrier between the new paint and metal surface. Now you’re ready to apply primer.

Selecting the Right Primer for Metal Cabinets

Primer creates an adhesive layer between the slick metal and paint topcoats. It also evens out differences in texture and porosity.

For painting metal cabinets, you must use a high-quality primer formulated especially for metal. Here are the best options:

Etching Primer

Etching primers contain acids that actually bite into slick surfaces and roughen them up to accept paint. It chemically etches the metal so paint binds tightly. Provides excellent corrosion resistance too.

Rust-Oleum Automotive Etching Primer is a top choice for metal cabinets. Apply multiple thin coats for best results. Let primer dry thoroughly between coats.

Epoxy Primer

Epoxy primers are two-component products that create an incredibly tough and abrasion-resistant film. The catalyst hardens the epoxy into a surface similar to powder-coated finishes.

Kilz Premium Epoxy Primer sticks tenaciously to glossy and well-cured painted metal. It sands easily to prep for topcoats.

Sticking with These Primers

Avoid cheap all-purpose primers which won’t properly adhere to slick metal over the long haul. Stick with a high-performance etching or epoxy primer formulated for the job. This provides a strong foundation for your paint job.

Well-primed metal accepts paint better, minimizing the risk of peeling or chipping even with heavy use and cleaning. Take the time to do this crucial step right!

Choosing the Right Paint Finish for Metal Cabinets

For painting kitchen or bathroom cabinets subject to moisture, grease, cleaning chemicals, and heavy wear-and-tear, the paint finish matters.

Here are top paint options for durable, long-lasting results:

Alkyd Enamel Paint

Alkyd enamel paint contains alkyd resins derived from plants that form a hard, glossy, and flexible coating. It dries fast to a smoother harder finish than latex paint.

Benjamin Moore Advance Alkyd Enamel flows out beautifully on cabinets with a rich glossy look. It emits strong fumes so ventilation is a must.

Acrylic-Latex Enamel

Water-based acrylic-latex enamels provide a colorfast, protective finish that cleans up easily with soap and water. They resist yellowing and stay bright white over time.

Behr Premium Cabinet and Trim Enamel offers excellent flow and leveling on cabinets, plus anti-microbial resistance to mold and mildew.

Epoxy Paint

For the ultimate tough, chemical-resistant finish, 2-part epoxy paints are superb for cabinets. They cure to a thick, glass-like coating that withstands heavy use.

Rust-Oleum Cabinet Transformations Kit includes epoxy shields paint and primer for simplified remodeling. Highly durable and scratch-resistant.

Cons of Painting Metal Cabinets

• Requires safety gear for fumes
• Long dry and cure times
• Frustrating if applied wrong

Any high-quality alkyd, latex, or epoxy enamel will bond tightly and durably to well-prepped and primed metal cabinets. Choose paint colors wisely as dark hues show imperfections. Stick to satin, semi-gloss, or gloss sheens for scrub-ability.

Top Tips for Painting Metal Cabinets Like a Pro

Once your metal cabinets are fully prepped, primed, and you’ve selected the ideal paint, it’s go time! Follow these pro tips as you apply paint for flawless results:

1. Work in a Dust-Free Area

Paint metal cabinets in a dust-free, well-ventilated area. Dust particles landing in fresh paint create imperfections. Set up plastic drop cloths too.

2. Follow Primer/Paint Drying Times

Don’t rush! Adhere strictly to primer and paint dry times between coats, especially with epoxy. Rushing the process ruins the paint job.

3. Use High-Quality Paintbrushes

Invest in premium nylon/polyester or china bristle brushes made for fine finish work. Avoid cheap loose-bristled brushes that streak and shed.

4. Maintain a Wet Edge When Painting

When painting cabinet doors andframes, always maintain a wet edge where fresh paint meets still-wet painted edges. Lap marks occur when paint dries between sections. Work methodically so edges blend seamlessly.

5. Inspect for Drips

Closely inspect for paint drips after finishing each section. Use a small artist’s brush to catch drips before drying.

6. Sand Between Coats

Lightly sand glossy surfaces with 220 grit after primer and between paint coats. This deglosses the surface so the next coat sticks tight.

7. Clean brushes Properly

Never let paint dry on brushes! Promptly clean equipment in the appropriate solvent after use. This preserves brush quality for the next time.

8. Allow Proper Cure Time

Leave freshly painted cabinets alone for several days to fully cure before reinstalling doors and hardware. Attaching items too soon may damage the paint job.

With care and patience, your painted metal cabinets will look like new – only better!

Troubleshooting Common Metal Cabinet Paint Problems

Painting metal cabinets seems easy enough until you encounter an issue like chipping, peeling, brush marks, or discoloration. Here are fixes for common paint problems:

Issue: Paint peeling or chipping prematurely

Solution: Ensure metal was properly sanded and primed before painting. Too-glossy or oily surfaces prevent paint from adhering. Aggressively sand and reprime bare spots before repainting.

Issue: Brush marks and uneven coverage

Solution: Use a high quality nylon or china bristle brush. Apply paint in even strokes while maintaining a wet edge. Thin paint if too thick. Sand between coats.

Issue: Paint drying too fast

Solution: Avoid painting in direct sunlight or excessive heat. Paint in cooler temps to extend working time. Use paint retarder additive if needed.

Issue: Discoloration or yellowing over time

Solution: Certain lower-grade paints yellow with age. Use only top quality cabinet enamels formulated for long-lasting color retention.

Issue: New paint color doesn’t match existing hardware

Solution: Replace outdated hardware like knobs, hinges, and handles with modern pieces that coordinate with cabinet paint colors.

With the right prep work and paints, you can achieve a beautiful, lasting finish on metal cabinets. Correct any paint mishaps promptly before they worsen. Enjoy your updated space!

Frequently Asked Questions About Painting Metal Cabinets

Here are answers to some common questions about painting metal kitchen and bathroom cabinets:

What type of paint adheres best to metal cabinets?

For metal, use a high-quality alkyd enamel, latex enamel, or epoxy paint formulated to bond tightly and resist moisture, grease, and frequent cleaning. Etching or epoxy primer also improves paint adhesion.

How long does it take to paint metal cabinets?

Plan on devoting 1-2 weeks to properly prep, prime, paint, and cure metal cabinets. Rushing the process leads to paint failure down the road.

Should I spray or brush paint metal cabinets?

Brushing provides better control than spraying for full coverage in tight spaces. Use a high-quality nylon/polyester brush. Only spray if you have expertise using HVLP spray guns.

How do I achieve an ultra-smooth finish on cabinets?

Sand thoroughly between coats with 220 grit sandpaper. Strain paint through a mesh filter before applying to remove globs. Maintain wet edges when painting. Use a foam roller for the final coat.

Can I paint over rust spots on metal cabinets?

No, rust must be removed before painting by sanding to bare metal and spot priming. Otherwise, rust bumps will eventually show through paint.

Conclusion

Painting metal cabinets might seem daunting, but follow this guide and you’ll achieve long-lasting, professional-quality results. Thorough preparation and using the right primer and paint for metal makes all the difference. Invest the time and materials in properly prepping cabinets prior to painting. Maintain patience during the painting process. And cure painted cabinets fully before rehanging doors or reloading contents.

With your freshly painted metal cabinets, breathe new life into your kitchen, bathroom, laundry, or workspace. The transformation is dramatic yet economical. Take your time to do the job right, and your painted metal cabinets will look amazing for years!