What Type of Paint to Use on Metal Cabinets
Painting metal cabinets can transform the look of your kitchen or bathroom. With the right type of paint, you can give dated metal cabinets a fresh, stylish update. But not all paints adhere well or last on metal surfaces. Choosing the best paint for metal cabinets requires considering the metal type, prep work needed, and the final look you want to achieve. This guide will walk you through the factors to weigh and recommend the best metal paint options.
Introduction
Metal cabinets were a popular choice for kitchens and bathrooms in the 1950s-1980s. While durable, the enamel finishes can chip and fade over time. Repainting metal cabinets offers an affordable way to refresh the look without a full replacement. But metal presents some challenges that require using a paint formulated for optimum adhesion and durability.
With the right prep work and paint selection, you can give metal cabinets a beautiful facelift. The new paint job will revive the look of vintage metal cabinets or allow you to change color schemes for a whole new style. This article will cover:
- Benefits of repainting vs. replacing metal cabinets
- Prepping metal cabinets for painting
- Important factors in choosing metal paint
- Recommended metal paint options
- Painting techniques and best practices
- Achieving a professional-quality finish
Follow these tips to choose the best type of paint for your metal cabinet refinishing project.
Benefits of Repainting Metal Cabinets
Before deciding on painting or replacing metal cabinets, consider these benefits of repainting:
- Cost savings – Painting costs a fraction of full cabinet replacement. Savings range from 70-90% over new custom or semi-custom cabinets.
- Quick update – Painting takes just a weekend instead of the weeks or months for cabinet replacement projects.
- Personalization – You can choose any color to match your exact style instead of being limited by cabinet options.
- Environmentally friendly – Repainting recycles existing cabinets rather than sending them to the landfill.
- Maintain layout – Keep your current cabinet configuration rather than undergoing layout changes.
For a fast, budget-friendly update that transforms the look of your space, repainting metal cabinets is a smart choice.
Preparing Metal Cabinets for Painting
Proper prep work ensures paint adheres securely so it lasts for years without chipping, cracking, or peeling. Follow these essential steps to prep metal cabinets for painting:
- Clean cabinets to remove grease and grime. Use a degreasing cleaner or tsp substitute to cut through oils.
- Sand surfaces with 220-400 grit sandpaper to scuff up the glossy enamel coating. This helps the paint grip.
- Remove doors and hardware for easier access. Number doors to keep organized.
- Fill dents/holes with metal filler designed for smooth finishes.
- Prime cabinets with a bonding primer made for glossy metal surfaces.
Prepping provides a clean slate and roughs up the metal so paint can adhere tightly. Investing this upfront time means your new paint job stays beautiful for years to come.
Choosing the Best Metal Paint
With the right formula, paint adheres perfectly to slick metal surfaces and stands up to the humidity, grease, and wear-and-tear of kitchen and bathroom cabinets. Consider these factors when selecting metal paint:
- Adhesion – Formulas like epoxy provide superior grip compared to standard acrylic latex paints.
- Durability – Enamel paints create a hard, scratch-resistant finish built to withstand cleaning and contact.
- Block resistance – Alkyd formulas prevent stained edges when painted doors press together.
- Gloss level – From high-gloss to flat, choose your desired shine level.
- VOCs – Low-VOC options are better for indoor air quality.
Top-quality metal paint also levels smoothly to hide imperfections. The leading metal paint options include:
Recommended Paint Options for Metal Cabinets
1. Epoxy Paint
Epoxy paint (also called polyamide epoxy) offers best-in-class adhesion to glossy surfaces like metal or porcelain. The tough film finish is also extremely durable and moisture resistant. Professional painters often use epoxy for metal cabinets, but DIY-friendly options are also available.
Pros
- Strongest adhesion of any coating
- Ultra durable and scratch resistant finish
- Withstands humidity, grease, and heavy wear
- High block resistance
Cons
- Requires precise mix ratio of resin and hardener
- Limited colors available
Best For
- Heavy use cabinets in kitchens and bathrooms
- Severely damaged cabinets that need rebuilding
2. Alkyd/Oil-Based Enamel
Alkyd enamels contain resins suspended in solvent for an extremely hard, glass-smooth finish. The alkyds bind tightly to metal and the glossy finish makes cabinets easy to clean. Oil-based enamel levels smoothly for a pro-quality look.
Pros
- Adheres well to slick and glossy surfaces
- Very durable and scratch resistant
- Highly block resistant
- Provides ultra smooth finish
Cons
- Strong odor during application
- Long dry/cure times required
Best For
- Kitchen cabinets subject to heavy wear
- Bathroom cabinets with humidity exposure
- Antique and vintage metal cabinets
3. Acrylic Enamel
Water-based acrylic enamel paints provide excellent adhesion and durability for metal cabinets. Newer acrylic formulas offer great flow and leveling with fast dry times and low odor. DTM (direct-to-metal) acrylics work well for DIYers.
Pros
- Good adhesion and durability for metal
- Available in all sheens (flat to high-gloss)
- Quick dry time between coats
- Low odor and VOC content
Cons
- Less durable than epoxy and oil-based
- More prone to blocking/sticking when doors close
Best For
- DIYers looking for an easy metal paint option
- Laundry room cabinets or less used spaces
Painting Metal Cabinets
Use these tips for a smooth painting process:
- Lightly sand glossy primers before painting for better adhesion.
- Use a high-density foam roller and quality nylon/polyester brush.
- Work in sections – one wall of upper cabinets then lower cabinets.
- Apply two coats for full coverage and durability. Lightly sand between coats.
- Remove drips or sags immediately by smoothing gently with a brush.
- Allow proper cure time before reinstalling doors and drawers.
With careful application, you can achieve a flawless professional finish with minimal brush marks.
Achieving a Flawless Finish
Follow these pro tips for stunning results:
- Maintain a wet edge to prevent lap marks by brushing into freshly painted areas.
- Keep a consistent application thickness – don’t overwork some areas.
- Finish each section by “laying off” – lightly brushing downward in one direction.
- Check for drips on door/drawer edges before closing them to dry.
- Ensure doors are completely cured before hanging to prevent sticking.
- Seal paint with a clear coat for added protection and an ultra smooth finish.
Proper materials, preparation, and techniques allow DIYers to achieve magazine-worthy painted metal cabinets.
Conclusion
Reviving dated metal cabinets with a fresh coat of paint provides an affordable kitchen or bath facelift. Following the recommendations above will help you choose the right metal paint for superior adhesion and durability. Investing a little more in materials that are formulated specifically for painting metal leads to a longer-lasting finish. Match that with good prep work and application techniques, and you can expect your painted metal cabinets to look amazing for years before needing a touch up.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of paint adheres best to metal cabinets?
Epoxy paint offers the strongest adhesion and most durable finish on metal. Oil-based alkyd enamel also sticks well. Acrylic enamel works for less wear. Always use bonding primer.
What sheen looks best for metal kitchen cabinets?
A satin finish around 35-45 sheen units is ideal for metal cabinets. It resists staining/wear but isn’t too shiny. Satin also highlights cabinet details well.
How long does it take to paint metal cabinets?
Plan on at least 5-7 days from start to finish. 1-2 days for thorough prep, 2 days for priming/painting, then another couple days minimum for the paint to fully cure before reinstalling doors.
Should I spray or roll/brush paint metal cabinets?
High-quality brushing enamels allow rolling and brushing with great results. Spraying requires removing all doors/drawers and provides a faster application.
How do I prevent brush marks when painting cabinets?
Use a high-density foam roller and high-quality nylon/poly brush. Roll then gently brush before the paint dries. Finish sections by lightly brushing downwards.
