Introduction
Kitchen cabinets play a major role in setting the aesthetic tone of your kitchen. Over time, the constant use and exposure to grease, food spills, steam, and more can cause metal cabinetry to lose its luster and appear worn or dingy. Repainting metal kitchen cabinets allows you to upgrade the look of your kitchen easily and affordably. With some preparation, high-quality primer and paint, attention to detail, and diligent care during the painting process, you can give your metal cabinets a fresh, like-new appearance.
In this comprehensive guide, we will walk through all the steps and best practices for repainting metal kitchen cabinets. Follow along to learn how to properly prepare your cabinets, choose the right painting supplies, apply primer and paint, achieve a smooth finish, and care for your freshly painted metal cabinets. With the right approach and products, you can revitalize the look of your kitchen cabinets and enjoy a durable, long-lasting paint job. Let’s get started!
Choosing Paint for Metal Cabinets
The first step is selecting the right type of paint for a metal surface. Using regular wall paint or other types of paints that are not specifically formulated for metal application will likely lead to chipping, peeling, cracking, or other paint failures down the road.
When researching paint options, look for these key features:
Adhesion and Flexibility
The paint needs strong adhesion to bond properly to a slick metal surface without chipping or peeling. It should also have enough elasticity to flex along with the metal cabinets. Latex paints often have these properties. Oil-based alkyds are another good option.
Corrosion Resistance
Since metal cabinets can start corroding when paint is compromised, opt for paint with corrosion-inhibiting properties. Many metal paints have added rust inhibitors or passivators.
Durability and Scrubbability
Kitchen cabinets endure a lot of wear and tear. Seek out cabinet paint with high durability and scrubbable finish to resist stains, grease, frequent cleaning, and abrasion from daily use.
Color Retention
Enamel paints hold color particularly well. They produce a smooth, glossy finish that maintains its vibrant color despite exposure to sunlight and grease over time.
After considering these factors, some of the best paints for repainting metal kitchen cabinets include:
- Latex enamel paint – Offers great adhesion, durability, and flexibility. Some popular brands are Behr Alkyd Semi-Gloss Enamel and Valspar Cabinet Enamel.
- Alkyd enamel paint – Provides a harder, more durable finish. Brands like Benjamin Moore Advance offer alkyd paint engineered for exceptional adhesion and abrasion resistance.
- Rust-inhibiting primers – Zinsser, KILZ, and Rust-Oleum all make anti-rust primers ideal for metal. They help stop existing rust and prevent future corrosion under the topcoat of paint.
- High-bond primers – Adhesion-promoting primers like Stix provide extra grip on slick surfaces like metal and form a strong foundation for paint.
- Spray paint – Formulated specifically for metal, spray paint ensures great coverage and bonds well. Rust-Oleum spray paint for metal comes in many sheens and colors.
Always read the manufacturer’s recommendations to ensure the paint is approved for metal surfaces. With the right paint products, properly prepped metal cabinets can achieve a freshly painted look that really lasts.
Preparing Metal Cabinets for Painting
Preparing your metal kitchen cabinets thoroughly before painting is crucial for getting flawless, long-lasting results. Follow these steps to get your cabinets paint-ready:
1. Remove Cabinet Doors and Drawers
Detaching the cabinet doors, drawers, and hardware makes the cabinets easier to access and prevents paint getting onto the hardware pieces. Place doors and drawers on a protected surface in the order they came off.
2. Clean the Cabinets
Give all cabinet surfaces a thorough cleaning to remove grease, dirt, and other grime. A degreasing cleaner helps tackle oily buildup. Tackle stuck-on splatters with a scraper. Then clean with a mild soap solution, rinse with clean water, and let dry fully.
3. Sand Away Loose Paint and Rust
Use 150-220 grit sandpaper to lightly scuff and smooth the cabinet boxes, doors, and drawers. This helps the new paint adhere properly. Focus on sanding away any loose, peeling paint and removing rust from metal surfaces.
Be cautious not to aggressively sand through all the existing paint. The goal is to roughen things up, not strip down to bare metal. Wipe away all sanding dust with a dry cloth.
4. Spot Prime Bare Metal and Rusted Areas
Use a quality rust-inhibiting primer to spot prime any exposed bare metal or rusted areas on the cabinets. This protects vulnerable unpainted metal sections. Allow the spot prime coat to dry fully.
5. Fix Dings and Dents
Fill any dents, holes, or cracks in the metal with spackling paste or wood filler and let dry completely. Sand smooth. This gives you an even surface for painting.
6. Remove Cabinet Doors and Hardware
If you haven’t already, detach all doors, drawers, and hardware pieces like hinges and handles. Set them aside protected. Remove doors/drawers in an organized fashion so you can easily reattach later.
7. Clean and lightly sand hardware
Give all the hardware a good cleaning and light sanding as well to prep it for fresh paint. Clean off any old caulk or adhesive from screw holes.
Proper prep is the key to getting great results when painting kitchen cabinets. With the cabinets cleaned, sanded, spot primed, and ready for paint, you can move onto the painting steps with confidence.
How to Paint Metal Kitchen Cabinets
Follow this process when painting your metal kitchen cabinets for an immaculate and durable finish:
1. Apply Primer
Use a high-bonding primer designed for metal surfaces. Priming helps the paint stick to slick metal, prevents bleed-through, and provides extra corrosion resistance. Use a foam roller or brush to evenly apply primer over all cabinet surfaces—boxes, doors, and drawers. Coat inside and out.
2. Lightly Sand Primer
Once the primer has dried, give everything a light sanding with fine 220 grit sandpaper. This deglosses the surface so paint bonds better. Carefully wipe away dust.
3. Caulk Seams, Holes, and Gaps
Use a flexible, paintable caulk to fill and seal any cracks, gaps, or holes on the primed cabinets. Let the caulk dry fully. Smooth over caulk with fine sandpaper.
4. Paint Cabinets with First Coat
Using a quality latex or alkyd enamel paint formulated for metal, apply the first coat in thin, even layers using a new paint roller and/or brush. Work methodically and maintain a wet edge to prevent lap marks. Let the first coat dry fully.
5. Lightly Sand First Coat
Gently sand again with 220 grit sandpaper to smooth any brush marks or texture left from the first coat. A deglossed surface allows the second coat to bond tightly. Carefully wipe off dust.
6. Paint Second Coat
Roll or brush on the second finish coat, maintaining a wet edge and spraying smooth strokes to level out the paint. Allow the final coat to cure fully, following paint manufacturer’s instructions. The longer you allow paint to cure, the harder and more durable the finish.
7. Reattach Hardware
Once fully cured, attach hardware and rehang doors and drawers. Fill old screw holes with silicone sealant to prevent moisture getting in.
With patience and proper paint products, you can achieve a smooth, factory-like finish on DIY painted metal cabinets.
Achieving a Smooth Painted Finish
Applying metal cabinet paint smoothly and evenly is key to getting a professional-looking, durable finish. Here are some tips:
- Always use high-quality primer and paint formulated specifically for metal. Poor quality paint leads to unsatisfactory results.
- Apply paint in thin coats, building up gradually instead of globbing it on thickly. Thick coats tend to run and cause brush marks.
- Maintain a wet edge by painting systematically from one end to the other without breaking. This prevents lap marks.
- Roll or brush in the same direction across all cabinet sections for consistency. Up and down brushstrokes tend to look smoother than back and forth.
- Use a short-nap or foam paint roller to lay down even layers without stippling. Follow with smooth brushstrokes.
- Sand lightly between coats to remove any debris, texture, or drips. Degloss for optimal adhesion.
- Work methodically and patiently. Rushing through painting leads to errors. Allow adequate drying time between coats.
- Finish with a soft brush to catch any drips and smooth out brushstrokes after the final coat.
- Consider spraying painted cabinets with an enamel topcoat like clear polyurethane for extra smoothness and protection.
With careful prep, quality paints, and smooth application, you can achieve seamless, professional-looking results painting metal kitchen cabinets.
Caring for Freshly Painted Metal Cabinets
It’s important to care properly for your painted metal cabinets to help the finish last. Here are some maintenance tips:
- Allow paint to cure fully before regular use, typically 2 weeks. Handle doors gently during this time.
- Hand wash cabinets to clean instead of abrasive scrubbing. Use a mild detergent.
- Immediately wipe up spills and splatters to prevent staining.
- Reseal any joints or edges that become exposed with clear caulk to prevent moisture intrusion under the paint.
- Consider applying a layer of wax polish or clear polyurethane for added protection and easier cleaning.
- Don’t hang anything too heavy from cabinet doors to avoid pulling off paint.
- Touch up any nicks or scratches immediately with matching paint to avoid exposing bare metal.
- Clean metal surfaces gently with polish formulated for painted metal for lasting shine. Avoid abrasive cleaners.
- Repaint cabinets as soon as you notice any cracking, peeling, or chipping paint to protect the metal underneath.
With proper care and maintenance, your freshly painted metal cabinets can look like new for many years before needing to be repainted.
FAQs About Painting Metal Kitchen Cabinets
What kind of paint is best for metal cabinets?
Enamel paints formulated especially for metal provide the best adhesion, durability, and color retention. Look for metal paints that offer corrosion resistance too.
How do I prepare metal cabinets for painting?
Thorough cleaning, light sanding, and priming ensure paint bonds well. Remove doors and hardware, fill dents, sand away loose paint, spot prime bare metal, and address rust before painting.
Should I use primer when repainting metal cabinets?
Primer is strongly recommended. It blocks stains from show through, helps paint stick to slick metal, and adds extra corrosion protection. Always use metal-specific primer.
How many coats of paint do metal cabinets need?
Plan on applying two to three coats for full coverage and a smooth finish on painted metal cabinets. Allow thorough drying time between coats.
What causes paint to peel off metal cabinets?
Using the wrong type of paint and inadequate prep typically causes peeling. Other factors can include rushing the paint job, applying paint too thickly, insufficient drying time between coats, or exposure to excessive moisture.
How do I avoid brush marks when painting cabinets?
Use high-quality paint formulated for smoother application. Thin coats applied methodically with a short-nap roller and angled trim brush minimize brush strokes. Allow proper drying between coats.
Should I spray or hand paint kitchen cabinets?
Spraying often creates the smoothest finish but requires significant masking and prep. Hand painting allows more control and is simpler for DIYers to tackle. Use a roller and brush for best results.
How soon can I use cabinets after painting?
Oil-based paints take 7-14 days to fully harden and cure while latex cures in 2-3 days. Avoid hanging heavy items or aggressive cleaning during this period. Handle doors gently.
What sheen should I choose for cabinet paint?
A satin or semi-gloss enamel provides the best mix of attractive shine and durability for kitchen cabinets. Gloss shows more imperfections while flat has no reflective quality.
How do I clean freshly painted metal cabinets?
Use a mild detergent and soft cloth. Avoid abrasive scrubbing. Immediately wipe spills and drips. Consider applying a protective wax or polyurethane coat for easier cleaning.
Conclusion
Repainting metal kitchen cabinets is an economical way to upgrade your kitchen’s style. With the right prep and paint products, you can achieve professional-looking results painting metal cabinets yourself. Spend time properly cleaning cabinets, removing doors, sanding, and priming before painting. Use specialty paints designed for metal surfaces in thin, even coats for optimal coverage and durability. Maintain your painted finish by promptly fixing any nicks or scratches and gently cleaning. With this helpful guide, you can gain the confidence to revitalize your kitchen cabinets with a fresh coat of durable paint.