Painting old metal cabinets to refresh your kitchen or bathroom can seem daunting, but with some preparation and technique, you can get a perfect color match. Here are some tips on how to get paint to match old metal cabinets.
Assess the Original Finish of the Cabinets
The first step is to look closely at the existing finish on your metal cabinets.
- Is it enamel, acrylic, lacquer, or something else? Understanding the original coating will help you choose the right prep methods.
- Make note of any cracking, peeling, or chipping. Rough areas will need extra sanding and priming.
- Check for signs of rust. Rusty spots must be treated and neutralized before painting.
- What sheen is the original finish – glossy, satin, matte? Matching the sheen will help the new paint blend better.
Thoroughly examining the cabinets will help you identify any problem areas and select suitable paint and primers.
Clean and Degrease the Cabinets
Old cabinet surfacescollect a lot of grime and grease over the years. Thorough cleaning is crucial for proper paint adhesion.
- Wash cabinets with a degreasing cleaner like TSP substitute or ammonia. Rinse well.
- For heavy grime, use a cabinet scraper or putty knife. Avoid harsh abrasives.
- Remove doors/drawers and clean all sides. Don’t forget the interior surfaces!
- Allow cabinets to fully dry before priming or painting. Trapped moisture causes peeling.
Proper cleaning removes contaminants that could make new paint fail. Ensure cabinets are free of dirt, residue, and oils for success.
Sand and Spot Prime as Needed
Lightly sanding helps paint adhere better to slick cabinet surfaces. It also smooths any bumpy areas.
- Use 220-grit sandpaper for enamel or lacquer cabinets. Avoid stripping the finish completely.
- For varnished or painted wood, use 150-grit paper to scuff up the surface.
- Hand sanding is best for control. Be gentle around detailed edges.
- Prime worn, rusty, or bare wood spots with a sealing primer before painting.
Sanding deglosses the surface for the new coat of paint. Spot priming tackles problem areas like cracks and damages.
Apply Primer to the Cabinets
Priming is crucial for getting old metal cabinets painted properly. The right primer helps the new paint stick.
- For enameled metal, use an oil-based bonding primer like XIM UMA Universal Metallic Primer.
- On varnished, painted, or laminate cabinets, water-based bonding primer works, like Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3.
- Apply 2-3 thin, even coats of primer allowing proper drying time between coats.
- Make sure to prime all sides – fronts, backs, insides, and drawers.
Primer creates a uniform surface for paint to adhere to. Use the best primer for the cabinet material to ensure excellent results.
Choose the Right Paint Sheen and Finish
Picking complementary paint finishes helps new and old cabinet surfaces blend together.
- Match old cabinets’ sheen – eggshell, satin, semi-gloss. Use sheen samples to compare.
- For worn cabinets, consider a slightly higher sheen, like satin instead of flat.
- Oil-based enamel paint matches vintage metal cabinet finishes well. Modern latex paint works for painted wood.
- Opt for cabinet/trim paint for a hard, durable finish on high-use kitchens/baths.
Matching sheens while considering the existing cabinet finish helps the new paint look cohesive. Lightly worn cabinets can benefit from a bit of a sheen boost.
Apply Paint in Thin, Even Coats
The way you apply the paint makes a huge difference in getting an ideal color match. Patience is key.
- Always follow the paint’s dry time recommendations between coats. Rushing causes drips and unevenness.
- Thin coats applied with a high-quality brush minimize brush marks.
- Maintain a wet edge and overlap strokes to ensure an even finish.
- Paint sides/edges first, then drawers, doors, and face frames. Finish with cabinet boxes.
Careful, thin application creates a smooth, consistent finish. Allowing proper dry time builds depth and uniformity.
Maintain Consistency for All Cabinets
To get cabinets to match perfectly, treat all units to the same process from start to finish.
- Clean, sand, and prime all cabinets at the same time for uniform prep.
- Stick to the same tools and brush types for each painted surface.
- Only use paint from the same can for all coats. Remix occasionally to prevent settling.
- Work in controlled conditions – ideal temp, low dust and bugs, good lighting, ventilation.
Coordinating the entire process cabinet-to-cabinet results in a cohesive look. Environment also impacts results, so control variables.
Let Paint Fully Cure Before Use
Paint requires days or weeks of curing time to reach its hardest, most durable finish.
- Allow at least 2 weeks of cure time before reinstalling doors and drawers.
- Avoid opening/closing doors or placing items inside painted cabinets right away.
- Wait 30 days for paint to fully harden before cleaning with anything abrasive.
Rushing to use freshly painted cabinets can ruin the finish. Allow ample cure time for paint to properly set. Handle gently.
Troubleshooting Tips
If your paint isn’t matching the old cabinets, there are fixes:
- Too light/dark – Add another thin coat to adjust tone.
- Mismatched sheen – Add a clear gloss/satin topcoat to fix.
- Brush marks – Lightly sand and add one more smooth finish coat.
- Chipping or peeling – Ensure proper primer and paint for surface; may need to start over.
- Uneven color – Maintain consistency in process. Did everything cure fully before adding more coats?
With care and patience, you can achieve perfectly matched paint on old metal cabinets. Proper prep work, the right paint products, good brushes, and meticulous application technique will help you nail the color. Maintain consistency across all cabinets for a cohesive finished look.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many coats of paint are needed for metal cabinets?
2-3 thin, smooth coats are usually needed for good coverage on metal. Allow proper drying time between coats as specified by the paint’s instructions.
What kind of paint adheres best to old metal cabinets?
Oil-based enamel paints or bonding primers made specifically for metals work best to help paint stick to slick metal cabinet surfaces.
Should I take doors and drawers off cabinets when painting?
Yes, removing them allows you to easily paint the cabinet frame and doors on all sides. Lay doors flat on sawhorses to paint.
What is the best way to apply cabinet paint smoothly?
Use a high-quality angled sash brush. Maintain a wet edge and overlap strokes as you paint. Applying thin coats helps prevent visible brush marks.
How long should I let painted cabinets cure before using?
Ideally, allow painted cabinets 2-4 weeks of cure time before reinstalling doors, drawers, shelving, etc. Let paint fully harden for 30+ days before cleaning or placing items inside.
Conclusion
Refurbishing worn metal cabinets with a fresh coat of paint is very achievable with the right prep work and painting technique. Cleaning, sanding, and priming adequately before painting allows for good adhesion. Working in a controlled environment and maintaining consistency cabinet-to-cabinet ensures everything matches. Applying thin, smooth coats of the properly chosen paint finish marries the new paint to the old surface. With some patience allowing ample curing time, your kitchen or bathroom metal cabinets can look refreshed and renewed.