Galvanised metal is a popular material choice for cabinets due to its durability, affordability, and low maintenance. When properly prepared and finished, galvanised metal cabinets can last for decades with minimal upkeep required. Here is an in-depth look at how to use galvanised metal for cabinets.
Choosing Galvanised Metal for Cabinets
Galvanised metal gets its name from the galvanisation process. This is when steel or iron is coated with a layer of zinc to prevent rusting and corrosion. This protective zinc coating enables galvanised metal to withstand moisture, scratches, and everyday wear and tear.
Some key advantages of using galvanised metal for cabinets include:
- Durability – The galvanised coating prevents rust, even when exposed to water. This makes it ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, outdoor areas, and other spaces prone to moisture.
- Affordability – Galvanised steel tends to cost less than stainless steel while still providing excellent corrosion resistance. This makes it a budget-friendly option.
- Low Maintenance – Unlike wood cabinets, galvanised metal does not require regular staining or sealing. Just occasionally cleaning and touching up paint is all that is needed.
- Customisable – Galvanised steel comes in many gauges and can be cut, bent, and formed as needed. This allows for completely custom cabinet designs.
- Fire Resistant – The noncombustible metal material does not fuel fires. This adds safety, especially around stoves.
With proper prep and finish, galvanised steel cabinets offer a versatile, strong, and cost-effective storage solution for nearly any room.
Preparing Galvanised Metal for Painting
In order for paint to properly adhere to galvanised metal, the surface needs to be prepared through cleaning and etching. Here are the steps:
1. Clean Surface – Use a degreaser or solvent cleaner to remove any oil, grease, or other contaminants from the surface. Ensure the metal is free of dirt and debris as well.
2. Lightly Scratch Surface – Use an abrasive pad or sandpaper (80-100 grit) and lightly scratch the entire surface. This helps the paint bind better.
3. Remove Dust – Wipe down the surface with a tack cloth to remove any dust or metal shavings left from sanding.
4. Etch Surface – Use a phosphoric acid solution, sometimes called metal etch, and apply it evenly across the metal. Let it sit for 2-3 minutes before rinsing.
Etching cleans off the zinc coating and roughens up the surface for improved paint adhesion. After etching, the galvanised metal will be ready for priming and painting.
Priming and Painting Galvanised Metal
Choosing the right primer and paint for galvanised metal is important to getting a lasting finish. Here are some tips:
Use Zinc-Rich Primer – A zinc-rich primer formulated for galvanised metal is ideal. The high zinc content offers corrosion resistance and enhances adhesion. Allow for proper dry time before applying paint.
Select Exterior Grade Paint – For cabinets, opt for exterior grade acrylic or latex paints that offer maximum durability. Semi-gloss or satin finishes are easy to clean.
Apply Thin Layers – Thin, even coats of primer and paint adhere best to galvanised metal. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for drying time between coats.
Use Long-Bristle Brush – A high-quality nylon or polyester bristle brush makes it easier to get into corners and crevices for smooth, even coats.
Consider Spray Painting – For large cabinet projects, spraying primer and paint can help achieve a more seamless, professional finish.
Proper prep, priming, and painting are essential to getting a durable, rust-free painted finish on galvanised steel cabinets and surfaces. Taking time with the initial steps will pay off for years to come.
Constructing Galvanised Steel Cabinets
Galvanised steel offers great flexibility when constructing custom cabinets. With the right tools and techniques, even novice DIYers can create their own cabinets out of galvanised metal. Here are some tips:
Use Appropriate Gauge – For cabinet boxes and frames, 16, 18 or 20 gauge galvanised steel provide durability without being overly heavy. Go lighter (22-24 gauge) for doors, shelves and panels.
Cut Pieces Cleanly – Use an angle grinder with a thin cutting wheel or a jigsaw with a metal cutting blade. File down any rough edges.
Drill Precise Holes – Clamp pieces together when drilling aligned holes for screws. A drill press helps drill straight, clean holes.
Deburr All Holes – Use a countersink bit or other deburring tool to smooth cut edges of holes. This allows flush cabinet assembly.
Include Reinforcements – Weld, bolt or rivet galvanised steel corner gussets and braces to the inside of cabinets for added strength.
Use Exterior Fasteners – Choose galvanised or stainless steel screws, bolts and other fasteners to prevent any dissimilar metal contact and corrosion.
Apply Protective Finish – Fully finishing cabinet boxes before assembly protects all surfaces and prevents rusting from the inside out.
With attention to detail in cutting, drilling, deburring, reinforcing, and finishing, even complex galvanised steel cabinetry can be brought to life as sturdy, custom creations.
Installation Considerations for Galvanised Cabinets
When installing galvanised metal cabinets, there are some unique factors to keep in mind:
Account for Weight – Galvanised steel is heavier than wood. Use sufficiently sized cleats secured to wall studs to safely hang wall cabinets.
Allow Proper Ventilation – Leave a gap between the cabinet back and wall so air can circulate and prevent moisture buildup.
Seal All Exposed Edges – Use a corrosion resistant sealant on unfinished cabinet edges that contact walls, floors, etc.
Insulate Contact Points – Place rubber or vinyl bumpers on doors and drawers where they close against cabinets to prevent metal-on-metal contact.
Use Blocking When Needed – For ceilings, floors, and drywall lacking studs to anchor to, install secure wood blocking.
Protect Against Dissimilar Metals – Isolate direct contact between galvanised steel and other metals like copper pipes to avoid galvanic corrosion.
Clean and Touch Up Regularly – Periodically clean cabinets with mild soap and water, touching up any scrapes in the finish to maintain rust protection.
With proper planning and care taken during installation, galvanised steel cabinets can deliver natural durability and function for life.
How to Use Galvanised Metal for Cabinet Doors
The doors make up a significant portion of cabinets and often get the most wear and tear. Here are tips for utilising galvanised steel for durable, on-trend cabinet doors:
Choose Appropriate Gauge – For cabinet doors, 22 or 24 gauge steel offers an optimal balance of strength and weight. Heavier gauge metal doors will sag over time.
Use Reinforced Corners – Weld or screw galvanised steel corner gussets to the inside corners of doors to prevent sagging.
Include Insulated Cores – Fill doors with an insulating foam or honeycomb cardboard core to add rigidity and improve sound dampening when closing.
Install Proper Hinges – Self-closing hinges designed for heavy doors provide the needed support for metal cabinet doors.
Allow Space for Handles – Leave adequate clearance between doors and drawers for gripping and pulling handles open. Recessed handles work well.
Add Magnets or Roller Catches – Integrate magnets into doors and cabinets or install roller catches for a tight seal and satisfying close.
Create Ventilation Holes – Drill small holes towards the top and bottom of cabinet doors to allow air circulation and prevent condensation buildup.
Finish Interiors Too – Completely painting/finishing door interiors prevents unseen rusting – especially important for outdoor kitchens.
With smart design and construction, it is easy to create galvanised steel cabinet doors that are both durable and stylish statement pieces.
Galvanised Metal Options for Cabinet Interiors
The interiors of cabinets also need to stand up to regular use. Galvanised steel provides versatile options for shelving, drawers, and other interior components.
Rolled Edge Shelving – For cabinet shelving, rolled edge galvanised steel provides safety with no sharp corners and contains spills.
Perforated Metal Shelves – Holes allow ventilation while still supporting items. Helpful for laundry cabinets, pantries, and more.
Reinforce Wide Shelves – Welded support gussets beneath shelves 36 inches or longer prevent sagging in the middle.
All-Metal Drawers – Use galvanised sheet steel to construct durable, seamless drawers with rolled edges for comfort and safety.
Use Slides Rated for Weight – Heavy duty, full extension slides make metal drawers easily accessible and able to handle greater weight.
Include Finished Interiors – Fully paint/finish cabinet interiors to prevent rusting from condensation and humidity inside the cabinets.
Hide Exposed Metal Edges – Use u-shaped channels or edge trim to cap exposed rough metal edges of interior cabinet pieces.
Allow for Adjustability – Install shelving brackets rather than permanent shelves to enable future adjustability as needs change.
Galvanised metal provides the ideal surface for cabinet interiors that can handle the wear and tear of daily use year after year.
Galvanised Metal Finishes for a Custom Look
Beyond a simple painted finish, galvanised metal cabinets can take on unique looks through alternative finishes:
Polished Industrial – A mirror polish on galvanised steel achieves a chrome-like luster while allowing the grain of the steel to show through.
Patina Finish – Let galvanised steel develop a patina finish naturally over time or use chemical solutions to accelerate an aged, antique brass effect.
Weathered Rust – For a worn, salvaged metal look, remove the galvanised coating with vinegar or abrasives and allow light surface rust to form.
Textured Coatings – Apply specialised textured paints or rubberized coatings to give galvanised cabinets stone, leather, or other natural material textures.
Wood Veneer – Adhere thin wood veneers over galvanised steel for the warmth and richness of wood with the structural strength of steel.
Brick or Tile – Use thin brick, tile, or stone veneers as overlay panels on cabinet fronts to achieve a backsplash look.
Custom Graphics – Apply custom vinyl graphics on cabinet surfaces to display photos, brands, textures, or any artwork imaginable.
Steel allows for truly one-of-a-kind finishes beyond traditional paint. Get creative with galvanised metal cabinets!
Galvanised Metal Cabinet Styles
The uses for galvanised steel cabinets are endless. Here are some popular cabinet styles well-suited for this strong, durable material:
Stainless Steel Look – Embrace the stainless steel aesthetic with polished or brushed galvanised steel cabinetry. Works great for modern kitchens.
Rustic Industrial – Leaving welds exposed and using a patina finish gives cabinets a raw, distressed warehouse look.
Retro/Vintage – For a mid-century or retro diner feel, use retro handles, rounded corners, and bright enamel paints on steel cabinets.
Farmhouse – Pair shiplap wood accent panels over steel with galvanised metal open shelving for a warm, country vibe.
Modern – Concealed hinges, integrated handles, and mix and match colors and finishes give steel cabinets a contemporary edge.
Coastal – Mimic a beachy look with weathered driftwood style finishes and accents of rope, shells, and reclaimed wood.
Eclectic – Mismatched colors, hardware, and door styles on steel base cabinets allow for personalized eccentricity.
Outdoor Kitchens – Durable galvanised steel hosts grills, sinks, fridges and storage perfect for weatherproof outdoor cooking spaces.
Truly, galvanised metal can be tailored to fit any design aesthetic for stylish, personalized cabinets.
Galvanised Metal Cabinet Maintenance
While galvanised steel cabinets are able to withstand quite a bit of wear and tear, some periodic maintenance is required:
- Wipe down with a damp microfiber cloth to remove grease, dirt, and residue from surfaces. For tough stains, use mild dish soap.
- Touch up any scrapes or damaged paint with corrosion resistant enamel paint. Match existing colors.
- Tighten any loose screws or fasteners securing doors and hinges. Replace if stripped.
- Lubricate cabinet hinges and slides with silicone spray as needed to prevent squeaking and sticking.
- Ensure sink basins, appliances, pipes, and hardware are not leaking onto cabinets. Fix any drips promptly.
- Check under and behind cabinets for signs of moisture damage or rust. Address sources of moisture immediately.
- For outdoor kitchens, wash down cabinet exteriors regularly and be vigilant about touching up paint when needed.
With occasional cleaning, inspecting, and touching up, galvanised steel cabinets will maintain both beauty and function for decades to come.
Frequently Asked Questions About Galvanised Metal Cabinets
What gauge steel is best for cabinets?
For cabinet boxes, 16, 18, or 20 gauge provides good durability. For doors and drawer fronts, 22 gauge works well. Shelving and panels can be 24-26 gauge.
What is the best primer for galvanised metal?
A zinc-rich primer formulated especially for galvanised steel provides the best corrosion resistance and adhesion.
Can you weld galvanised steel?
Yes, it is possible to weld galvanised steel but precautions need to be taken to grind off the galvanised coating first and ventilate fumes. Welding galvanised steel takes experience.
How do you get a patina finish on galvanised metal?
Exposing galvanised steel to vinegar and ammonia fumes or chemical patina solutions causes the zinc coating to oxidize and develop an aged brass finish. Waxes and sealants can preserve the patina.
Can galvanised steel rust?
Galvanised steel has a zinc coating that resists rusting and corrosion significantly longer than regular steel. However, once the coating is compromised and steel exposed, galvanised steel can eventually rust if unprotected from moisture.
How do you protect galvanised steel from rust?
Ensure galvanised steel has a completely finished paint coating. Use rust inhibiting primers and paints. Seal any unfinished edges. Install cabinets properly to prevent moisture contact. Address drips, spills or leaks immediately.
Can you paint over a patina finish on galvanised steel?
Yes, patina finishes can be painted over using proper metal etch primer. The patina may bleed through water-based paints over time. An oil-based enamel spray paint provides the best coverage.
Is it cheaper to build cabinets from galvanised steel?
Often yes – galvanised steel typically costs less than stainless steel or hardwoods for DIY cabinets. However, the significant labor involved offsets material savings. Prefabricated steel cabinets can be the most cost effective.
How do you clean grease and oil from galvanised steel?
Degrease galvanised cabinets using a diluted degreaser or mix of dish soap and warm water. For baked on grease, use a gentle scrubbing pad and rinse thoroughly. Avoid abrasive cleaners.
Conclusion
Galvanised metal offers a versatile, durable, and cost-effective material for DIY and custom cabinet projects. With appropriate preparation, construction, installation, and care, galvanised steel cabinets can provide lasting function and quality for kitchens, baths, storage rooms, and more. Maximizing this strong material’s benefits while minimizing its limitations results in cabinets that withstand decades of use. With the proper knowledge and techniques, even novice DIYers can build cabinets to be proud of using rugged galvanised steel.