Sanding metal cabinets can seem like an intimidating task, but with the right tools and techniques, it can be made quick and easy. Here are some tips on the best practices for sanding metal cabinets to help you achieve a smooth, even finish.
Assess the Current Condition of the Cabinets
Before sanding, take a close look at the current condition of the metal cabinets. Check for any rust, peeling paint, dents, or scratches. Make note of any problem areas so you can pay special attention to them during sanding. Also, determine if you will be taking the cabinets down to bare metal or just lightly sanding the existing finish. This will impact the grit sandpaper you need.
Gather the Proper Sanding Supplies
Sanding metal requires some specific supplies beyond just sandpaper. Here are the essentials:
- Sandpaper: For metal, start with a medium to coarse grit like 80-120 and work up to 220-320 grit for a super smooth finish. Both aluminium oxide and silicon carbide paper work on metal.
- Sanding Block: This helps evenly distribute pressure. Use a rubber or cork one to avoid scratches.
- Masking Tape: Cover any areas you don’t want sanded, like hinges or handles. Blue painter’s tape works best.
- Tack Cloth: This picks up fine metal dust between sanding stages.
- Drop Cloth: Lay one down to contain metal dust and particles.
- Safety Gear: Wear gloves and eye protection when sanding metal. An N95 mask blocks airborne metal dust.
Take Apart the Cabinets
If possible, removing doors, drawers and hardware will make sanding much easier. Use masking tape to mark where pieces attach so you can easily reinstall them later. Lay the doors flat on sawhorses for sanding.
Clean Surfaces Thoroughly
Any dirt, grease or grime on the metal will gunk up sandpaper and make sanding less effective. Clean surface thoroughly with a degreasing agent. Wipe dry with a lint-free rag.
Start with Coarse Grit Paper
Begin sanding using an 80-120 grit sandpaper. Use light to medium pressure and keep the sandpaper moving constantly. Sand in the direction of the grain. Focus on problem rusty or damaged areas first.
Use a Sanding Block for Flat Surfaces
For broad flat surfaces like cabinet sides or doors, wrap sandpaper around a rubber sanding block. This evenly distributes pressure and prevents uneven sanding. Use long strokes in the direction of the grain.
Get Into Grooves by Hand
For detailed grooved areas, fold a piece of sandpaper and sand grooves by hand. Be sure to fully smooth hard-to-reach corners and edges.
Use a Foam Block for Contours
To sand curved details, wrap sandpaper around a foam sanding block. This flexes to the shape. Carefully sand rounded edges, beveled areas and engraving.
Sand to Bare Metal If Needed
If stripping the cabinets to bare metal, continue with coarser grits until any coating is removed and you expose a shiny metal surface. Be sure to sand inside crevices and detailed areas thoroughly.
Smooth With Finer Grit Paper
Once the surface is uniform, move to a finer 220-320 grit sandpaper. Sand entire surface with fine paper using light pressure and smooth, even strokes. This removes any deeper scratches or roughness from coarser sanding.
Carefully Sand Hardware Indents
Use a fine grit paper around any door handle cutouts or hardware indentations. Lightly sand just enough to smooth, but be careful not to alter shape or depth.
Clean Surfaces Between Grits
Wipe cabinet doors thoroughly with a dry tack cloth between sandpaper grits. This removes all metal dust for a smoother finish. Failure to do this means coarser dust gets embedded when you move to finer grits.
Maintain a Clean Workspace
Frequently clean up metal dust with a brush and vacuum. Wipe down surfaces near your workspace to avoid particles landing in the finish coat. Proper cleanup makes the job much cleaner.
Finish Sand By Hand with Finest Grit
As a final step, hand sand the entire surface with a fine 320-400 grit sandpaper using light pressure. This creates the smoothest possible foundation for your finish coat.
Apply Finish Coating
After sanding, immediately apply your chosen finish coating according to manufacturer directions. Popular options include spray paint, powder coating, or a clear metal lacquer. Proper prep leads to better adhesion.
With the right supplies and techniques, sanding metal cabinets can be manageable for DIY-ers. Be sure to thoroughly finish sand by hand for the smoothest results. Your efforts will be rewarded with a professional, lasting finish. Let the tips above guide you through this process.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sanding Metal Cabinets
What is the best way to sand metal cabinets?
The best process is to start with a coarse 80-120 grit paper to strip away any coating, then gradually step up through finer grits like 220 and 320, finishing with a very fine 400 grit sanding by hand. Always sand in direction of metal grain and clean surfaces between grits.
Can I use an electric sander on metal cabinets?
Yes, an orbital or pad sander can be used to expedite sanding metal cabinets. But be cautious – they can leave swirl marks if you aren’t careful. Always finish sand by hand. Never use a high speed rotary sander.
How do I get rid of rust on metal cabinets before painting?
For light rust, sanding to bare metal with coarse grit paper will remove it. For heavy rust, use a rust removal chemical solution first, then sand. Wipe with ethanol to remove any oily residue before painting.
What grit sandpaper is best for smoothing metal?
For final smoothing, use a fine paper with at least 220 grit, ideally 320 or 400 grit. The higher the number, the finer the grit and the smoother the finish. Finer papers polish the metal nicely.
Should I sand metal cabinets in the direction of the grain?
Yes, always sand in direction of the metal grain, not against it. This avoids scratch marks. The “grain” refers to the slight texturing in the surface metal. Sanding with it blends scratches better.
How do I get into small details and grooves when sanding cabinets?
For grooves, sand by hand using a piece of sandpaper folded over. For curved details, wrap sandpaper around a foam sanding block that will conform to the shape. Use finer grit paper and light pressure in detailed areas.
Conclusion
Sanding metal cabinets takes time and elbow grease, but is an important step to achieve a smooth, uniform finish. The proper combination of sandpaper grits, pressure, and direction, along with cleaning between stages, results in a professional looking end product. Focusing attention on details like hardware indentations ensures no areas get missed. Finishing with an ultra-fine grit sanded by hand maximizes smoothness. With these best practices, your freshly sanded metal cabinets will provide the perfect foundation for a durable, quality finish coating that will last for years of use.