Taking on a kitchen remodel can be an exciting yet daunting task, especially when it comes to refurbishing metal kitchen cabinets. With some effort and know-how, you can give your outdated metal cabinets a fresh, updated look that transforms the heart of your home. This comprehensive guide will walk you through all the steps needed to refurbish metal kitchen cabinets and help you achieve stunning results.
Assessing Your Metal Cabinets
Before diving into a metal cabinet refurbishing project, take time to thoroughly assess the current state of your cabinets. This will help you identify any problem areas, choose the best techniques and approaches, and purchase the right supplies.
Consider the following:
- Type of Metal: Is your cabinet made of steel, aluminum or stainless steel? Each requires slightly different refurbishing techniques.
- Finish: Does the metal have a glossy, brushed or textured finish? This will impact the steps for cleaning, prepping and refinishing the surface.
- Condition: Check for signs of rust, flaking paint, dents, or other damage. Focus extra prep work on any problem spots.
- Doors/Drawers: Assess the condition of hinges, handles and hardware. Replace anything that is loose, worn or damaged.
- Shelves/Interior: Look for warped or rusted shelves, peeling lining or broken interior parts needing repair.
- Overall Structure: Ensure the main cabinet structure is sturdy. Reinforce as needed before refurbishing.
Thoroughly examining your metal kitchen cabinets will pay off in the long run by helping you achieve the best possible outcome.
Cleaning and Removing Grease
Before refurbishing, thoroughly clean your metal cabinets to remove all grease, grime, rust and residue. This provides the necessary “blank canvas” for your refurbishing work.
Supplies Needed:
- Degreaser or TSP substitute
- Clean rags
- Scrub brush
- Rubber gloves
- Eye protection
Steps for Cleaning:
- Remove doors, drawers and hardware: Detach all removable parts to simplify cleaning. Place door/drawer hardware in a container to keep organized.
- Clean interior surfaces: Spray degreaser on interior surfaces and scrub with a brush. Wipe clean with a rag. Repeat as needed.
- Clean exterior surfaces: Spray exterior cabinet surfaces with degreaser. Let sit 5 minutes before scrubbing with a damp rag or brush. Rinse and wipe clean.
- Clean knobs and handles: Place hardware in a bowl with hot, soapy water. Scrub with a brush and rinse. Dry completely.
- Clean doors and drawers: Spray both sides with degreaser. Scrub surfaces and wipe off residue. Pay extra attention to grimy areas.
- Rinse cabinets: Wipe all surfaces again with a clean, damp rag to rinse off any lingering debris or chemicals.
- Let cabinets dry: Allow cabinets to dry completely before moving onto next steps.
Thorough cleaning erases years of kitchen grime so you can give metal cabinets the fresh start they need.
Removing Rust
If your metal kitchen cabinets show signs of rust, tackle this issue next. Rust left untreated will continue to spread, compromising the integrity of the metal.
Supplies Needed:
- Safety gear – gloves, eye protection
- Rust remover liquid or paste
- Scrub brush or sandpaper
- Clean rags
- Drop cloth
Steps for Removing Rust:
- Protect surfaces: Lay down a drop cloth in your workspace. Have safety gear on to protect hands and eyes.
- Apply rust remover: Liberally apply liquid or paste rust remover to rusted areas, following product directions.
- Let remover sit: Give the remover time to penetrate and break down rust, usually 20 minutes to 1 hour.
- Scrub: Use a scrub brush or sandpaper to physically scrub off rust residue. Rinse with water.
- Dry and inspect: Wipe area dry. Reapply remover to persistent spots. Rinse and dry again.
- Seal metal: Once rust is removed, immediately apply metal primer or sealer on that area to protect the vulnerable metal underneath.
- Clean surrounding surfaces: Rinse any surfaces with remover residue. Wipe clean when done.
Effective rust removal prevents further damage and allows for proper bonding of refurbishing products later on.
Filling Holes and Dents
Inevitably, old metal kitchen cabinets accumulate some dings and damage over the years. Fixing dents and holes gives a smoother, more uniform surface for refurbishing.
Supplies Needed:
- Auto body filler or wood filler
- Putty knife
- Sandpaper
- Protective gear
Steps for Filling Holes:
- Widen holes: Use a drill to widen holes so filler can adhere properly. Remove any loose material.
- Apply filler: Press filler into holes with a putty knife according to package directions. Smooth and flatten.
- Sand: Once dry, sand filler flush with the cabinet surface. Begin with coarse sandpaper, then fine-grit.
- Clean: Wipe away all sanding dust with a dry cloth after finished sanding.
- Prime: Seal repaired areas with metal primer to protect from moisture and corrosion.
Taking time to properly fill cabinet damage makes for a smoother finish and longer-lasting refurbishment.
Steps for Filling Dents:
- Clean and dry surface: Dents must be free of dust or debris for best filler adhesion.
- Apply thin filler layer: Press a thin coat of filler into dented area with a putty knife.
- Level: Slowly drag putty knife across filler to flatten and level it with cabinet surface.
- Sand: Once dry, lightly sand until smooth and uniform with surrounding area.
- Prime: Seal sanded filler with metal primer before refinishing.
Minor dents and dings disappear, leaving your cabinets looking fresh and new.
Refinishing the Surface
Refinishing the outer metal cabinet surfaces is the most important step for transforming the look from dated to updated. Carefully consider the finish look you want before proceeding.
Finish Options:
- Paint: Priming and painting metal cabinets is the most common refinishing choice. Durable cabinet enamel paints work best.
- Stain: For a natural, non-painted look, stained metal finishes are an option. They work best on raw steel or aluminum.
- New metal skins: Adhesive-backed metal skins give cabinets a shiny metal facade without heavy refinishing work.
- Laminate: Self-adhesive laminate sheets easily adhere to cabinet surfaces for an updated solid color look.
- Textured coatings: Textured spray paints or coatings like hammered metal or wrinkled finish create dimension.
Whichever finish you choose, proper prep work and application are key for best results.
Painting Metal Cabinet Surfaces
Painting metal cabinets transforms the look while protecting the metal underneath. Follow these best practices:
Supplies Needed:
- Metal primer
- Cabinet paint
- Foam paint brushes
- Painter’s tape
- Drop cloths
Steps for Painting:
- Lightly sand: Use fine-grit sandpaper to scuff surfaces for paint adhesion.
- Clean: Wipe away all dust with a tack cloth. Remove doors and hardware.
- Prime: Apply 1-2 coats of metal primer, allowing proper dry time between coats.
- Paint: Carefully brush on 2-3 thin coats of cabinet paint, drying between coats. Maintain wet edge to prevent lap marks.
- Replace hardware: Once paint is fully cured, replace cabinet hardware.
Proper prep and painting technique results in a smooth, consistent and durable finish.
Applying New Metal Skins
For a fast metal cabinet transformation, adhesive-backed metal skins quickly update the look.
Benefits:
- Wide range of finishes – glossy, brushed, copper, stainless steel
- Minimal surface prep needed
- Easy peel-and-stick application
- Durable and waterproof
Steps for Application:
- Clean and dry surfaces thoroughly. Fill any holes or gaps.
- Cut skins to size using sharp razor. Precisely measure and cut openings for hardware.
- Remove backing and press skins into place, starting at top of cabinet. Smooth out air bubbles.
- Use skin adhesive around edges for extra hold. Trim excess material.
- Replace hardware once skins are set. Use silicone sealant around edges for water protection.
With ease and speed of application, metal skins refresh dated cabinets.
Repairing or Replacing Hardware
While refurbishing metal cabinets, examine all hardware including hinges, drawer glides, and handles. Replace anything that is loose, worn or damaged for proper functionality.
Supplies Needed:
- New cabinet hardware
- Screwdriver
- Drill
Steps:
- Remove existing hardware: Label pieces and keep hardware organized in a container.
- Fill old holes: Fill unused screw holes with wood putty. Allow to dry completely.
- Mark new holes: Measure and mark new hole locations for hardware.
- Drill new holes: Use a drill bit slightly smaller than screw size to drill new holes.
- Install new hardware: Attach new handles and hinges in place with a screwdriver. Ensure proper alignment.
- Test functionality: Open and close doors/drawers to ensure smooth operation. Adjust as needed.
Take time replacing old hardware so your refurbished cabinets look and operate like new.
Maintaining Your Refurbished Cabinets
Once your metal kitchen cabinet refurbishment is complete, a little regular maintenance keeps them looking fresh. Here are some tips:
- Use microfiber cloths and mild soap and water for regular surface cleaning. Avoid harsh chemicals.
- Immediately wipe up spills and water to avoid moisture damage of any kind.
- Re-apply protective sealers or waxes per product instructions to shield from grease and grime buildup.
- Tighten any loose hinges, pulls or knobs as needed over time.
- Touch up paint scratches as soon as possible to avoid rust or corrosion.
- Consider light sanding and re-painting every 5-10 years for longevity of finish.
With proper care, your refurbished metal cabinets maintain their revived look for years before needing to redo the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have some lingering questions about refurbishing metal kitchen cabinets? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
How long does the refurbishing process take?
The time needed depends on cabinet size and refinishing methods used. Allot 1-3 days with drying time for paint refurbishing. New skins take just a few hours. Build extra time into your schedule for any repairs needed.
Does all cabinet hardware need replacement?
Assess each hardware piece individually. Replace anything loose, corroded or functioning poorly. Quality hinges and glides should still function properly after cleaning and lubricating.
What kind of paint adheres best to metal?
Look for cabinet enamels designed specifically for metal surfaces. The formulas adhere tightly and resist chipping or scratching that kitchen surfaces often endure.
Can I refinish cabinets without removing them?
While it can be done, removing doors and drawers allows for easier access and a higher quality result. Protect surfaces and take proper safety precautions if refinishing installed.
Is there a big cost difference between refinishing vs. new cabinets?
Refurbishing existing cabinets costs a fraction of complete cabinet replacement. The savings comes from reusing the existing framework and just replacing surfaces and hardware.
How do I get rid of rust inside cabinets?
Removing interior rust requires sanding down to bare metal, extensive priming, and monitoring moisture within cabinets that causes rust to return. Preventative measures are best.
Refurbishing metal kitchen cabinets takes time and diligence for best results. Following these steps transforms the heart of your home with cabinets that look and operate like new for years to come. Approach the process patiently, set aside enough time for each stage, and take care in the details. Your efforts will pay off in stunning, updated cabinets that make your kitchen shine.