Painting old, retro metal cabinets can totally transform the look of your kitchen or bathroom. With some simple preparation and the right paint, you can give dated metal cabinets a fresh, stylish makeover. This comprehensive guide will walk you through all the steps for successfully painting retro metal cabinets.
Gather Your Painting Supplies
Before starting any painting project, it’s important to have all the proper supplies on hand. Here’s what you’ll need to paint your retro metal cabinets:
- Paint: For metal cabinets, you’ll want to use a direct-to-metal paint or appliance epoxy paint. These are formulated to adhere well and hold up over time. Some good options are Rust-Oleum Cabinet Transformations, Rust-Oleum Appliance Epoxy, and Krylon Fusion for Metal.
- Paint brushes: Opt for high-quality nylon or polyester bristle brushes in a variety of sizes like 2-inch trim brushes and smaller detail brushes.
- Paint roller and roller covers: Choose a high density 3/8 or 1/2 inch nap roller cover for smoother cabinet doors and drawers.
- Paint trays: Standard metal or plastic paint trays to hold your paint and allow you to load roller covers.
- Drop cloths: Canvas drop cloths to protect floors and countertops from drips and spills.
- Painters tape: For taping off surfaces and clean lines. Blue tape for delicate surfaces works best.
- Painters 5-in-1 tool: For scraping, opening paint cans, and reaching tight spots.
- Sandpaper: Coarse 120-150 grit to prep cabinet surfaces.
- Tack cloths: For wiping away dust prior to painting.
- Mineral spirits: For cleaning brushes and thinning paint if needed.
Gather all these essential supplies before starting your cabinet painting project for a smoother process from start to finish.
Prepare Your Cabinets for Painting
Proper prep work is crucial for getting great results painting metal cabinets. Here are the key steps:
1. Empty Cabinets and Clean Surfaces
Remove everything from your cabinets and clear your counters to allow full access to all cabinet surfaces. Give the cabinets a thorough cleaning using a degreasing cleaner or tsp substitute to remove any built-up grease, wax or dirt. Pay special attention to the cabinet interiors. Let them fully dry.
2. Remove Doors and Hardware
Taking cabinet doors off the hinges allows you to fully paint the cabinet boxes and doors evenly. Number doors and hinges to ensure proper reinstallation. Use screwdrivers to remove the hinges and hardware. Place the hardware in labeled bags or containers to keep organized.
3. Fill Holes and Repair Defects
Examine the cabinets closely and use spackle or wood filler to patch any holes, gouges or imperfections for a smooth finish. Once dry, sand patched areas.
4. Scuff Up Shiny Surfaces
Use 120-150 grit sandpaper to lightly scuff up any slick or glossy surfaces on the cabinets. This helps the paint adhere better. Focus on the cabinet door fronts and frames.
5. Clean and Degrease Again
Give all cabinet surfaces one final wash down using tsp substitute or degreasing cleaner. Let dry fully.
Thorough surface prep removes contaminants and gives the new paint something to “grip” onto. Now you’re ready to start painting!
Choose the Right Paint and Colors
Picking the perfect paint and colors for your retro metal cabinets will give them a stylish, updated look. Consider these tips:
Direct-to-Metal Paint
As mentioned above, choose a paint designated for metal applications, such as a direct-to-metal paint or appliance epoxy. The formulas of these specialty paints allow them to better adhere to slick metal surfaces like old cabinets.
Sheen Level
Opt for paints with a satin, eggshell or semi-gloss sheen. These offer a smooth, light-reflective finish without being overly shiny. Flat paints don’t hold up as well on cabinets.
Color Selection
Neutral cabinet colors like grays, beiges and whites are popular, as they work with most decor. Bright whites give a crisp, clean look. Soft gray-beiges are cozy and timeless. For a bold pop of color, opt for navy blue, emerald green or even black.
Contrasting Colors
Consider choosing one color for the cabinet boxes and another for the doors and drawer fronts. This contrast looks stylish and highlights the cabinet detailing.
Test paint samples directly on cabinet surfaces to get an accurate idea of how the colors will look. This small extra step helps ensure you’ll end up with a shade you’ll love.
Apply Primer if Needed
Read the paint manufacturer’s instructions to see if a primer or bonding base coat is recommended before applying the topcoats of cabinet paint. Priming helps the paint adhere tightly. Some specific situations where you’ll want to prime first include:
- Switching from a dark cabinet color to a light color.
- Covering stained or damaged surfaces.
- Painting over high-gloss or slick surfaces.
- Using lower quality paint.
If priming is needed, use an oil-based bonding primer or adhesion promoter intended for metal. Apply with a brush evenly over all cabinet surfaces per the manufacturer’s instructions. Let the primer fully dry before painting.
Paint Cabinets in an Organized Way
Follow these tips for efficiently painting your retro metal cabinets without missing any spots:
Remove Drawers
Take out all drawers from cabinet boxes. It’s easier to paint the cabinet interiors and drawers separately. Place drawer pulls/hardware in labeled bags.
Start with Cabinet Box Interiors
Paint the backs and interiors of the cabinet boxes first. Use a brush to get full coverage and avoid drips. Work top to bottom in each cabinet.
Paint Cabinet Box Exteriors
Do the cabinet sides, tops, bottoms and face frames next. Use a brush or mini roller for flat surfaces, cutting in edges first with a brush.
Paint Doors and Drawer Fronts
Set doors and drawers on sawhorses or across chairs for easier access. Use mini rollers or brushes to paint. Work top to bottom on each.
Paint Sides and Edges
Brush paint onto all door and drawer sides and edges. Don’t forget hinge hardware holes. Seal all edges to prevent moisture penetration.
Finish with Drawer Interiors
Finally, paint inside drawer boxes and runners by brushing on paint evenly. Make sure to coat all sides.
Following this systematic approach helps ensure all cabinet parts get thoroughly painted with no missed spots.
Apply Paint in Thin, Even Coats
The key to achieving a smooth, professional-looking painted finish is applying multiple thin coats of paint rather than trying to fully cover in one thick coat. Follow these tips:
- Always check paint cans for stirring/mixing directions. Stir thoroughly before and periodically throughout painting.
- Load your paint brush or roller with a moderate amount of paint, then distribute it evenly across the surface. Overloading with too much paint can create drips.
- Brush or roll on the paint gently in the direction of the wood grain. Work methodically so you don’t miss any spots.
- Allow each coat to fully dry per the paint manufacturer’s instructions before applying the next coat.
- Lightly sand between coats using fine 400 grit sandpaper to smooth the surface. Wipe away any dust with a tack cloth.
- Apply at least 2-3 thin, even coats for full coverage and an even sheen over the entire surface.
Take your time with the painting steps for a pro-level finish! The prep work and multiple coats are well worth the effort.
Reassemble Cabinets and Install Hardware
Once all paint coats have dried fully, you can start put everything back together:
- Carefully rehang all doors and drawers on their original hinges and slides. Refer back to numbering/labels if needed.
- Tighten any loose hinge screws. Add spacers if needed to realign doors.
- Reinstall all handles, pulls and knobs in their original locations.
- Put cabinet contents back in place, admiring your handiwork!
Your retro metal cabinets are now ready to show off their stylish new look! Enjoy the renewed style.
Painting Tips and Tricks
Here are some additional pointers to help you successfully paint retro metal cabinets like a pro:
- Always clean brushes after use in the appropriate solvent (check paint can). Don’t let paint dry on brushes.
- Mineral spirits can be used to thin direct-to-metal paint if needed for better flow and brushability. Follow thinning directions.
- Rags and paper towels soaked in paint are flammable. Lay flat to dry or wash thoroughly before disposing.
- Use a Painter’s 5-in-1 tool to scrape paint from hinges or hardware holes as needed for reinstallation.
- For easier painting, remove doors and drawers and bring them to a well-ventilated area. Set up sawhorses or scrap lumber to elevate doors off the ground.
- Use blue painter’s tape with delicate surfaces to keep paint off countertops, floors or ceilings. Remove tape immediately after painting before the paint dries.
- Allow fresh painted cabinets a full 30 days to cure before cleaning with any chemicals or abrasives.
FAQs About Painting Metal Cabinets
Still have some questions about taking on a metal cabinet painting project? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
Should I clean cabinets with TSP before painting?
Yes, thoroughly cleaning with tsp (trisodium phosphate) or a tsp substitute helps remove grease, wax, dirt and other grime that could prevent paint from properly adhering. Make sure cabinets are fully dry before painting.
What temperature should cabinets be for painting?
Ideally between 50-90°F. Avoid painting in temperatures outside of this range or in high humidity. Make sure cabinets are dry before painting.
Should I paint cabinet doors hanging or removed?
It’s best to remove doors and drawers to paint separately for a more even finish. Number them to keep organized.
How long does it take for cabinet paint to cure?
Most cabinet paints fully cure in about 30 days. Avoid cleaning or heavy use during this time. Test paint carefully at 7-10 days—if it seems set, light use is okay.
Can I spray paint metal cabinets?
Yes, you can spray cabinet paint using a paint sprayer, but this requires tenting off the entire kitchen. Most DIYers opt to brush and roll cabinets instead for better control with less mess.
What sheen should I use on painted cabinets?
Opt for a satin, eggshell or semi-gloss paint. These offer rich color with a smooth finish that cleans up well over time. Avoid flat which stains easily.
How do I fix paint drips or brush marks?
Gently sand them smooth once the paint has dried using 400 grit sandpaper. Wipe away dust with a tack cloth, then touch up with another thin coat of paint.
Conclusion
Revitalizing dated, retro metal cabinets is very achievable with some simple tools, patience and these step-by-step painting tips. Thorough preparation and priming are key to ensuring the fresh paint adheres smoothly and evenly. Remember to apply multiple thin coats for a flawless finish. The end results will bring your old metal cabinets back to life with stylish, updated color. Just be sure to allow the full paint cure time before regular kitchen or bathroom use. With your refreshed cabinets, your whole room will feel brand new!