Introduction
Metal cabinets are a staple in many homes and offices. They are durable, long-lasting, and great for storage. However, over time metal cabinets can start to look worn, dated, and boring. Sprucing up metal cabinets is an easy and affordable way to give them new life without having to buy new cabinets. With some simple cleaning, paint, new hardware, and organizational upgrades, you can transform the look of your metal cabinets.
In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through all the steps and tips for sprucing up metal cabinets. From proper cleaning and prepping to clever paint techniques and accessorizing, we will cover everything you need to know to give your metal cabinets a fresh, updated look. With a little bit of time and effort, you can have your metal cabinets looking like new again. So let’s get started!
Deep Clean Cabinets Thoroughly
The first step when sprucing up metal cabinets is to give them a deep and thorough cleaning. Over time, grease, dirt, dust, and grime can build up and make the cabinets look dingy. It’s important to fully clean the cabinets before moving on to any other steps.
Start by emptying out the cabinets completely – take out all dishes, food items, supplies, etc. Having the cabinets empty will allow you to access and clean all areas.
Use a degreasing cleaner or solution to break down and remove any grease or oil. Spray or wipe a degreaser onto both the inside and outside of the cabinets and let it soak for 5-10 minutes. Then scrub with a sponge or brush. You can also use a mix of warm water and dish soap.
Rinse the cabinets thoroughly with clean water to remove all cleaner residue. Make sure to get into crevices, corners, and along edges.
Go over all surfaces with a general household cleaner or all-purpose spray. This will remove any remaining dirt or grime.
Dry the cabinets fully with a clean, dry towel once done cleaning. You want the surface to be completely dry before moving onto sanding or painting steps.
Removing grease buildup and giving the metal cabinets a deep clean will allow new paint to properly adhere and give you a smooth finish. Taking the time to thoroughly clean metal cabinets first is key.
Sand Cabinets to Prepare Surface
Once your metal cabinets are fully cleaned and dried, the next step is light sanding to prepare and smooth the surface. This gives the new paint something to grab onto.
You’ll want to use fine grit sandpaper, somewhere around 220 grit. This will smooth out the surface without being overly abrasive.
Before sanding, remove the doors and drawers from the metal cabinet boxes so you can easy access all areas. Lay the doors and drawers on a flat surface protected by a drop cloth or tarp.
Apply light pressure and use circular motions to sand the fronts, backs, sides, and edges of the cabinet doors, frames, and boxes. The goal is not to remove metal, just to scuff up and dull the shiny surface a bit.
Make sure to sand inside the cabinet boxes as well. Do not miss any spots – sand the entire surface area lightly.
Once sanded, wipe down the cabinets with a dry cloth to remove any dust or residue. Now the metal cabinets are prepped and ready for painting.
Choose a Colorful Paint for Cabinets
When researching paint options for metal cabinets, you’ll want to use a high-quality enamel paint. Enamel paint is durable, scratch-resistant, and provides excellent coverage and vibrant color. Oil-based enamel works best for achieving a smooth, glossy finish.
Some popular brand options include Rust-Oleum Cabinet Transformations, INSL-X Cabinet Coat Enamel, Behr Cabinet and Trim Enamel, and Benjamin Moore’s Advance.
You have countless color options for painting metal cabinets. Whites and neutrals are always clean, timeless choices. But don’t be afraid to go bold with a colorful hue like navy, emerald green, burnt orange, or bright yellow! Paint is an easy and affordable way to completely transform the look.
If your cabinets have glass fronts or decorative details, consider using an accent color on these features. For example, try a teal blue cabinet with sunshine yellow accents. Have fun and get creative with your paint colors!
Prep Area and Apply Primer
With your paint color selected, it’s time to start the painting process. Properly preparing the area and applying a primer coat are important first steps for achieving the best painted finish.
Select an area like a garage, basement, or outdoors – somewhere that can get a bit messy. Cover the floor and any surfaces with plastic drop cloths. Have all your painting supplies handy – primer, brushes, paint trays, rags, etc.
Wipe down the sanded cabinets with a tack cloth to remove any remaining dust particles. You want an ultra clean surface before priming.
Using a high-quality primer designed for metal, apply an even primer coat on all cabinet surfaces with a foam brush or paint roller. Make sure to get full coverage, including inside cabinet boxes and on the underside of shelves.
Allow the primer to fully dry per the manufacturer’s instructions, usually around 24 hours. The primer will give the topcoat of enamel paint something to adhere to.
Once fully dry, lightly sand again with fine grit sandpaper. Then wipe clean with a tack cloth. This “de-glosses” the primer coat so the topcoat enamel will bond tightly.
Apply Topcoat of Enamel Paint
With your primed cabinets prepared, it’s time for the fun part – applying the color! Be sure to work in a well-ventilated area and follow the product instructions closely.
Carefully apply the first coat of enamel cabinet paint using a small foam roller or nylon/polyester brush. Apply a thin and even coat, being careful not to overload the brush. Going slowly helps prevent drips and sags.
Allow the first coat to dry fully – usually overnight. Then lightly sand again with fine 220 grit sandpaper to smooth out any bumps or texture in the paint.
Apply the second coat of enamel paint, again going slowly and evenly for full coverage. Using two coats ensures you achieve a rich, consistent color.
After the second coat dries fully, you may choose to apply a third coat for an ultra smooth finish. Three thin coats are better than two thick coats when painting.
Allow the final painted metal cabinets to cure for 2-3 days before reinstalling the doors and drawers. Check that the paint is fully hardened before use. Then bask in the glory of your colorful revamped cabinets!
Add New Hardware for Finishing Touch
Once your metal cabinets are freshly painted, switching out the existing hardware for new is an impactful, easy way to complete the updated look.
Dated metal cabinet knobs and handles can really show age. Replacing with new hardware makes the cabinets look significantly more modern. Plus it’s simple and affordable – new knobs and handles come in a huge range of styles and finishes.
Some options to consider:
- Sleek nickel or chrome for contemporary style
- Matte black for sophisticated contrast
- Brushed brass or bronze for chic warmth
- Glass knobs for eclectic flair
Make sure to measure the spacing of the existing hardware holes carefully so that new knobs or handles will align properly. Standard sizing is usually 3” or 4” center to center.
Changing hardware is one of the best finishing touches when sprucing up metal cabinets. New knobs and handles can instantly take the cabinets from old and dated to contemporary and stylish.
Add Organizational Features
Beyond aesthetic upgrades like paint and hardware, adding organizational features is an excellent functional way to spruce up metal cabinets. Storage accessories make cabinets more user-friendly and tailored to your needs.
Some organizational upgrades to consider:
Lazy Susans
Installing lazy susans in corner cabinet spaces optimizes storage and makes items more accessible. Great for food items, baking pans, spices, or bathroom supplies.
Drawer Organizers
Add cutlery dividers, compartments, or adjustable racks to kitchen drawer spaces to neatly organize utensils, cookware, or cleaning supplies.
Shelf Risers
Shelf risers allow you to double the vertical storage space between shelves. Ideal for canned goods, mixers, or other small kitchen appliances.
Interior Cabinet Lights
Battery-powered or electric cabinet lights illuminate the interior for easy viewing inside darker spaces. Helpful in kitchens, bathrooms, or work rooms.
Door Mounted Storage
Make use of cabinet door space with mesh bins, racks, or bins to organize items like cleaning supplies or kitchen gadgets. Great for maximizing storage real estate.
Pull-Out Drawers
Install functional pull-out drawers like spice racks, towel bars, or 3-tier organizing bins for easy access to items in deep cabinet spaces.
With some creative upgrades, you can customize your metal cabinets to be more efficient and user-friendly for your storage needs.
Style with Complementary Decor
The final step to pulling together your spruced up metal cabinets is decorating and styling! Add some key decorative touches to complement the refreshed, colorful cabinets.
Some stylish ideas:
- Show off pretty dishware – Display plates, cups, or bowls on open shelves or in glass-front cabinets. Go for color coordination or eclectic mix and match.
- Fresh flowers and plants – A vase of fresh flowers, hanging plant, or succulents inject life. Greenery pairs nicely with brightly colored cabinets.
- Decorative baskets and bins – Woven baskets or fabric bins are chic for corralling items like bath towels, toys, or pantry goods.
- Artwork and wall decor – Hang framed art, decorative mirrors, or wall prints. Anchor the eye-catching cabinets with attractive visual elements.
- Fabrics and textiles – Drape kitchen towels over oven door pulls or place a rug under the sink for a soft textile feel.
The right accessories and decor make for a pulled-together, complete look. Have fun designing a space around your upgraded metal cabinets as the stylish focal point.
Conclusion
With some elbow grease for cleaning, priming, and painting, upgrade of hardware, and a few decorative touches, you can easily transform the look of tired metal cabinets. Use this guide to spruce up your metal cabinets and give them new life!
Start with a deep clean and sanding. Apply a quality primer before using rust-resistant enamel paint in your desired vibrant hue. Install new knobs or handles to modernize. Add organizational elements to maximize usable storage space. Finish by styling with accessories like artwork, dishware, or greenery.
In a weekend or less, you can have metal cabinets that look fresh, colorful, and renewed. Spruced up metal cabinets will make any room look thoughtfully put together. The improvement will inspire you every time you open your attractive, revitalized cabinets.
Frequently Asked Questions About How to Spruce Up Metal Cabinets
Now that you’ve learned how to spruce up metal cabinets, you may still have some questions. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about revamping metal cabinets.
What types of paint work best for painting metal cabinets?
Enamel paints designed specifically for metal surfaces work best for painting metal cabinets and provide the most durable finish. Oil-based enamels like Rust-Oleum Cabinet Transformations or INSL-X Cabinet Coat are ideal choices and recommended by experts.
Do I need to use primer before painting metal cabinets?
Yes, it is highly recommended to use a primer coat before painting metal cabinets, even if the paint you choose says it contains primer. The primer provides added corrosion resistance and allows for superior adhesion of the topcoat enamel paint.
How do I get rid of rust on old metal cabinets?
If your metal cabinets have any rust spots, you’ll need to remove the rust prior to painting. Lightly sand the rusted areas with coarse sandpaper. Wipe clean and apply a rust-inhibiting primer like KILZ Rust Control or Rust-Oleum Rust Reformer to transform and cover the rust.
What sheen level is best for cabinet paint – gloss, satin, or matte?
A satin, semi-gloss, or glossy sheen is best for cabinet paint. The slight shine is easy to clean and durable. Matte finishes on cabinets show marks and wear more over time. Semi-gloss is a happy medium between durable gloss and soft matte.
How do I paint the hard to reach spots inside metal cabinet boxes?
Use a small art paintbrush to detail cut-in around edges and interior corners. Foam paint rollers work well for applying paint evenly on flat interior surfaces and the back of cabinet boxes. Extendable rollers are also useful for reaching far into deep cabinet spaces.
What’s the easiest way to remove old cabinet hardware and install new handles/knobs?
Using a drill with a Phillips head attachment makes quick work of removing old screws and installing new hardware. Place tape over the hardware holes before removing old knobs – this helps mark screw hole locations for aligning new hardware.
Should I paint the interior of the cabinets as well as the exterior?
For a fully finished look, yes – paint the interior surfaces of your cabinets the same color as the exterior. This includes the inside back panel of the cabinet and the undersides of shelves. Use thin foam rollers and small angled brushes to reach interior spaces.
How do I freshen up wood countertops to match my colorful metal cabinets?
Wood countertops like butcher block can be lightly sanded and re-sealed with water-based polyurethane or penetrating oil. For a bolder look, stain the wood a contrasting or coordinating tone. Or paint with a clear-coat designed for countertop use.
This covers the most common questions on sprucing up metal cabinets. Be sure to thoroughly clean, sand, prime, paint with enamel, add hardware, organize, and style for a successful makeover!