How to Refurbish Metal File Cabinets

Refurbishing old metal file cabinets can give them a new lease on life while saving you money compared to buying new. With some cleaning, sanding, priming, and a fresh coat of paint, you can make your old file cabinets look brand new. This comprehensive guide will walk you through all the steps needed to refurbish metal file cabinets.

Assessing Your Metal File Cabinets

Before you begin refurbishing, thoroughly inspect each file cabinet to determine their condition. Check for things like:

  • Rust, corrosion, or other damage to the metal
  • Missing or broken hardware like handles or locks
  • Warping or dents in the metal panels
  • Damage to the drawers like broken sliders or rollers

Metal file cabinets that are extensively rusted, warped, or have critical damage may not be worth refurbishing. But ones in decent shape can be revitalized with some work.

Make notes on each cabinet about problem areas to address during refurbishing. Having a plan will make the process go smoother.

Tools and Supplies Needed

Refurbishing metal file cabinets requires some specific tools and supplies:

  • Screwdrivers – Both Phillips and flathead screwdrivers in various sizes to remove hardware.
  • Pliers – Standard and needle nose pliers help when removing stubborn hardware.
  • Sandpaper – Coarse grit like 80-100 to remove rust and paint. Fine grit like 220-400 for smoothing.
  • Sanding block – Helps sand flat surfaces evenly. Can be wood, rubber, or plastic.
  • Rust remover – Liquid solutions dissolve rust to prep the metal.
  • Degreaser – Removes oil and dirt from surfaces prior to painting.
  • Primer – Adheres paint to the bare metal. Use etching or rust inhibiting primer.
  • Paint – Enamel spray paint works best for a smooth factory-like finish.
  • Paint supplies – Brushes, rollers, trays, drop cloths – whatever your painting method requires.
  • New hardware – Replace any missing or defective handles, locks, sliders, etc.

Gather all your supplies and tools before starting to make the process go quicker. Having to stop mid-project to get something you forgot can be annoying.

Disassembling the File Cabinets

First, completely disassemble each file cabinet. Removing all hardware and drawers allows you to access every surface during refurbishing.

To disassemble:

  • Empty out all contents from the drawers and cabinet interior.
  • Remove any hanging file racks or other accessories.
  • Using your screwdrivers, unscrew any handles, locks, or other hardware attached to the sides or drawers. Set the hardware aside for later reinstallation.
  • Take out all the drawers, sliders, and rails. Stack them neatly aside.
  • Detach any back panels or other parts still attached. The goal is to get down to the bare cabinet shell.

Organize all screws, hardware, and parts from each cabinet so nothing gets lost. Keep them separate from those of other cabinets if working on multiple units.

Thorough disassembly is crucial to properly refurbishing the file cabinets. Don’t skip any steps here.

Cleaning and Degreasing

With the file cabinets fully disassembled, now you can clean and degrease every surface. This removes built-up grime, oils, and any waxy residue from the old paint. Proper cleaning ensures the new paint adheres well.

Follow these steps to clean and degrease:

  • Wipe down all surfaces with a damp rag to remove loose dirt and dust.
  • Use a degreaser like Simple Green or another biodegradable option. Test on a small area first.
  • Apply degreaser to a scrub brush, rag, or sponge. Scrub all metal surfaces inside and out.
  • Rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove all degreaser residue.
  • Allow the metal to fully dry before continuing. A heat gun speeds drying if needed.
  • Repeat degreasing if any glossy residue remains on the surfaces.

The goal is to get the metal completely free of any oils or waxy buildup for the new paint to properly adhere. Take your time to thoroughly clean each part.

Removing Rust and Sanding

Next, address any rust or corrosion on the metal panels. Then sand everything smooth for painting.

To remove rust:

  • Use a rust remover solution and let it soak into heavily rusted areas. Scrub with a wire brush.
  • Sand away any remaining rust spots with 80-100 grit sandpaper until only clean metal shows.
  • Rinse and dry the sanded areas well after sanding and before priming.
  • For minor rust, hand sanding alone often removes it effectively.

For sanding:

  • Sand all interior and exterior surfaces with 220-400 grit sandpaper.
  • Use a sanding block on flat areas for an even finish.
  • Sand metal edges smooth and round off any burrs.
  • Sand drawers, hardware, and accessories separately.
  • Remove all dust when sanding is complete. Wipe with a tack cloth.

Your goal is to get down to smooth, clean, and dry metal before primer and paint. Be thorough here for best results.

Applying Primer

Priming the sanded metal provides an ideal surface for the new paint to adhere to. Use these tips for best results:

  • Choose an etching or rust inhibiting primer specifically for metal.
  • Shake the can vigorously before starting.
  • Apply in thin, even coats using smooth strokes.
  • Spray paint the interior surfaces first, then the outer cabinet.
  • Follow recommended drying times between coats. Two or three thin coats are ideal.
  • Inspect for any missed or uneven areas and touch up.
  • Lightly sand glossy areas between coats to aid adhesion.
  • Allow the final coat to fully cure overnight before painting.

Primer provides the solid foundation needed for the new paint. Don’t skip this step.

Painting Techniques

Applying a fresh coat of paint gives metal file cabinets a brand new factory finish. Here are tips for great results:

  • Choose paint – Enamel spray paint bonds best to metal. Opt for a satin or semi-gloss sheen.
  • Prep painting area – Spread drop cloths and mask off any nearby surfaces. Work in a dust-free area.
  • Shake cans vigorously – This ensures the paint mixes well and sprays evenly.
  • Maintain proper spray distance – Hold cans 6-8 inches from surfaces. Too close causes drips.
  • Use smooth motions – Gently sweep the spray across broad surfaces with overlapping strokes.
  • Spray lightly – Apply several thin coats rather than one thick one. Thick paint can run or drip.
  • Spray the interior first – Then do outer cabinet surfaces so edges get overlapped.
  • Follow recoat times – Applying coats too soon traps solvents and ruins the finish.
  • Inspect between coats – Check for thin spots to touch up. Sand glossy areas.
  • Top coat with clear enamel – Adds extra gloss and protection from scratches.

Take your time with the painting process. Rushing leads to drips and errors. Light coats with proper curing gives a flawless durable finish.

Reassembling the File Cabinets

With painting complete, now you can reassemble the fully refurbished file cabinets! Follow these tips when putting the cabinets back together:

  • Replace any worn or defective hardware with new handles, locks, sliders, etc.
  • Carefully attach drawer slides and ensure they’re aligned smoothly. Lubricate with silicone spray if needed.
  • Use a level on the cabinets to double check they sit squarely on the floor without rocking.
  • Attach all hardware tightly using your saved screws from disassembly.
  • Install any drawer organizers, hanging file frames, or accessories.
  • Slide drawers in and out several times to check for proper alignment. Adjust if needed.
  • Attach back panels last using original or new fasteners.
  • Apply touch up paint to any small scratches that may have occurred during reassembly.

Take care when putting the final parts back on. Having pristine refurbished cabinets is no fun if the reassembly damages the new paint.

Restoring Metal File Cabinet Function

Beyond cosmetic refurbishing, take steps to optimize how your revived file cabinets function:

  • Lubricate – Use silicone spray on drawer sliders and rails so drawers glide smoothly.
  • Adjust fit – File folders should fit snugly without jamming. Bend metal rails to fine tune spacing.
  • Organize contents – Use hanging folders, dividers, and labels to arrange files neatly.
  • Clean interior – Use a duster to remove dust and debris that accumulate over time.
  • Secure contents – Broken file cabinets don’t protect documents. Fix any locks or latch issues.
  • Level cabinets – Shim underneath if the cabinet rocks or is uneven. Prevent tipping.

Take the time to make sure your refurbished metal file cabinets perform their job properly. A few small adjustments and tweaks make using them a pleasure.

Tips for Refurbishing Metal File Cabinets

Keep these tips in mind as you refurbish old metal file cabinets:

  • Work in a clean, dust-free area to avoid debris in the new paint.
  • Completely disassemble the cabinets rather than painting them assembled.
  • Clean and degrease thoroughly before painting for best adhesion.
  • Address any rust or corrosion issues before applying primer.
  • Allow proper drying times between coats of primer and paint.
  • Replace any missing or defective hardware with new components.
  • Realign drawers, lubricate sliders, and test function before reloading files.
  • Touch up any incidental scratches right away to prevent rusting.

Refurbishing file cabinets takes patience and attention to detail. Follow all steps thoroughly and you’ll be rewarded with revitalized cabinets that look factory fresh.

Common Questions About Refurbishing Metal File Cabinets

Refurbishing old metal file cabinets may seem daunting at first. Here are answers to some common questions:

What kind of paint should I use to refurbish metal file cabinets?

Enamel spray paint bonds best to metal surfaces. Opt for satin or semi-gloss sheen. Make sure to use primer first.

What grit sandpaper do I need to refurbish metal file cabinets?

Use coarse 80-100 grit to remove rust and paint. Smooth everything with fine 220-400 grit afterwards.

How do I remove rust from metal file cabinets before refurbishing them?

Soak heavily rusted areas in a rust remover solution, then scrub with a wire brush. Hand sanding also works for minor rust.

Should I disassemble file cabinets completely before refurbishing them?

Yes, complete disassembly allows you to access and refurbish every surface properly. Reassemble after painting.

What kind of primer should I use on metal file cabinets?

Use a primer specifically formulated for metal. Etching and rust inhibiting primers work best.

How long does it take to refurbish metal file cabinets?

With proper prep and drying times, expect the whole process to take 1-3 days depending on the number of cabinets.

How do I fix peeling paint when refurbishing metal file cabinets?

Remove loose paint with sandpaper, clean and degrease, then apply primer and repaint problem areas.

What do I do if drawers slide unevenly after I refurbish file cabinets?

Check alignment of slides and rails. Lubricate contact points with silicone spray. Adjust bent metal pieces as needed.

Get Your File Cabinets Looking Like New Again

With some determaination and elbow grease, you can give old worn metal file cabinets new life. Follow the steps in this guide to restore both the appearance and functionality of your file cabinets. In a weekend’s time, you can save the cost of replacement cabinets and keep useful office storage working for many more years. Grab some sandpaper, primer, and paint and tackle this satisfying DIY project! Your refurbished file cabinets will look so pristine they seem brand new again.


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