Restoring old metal bread drawers from antique sellers cabinets can breathe new life into vintage furniture pieces. With some elbow grease and cleaning supplies, you can make those drawers slide open smoothly again. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to restore metal bread drawers from sellers cabinets.
Assess the Drawers
Start by carefully removing the drawers from the cabinet and inspecting their condition. Check for:
- Rust or corrosion on the metal tracks or rollers
- Dents, cracks, or holes in the sheet metal
- Missing or broken drawer pulls or handles
- Debris, dirt, or grime buildup
Make notes on what needs repaired or replaced. Having this assessment will help you plan the restoration process.
Clean the Drawers
Before restoring the drawer mechanisms, thoroughly clean the metal surfaces. Here are some cleaning tips:
- Use a degreaser like citrus-based solvent to cut through old grease and oils. Apply with a rag and let sit for 5 minutes before scrubbing.
- For stubborn dirt, use a brass wire brush attachment on a power drill. Wear eye protection and work the grime loose.
- Sand down any rust spots with 60-80 grit sandpaper until you expose bare metal.
- Remove old paint by scraping with a putty knife or using chemical paint stripper.
- Clean out the inside of the drawers with a vacuum attachment.
Once cleaned, the original metallic sheen of the vintage drawers will shine through!
Repair Structural Damage
Assess if the drawer box and tracks need any structural repairs:
- Use automotive body filler to patch holes or dents in the sheet metal. Sand smooth once dry.
- Straighten bent tracks by clamping them to a sturdy table and gently tapping with a mallet.
- Replace broken or missing drawer pulls using salvaged vintage hardware or reproduction pulls.
Repairing major damage will ensure the drawers slide properly after restoration.
Lubricate the Slides
The key to buttery smooth drawer slides is generous lubrication. Here are tips:
- Use lithium grease or wax-based lubricant compatible with metal.
- Lift drawer box up and apply lubricant to the tracks and rollers.
- Work lubricant back and forth across full length of tracks.
- Open and close drawer several times to distribute lubricant.
- Buff off any excess lubricant with a rag so it doesn’t collect dust.
Properly lubricating the sliding mechanisms will prevent that annoying squeaking!
Adjust the Runners
If the lubricated drawers still don’t open and close smoothly, the metal runners likely need adjustment:
- Loosen the mounting screws on the runners just enough so you can move them.
- Level and align the runners on the drawer box.
- Ensure the runners are parallel with the cabinet tracks.
- Tighten mounting screws on aligned runners.
Proper alignment prevents the drawer from catching or rubbing during use.
Restore the Finish
To protect the cleaned metal and achieve a uniform finish:
- Apply metal primer to any repaired or bare spots on the drawers.
- Sand lightly with fine grit sandpaper to smooth and prep surface.
- Spray on satin clear coat enamel paint using sweeping motions.
- Allow paint to fully cure for several days before use.
Restoring the finish gives a consistent look and seals out moisture.
Install Soft Close Slides
For an updated touch, install new soft close drawer slides:
- Purchase full extension ball bearing slides with built-in dampers.
- Carefully measure and mount to existing drawers per instructions.
- Adjust runners so drawers align flush with cabinet fronts.
- Enjoy drawers that close slowly and quietly, no slamming!
Soft close hardware is a great way to modernize the closing action.
Clean and Organize the Interior
To complete the restoration:
- Use wood cleaner and conditioner on interior surfaces.
- Install fresh drawer liner or flocking for a vintage look.
- Add shelf dividers, small trays or custom inserts to organize contents.
- Arrange contents neatly – now you can find things!
A clean, organized drawer interior completes the refreshed look.
Restoring sellers cabinets metal bread drawers requires elbow grease but yields satisfying results. With cleaned and lubricated slides, repaired mechanism and new hardware, you can make those drawers glide silently like new again. Use these restoration tips and enjoy your revitalized vintage cabinet!
Frequently Asked Questions About Restoring Metal Bread Drawers from Sellers Cabinets
What type of degreaser works best to clean grimy drawer slides?
Citrus-based degreasers work very well to cut through old grease and dirt. Spray on and let sit for 5 minutes before scrubbing with a rag or brush. Mineral spirits also works.
How can I remove rust from the metal components?
Use 60-80 grit sandpaper to sand down any rust spots, revealing bare metal. Wipe clean and apply metal primer to prevent rust from returning.
My drawer front is misaligned after installing new slides. How do I fix this?
Loosen the mounting screws on the drawer front bracket and adjust it up or down until aligned with the face frame. Re-tighten screws once aligned properly.
What’s the best way to repair dents or holes in sheet metal?
Use body filler specifically designed for metal repair. Apply to holes and dents, allow to dry, then sand smooth. Primer and paint to match original finish.
Should I lubricate the drawer slides while extended or closed?
Fully extend drawer slides to access all surfaces. Apply lubricant across entire length of tracks and rollers for optimal coverage.
How can I stop my drawers from slamming shut after installing soft close slides?
Adjust the rear mounting brackets inward gradually until the drawer catches and closes slowly without slamming. Follow manufacturer’s adjustment instructions.
What’s the best way to freshen up the look of metal drawer interiors?
Clean thoroughly then apply a fresh coat of spray paint designed for metal. Add new drawer liner or flocking and organize contents in trays or inserts.