Having metal cabinets painted can completely transform the look of your kitchen or bathroom. With a fresh coat of paint, old and worn cabinets can be given new life. However, properly preparing and painting metal cabinets requires some specific steps to ensure the paint adheres and lasts. Here are some tips on where to have metal cabinets painted to get a professional quality finish.
How to Prepare Metal Cabinets for Painting
Before taking your metal cabinets anywhere for painting, they need to be adequately prepped. Here are the key steps for prepping metal cabinets for painting:
Clean the Cabinets
Make sure the cabinet surfaces are clean and free of grease, grime, or anything else that could prevent proper paint adhesion. Wash them thoroughly with a degreasing cleaner.
Sand the Cabinets
Lightly sand the cabinets with fine grit sandpaper to roughen and dull the existing finish. This helps the new paint adhere properly.
Apply Primer
After cleaning and sanding, apply a high-quality metal primer to the cabinets per the manufacturer’s directions. The primer coat provides an essential foundation for the new paint.
Caulk and Fill Holes
Inspect the cabinets and use caulk to fill any cracks or seams as needed. Also fill any holes from old hardware. Let the caulk fully dry before painting.
Where to Have Metal Cabinets Professionally Painted
While it’s possible to paint metal cabinets yourself, having them professionally painted by experienced painters will provide the best looking and most durable results. Here are some of the best places to have metal cabinets painted:
Cabinet Painting Company
There are businesses that specialize specifically in refinishing and painting kitchen and bathroom cabinets. They have the skills, tools, and workspace ideal for properly painting metal cabinets. This option provides a high-quality result.
Paint Store
Many independent paint stores offer an on-site cabinet painting service for customers in addition to selling paint. Their experienced painters are familiar with using the right paints and techniques to refinish metal cabinets.
Auto Body Shop
Auto body shops are accustomed to painting metal surfaces on vehicles and have the right setup to paint metal cabinets. Their spray systems allow them to achieve a smooth factory-like finish.
Furniture Refinishing Shop
Shops that refinish and paint furniture often also provide services for painting kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities. They have paint booths and professional equipment.
Tips for Painting Metal Cabinets
When hiring a company or service to paint your metal cabinets, keep these tips in mind:
- Use a professional painter familiar with painting metal surfaces.
- Make sure they thoroughly clean and scuff the surface for paint prep.
- Oil-based enamel or industrial acrylic paints adhere best to metal.
- Multiple thin coats of paint provide better results than one thick coat.
- Inspect cabinets after painting to catch any drips or missed spots for touch ups.
Frequently Asked Questions About Painting Metal Cabinets
Where to have metal cabinets painted?
The best places to have metal cabinets professionally painted are cabinet painting companies, paint stores, auto body shops, or furniture refinishing shops. They have the proper setup, tools, and expertise for high-quality results.
What kind of paint adheres best to metal cabinets?
Oil-based enamel and industrial acrylic paints formulated especially for metal provide the most durable and long-lasting finish on metal cabinets.
How much does it cost to have metal cabinets painted?
The cost to have metal cabinets painted professionally ranges from $2,000 to $4,500 on average, with the price varying based on factors like location, kitchen size, and custom paint colors.
Should I remove the doors to have the cabinets painted?
In most cases, removing the cabinet doors and having them painted separately yields the best looking final result and makes the painting process easier. The cabinet frames can be painted with the doors detached.
How long does it take to have metal cabinets painted?
The painting process typically takes 5-7 days from start to finish. 1-2 days is needed for proper prep work like degreasing, sanding, and priming prior to painting.
How long does the new paint last on metal cabinets?
With proper surface preparation and application of a high-quality oil-based enamel or industrial acrylic paint, the new paint job on your metal cabinets should last 5-10 years before needing to be redone.
Conclusion
Having your worn and outdated metal kitchen or bathroom cabinets repainted by qualified professionals can give them a like-new appearance again. Professional cabinet painters have the expertise, equipment, and workspace to properly prepare and refinish metal cabinets with long-lasting paint. Be sure to properly clean and sand the cabinets yourself before bringing them in to be painted. With a fresh coat of durable paint, your metal cabinets can look amazing for years to come.