Painting metal storage cabinets with chalk paint is a great way to give your old cabinets a quick and easy makeover. Chalk paint adheres well to metal and provides great coverage, allowing you to transform dated cabinets into something stylish and modern. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to properly prep and paint metal cabinets using chalk paint for a smooth, durable finish.
Supplies Needed
- Chalk paint (2-3 pints depending on cabinet size)
- Paint brushes
- Sandpaper
- Tack cloth
- Primer (oil-based or adhesion promoter)
- Protective topcoat (optional)
Prepare the Cabinets
Proper prep is crucial for a long-lasting paint job. Make sure to:
- Remove cabinet doors, handles and hinges. Set hardware aside for later reattachment.
- Lightly sand cabinet boxes and doors to rough up the surface. This helps the paint adhere better.
- Clean with a deglosser or mild soap and water to remove any dirt, oil or grease.
- Use a tack cloth to remove any dust after sanding.
- For best adhesion, apply 1-2 coats of an oil-based primer or adhesion promoter. Let dry completely.
Painting with Chalk Paint
Chalk paint goes on easily and dries fast. Here are some tips:
- Stir paint well before and during use. Chalk paint separates, so this helps keep color consistent.
- Use a high quality brush made for chalk paint. Look for soft rounded bristles.
- Apply paint in smooth, overlapping strokes. Work from the top down.
- Work quickly to avoid lap marks and brush strokes. Chalk paint dries fast.
- Two coats are recommended for best coverage and color. Lightly sand between coats.
- If desired, lightly sand the final coat to smooth any brush marks. Clean surface with a tack cloth when done.
How to Paint Cabinet Boxes
Paint the inside of cabinet boxes first, then move to the outside. Use angled brush strokes to get in corners. Give special attention to the cabinet frame and exposed edges.
How to Paint Doors
Paint door fronts and sides. Lay doors flat to avoid drips. Use straight brush strokes along the wood grain. Paint door edges as well.
How to Paint Hardware
Remove hardware like knobs and hinges during painting. To paint hardware, lightly sand, then spray with chalk paint. Apply two light coats, letting dry between.
Protect and Seal the Finish
For added durability, apply a topcoat over the chalk paint:
- Wax – Provides a soft finish and build layers for an antique look
- Polycrylic – Water-based and low odor. Offers a smooth, durable clear topcoat.
- Lacquer – A solvent-based option for a glossy, shiny finish. Apply topcoat in thin, even layers with a high-quality foam brush. Let dry fully between coats. Reattach hardware when paint is completely cured.
Tips for a Flawless Chalk Paint Finish
- Use high quality chalk paint and tools
- Thoroughly prep the cabinets for better adhesion
- Work in thin coats, allowing proper dry time between
- Lightly sand between coats for a smooth finish
- Seal with an appropriate topcoat for added protection
- Take doors off hinges for easier painting access
- Use painter’s tape to mask off adjacent surfaces
- Work in a dust-free space with adequate ventilation
Chalk paint is highly versatile and pairs especially well with distressed finishes. With proper prep and application, it adheres beautifully to metal for a updated look. Follow these tips on how to paint metal storage cabinets with chalk paint, and you’ll achieve professional-quality results!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the benefit of using chalk paint on metal cabinets?
Chalk paint is ideal for painting metal cabinets because it adheres well to slick, non-porous surfaces like metal. It provides excellent coverage without requiring sanding or priming first. Chalk paint can give metal cabinets a smooth, updated look without entirely stripping down to the original metal.
Can you use chalk paint on cabinets without sanding?
Lightly sanding before painting metal cabinets with chalk paint is recommended. This helps rough up the slick surface for better paint adhesion. However, chalk paint is formulated to bond well to metal and other surfaces, so sanding is not absolutely required. Proper prep like cleaning is more important.
What sheen does chalk paint have?
Chalk paint has a signature matte, velvety finish. The flat sheen shows off the subtle irregularities in the paint for a vintage, distressed effect. While flat in its unfinished state, different levels of sheen can be achieved by applying different topcoats over chalk painted pieces.
Can you paint over chalk paint with latex paint?
Yes, you can paint over chalk painted cabinets with latex or other paint types. The key is proper prep first. Make sure to lightly sand and degloss the previous chalk paint layers. Then apply primer before painting over with latex paint. This helps the new paint coat bind well.
How do you seal chalk paint on cabinets?
Polycrylic and wax are common topcoats used to seal and protect chalk painted cabinets. Polycrylic offers a smooth, durable clear finish. Wax provides light protection and builds up naturally for an antiqued effect. Lacquer can also be used for a high-gloss finish. Apply topcoats in thin, even layers.
What brings out the color in chalk paint?
The rich pigments in quality chalk paint allows colors to pop beautifully on their own. However, applying a topcoat like lacquer or polycrylic helps enhance the vibrancy of the paint. The clear topcoat brings out the depth of color and provides a luminous, light-reflecting sheen.
Conclusion
Revitalizing dated metal cabinets is made simple with chalk paint. With proper preparation and application, chalk paint can adhere to slick surfaces for a smooth opaque finish. Follow the techniques outlined to transform your metal cabinets with chalk paint. sand lightly, apply primer, use quality brushes and paint in thin coats. Seal with an appropriate topcoat for added durability. With this guide, you can achieve stunning results!