Choose the right paint for metal cabinets to get a durable, beautiful finish that will last for years. The type of metal, preparation, priming, and paint can impact results. Consider oil-based and latex options, spray or brush application, and other factors when selecting metal paint. With proper prep and paint, you can renew kitchen or bathroom cabinets affordably.
Introduction
Painting metal cabinets allows you to update the look of your kitchen or bathroom without the high cost of new cabinetry. However, not all paints adhere well or hold up over time on metal surfaces. Choosing the right metal paint involves understanding metal types, proper prep, priming, paint options, application methods, and other factors. With attention to detail, you can achieve professional-looking results.
When researching what paint to use for metal cabinets, consider:
- Type of metal – steel, aluminum etc.
- Condition of existing finish
- Type of prep needed – cleaning, sanding, etching
- Priming required
- Types of paint – latex acrylics, oil-based enamels, spray cans
- Brush vs. spray application
- Number of coats needed
- Potential need for clear topcoat sealer
This guide will explore all these factors. With the right process, metal paints can deliver a fresh, durable, and stunning kitchen or bathroom update.
Assess Your Metal Cabinets
The first step is understanding what type of metal you are painting. While steel is most common, cabinets can also be made from aluminum, tin, copper, or alloys. Each metal has specific prep and priming needs.
Examine the finish that is currently on your metal cabinets. Are they unfinished, clear coated, or painted? Do they have signs of rust, flaking, grease buildup, or other issues? Make note of the overall condition to determine preparation steps.
Look inside cabinets and drawers for manufacturer labels noting the metal type. Magnet tests can also help identify steel versus other metals. Aluminum and tin will not attract magnets like steel does.
Identifying the metal ensures using the right combo of etching, priming, and paint. While specific products are made for steel or aluminum, quality oil or latex acrylic paints adhere well to most metals when proper prep is done.
Preparation – Cleaning, Sanding, Etching
Preparing metal cabinets for painting involves thorough cleaning and possibly sanding or etching too. Take time to get the surface ready for maximum paint adhesion.
Cleaning
No matter the metal or current finish, all cabinets need cleaning before painting. Use a degreaser to remove any oils or buildup from kitchen surfaces. TSP or TSP substitute cleaners work well to cut through grease. Clean with a scrub brush and rinse thoroughly after soaking.
Remove all hardware – handles, hinges, knobs etc. Label pieces so you can easily reinstall after painting. Clean grime and oils from hardware too or replace if needed.
Wipe down all surfaces with denatured alcohol after degreasing. This helps remove any residue so paint bonds tightly.
Sanding
If cabinets have a clear topcoat or are painted, sanding is needed to rough up the finish. This gives paint something to adhere to. Use 120-220 grit sandpaper and sand all fronts, sides, edges, doors, and frames.
Sand both metal and laminate surfaces on cabinet exteriors. Remove all gloss and shine. Take care not to sand through thin laminate finishes. Wipe away sanding dust.
Etching
For untreated steel cabinets or aluminum surfaces, use a phosphoric acid etching solution. This eats into the metal surface slightly to improve paint grip. Etching solutions are available at home improvement stores.
Use an etching product specifically made for the metal you are painting. Follow product directions. Rinse etched surfaces thoroughly after allowing the recommended dwell time. Wipe with denatured alcohol again before priming.
Priming Metal Cabinets
Quality primer helps metal paint stick to the slick surface. Primers made specifically for metals provide maximum adhesion. Oil-based metal primers are recommended for untreated steel or aluminum.
- Rust-inhibiting metal primers prevent rust from forming under paint. Important for steel cabinets.
- Galvanized metal primers stick well and resist chipping on galvanized steel surfaces.
- Zinc-based primers designed for metal provide corrosion resistance.
- Epoxy primers are another option that bonds tightly to metals.
Two coats of primer are best, allowing proper dry time between each. Lightly sanding between coats improves adhesion. Thorough priming prevents peeling or chipping of the finish paint.
Selecting Finish Paint
Choosing the right finish paint ensures it sticks well to the primed metal surface. Consider oil-based or latex acrylic finishes, specialty metal paints, and factors like color and sheen.
Oil-Based Enamel
Oil-based enamel paints provide a hard, durable, glossy finish on metal cabinets. Alkyd enamels are a type of oil enamel made specifically for metal. The high gloss levels off to a sheen over time.
Oil enamels bond tightly and are more resistant to chipping, scratching, and wear than latex paint. They also contain strong solvents. Proper ventilation is important when using oil-based paints.
Latex Acrylic
Water-based latex acrylic paints work well on primed metal cabinets. While less durable than oil enamels, latex paints are lower odor and easier to apply. Newer latex formulas hold up better on metal surfaces than in the past.
Look for 100% acrylic latex paints. The acrylic resins flex as the metal expands and contracts, reducing cracking or peeling. Latex acrylics also come in various sheens from matte to semi-gloss.
Spray Paint
Specialized spray paints are made for metal surfaces. These come in convenient spray cans for quick DIY projects. Rust-resistant and multi-surface formulas work well if properly applied.
While spray paints simplify painting metal cabinets, results are less professional-looking. It is harder to avoid drips, uneven coverage, or brush marks with spray cans. They are best for small metal painting projects.
Other Considerations
- Darker colors show flaws more than lighter hues if cabinets have damage. Neutrals like grays, tans, or whites look great on metal.
- Satin, eggshell, or semi-gloss sheens are good choices. High-gloss shows imperfections. Matte finishes mark up easier. Consider a clear coat sealer over matte paint for added protection.
- Buy quality primer and paint from trusted brands. Don’t skimp on products for good results.
Paint Application Process
You can use brush, roller, or sprayer to apply primer and paint to metal cabinets. Each has pros and cons to consider. Make sure to apply in thin, even coats following manufacturer directions.
Brushing
Using an angled sash brush to apply paint by hand takes more time but gives great control. It allows you to work paint into crevices and corners. Eliminate drips or runs by brushing out strokes.
Use high-quality synthetic or nylon bristle brushes made for better paint pickup and smooth application. Clean the brush well between primer and final paint coats.
Rolling
A mini foam roller speeds up paint application on large flat cabinet door and drawer fronts. Don’t use a roller on cabinet edges or hardware cutouts. Switch to a brush to paint those areas cleanly.
Use a short nap foam or microfiber roller sleeve. Load it evenly with paint and roll on using a nice even pattern. Avoid excessive pressure. Reroll areas to blend.
Spraying
Paint sprayers attach to your garden hose for large cabinet painting jobs. They allow applying primer and paint efficiently. Practice first to get the hang of sprayer technique.
Thin coats work better than heavy applications with sprayers. Release the trigger at the end of strokes. Overlap passes while maintaining a consistent spray distance and speed.
Tips
- Use painter’s tape and plastic sheeting to mask off adjacent surfaces from drips or overspray. Remove tape immediately after painting before the paint fully dries.
- Minimize brush marks by maintaining a wet edge and brushing from unpainted into painted areas.
- Allow proper dry time between coats as recommended by the product. Lightly sand primer before applying paint.
- Work in sections – one cabinet door at a time. Finish painting cabinets before moving onto drawers for best results.
Clear Top Coat Option
For added protection, a clear acrylic sealant can be applied over painted metal cabinets. This helps create a more durable finish that resists scratching, staining, and wear.
Water-based polyurethane is a good choice as a topcoat sealer for kitchen cabinets. It dries clear, adds shine, and is more durable than wax coatings. Use satin or semi-gloss sheens.
Make sure painted cabinets are fully cured first before applying a protective sealant finish. This prevents trapped solvents from causing bubbles or clouding of the topcoat.
Carefully follow all manufacturer instructions when applying the topcoat. Allow proper drying time between coats. Two or three thin coats provide excellent protection.
Painted Metal Cabinet Curing Time
It takes 2-4 weeks for painted metal cabinets to fully cure and become durable to cleaning, contact, and regular use. Oil-based enamels take the longest to cure. Avoid heavy cleaning or abrasion during this period.
Initially, only gently wipe painted surfaces with a damp microfiber cloth if needed. After a couple weeks, cleaners can be used more normally but still avoid excessive scrubbing right away. Treat new painted finishes gently until fully cured.
The curing process hardens the paint, making it more resistant to chipping, dulling, staining, and other damage. Rushing this process can ruin the long-lasting finish, so be patient even though cabinets may look good right after painting.
Achieving a Professional Finish
Follow these tips to get truly professional-looking results from your DIY metal cabinet paint project:
- Thoroughly clean and prepare cabinets prior to painting. Rushed prep leads to peeling or chipping paint down the road.
- Use a quality bonding primer made for metal. Don’t skip this important step.
- Choose the right type of paint for your cabinet metal. Seek professional advice if unsure.
- Carefully apply paint in thin, even coats using the right brush, roller, or sprayer. Rushing leads to messy results.
- Allow proper drying times between coats. Read product information for specifics.
- Lightly sand between coats for maximum adhesion. Be careful not to sand through paint.
- Finish with a protective clear coat for added durability and visual depth.
- Let paint fully cure before cleaning cabinets. Wait 2-4 weeks for hardness and stain resistance.
With attention to detail through every step of the process, you can achieve stunning, long-lasting results that look professionally painted.
Painting Metal Cabinets FAQ
Still have questions about choosing paint and the process for updating metal cabinets? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
Can I use latex paint on metal cabinets?
Yes, quality 100% acrylic latex paint adheres well to properly primed metal. It is easier to apply than oil-based enamel. Make sure to use a metal primer first for best results.
What sheen is best for painting metal cabinets?
Satin and semi-gloss sheens are good choices. They resist marking and shine light to minimize surface flaws. Super glossy or matte paint shows imperfections more.
Do I have to etch the metal before painting cabinets?
Etching is recommended for untreated steel, aluminum, and other smooth metals to help paint bond. It chemically roughens the metal so paint can grip. Proper etching improves adhesion and durability.
Should metal cabinets be sanded before painting?
If cabinets are clear coated or painted, sanding is required to rough up the glossy surface. Use 120-220 grit sandpaper. Just cleaning won’t provide enough tooth for paint. Avoid sanding too aggressively.
Can spray paint be used to paint metal cabinets?
Yes, but brushing usually yields a more smooth, professional finish. Spray painting takes practice to avoid drips and uneven coating. Use short strokes at proper distance. Multiple light coats are better than heavy spraying.
How long does it take for painted metal cabinets to cure?
Oil-based enamel takes around 2-4 weeks to fully harden and cure. Latex paint may cure faster, around 1-2 weeks. Avoid heavy cleaning during this period. Gentle wiping is ok but let paint cure before scrubbing.
Conclusion
Painting metal cabinets allows you to refresh the look of kitchens or bathrooms for just a fraction of replacement cost. Understanding prep, proper priming, metal-suitable paint options, application techniques, and curing steps results in a durable, professional-quality finish.
With the right products and processes, oil or latex paints create a beautiful updated look for steel, aluminum, or other metal cabinetry. A fresh coat of color rejuvenates worn cabinets for many more years of service.
While metal cabinet painting requires attention to detail, the results are certainly worth it. The information provided above arms you with the knowledge to tackle this project yourself and save money transforming the space with long-lasting results.