Painting your kitchen cabinets can completely transform the look of your kitchen. While many choose to paint wooden cabinets, painting metal cabinets is also a great option. Metal kitchen cabinets provide a sleek, modern look, but over time the paint can start to fade, chip or wear away. Repainting metal cabinets allows you to revive your kitchen with a fresh new color. With proper preparation and techniques, you can achieve a smooth, durable and professional paint job. This comprehensive guide will provide tips on how to properly prep, prime, paint and care for newly painted metal kitchen cabinets.
Clean Cabinets Thoroughly
The first step when painting metal kitchen cabinets is to thoroughly clean the cabinets. Any dirt, grease or grime left on the surface of the cabinets can prevent the new paint from properly adhering. It’s important to remove any built-up grease and oils by using a degreasing cleaner. Look for a cleaner made specifically for kitchen surfaces. Spray the degreaser directly on the cabinets and let it sit for 5-10 minutes before scrubbing with a sponge or rag. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and let dry completely.
In addition to grease removal, you’ll also want to clean off any dust or dirt through a wash with a mild detergent and warm water. Mix a few drops of dish soap with warm water and use a soft rag to wash all cabinet surfaces, doors, handles and trim. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and let dry. Avoid using abrasive scrubbers or scouring pads as this can scratch the metal finish.
Lightly Sand Cabinets
Once the metal cabinets are clean, very light sanding is recommended. This helps rough up the surface a bit so the primer and paint can adhere properly. Use 220-grit or finer sandpaper for this process. Gently sand in the direction of the grain of the cabinets. Make sure to sand all surfaces including the cabinet boxes, doors, fronts and trim pieces. Work slowly and carefully to avoid scratching the cabinets. Remove any sanding residue by wiping down the cabinets with a tack cloth.
Fill Any Holes or Imperfections
Examine the cabinets closely and use a metal filler compound to fill any small holes, scratches or dents. Allow the filler to dry completely according to package directions. Once dry, sand the filled areas flush and smooth. Clean up any residual dust with a tack cloth. This step helps provide a smooth finish for painting.
Remove Doors, Drawers and Hardware
To make painting easier, remove all doors, drawers and hardware from the cabinets. This allows you to fully paint the cabinet boxes and provides easier access. Place door hinges in a plastic bag and label so you can easily reattach. For easier painting, remove all knobs, pulls and hinges from cabinet doors and drawers as well.
Set Up Painting Area
Select an area that has good ventilation and no direct sunlight. Lay down plastic sheeting or drop cloths to protect floors and surfaces. Place cabinet doors on sawhorses to allow easy access to all sides during painting. Have all painting supplies handy including primer, paintbrushes, paint tray, rags, sandpaper, tack cloth, filler compound and clean water.
Apply Primer
Priming the metal cabinets before painting is extremely important as it allows for better adhesion of the new paint. Primer formulated for metal surfaces is best. Use a high-quality acrylic or oil-based metal primer. Look for one that is rust-inhibiting as well. Using a brush, mini roller or paint sprayer, apply a smooth coat of primer to all cabinet surfaces. Follow all primer directions in regards to dry time before applying paint. Primer provides a uniform surface and prevents streaks or blotches in the final paint job.
Choose Cabinet Paint
For painting metal kitchen cabinets, select a high-quality acrylic latex enamel paint. Look for one formulated specifically for use on metal surfaces. Cabinet paint will provide maximum durability, resist chipping and stand up well to cleaning. An enamel paint provides a smooth, glossy finish that mimics a factory finish. Choose a sheen such as semi-gloss which offers both durability and easy clean-up.
Apply First Coat of Cabinet Paint
Using a quality angled sash brush, apply the first coat of paint in smooth, even strokes following the grain of the cabinets. Work methodically starting with the cabinet frames, then doors, then drawers. Brush from an unpainted area into the wet edge of the painted area to avoid lap marks. Allow the first coat to dry completely before adding the second coat. Check paint can directions for recommended dry times. Proper drying between coats is crucial to achieve the right paint thickness and a smooth finish.
Apply Second Coat of Paint
Once the first coat has dried thoroughly, you are ready for the second coat. To ensure full coverage, apply the second coat in a perpendicular direction to the first coat. This allows you to catch any areas that may have been missed. Apply the paint as smoothly as possible using even brush strokes. Allow the second coat to dry fully before reassembling and rehanging cabinet doors and drawers.
Reattach Doors, Drawers and Hardware
After the painted cabinets have dried completely, you can begin reattaching the doors, drawers and hardware. Refer to your hardware bag labels. Reattach hinges and test doors before fully tightening screws. Insert drawers to ensure they slide properly without scraping fresh paint. Finish up by adding back all knobs, pulls and handles.
Clean and Dry Paintbrushes
After finishing all painting, thoroughly clean paintbrushes with warm soapy water to remove all remnants of paint. Rinse and dry completely. Store flat or by hanging to maintain optimal brush shape. Proper brush cleaning and storage keeps paintbrushes in good condition for future painting projects.
Let Paint Fully Cure
Though dry to the touch in a few hours, cabinet paint takes longer to fully cure. The curing process allows paint to achieve maximum hardness and durability. Avoid cleaning cabinets until the paint has cured completely. Check the paint manufacturer’s directions, but in general expect a cure time of 2-4 weeks. Handle freshly painted cabinets gently during this period.
Tips for Achieving the Best Painted Finish
- Carefully follow all primer and paint directions for best results
- Maintain a wet edge while painting to prevent lap marks
- Work in sections starting and ending in corners or edges
- Use high-quality angled sash brush for optimal control
- Apply paint in opposite directions between coats
- Allow proper dry time between paint coats
- Use painter’s tape to mask off adjacent surfaces from paint
- Work in adequate ventilation and avoid painting in direct sunlight
Painting metal kitchen cabinets allows you to give your kitchen an updated look with new cabinet color. By properly prepping, priming and painting using quality paint and tools, you can achieve stunning, professional results. Just take your time taping off areas, lightly sanding, cleaning thoroughly, applying primer and paint in smooth coats. The end result will be a kitchen updated at a fraction of the cost of new cabinetry.
Frequently Asked Questions About Painting Metal Kitchen Cabinets
Painting metal kitchen cabinets can revive your space, but it’s normal to have questions about the process. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.
Should I use oil or acrylic paint on metal cabinets?
For most applications, high-quality acrylic latex enamel paint works very well on metal cabinets. Oil-based usually takes longer to dry and emits stronger fumes. However, oil may provide greater durability for high-use cabinets.
What sheen of paint should I use?
For cabinets, opt for semi-gloss or gloss sheen. These offer good wipe-ability and hold up well to cleaning. Avoid flat paints which show scuffs and marks more easily.
Do I need to sand metal cabinets before painting?
Very light sanding is recommended before painting metal cabinets. This slightly roughens the surface for better primer and paint adhesion. Use 220 grit sandpaper and sand lightly in the direction of the grain.
What is the best primer for metal cabinets?
Look for a primer specifically formulated for metal that provides maximum adhesion. Oil-based and acrylic metal primers both work well. Opt for rust-resistant primer for additional protection.
How many coats of paint do metal cabinets need?
Most often, two coats of quality enamel cabinet paint will provide good coverage and durability. Allow proper dry time between coats for a smooth finish.
How do I get a smooth finish when painting cabinets?
Use a quality angled sash brush and apply paint in even strokes while maintaining a wet edge. Sand lightly between coats and allow proper dry time. Work slowly and systematically for best results.
How long does it take for painted cabinets to fully cure?
Though dry to the touch in a few hours, allow 1-2 weeks for cabinet paint to fully cure and achieve maximum hardness. Avoid heavy cleaning during this period.
Can I spray paint metal kitchen cabinets?
Yes, spray painting using an HVLP paint spray gun is an option for painting metal cabinets and can provide a very smooth finish. Proper spraying technique is important.
What safety precautions should I take?
Work in a well-ventilated area, wear protective eyewear and gloves, and use drop cloths. Follow all manufacturer safety directions for cleaners, primer and paint products.
Painting metal kitchen cabinets allows you to refresh the look of your kitchen at a fraction of the cost of new cabinets. By properly preparing, priming and painting the cabinets, you can achieve a durable, professional looking finish. Use high-quality painting products, proper techniques and safety precautions for optimal results.
Conclusion
Painting metal kitchen cabinets is an effective way to revive your kitchen with beautiful new color. With proper preparation, use of metal-specific paint products and good painting techniques, you can achieve stunning results. Thorough cleaning, light sanding, filling imperfections and priming provide the foundation. Careful application of quality cabinet enamel paint in smooth coats leads to a durable and uniform finish. By following the recommendations outlined here for prepping, painting and caring for newly painted metal cabinets, you can enjoy an updated kitchen look that will last for years to come. With some time and effort, you can paint your metal cabinets like a pro.