Spray painting metal cabinets can completely transform the look of your kitchen or bathroom. With a fresh coat of color, old cabinets can be revived into looking like new. Painting metal cabinets yourself can also save thousands of dollars compared to the cost of installing all new cabinetry.
However, properly preparing and spray painting metal cabinets does require some work. Metal does not absorb paint the same way wood does. So special considerations need to be taken to ensure the paint adheres and lasts over time. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to successfully spray paint metal cabinets.
Cleaning and Removing Grease from Cabinets
Thoroughly cleaning metal cabinets before painting is absolutely essential for the paint to properly adhere. All grease, oils, dirt, dust and grime must be removed. Any foreign matter left on the original surface will cause the new paint to chip and peel.
Start by removing the cabinet doors and drawers from the cabinet frames. Take the hardware off such as knobs and hinges as well. Having just the metal cabinet boxes to work with makes the cleaning process much easier.
Use a degreaser like TSP substitute to clean all surfaces of grease and oils. Apply the degreaser and let it sit for 5-10 minutes before scrubbing with a stiff bristle brush and rinsing clean. Wear rubber gloves when working with any chemical cleaners.
For stuck-on dirt or grime, use a scraper to gently remove the gunk without scratching the original finish. Then clean again with degreaser.
Once all visible dirt is removed, go over every nook and cranny with mineral spirits applied to a clean lint-free rag. The mineral spirits will remove any remaining oils, waxes or other residue.
After everything is cleaned, wipe down all the metal cabinet surfaces with a tack cloth. This will pick up any last traces of dust or debris that could affect paint adhesion.
Tips for Cleaning Metal Cabinets
- Remove doors, drawers and hardware to make cleaning easier
- Use a degreaser like TSP substitute for grease and grime
- Gently scrape off any stuck-on gunk
- Wipe down with mineral spirits to remove residues
- Finish with a tack cloth to pick up any leftover dust
Sanding and Priming Metal Cabinets
Once the metal cabinets are pristine clean, the next step is sanding. Sanding creates a rough, textured surface for the primer and paint to adhere to.
Start by sanding the cabinets all over with 220-grit sandpaper. Be sure to sand in the direction of the grain. Sand until you have a dull, matte surface. Pay close attention to sanding edges and corners thoroughly.
After sanding with 220-grit paper, go over the cabinets again with 320-grit paper. This finer sanding will help smooth out any deep scratches from the first pass. The goal is for an evenly dull surface.
Vacuum up all sanding dust with a brush attachment. Then wipe down the cabinets with a tack cloth again. Make sure no dust particles remain before priming.
Next, apply at least one coat of spray primer formulated for metal. Shake the can vigorously for 2 minutes before spraying. Hold the can 6-8 inches from the surface and apply light, even coats of primer. Let the primer fully dry before sanding or applying a second coat.
Once the primer is fully cured, sand it very lightly with 320 grit sandpaper. This will take off any drips or uneven spots from the application. Wipe clean with a tack cloth again before moving onto paint.
Tips for Sanding and Priming
- Sand thoroughly with 220 grit then 320 grit paper
- Remove all sanding dust
- Use spray primer designed for metal
- Apply at least one coat of primer, letting it fully dry in between
- Lightly sand the primer before painting
Techniques for Spray Painting Metal Cabinets
Now it’s finally time to spray on the color! Be sure to use high quality spray paint formulated specifically for metal surfaces. The paint needs to have strong adhesion properties to bond to the slick metal and withstand the frequent use of cabinet doors.
Set up your workspace outside or in a well ventilated area. Lay down drop cloths or sheets to protect surrounding surfaces from overspray. Tape off any nearby walls as well.
Follow all the instructions on the spray paint can, including recommended drying time between coats. Most metallic spray paints require three thin coats for full coverage, waiting at least 24 hours between each coat.
Shake the can vigorously for 2 minutes before spraying. Hold the can 6-8 inches from the surface and keep it moving in smooth, even strokes. Apply light coats and work methodically to avoid drips. If drips do occur, wait until the paint is fully dry, then lightly sand them smooth.
If spraying cabinet doors, spray the inside panel first. Then flip and do the outside. For cabinet boxes, fully paint the backside first before the front and visible sides. This helps avoid drips.
Let the paint fully dry between coats and check for any unevenness or missing spots. Sand or apply another light coat as needed for full coverage.
Once the final coat has dried for at least 24-48 hours, reinstall the doors, drawers and hardware. Be very gentle opening and closing doors the first week to allow for full curing time.
Tips for Spraying Metal Cabinets
- Use high quality spray paint made for metal
- Set up in a well ventilated outdoor area
- Cover nearby surfaces to protect from overspray
- Follow directions on can for dry time between coats
- Apply at least 3 thin coats for full coverage
- Sand between coats if drips occur
- Let paint cure for 1 week before heavy use of cabinets
How Long Does Spray Paint Take to Dry on Metal Cabinets?
The amount of dry time needed between coats and before using spray painted metal cabinets depends on the specific paint used. Always read and follow the manufacturer’s directions listed on the can.
Most quality spray paints made for metal call for recoat times of 1-2 hours between light coats. Paint should be allowed to dry for 24-48 hours before applying another coat.
Full curing times average 1-2 weeks for spray paint on metal to fully harden and become scratch resistant. Avoid heavy use or abrasion during this curing period.
Factors like temperature, humidity and air circulation impact dry times as well. Paint dries slower in cooler temps or higher humidity. An area with good airflow will speed up drying versus a confined space.
If trying to speed up curing times between coats, a heat gun can be used to force dry paint layers. Just be sure to keep it moving constantly so heat is not concentrated in one spot.
For best adhesion on metal, patience is recommended when spray painting. Follow the manufacturer’s stated recoat and curing times for the paint used. Rushing the process can ruin the paint job and require starting over.
How Long for Spray Paint to Dry on Metal?
- 1-2 hours between light coats
- 24-48 hours before recoating
- 1-2 weeks for full curing before heavy use
- Dry times vary based on temperature, humidity and airflow
Choosing the Right Spray Paint Sheen for Metal Cabinets
Another consideration for your spray painting project is the paint sheen you want. The choices are gloss, semi-gloss or satin finish. Which sheen you choose can affect the final look and durability.
Gloss paint has a shiny, reflective surface. This is the most wipeable and stain resistant option. However, gloss paint also highlights any imperfections like scratches or bumps in the metal surface.
Satin finish has a low luster sheen. It is slightly less durable than gloss but still resists stains and moisture well. Satin paint hides minor flaws better while still giving surfaces a fresh painted look.
Semi-gloss falls between gloss and satin finishes. It wipes clean easily but is not as reflective as full gloss. Semi-gloss is a good compromise between durability and hiding surface imperfections.
For most metal cabinet paint jobs, semi-gloss or satin finishes give the best results. Gloss is really only needed for cabinets that get very heavy day-to-day use and abuse. Consider your own needs when selecting a sheen.
Sheen Options for Metal Cabinets
- Gloss – Very shiny & reflective, most wipeable finish
- Satin – Low luster sheen, hides flaws well
- Semi-Gloss – In between gloss and satin, nice compromise
How to Dry Cabinet Paint Faster with Heat Gun
As mentioned before, a heat gun is a tool that can speed up the drying process of spray paint on metal cabinets. But this method must be used with caution to avoid ruining the paint job.
Heat guns generate temperatures up to 1100°F. Too much concentrated heat will bubble and crack paint. So the key is keeping the heat gun constantly moving.
Hold the heat gun 6-8 inches away from the painted surface. Slowly sweep it back and forth, never keeping it aimed in one spot more than 2-3 seconds. This indirectly heats the surface to gently dry the paint.
Work in small sections starting with the outer edges. Monitor carefully for any bubbling or cracking of the paint. Adjust distance and movement speed as needed.
Allow a freshly painted section to cool down before reapplying the heat gun. Reheated paint can reactivate and stick to things. Frequently check paint is fully hardened between heating intervals.
While a heat gun can speed drying by hours or days, patience is still required for full curing. Allow 1 week before heavy use of cabinets even if dried with heat gun assistance.
Using a Heat Gun to Dry Paint
- Hold 6-8 inches away and keep constantly moving
- Slowly sweep across paint, don’t concentrate heat
- Work in small sections letting paint cool in between
- Allow 1 week full cure time even if dried with heat gun
How to Take Doors Off Metal Kitchen Cabinets to Paint
Painting cabinet boxes while the doors are still attached can be cumbersome. Removing the doors allows much easier access to paint the boxes. Here is how to remove metal kitchen cabinet doors to prepare them for painting.
Start by fully opening the door to access the hinge. There will be screws on the inside holding the hinge plates onto the cabinet frame and door.
Use a screwdriver to remove all the screws from one side’s hinge plate. Be sure to keep the hardware organized so it can be replaced correctly after painting.
With one hinge plate detached, you can lift the door off the other plate still attached to the frame. Take care not to bend or warp the door when removing it.
Repeat this process on every cabinet door you plan to remove. Number or label the doors to make sure they get put back in the correct spots later on.
To rehang the doors after painting, simply reverse the process. Screw the hinge plates back into their original positions and test that the door opens, closes and aligns properly. Make any needed adjustments.
How to Remove Metal Cabinet Doors
- Fully open door to access hinge screws
- Remove all screws from one side of hinge
- Lift door off other hinge plate still attached
- Label doors for easy reinstallation after painting
Should You Remove Drawers When Painting Cabinets?
As with doors, removing drawers from cabinets makes the painting process much easier. But drawers do not necessarily need to be taken out. Here are some things to consider when deciding about drawers:
- Are the drawers easy to remove? Drawers with simple slides may easily lift out. Those with custom built-in tracks will be harder.
- Can you paint the drawers separately? If so, removing may allow better finish results. If not, drawers are often best left in place.
- Are the drawers empty and lightweight? Heavy or filled drawers will be unwieldy to remove and work on.
- Does the drawer front need to match the rest of the cabinet? If so, it likely needs to be painted in place to get uniform coats.
For quick, light drawers that you can conveniently paint separately, removing them is the best bet. For large, heavy, custom or built-in drawers, and whenever matching the finish of the surrounding cabinet is critical, leaving drawers in place to paint is usually wisest.
If removing drawers, be sure to label locations just like with doors for proper reinstallation. And take pictures of the slides and hardware before disassembling so you can correctly put them back together.
Should You Remove Drawers to Paint Cabinets?
- Consider if they are easy to take out and paint separately
- Determine if matching cabinet finish is critical
- Don’t remove very heavy, custom or built-in drawers
- Label locations and photograph hardware for reassembly
How Long Does Cabinet Paint Take to Dry Before Reinstalling Doors?
A common question when spray painting cabinets is how long to wait before rehanging doors and drawers. This involves allowing enough time for adequate drying between paint coats as well as ample curing time after the final coat.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for recoat times, but generally you will need a minimum of 2-4 hours drying between light coats of paint.
After applying the final coat of paint, let the cabinets dry for at least 24 hours before reinstallation. 48 hours is even better to allow thorough drying.
The paint may feel dry to the touch at this point, but full curing takes longer. Allow 5-7 days after painting before heavier use of the cabinets and drawers. This helps prevent damage to the fresh paint.
Test opening and closing a rehung door gently after a day or two. If it seems to stick at all, allow a little longer curing time. When fully cured, doors will open and close smoothly without pulling off any paint.
Drying Time Before Reinstalling Doors
- Allow 2-4 hours between light paint coats
- Let dry 24-48 hours after final coat before rehanging
- Wait 5-7 days before heavier use of painted cabinets
- Test doors gently – allow longer cure if any sticking
Tips for Getting a Smooth Finish When Spray Painting Metal Cabinets
Achieving a smooth, even finish takes some technique when spray painting metal. Here are some tips to get pro-looking results:
- Use high fill primer to help create a smooth base. Sand it before painting.
- Apply multiple thin coats rather than one heavy coat. Thin coats create a more uniform look.
- Lightly sand paint between coats to remove any drips or bumps.
- Keep spray can moving at a steady pace about 6 inches from surface. Avoid staying in one spot too long.
- Be attentive to edges and corners. Hit them from multiple angles for complete coverage.
- When spraying doors, go slowly and methodically. Don’t rush through.
- Finish spraying each part by “feathering” the paint as you release spray head.
- Let paint fully cure before heavy use. Cured paint will be most durable.
Take your time and pay attention to detail as you spray. Following these techniques will help you achieve beautifully smooth, professional looking painted metal cabinets.
How to Get Smooth Paint Finish on Metal
- Use high filling primer and sand before painting
- Apply multiple thin coats rather than one thick one
- Sand between coats to remove drips
- Keep spray can moving at steady pace about 6 inches out
- Thoroughly cover edges and corners from all angles
- Feather the finish as you end a spray stroke
- Let paint fully cure before use for best durability
Common Problems When Painting Metal Cabinets (And How to Fix Them)
Even with proper preparation and application, spray painting metal cabinets does not always go perfectly. Here are some common problems that occur, along with troubleshooting tips:
Paint cracking or bubbling – This usually means the metal was not cleaned, sanded and primed properly before painting. Areas with grease or residue left on the surface will cause paint adhesion issues down the road. Thoroughly remove all failing paint and start over prep steps.
Brush marks visible in finish – Applying paint too thickly in one coat can leave obvious brush strokes once dried. Use light, even coats applied with consistent spray head motion. Sand between coats if needed to level surface.
Paint coming off when doors are opened/closed – The paint may not have cured fully before use. Allow at least 5-7 days after final coat before heavier use of painted cabinets. Make sure paint is compatible with metal surface.
Discoloration or yellowing of paint over time – Cheap paints can yellow with age and exposure to grease and moisture. Use high quality spray enamel designed for metal. Test paint on a metal sample before committing to a color.
Chalky finish develops on surface – This occurs when paint did not adhere correctly. Make sure to remove all grease, sand, prime, allow proper dry time between coats, and use paint specially formulated for metal.
Troubleshooting Common Metal Paint Problems
- Cracking/bubbling – Remove all paint, re-clean, sand and prime before repainting
- Brush marks – Use light, thin coats with consistent spray technique
- Paint rubbing off – Allow 1 week curing time before heavier use
- Discoloration – Use quality metal enamel paint
- Chalky finish – Ensure proper prep and paint formulated for metal
Safety Tips for Successfully Painting Metal Cabinets Yourself
Painting cabinets requires working with chemicals and power tools. Here are some important safety tips when tackling a DIY metal cabinet paint job:
- Work in a well-ventilated area and wear a respirator mask – paint fumes are dangerous to breathe.
- Wear protective eyewear, gloves and clothing during all steps of the process.
- Cleaning chemicals like TSP can be hazardous. Follow instructions and wear gloves.
- When sanding metal, a particle mask should be worn to avoid inhaling debris.
- Keep spray paint cans away from any ignition sources or heat. They contain flammable propellant.
- Use a ladder or stepstool for reaching high areas. Never stand on cabinets themselves.
- Follow all electrical safety precautions when using power tools like a heat gun.
- Store paint