Introduction
Metal baseboard kitchen cabinets can add a sleek, modern look to your kitchen. However, exposed metal baseboards may not fit with all decor styles. Covering metal baseboard cabinets can transform their appearance, allowing you to customize your kitchen’s style.
There are several effective methods for covering metal baseboards. With a little DIY effort, you can use affordable materials like plywood, melamine, tiles, wallpaper, or paint to change the look of your base cabinets. Proper preparation and installation are key to achieving the flawless finished appearance you want.
We will walk through the most popular techniques to cover metal kitchen baseboards with step-by-step instructions. Read on to learn how you can refresh your kitchen with an easy base cabinet makeover.
Preparing Metal Base Cabinets for Covering
Before covering your metal base cabinets, proper preparation is essential. Follow these steps to get your baseboards ready for their new look:
Clean the Cabinets
Remove all contents from your base cabinets. Thoroughly clean the interiors and exteriors of the metal baseboards using a degreasing cleanser or dish soap and water. Rinse and dry completely. Dust and vacuum the interiors.
Remove Doors and Drawers
Unscrew the hinges and remove all doors and drawers from the base cabinets. This allows full access for covering and makes the process much easier.
Remove Hardware and Trim
Take off all hardware like handles and knobs as well as any trim pieces or molding. This prevents damage and allows the new covering to be installed flush to the cabinet frame.
Sand Away Imperfections
Use medium grit sandpaper to gently smooth away any bumps, drips, or rough areas on the metal cabinets. This helps the new covering material adhere evenly.
Clean and Dry
Wipe down the sanded baseboards with a clean, damp cloth, then let dry fully. The cabinets must be free of debris, dirt, grease, or moisture for coverings to stick properly.
Once your metal base cabinets are prepped, it’s time to choose and install your new covering material.
Covering with Plywood
Plywood offers an affordable, easy way to modify the look of metal base cabinets. Follow these steps:
Cut Plywood Panels
Measure each cabinet section. Cut 1⁄4” plywood panels to match the dimensions of your cabinets. Use a circular saw and straightedge guide for straight cuts.
Adhere Panels
Apply construction adhesive evenly across the back of each plywood panel using a caulking gun. Carefully align the panel on the cabinet frame and press firmly across the entire surface to adhere.
Attach Trim Pieces
Cut trim pieces like quarter round or lattice molding to size with a miter saw. Nail or glue trim over the plywood edges for a finished look.
Prime and Paint
Fill nail holes with wood filler. Once dry, use tack cloths to remove dust. Apply two coats of primer, sanding lightly between coats. Finish with two coats of your desired cabinet paint color.
Reinstall Doors and Drawers
With the paint fully cured, reattach the doors, drawers, and hardware to complete your new plywood-covered base cabinets.
Using Melamine for Cabinet Covers
Melamine is an affordable alternative to natural wood that can give baseboards a fresh, updated finish. Follow these covering steps:
Acquire Melamine Sheets
Purchase melamine sheets in your preferred color and pattern from a home improvement store. Often white or wood grain finishes are ideal for a cabinet facelift.
Measure and Cut Sheets
As with plywood, carefully measure each cabinet section and cut the melamine to size using a circular saw. Wear a dust mask when cutting.
Adhere Melamine
Thoroughly clean cabinet surfaces. Apply adhesive to the backs of the melamine panels and position precisely on the cabinets, pressing firmly.
Seal Edges
Use edge banding trim to cover panel edges and create a finished appearance. Apply with an iron to activate the heat-activated adhesive.
Attach Trim
Optional decorative trim can be added for extra detail. Cut to size and attach with panel adhesive and nails.
Reinstall Doors and Hardware
Once the adhesive fully cures, replace all doors, drawers, and hardware to complete your melamine covered base cabinets.
Installing Tile on Baseboard Cabinets
Natural stone, ceramic, or porcelain tile can transform basic metal cabinets with texture and visual interest. Here’s how to tile your baseboards:
Select Your Tile
Choose a tile material, color, size, and pattern that fits your kitchen decor goals. Smaller mosaic tiles typically work best on cabinet faces.
Prepare the Surface
Clean cabinet surfaces thoroughly. Apply a thin coat of tile adhesive using a notched trowel to create ridges.
Cut and Apply Tile
Measure and mark the cabinets to map out your tile layout. Cut tiles to fit using a wet saw. Apply a layer of adhesive on the tile backs. Carefully press tiles into place on the cabinets.
Grout the Tile
Once the adhesive dries, mix grouting compound and apply over the joints using a grout float. Smooth evenly with a damp sponge and wipe away excess. Allow to dry fully.
Seal and Polish
Apply grout sealer to protect from moisture and stains. Polish and buff tiles once sealed to create a glossy finish.
Finishing details like trim molding or decorative accents can further enhance your new tiled base cabinets.
Using Wallpaper on Metal Base Cabinets
For a quick DIY makeover, use removable wallpaper or contact paper to give metal cabinets a fresh look. Here’s a simple process:
Select Your Wallpaper Design
Choose a self-adhesive, removable wallpaper in your preferred colors and patterns. Geometric, floral, faux wood grain, and graphic prints all work well.
Clean the Cabinets
Thoroughly wipe down the cabinet frames with a cleaner and dry cloth to remove any residue or dirt.
Measure and Cut Wallpaper
Measure each cabinet section. Cut the wallpaper to size using a sharp utility knife and metal ruler.
Apply the Wallpaper
Peel away a couple inches of backing and adhere the wallpaper to a cabinet edge. Slowly remove more backing, smoothing the paper onto the surface to avoid bubbles and wrinkles.
Trim Excess
Carefully cut away any overlapping edges or corners using the utility knife.
Optional: Apply Decorative Trim
For a framed look, cut and apply trim pieces like chair rail molding over the edges of the wallpaper.
Wallpaper allows you to easily change your cabinet style whenever you want a fresh look!
How to Paint Metal Base Cabinets
Painting metal cabinets is an affordable way to revive your kitchen’s appearance. Follow these key steps for success:
Clean and Dry the Cabinets
Remove doors, handles, and contents. Clean surfaces thoroughly and let dry fully before painting.
Sand Gently
Lightly sand metal cabinets to help paint adhere. Don’t remove the rust-resistant coating.
Apply Primer
Use a high-quality bonding primer formulated for metal. This helps the paint stick to slick metal surfaces. Allow to dry fully.
Paint the Cabinets
Apply two coats of cabinet paint in your desired sheen and color, sanding lightly between coats. Allow proper drying time between and after coats.
Add Optional Decorative Details
Details like painted bands or patterns give metal cabinets extra personality. Add details before applying the topcoat.
Reinstall Doors and Hardware
Once the paint has fully cured, replace the doors, handles, and contents to complete your kitchen’s makeover.
With the right prep and paint products, you can easily transform plain metal cabinets with a splash of color.
FAQs About Covering Metal Baseboard Kitchen Cabinets
Should I remove metal base cabinets before covering them?
Removing and fully covering the cabinets away from the kitchen is ideal, but often not necessary. For most simple cover treatments like wallpaper or melamine sheets, you can cover the cabinets in place for faster, easier projects.
What adhesive works best?
For covering materials like plywood, melamine and tile, use a premium-quality construction adhesive that bonds well to both metal and your cover material. Liquid nails and polyurethane adhesives often work well. Always follow manufacturer’s instructions.
Can I attach new cabinet fronts instead of covering?
Yes, adding new replacement doors in a different material can also update metal cabinets. The cabinet frames are often best left uncovered to retain a sleek, simple metal base. Ensure the new doors fit precisely to the cabinet fronts.
Should I remove rust before covering metal cabinets?
For best results, sand and prime any rusted areas first before covering or painting metal cabinets. This helps coverings and paint adhere properly. Remove flaking or blistered paint the same way.
How do I cut cover materials the right size?
Carefully measure each cabinet section individually. Transfer exact dimensions to your covering material. Cut coverings to size using the appropriate saw – like a circular saw for plywood or wet saw for tile. Precise cutting helps ensure a seamless fit.
Should I seal or finish tile before grouting?
Most tile does not need sealing before grouting cabinets. But very porous natural stone may require sealing to prevent staining. Always refer to tile manufacturer’s recommendations. Apply grout sealer after grouting to protect from moisture and dirt.
Can I cover just parts of metal cabinets?
Absolutely. Partial covering opens up creative possibilities. For example, you could paint the cabinet frames and cover only the doors in wallpaper or wood. Mix and match coverings to customize your kitchen’s unique style.
Conclusion
Covering metal baseboard cabinets presents a simple weekend upgrade to refresh your kitchen’s look. With the right materials and preparation, you can achieve a dramatic makeover. New coverings in tile, melamine, wallpaper, or paint disguise dated metal to align your space with your desired style.
Following the step-by-step instructions above will help you complete this project DIY. Proper cleaning, sanding, measuring and cutting ensures your new cabinet covering will have a cohesive, seamless look. In just a few days, you can affordably transform the feel of your kitchen.
So give those worn metal base cabinets a facelift! Breathe new life into your cooking space with cabinets that complement your decorative vision. With creative new covers, you can redesign your dream kitchen.