Metal cabinets are durable and long-lasting, but over time they can acquire dents and damage. Fixing dents in metal cabinets can help restore their appearance and allow you to get more life out of your existing cabinets. With some basic tools and techniques, you can learn how to fix dents in metal cabinets yourself.

What Causes Dents in Metal Cabinets?

Metal cabinets can become dented from various causes over years of use:

• Dropping objects – Tools, dishes, or other objects bumped or dropped against the cabinets can cause dents of varying sizes. Gravity plus the hardness of metal causes it to easily dent.
• Moving the cabinets – If the cabinets are not properly secured, shifting them around can cause the metal to bend and warp, creating dents and damage. This often happens during remodels.
• Leaning or sitting on them – Metal is strong but can still bend under enough weight or force. People leaning on the cabinets to reach things or sitting on open shelves over time can lead to dents forming.
• General wear and tear – Metal surfaces simply degrade over decades of use. Even doors repeatedly opening and closing slowly take a toll, eventually resulting in small dents and distortions.

Dent Repair Options for Metal Cabinets

You have a few options when it comes to fixing dents in metal cabinets:

• Use a dent puller – This tool is designed to grip the metal and slowly pull dents and creases out from behind. This works well for shallow dents.
• Try suction dent repair – You use a suction cup to pull the dent out through steady pressure. Best for small dents.
• Fill with putty – For deeper dents, filling them with metal putty evens the surface. You then sand and paint for an invisible repair.
• Hammer and dolly technique – For large dents, you can hammer the reverse side while a dolly (metal shape) is held inside the cabinet to push the dent back into shape.
• Call a professional – Experienced services have specialized tools to massage out dents and repair metal finishes for flawless results.

For many homeowners, using a suction dent puller or filler putty will adequately repair minor to moderate dents in their metal cabinets. But for extensive damage, calling a professional may be best to avoid making the issue worse.

Gather the Right Dent Repair Supplies

Repairing dents in metal yourself will require gathering a few essential tools and supplies:

• Dent puller or suction cup dent puller
• Body filler putty or metal putty adhesive
• Putty knife or plastic spreader
• Sandpaper (80 to 120 grit)
• Primer spray paint
• Fine grit sanding sponge
• Touch up paint to match cabinets
• Clean rags
• Masking tape
• Safety gear – gloves and eye protection

You likely already have most of these standard supplies in your garage or workshop. Purchase auto body filler putty and a suction dent puller online or at your local hardware store or home center. This specialized putty and dent removal tool are crucial when learning how to fix dents in metal cabinets.

Fixing Shallow Dents with a Suction Dent Puller

For minor dents under 1 inch deep in your metal cabinets, a suction dent puller often provides a quick fix. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Thoroughly clean and dry the dented area so the suction cup adheres tightly.

Step 2: Cut a small X in the middle of the suction cup. This allows suction while also giving you a place to pull.

Step 3: Press the suction cup firmly over the dent so all air is removed.

Step 4: While pressing the suction cup down continuously, slowly and gently pull up on the attached handle/tab.

Step 5: Work slowly to gradually draw the dent up and outward. Rotate the angle of pull to work it from all directions.

Step 6: Use small movements of about 1/8 inch at a time. Pull firmly but not so hard that you tear the cabinet metal.

Step 7: Check your progress frequently. If the dent hasn’t come out fully, you can apply more putty filler later for a smooth finish.

Step 8: Once satisfied with the improved dent, remove the suction cup and clean off any adhesive residue.

Patience and a steady hand allow suction dent pullers to massage out dents effectively. Try to work in the shallowest direction possible for maximum results. Suction pulls usually get metal at least 90% back into shape for satisfactory results.

Filling Dents in Metal Cabinets with Putty

Deeper dents in metal may require applying filler putty to get a perfect repair. Here is how to fill dents in metal cabinets using body filler putty:

Step 1: Sand the dented area gently with 120 grit sandpaper to rough up the surface so putty adheres better.

Step 2: Apply masking tape around the repair area to protect good metal.

Step 3: Knead auto body filler putty until soft and pliable. Mix in the hardener cream that comes with the kit.

Step 4: Use the plastic spreader to apply putty over the dent, pressing it into all crevices and building it slightly above the surface.

Step 5: Level off by stroking the excess putty across the area, leaving it slightly higher than the metal.

Step 6: Allow the filler putty to completely dry and harden according to package directions. This usually takes 15-30 minutes.

Step 7: Once hardened, sand the putty down flush with the surrounding metal using 80 to 120 grit sandpaper.

Step 8: Apply primer spray paint over the putty and let dry. Then use the fine sanding sponge to feather and blend the edges smoothly.

Step 9: Finally, spray on touch up paint to match your cabinets and let fully dry. Remove masking tape.

The two-part auto body filler putty hardens quickly for sanding and leaves a strong, dent-free surface once painted. With practice, you can achieve seamless dent repairs.

Using the Hammer and Dolly Method

For large dents that involve significant stretching or a crease in the metal, you may need to use the traditional hammer and dolly technique. This requires forming the dent back from behind for the best results:

Step 1: Remove the cabinet doors and carefully pull the cabinet away from the wall to access the back side.

Step 2: Cut a thick piece of plywood just larger than your dent to serve as the dolly.

Step 3: Place the plywood behind the dent on the inside of the cabinet. Have a helper hold it steady.

Step 4: On the outside, starting at the deepest area of the dent, tap lightly outward using a body hammer or rubber mallet.

Step 5: Continue working outward from the center while your helper repositions the dolly as needed. Use overlapping strokes.

Step 6: Check frequently until the dent has been mostly smoothed back into shape. Avoid over-hammering.

Step 7: Fill any low spots with metal glaze putty. Prime, sand smooth, and repaint.

Working the dent out from the inside metal surface allows you to reshape and stretch the metal back into position without cracking the paint or damaging the outside finish.

Professional Dent Repair for Metal Cabinets

While these DIY methods work for minor dents, metal cabinets with extensive damage often require a professional touch. Hire an appliance repair technician, auto body shop, or experienced handyman to fix significant dents in your metal cabinets for the best outcome.

Pros have specialty training and access to:

• Heat guns to warm and expand metal for improved shaping
• Stud welders to pull out dents from behind
• Rotary files to quickly smooth any rough edges
• Advanced putties, fillers, primers and paints for flawless finishes
• Paintless dent repair techniques to massage metal back into form

This professional expertise allows dent repairs to be completed expertly so they are invisible and the cabinets look new again. For valuable antique or vintage metal cabinets, the cost is well worth it to restore them properly.

Many pros can even come to your home to make the repairs on-site so you don’t have to disassemble and move the cabinets.

When to Replace Metal Cabinets

While fixing dents can often restore metal cabinets, sometimes the damage is too severe for repairs to be effective. Here are signs it may be time to replace metal cabinets completely:

• Multiple large dents or holes and perforations in the metal
• Cracked welds or broken brackets/joints/frames
• Rust damage or oxidation that has eaten through the surface
• Paint worn off down to bare metal in spots
• Warping that makes doors not shut correctly
• Shelves are bent or warped out of shape
• Dents affecting door/drawer function

If the underlying cabinet structure is damaged, repairs will just mask the issue temporarily. Any of these problems indicate replacement is better than continuing to fix dents and paint fading cabinets in a losing battle.

The good news is that since metal cabinets last so long, you likely got decades of use out of them! Now you can upgrade to new cabinets to get your kitchen or utility room looking like new again.

Conclusion

Learning how to fix dents in metal cabinets goes a long way towards preserving your existing cabinetry and saving the expense of replacements. Through using the right tools and techniques, you can repair dents, fill holes, and repaint to restore metal cabinets to like-new condition again. Just use patience and care to avoid damaging the cabinets further when attempting dent repairs.

For small, shallow dents, suction dent pullers offer an easy fix. Where putty or hammer/dolly methods are beyond your DIY comfort zone, rely on a professional to provide high-quality dent repairs worth the cost. But for most do-it-yourselfers, properly using body filler putty and suction cups can repair dented metal cabinets successfully. With practice, you can keep your worn but still functional metal cabinets looking dent-free for years to come.

FAQs About Fixing Dents in Metal Cabinets

Fixing dents and damage in metal cabinets yourself is possible with the right techniques. But it’s common to have some questions come up when learning how to complete quality dent repairs. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about the process.

Can I fix big dents in metal cabinets at home?

Small and medium sized dents can often be repaired at home using suction dent pullers, hammer/dolly approaches, and filler putty. But very large dents may require professional expertise and tools to fix properly without damaging the cabinets further. Know your limits.

Will suction dent repair work on textured cabinets?

The suction cups need a smooth, flat metal surface to adhere to in order to work effectively. So heavily textured or brushed metal finishes can pose challenges depending on the suction tool’s strength. Start slowly and see if you can achieve a good seal first.

Should I sand before applying putty to the dent?

Lightly sanding cleans the metal and helps the putty grip better for maximum hold. But avoid sanding any finshed surface around the dent. Just focus on roughing up the indented area.

Can I use wood putty instead of metal filler putty?

No, wood putty dries too soft and won’t hold up over time on metal. Auto body filler putty is designed to dry much harder to stand up to bumps and wear. Use putty made specifically for metal repairs.

How long does putty take to fully harden?

The hardening time depends on the specific putty used but is usually around 15-30 minutes until completely dry and sandable. Follow the product directions. Applying too soon can pull putty up when sanding.

What grit sandpaper should I use on the dried putty?

Start with 80-120 grit paper to level and smooth the filler putty, then use 220-400 grit to finesse the edges and blend with the surrounding cabinet surface.

Can I use automotive touch up paint on cabinets?

Yes, most automotive paints adhere well to cleaned and primed metal cabinet surfaces. Just use a putty knife to scrape up old paint flakes before priming and painting.

How soon can I use the cabinets again after dent repair?

The filler putty and paint need about 24 hours of drying time to fully cure before you should actively use the cabinets again. Handle gently in the meantime.

How do professionals repair significant dents?

Pros often use techniques like heat guns, stud welding, and paintless dent repair tools to massage metal back into shape from behind the dent. This avoids repainting and gives professional quality results.

When do I need to replace cabinets instead of fix them?

If the underlying frame is bent or broken, repairs won’t help for long. Rust holes, multiple large dents, warping, and non-functioning doors/drawers usually indicate replacement is the better option.

Knowing the answers to common questions will give you confidence when taking on DIY metal cabinet dent repairs. With some care and effort, you can likely get damaged cabinets looking smooth and dent-free again.

How to Prevent Dents in Metal Cabinets

Along with learning how to fix dents in metal cabinets, it’s also helpful to know ways to prevent dents from happening in the first place. This protects the finish and avoids the work of future repairs. Here are tips to help prevent dents:

Use Cabinet Liners

• Self-adhesive foam or felt cabinet liners help absorb impact from items placed in cabinets.
• Line shelves, drawer bottoms, and back cabinet walls. Leave liner off doors for easy cleaning.
• Replace liners yearly as they show wear and lose cushioning ability.

Install Edge Guards

• Clear, self-stick edge guards can be installed on cabinet corners and doors.
• Cushion blows from chair or cart bumps to protect the metal underneath.
• Guards blend in yet provide full-length impact absorption.

Close Doors/Drawers Gently

• Repeatedly slamming doors and drawers can lead to cabinet damage over time.
• Install soft-close hinges and slides to ensure gentle closing instead.
• Make sure no items are sticking out to catch and dent doors/drawers when closed.

Use Door Stops

• Mount flexible rubber door stops on walls wherever cabinet doors might hit another surface.
• Stops absorb the impact and muffle noise when doors are swung open forcefully.
• Prevents dents from forming along the backs of doors.

Add Rubber Feet

• Apply self-stick rubber pads to the bottom corners and along the lower edge.
• Creates a cushion between cabinets and the floor.
• Protects if appliances or cleaning tools bump the cabinets.

Handle Items with Care

• Dents often happen when objects collide with cabinets, so use care when working in the kitchen.
• Open dishwasher slowly, allowing dishes to settle before removing.
• Carry items that could bump the cabinets at a safe distance.

Being mindful of how you interact with the cabinets and adding protective barriers helps limit dents and damage from everyday use. This saves you from extensive repairs down the road. With extra care and planning, you can keep metal cabinets looking like new for longer.

Common Problems When Repairing Dents in Metal Cabinets

Learning how to properly fix dents in metal cabinets takes some trial and error. Don’t get frustrated if your results aren’t perfect right away. Here are some common problems and solutions to improve your dent repair success:

Putty Not Adhering to Surface

• The metal needs to be roughed up first so putty can bond – scuff with 120 grit sandpaper.
• Wipe the area with acetone or rubbing alcohol to remove any oils left behind.
• Don’t apply too thin of a putty layer – build up to just over the dent surface.

Edges Not Smoothing Out

• Allow the putty plenty of time to fully harden before sanding.
• Start sanding with 80 grit paper to level, then use finer 220+ grit to blend.
• Apply primer and sand again for a smoother finish.

Paint Color Not Matching

• Clean all dust off before painting for proper adhesion.
• Apply thin coats to prevent blotching – several thin layers are better than one thick coat.
• Allow proper drying time between coats as specified by manufacturer.

Suction Cup Not Holding or Pulling

• Warm the suction cup and dent area with a hair dryer – heat can help it adhere and grab better.
• Push very firmly when placing the suction cup to remove any air pockets underneath.
• Cut an X in the middle so the suction grips while also providing a place to pull up.

Hammer and Dolly Causing More Dents

• Use light tapping instead of forceful hammering for better control.
• Position the dolly directly behind the dent’s deepest area for support when tapping.
• Reposition the dolly frequently to follow the dent as you work outward.

Don’t get discouraged! Dent repair is a learned skill that takes practice. Reviewing these common troubleshooting tips will have you fixing damaged metal cabinets like a pro in no time.

Conclusion

Metal cabinets are built to last, yet over years of active use they inevitably suffer some dents and damage. Thankfully there are now several effective techniques to repair dents and restore their smooth finish. Light damage can simply be sucked out from the surface using a specialty dent puller suction cup. For deeper dents, applying body filler putty to fill in gaps and sanding smooth allows you to repaint over the repair for an invisible fix. And for very large dents, gently tapping outward from the backside using a hammer and dolly works wonders.

While professional dent repair services have more advanced tools and skills, do-it-yourselfers can achieve quality results themselves with some careful practice. Now that you know what supplies to use, the steps for