Many homeowners prefer the look of wooden kitchen cabinets, but metal cabinets offer durability and easier cleaning. Fortunately, there are ways to give metal cabinets the appearance of real wood grain. With the right techniques and materials, you can make metal cabinets for kitchens look convincingly like wood.
Clean and Prepare the Cabinets
The first step is to thoroughly clean the existing metal cabinets. Use a degreaser or all-purpose cleaner to remove any oil, grease or grime. Pay close attention to the crevices and corners. Once cleaned, lightly sand the cabinets with fine-grit sandpaper. This will help the paint adhere properly. Wipe away any dust with a tack cloth.
Mask off any areas you don’t want painted, like hinges, handles and interior shelves. Use painter’s tape and paper for the best results.
Prime the Cabinets
Apply 1-2 coats of metal primer to the cabinets. This provides a base layer for the faux wood finish. Allow each coat to fully dry before adding another. A spray can works well for priming, allowing you to easily cover all the edges and corners. Alternatively, use a brush or paint roller.
Be sure to prime both the exterior and interior of the cabinet. This gives complete coverage for a professional look.
Choose a Faux Wood Paint Kit
Specialized faux wood finishing kits allow anyone to easily transform metal into stunning wood grain. These contain all the materials needed, including:
- Base Coat Paint – This is typically a brown tone that resembles wood stain.
- Graining Tool – The tool has a unique pattern that mimics wood grain when pressed into the paint.
- Glaze – This colored gel adds depth and shadowing for a realistic appearance.
- Brushes – Small artist brushes are included to apply the glaze.
- Protective Clear Coat – A polyurethane coat seals and protects the finish.
Look for a kit that comes with detailed instructions for achieving different wood looks such as oak, walnut and mahogany. Water-based options are the easiest to work with.
Apply the Base Coat
Using a brush or paint sprayer, apply the base coat that came in your kit over the primed metal. Cover the entire cabinet, including inside and out. Follow the product directions for drying time between coats.
Typically 2-3 coats are needed to fully cover the primer and develop a rich base color. Apply the paint in thin, even layers, avoiding drips or sags. Be patient and allow proper drying between coats.
Create the Wood Grain Finish
Once the base coat is fully dry, you are ready to use the graining tool. Press it into the paint gently, rolling it to imprint the pattern. Work in sections, turning the tool to vary the direction of the grain. Overlap sections slightly to blend the results.
It may take some practice to get the right amount of pressure and pattern variation. Do a test section on an inconspicuous spot first. The graining tool is designed to make the job easy for beginners to get professional-looking results.
Highlight with Glaze
Mix up the colored glaze provided in the kit. Use a small brush to hand-paint accents in the grooves of the wood grain pattern you imprinted. This adds shadows and depth for amazing realism.
Work in small sections just like with the graining tool. Blend the results together. The glazing brings out the details that make the cabinets convincingly wooden.
Apply Protective Clear Coat
Once your faux wood grain finish is complete, protect it with multiple coats of the included clear sealant. Carefully follow the product directions. Polyurethane is commonly used as it provides a durable yet beautiful finish.
Applying at least 2-3 coats protects your wood grain metal cabinets from scratches, moisture and everyday wear-and-tear. That way they will maintain their stunning look for many years to come.
Tips for Exceptional Results
Follow these tips for creating truly professional faux wood cabinets:
- Take your time – Rushing through the process leads to a lower quality finish. Allow adequate drying time between steps.
- Keep your work area tidy – Prevent dust or debris in the finish by working in a clean, well-lit area.
- Go with the wood grain – When applying the glaze, brush in the direction of the wood grain for a natural look.
- Seal thoroughly – Don’t skimp on the protective clear coats. The right amount of polyurethane yields a gorgeously glossy finish.
- Work evenly – Maintain a steady technique across all cabinet surfaces for a cohesive end result.
With careful attention to detail, your metal kitchen cabinets can look amazingly like real hardwood cabinets. The faux wood grain hide flaws and dents, and make inexpensive cabinets look custom and high-end.
Frequently Asked Questions About Faux Wood Cabinet Finishes
Many homeowners have additional questions when transforming their existing kitchen cabinets with a faux wood makeover. Here are answers to some of the most common queries:
How long does the faux wood finishing process take?
Plan on devoting 2-3 days to complete all the steps properly. Allow each phase – priming, base coating, graining and sealing – adequate drying time. Rushing through can ruin the final look.
What colors mimic wood best for kitchen cabinets?
For an oak finish, choose a brown base coat with amber glazing. For rich walnut or mahogany tones, a chocolate or espresso base with caramel glaze looks beautiful. Customize your glaze color to get your perfect wood tone.
What sheen of clear coat is best?
A semi-gloss is ideal for cabinets. It provides protection while allowing the wood grain to show through. Satin is also a good choice. Avoid a high-gloss, as it can look overly shiny and mask the details of the faux finish.
Can I paint over existing cabinet paint rather than stripping down to the metal?
Yes, as long as the existing paint is in good condition. Lightly scuff sand to improve adhesion before applying the faux wood finish system. Make sure to thoroughly degrease and clean first.
How do I refinish faux wood cabinets later if they get damaged?
Refinishing is straightforward. Clean and lightly sand the cabinets first. Apply 2-3 coats of new base paint in the original color. Use the graining tool and re-glaze for a fresh wood look. Add protective clear coats to seal.
Will painted cabinets look as good as real wood?
With care and the right products, you can come extremely close to the look of natural wood. The graining tools are designed to imprint patterns that mimic real timber. Use quality primer, paint and topcoat for best results.
Whether your goal is saving money, livening up old cabinets or getting a custom look, faux wood grain painted cabinets are just as stunning as the real thing. With the right tools and techniques, even a DIY novice can achieve professional-quality results. Embrace the process and have fun giving your kitchen a beautiful wood grain makeover.
Conclusion
Transforming metal kitchen cabinets into faux wood is an easy upgrade that makes a huge impact. With some simple paint products and handy graining tools, you can refinish dated cabinets to look like modern, high-end wood. Your kitchen will have a warm, welcoming vibe and custom furniture-quality style.
The step-by-step process involves cleaning, priming, base coating, graining, glazing and sealing. While it takes time and care, the project can be accomplished by DIYers. The results are well worth it, at just a fraction of the cost of new cabinets. Consider trying out various wood tones like oak, mahogany or walnut to find the perfect look for your space. With stunning faux wood cabinets that look convincingly real, you can change the whole feel of your kitchen. Enjoy the beautiful results for years to come.