Restoring old metal cabinets to their original luster can seem like a daunting task. Over time, metal surfaces become dull, scratched, and tarnished. But with a little elbow grease and the right products, you can get those old metal cabinets looking like new again. This comprehensive guide will walk you through all the steps needed to make your old metal cabinets shine.
Cleaning and Prepping the Metal Surface
The first step is a thorough cleaning to remove built-up grime, oils, and residue. This prep work is crucial for the remaining steps to be effective.
Supplies Needed
- Mild dish soap
- Warm water
- Clean cloths or sponges
- Soft scrub brush
- TSP (trisodium phosphate)
- Rubber gloves
- Eye protection
- Drop cloths
First, put on rubber gloves and eye protection. Lay down drop cloths in the surrounding area.
Next, make a cleaning solution of warm water, mild dish soap, and a small amount of TSP. The TSP helps cut through grease and grime.
Then, wipe down all metal surfaces with the cleaning solution. Scrub any stubborn spots gently with a soft brush.
Rinse thoroughly with clean water and dry completely with a soft cloth. Make sure to get into crevices and details.
This deep cleaning removes the top layer of built-up gunk so the true surface can be revealed.
Removing Rust
If there are areas of light surface rust, these can be removed a few different ways:
- Fine steel wool – Lightly rub affected areas to scrape off rust without damaging the underlying metal.
- Vinegar – Soak a cloth in undiluted white vinegar and lay it over rust spots for 1-2 hours. The acid in the vinegar will help dissolve the rust.
- Naval jelly – Brush this phosphoric acid-based product onto rusted areas, let sit for 15 minutes, then rinse off.
- Oxalic acid – Create a paste with oxalic acid powder and water and apply to rust spots for 1-2 hours before rinsing.
For stubborn rust, sand the area gently with 220 grit sandpaper. Be careful not to overly scour and scratch the metal.
Filling Scratches
If there are small scratches and nicks, these can be refilled to create a smooth surface:
- Metal filler putty – Knead the putty to activate it and fill in scratches. Once dry, sand flush.
- Automotive glazing putty – Works similarly to fill in imperfections.Sand once dry.
- Spray filler primer – Lightly spray primer over the area and sand smooth.
Take your time with this filling step to get the surface as even as possible.
Polishing the Metal
Once all grime and defects have been removed, it’s time to restore the luster and sheen. This is done through a multi-step polishing process:
Supplies Needed
- Orbital sander or polisher
- Assorted grit sandpaper – 220, 400, 600, 1000, 2000 grit
- Buffing compound or metal polish
- Soft cloths
- Low-lint polishing pads
Start with 220 grit sandpaper to smooth away any remaining bumps, runs, and inconsistencies in the metal.
Move up through the sandpaper grits, progressing a little further each time: 400, 600, 1000. Take care to sand evenly across the surface.
Finally, finish sanding with 2000 grit paper. This will leave the metal ultra smooth without deep sanding marks.
Apply abuffing compound or metal polish to a soft cloth. Rub it into the metal in small circular motions. This will help shine the surface.
Switch to a buffing wheel on your polisher for deeper, mirror-like results. Use a low-lint polishing pad.
Repeat buffing and polishing until you’ve achieved your desired luster. It may take a few rounds.
Protecting and Maintaining the Finish
Don’t let all that hard work go to waste. Protect your freshly shined metal surfaces with a sealant. And continue proper care to prevent new scratches and wear.
Sealants
- Paste wax – Provides a protective layer against fingerprints, water spots, etc.
- Spray wax – Quick and easy application. Less durable than paste.
- Polyurethane – Clear coat offers a thicker, longer-lasting shield.
Apply 2-3 thin coats of your chosen sealant, allowing proper drying time between coats. This locks in your polished finish.
Maintenance
- Dust frequently with a soft, dry cloth. This prevents buildup of abrasive dust.
- Wipe up spills quickly to avoid stains and tarnish.
- Clean with a damp, microfiber cloth and mild cleaner. Avoid harsh chemicals.
- Re-apply protective sealant every 1-2 years.
- Consider removable, self-adhesive vinyl film to protect susceptible areas.
Proper maintenance will keep your newly refinished metal cabinets looking like new for years to come. With a little time and effort, you can breathe new life into tired old metal surfaces. Just be sure to work methodically through each step—clean, prep, polish, and protect. Before you know it, you’ll have metal cabinets shining like the day they came off the factory floor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best cleaning solutions for metal cabinets?
For routine cleaning, a mild dish soap and warm water works well. For removing grease buildup, try an all-purpose cleaner like Fantastik or a TSP solution. Avoid harsh abrasives.
What should I use to polish metal cabinets?
Work through the grits of sandpaper, starting with 220 and ending with 2000 for an ultra-smooth finish. Apply a metal polish and buff out by hand or with a buffing wheel. The multiple steps get a deep, shining polish.
How do I get rid of rust on metal cabinets?
Light rust can be removed with steel wool, naval jelly, or vinegar. For heavier rust, gently sand the area with 220 grit sandpaper until all traces are gone, then polish. Be careful not to overly scratch the surrounding finish.
What’s the best way to repair scratches on metal cabinets?
Very small scratches can be buffed out through polishing. For deeper scratches, fill in with a metal filler putty, automotive glazing putty or spray filler primer. Once dry, sand flush for an even finish.
How often should I polish my metal cabinets?
Every 1-2 years, do a thorough cleaning and reapply your chosen metal polish or buffing compound. This maintains the shine. For quick upkeep, dust frequently and clean with a damp microfiber cloth.
Should I apply a protective sealant to metal cabinets?
Yes, sealants like wax or polyurethane provide a protective barrier against fingerprints, dust, and water spots. Reapply every year or two to maintain durability. This locks in your polished metal finish.
Is it possible to get old metal cabinets looking new again?
Absolutely! While it takes some work, you can get scratched and dulled metal cabinets looking shiny and good as new. With a thorough cleaning, sanding, metal polish and buffing, you can restore the original shine and luster. Just be patient through each step.
What causes metal cabinets to look dull and faded?
Everyday wear and tear, use of harsh chemicals, build up of dust, improper cleaning, humidity, and abrasive cleaners can all degrade metal over time, leaving it scratched and dull. But don’t worry, these issues can be reversed with a thorough restoration process.
Can I shine metal cabinets without sanding them?
It is possible to skip sanding if the original finish is still somewhat intact. Try buffing with a metal polish first. But for cabinets that are very scratched, dulled, or oxidized, progressively sanding with fine grit papers is key to smoothing the surface before buffing and polishing.
What type of metal polish works best?
Look for a polish specifically formulated for metal. Automotive metal polishes work great. Avoid polishes with harsh abrasives. The polish should breakdown oxidation and enhance the metal’s shine as you buff it out without causing new scratches.
Restoring Metal Cabinet Hardware
The handles, hinges, pulls and other hardware on metal cabinets also need some TLC. Here’s how to get these metal pieces gleaming again:
Removing Built-Up Grime and Oxidation
- Soak hardware in white vinegar overnight to help dissolve grime and oxidation.
- For stuck-on gunk, cover with a rag soaked in ammonia for an hour.
- Use a soft brass wire brush to lightly scrub away remaining residue.
Polishing Metal Hardware
- Rub a metal polish onto hardware with a soft cloth. Get into all crevices.
- Rinse clean and buff dry for a brilliant shine.
- Brass pieces can be soaked in lemon juice or Worcestershire sauce to enhance luster. Rinse and dry.
Lubricating Hinges
- Wipe away grime on hinges with a lint-free cloth.
- Use a small brush or cotton swab to apply household oil like WD40 into hinge joints.
- Work hinge back and forth to distribute lubrication. Wipe away excess.
With some attentive cleaning and polishing, you can revive dingy metal hardware to complete your cabinet’s restored look. Handle your cabinets with care so the hardware retains its newly refinished appearance.
Tackling Specific Metal Finishes
Certain metal cabinet finishes have unique properties that require specific approaches:
Stainless Steel
- Rub with a cloth and mineral spirits to reveal brushed grain.
- Use a stainless steel cleaner and polish made for scratch removal.
- Rub very lightly in the direction of the grain.
- Avoid steel wool or abrasive pads which can scratch.
Copper
- Lightly polish with Flitz Metal Polish for copper. Has restorative oils.
- Rinse and dry thoroughly after polishing.
- Re-seal with a thin coat of lacquer.
- Don’t use ammonia or bleach products which react with copper.
Brass
- Soak in a mixture of salt and white vinegar to remove oxidation and stains.
- Use Brasso or similar brass cleaner and a soft cloth to rub out scratches and restore luster.
- Rinse thoroughly and buff dry with a clean cloth.
Chrome
- Wipe down with 0000 steel wool soaked in WD40 to remove rust spots.
- Clean with a chrome polish and microfiber cloth. Use minimal pressure.
- Avoid cleaners with chloride or bleach which corrodes chrome.
Aluminum
- Remove oxidation with very fine steel wool and mineral spirits.
- Use an aluminum polish and buff lightly in the direction of the grain lines.
- Re-seal buffed aluminum with a metal wax to prevent re-oxidation.
Antique Finishes
- Clean grime with a mild dish soap and water solution.
- Use extra fine (0000) steel wool to gently scrub away oxidation.
- Apply a thin antique patina solution with steel wool or soft cloth.
- Buff gently with an oiled cloth to highlight distressing.
Always test products on a small hidden area first to make sure they don’t have an unintended reaction with your specific metal alloy and finish. With the proper cleaning and polishing methods tailored to your cabinets’ material, you can restore any metal surface.
When to Call a Professional
While DIY metal cabinet restoration is possible, some situations call for bringing in a pro:
- Cabinets with extensive rust or damage to the underlying metal
- Sensitive antique and vintage cabinets requiring specialist care
- Heavy restoration of commercial kitchens or laboratories
- Valuable custom fabricated cabinets meriting expertise
- Projects involving hazardous chemicals like industrial solvents
- If you don’t have the time for a lengthy restoration process
A professional refinishing service has specialized tools, materials and experience to thoroughly renew your old metal cabinets, no matter their degree of damage. The cost is well worth it for very valuable cabinetry or renovations on an investment property.
For many do-it-yourselfers, bringing that brilliant luster back to worn metal is tremendously satisfying. With the right systematic approach and a little patience, you can make your old metal cabinets shine again. Just be sure to prep the surface fully, follow each polishing step, and properly seal the finish. Soon you’ll have those formerly grimy cabinets gleaming like they just left the factory.