Painting metal cabinets can completely transform the look of your kitchen or bathroom. With a fresh coat of paint, old and worn cabinets can be updated to look brand new. Painting metal cabinets is a relatively easy DIY project that doesn’t require any professional experience. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to properly prep and paint metal cabinets to get a smooth, durable finish.
Introduction
Painting metal cabinets allows you to change the color and update the look of your kitchen or bathroom without the high cost of installing new cabinets. Paint adheres well to properly prepared metal surfaces and provides a coat of protection from wear and tear. With the right materials and some simple preparation, you can paint your metal cabinets in a weekend.
Proper preparation is the key to achieving an evenly painted, long-lasting finish on metal cabinets. The metal surface needs to be thoroughly cleaned, lightly sanded, and primed before painting. Using high-quality primer and paint formulated for metal also helps create a more durable finish. The following steps outline the process of prepping and painting metal cabinets from start to finish.
Steps to Paint Metal Cabinets
Supplies Needed
- Paint formulated for metal (alkyd/oil-based)
- Primer formulated for metal
- Sandpaper (220-grit)
- Tack cloth
- Painter’s tape
- Paint brushes
- Paint roller & tray
- Drop cloth
Step 1: Remove Cabinet Doors and Hardware
The first step is to remove all doors, drawers, and hardware from the metal cabinets. This provides easier access to all surfaces when prepping and painting. Place cabinet hardware in containers so that screws, hinges, and handles can be reattached in the same place after painting.
Step 2: Clean and Lightly Sand Cabinets
Thoroughly clean all cabinet surfaces with a degreasing cleaner or tsp substitute to remove any dirt, oil or grease. Rinse with clean water and let dry completely.
Once dry, use 220-grit sandpaper to lightly scuff the cabinet interiors, frames, doors, and drawer fronts. This helps the primer and paint better adhere to the glossy metal surface. Wipe away sanding dust with a dry cloth.
Step 3: Apply Primer
Use a high-quality metal primer to provide extra adhesion and a uniform surface for the paint. Apply a thin coat of primer using a brush or roller over the entire interior and exterior surfaces of the cabinets. Allow the primer to fully dry per the manufacturer’s instructions before painting.
Step 4: Paint Cabinets
Apply two thin, even coats of metal paint using a brush for the frames and a small roller for cabinet doors and drawer fronts. Allow each coat to dry completely before adding another coat. Gently sand lightly between coats to smooth any drips or rough spots in the paint.
Step 5: Reattach Door Hardware
Once the final coat of paint has fully cured (usually 24-48 hours), reattach the door hinges, handles, and any other hardware using the original hardware screws. Insert screws slowly to avoid stripping previous holes.
Step 6: Enjoy Your Freshly Painted Cabinets!
You can now enjoy your kitchen or bathroom’s updated look with newly painted metal cabinets. Properly prepped and painted metal surfaces should hold up well to regular use and cleaning. Touch up paint as needed if any scratches occur over time.
Tips for Painting Metal Cabinets
- Thoroughly clean and sand the metal to ensure proper paint adhesion.
- Always prime metal before painting to seal the surface.
- Apply thin, even coats of a high quality metal paint.
- Allow proper drying time between coats for a durable finish.
- Work in a well-ventilated area and protect nearby surfaces from drips.
- Reattach hardware using original screws once paint has fully cured.
Common Questions About Painting Metal Cabinets
What type of paint should be used on metal cabinets?
Oil-based (alkyd) enamel paint or acrylic latex paint formulated specifically for metal surfaces provides the best adhesion and most durable finish on metal cabinets. Avoid using standard wall paints.
Do the cabinets need to be primed first?
Yes, it is highly recommended to apply a primer made for metal before painting for better adhesion. Primer creates a uniform base layer for the paint.
How long does the painted finish last on metal cabinets?
Properly prepped metal cabinets painted with a high-quality metal paint can look freshly painted for 5-10 years or longer before needing touch ups, especially when used in low-moisture areas like a bedroom. Kitchen and bathroom cabinets may need refreshing every 2-5 years.
Can the metal cabinets be spray painted instead?
Yes, you can spray paint metal cabinets if you prefer a sprayed finish versus brushing. Make sure to spray paint in a well-ventilated area, following the manufacturer’s recommendations.
How long should I wait before using newly painted cabinets?
Allow the paint at least 24-48 hours of cure time before reinstalling doors and hardware. Let the paint cure for 5-7 days before putting any dishes, food or heavy items back into newly painted cabinets.
Conclusion
Painting metal kitchen and bathroom cabinets is an affordable way to update the look of your home. With proper preparation and high-quality paint made for metal surfaces, you can achieve a fresh new look for your cabinets. Carefully following each step in the prepping and painting process ensures that your painted finish will be smooth, durable, and long-lasting. In just a weekend, you can gain stylishly refreshed metal cabinets through this straightforward DIY project.