Painting metal file cabinets is a great way to give boring, outdated office furniture a fresh new look. With some simple preparation, high quality paint, and attention to detail, you can transform drab metal cabinets into stylish accent pieces for your home or office. This comprehensive guide will walk you through all the steps needed to properly paint file cabinets made of metal so you can get beautiful, long-lasting results.
Choose the Right Paint for Metal Surfaces
The most important decision when painting metal cabinets is choosing the right type of paint. While many standard wall paints can be used for painting wood and drywall, metal requires special consideration due to its slick, non-porous surface. Here are the best options for metal paint:
Enamel paint – Enamel paints provide a hard, glossy finish that is very durable and scrubbable. Enamel adheres exceptionally well to metal surfaces. While often used for front doors and outdoor furniture, enamel works great for filing cabinets as well. It provides a smooth, professional look.
Acrylic latex paint – Acrylic latex paints are water-based and made for a variety of surfaces including metal. Many acrylics now contain primers, providing good adhesion without a separate primer coat. They provide more flexibility than enamels when dry, making them less prone to chipping or cracking if the metal shifts or moves.
Rust-oleum – Rust-oleum is a brand that makes metal-specific paints and primers in spray and liquid form. Their combos work well for refinishing old metal cabinets with rust spots. Rust-oleum dries to a hard, protective finish.
Automotive paint – For super smooth, durable results, you can use real automotive paints on metal filing cabinets. This provides a paint designed to withstand road conditions, giving years of protection. Single stage urethanes work best for easy DIY application.
Once you select the right metal paint type make sure to use painter’s tape for clean edges along walls or cabinet frames. Cover surrounding floors or surfaces with drop cloths as well.
Prepare the Metal Surface Properly
To achieve great looking, long-lasting paint results, properly preparing metal surfaces is a must. Follow these steps:
1. Clean the surface – Wipe down metal filing cabinets with a degreasing cleaner or solvent to remove built-up grime and oils. Tack cloth works great for capturing dust from hard to reach crevices.
2. Sand lightly – Use 220 grit sandpaper to scuff up shiny cabinet surfaces. This helps the paint bond tightly.
3. Remove rust – For rusted spots, scrub with a wire brush or sandpaper to get down to bare metal. Rust-oleum makes a cleaner specifically for rusted metal.
4. Prime – Most metal paints require a coat of primer for best adhesion. Primer also helps cover over scratched surfaces or stains. For optimal corrosion resistance use a rust-inhibiting primer made specifically for metals. Allow primer to dry fully before painting.
5. Use painter’s tape – Tape off edges with painter’s tape for super sharp paint lines. Remove tape immediately after painting before the paint dries.
Once your filing cabinets are prepped, cleaned and primed, you’re ready to start painting. Be sure to work in a dust-free area and use clean brushes. Follow all safety instructions when using chemical paint removers or solvents.
Choose Paint Sheen Based on Location
How shiny or matte you want the cabinets directly relates to where they’ll be located and frequency of use. Here are some guidelines:
- Use high-gloss enamel for cabinets in high-traffic office areas. This resists yellowing and creates a professional, upscale look.
- Opt for satin or eggshell finish for cabinets in home offices or bedrooms. Provides subtle shine that minimizes imperfections.
- Matte finish works well for cabinets in dining rooms or kitchens. Complements decorative elements without competing.
- For a vintage aesthetic, use flat or matte paint. Looks great distressed when dry.
Think about lighting – gloss and satin finishes look bold and clean under bright lights. Flat hides imperfections in low lighting. Get paint samples to test sheens.
Use Proper Brush Techniques
The right brush makes a big difference in achieving an even coat. Here are some key tips:
- Use high-quality angled sash brushes for cutting in corners and edges.
- 2-3 inch wide tapered brushes work well for large flat surfaces like cabinet doors and sides.
- Opt for small foam brushes to easily get into grooves by hinges and handles.
- When painting, maintain a wet edge by brushing continuously from wet paint into dry areas.
- Apply paint in long, even strokes in the same direction – up and down or side to side.
- Lightly overlap each stroke to prevent drips and uneven coats.
- Work methodically for full coverage – front, sides, top, then inside.
Take your time using proper brush strokes and the finish will look professionally sprayed when complete.
Applying Cabinet Paint
Follow these simple steps for flawless painted metal cabinets:
1. Paint the Inside First
Painting the cabinet interiors and shelves first prevents drips on already painted exteriors. Use a small brush to cut in edges and corners then use a mini roller or brush for large interior surfaces.
2. Paint Outer Door and Side Panels
Use painter’s tape to mask off hinges, handles or hardware you don’t want painted. Use an angled sash brush to cut in edges and a tapered brush for large flat areas. Work top to bottom painting the door front, then sides and top. Apply 2-3 thin, even coats allowing proper dry time between coats according to manufacturer’s instructions.
3. Paint Cabinet Box/Body
Once doors and sides are painted, move on to the cabinet box/body. Follow the same process as the door and sides. Paint any interior shelves or surfaces not yet painted as well.
4. Remove Tape and Reattach Hardware
Carefully remove all tape immediately after painting before the paint fully dries. Reattach hinges, handles, or any hardware previously removed using a power drill. Fill any leftover holes with wood filler if needed.
5. Apply Protective Clear Coat (optional)
For added protection in heavy use settings, apply 1-2 coats of clear acrylic sealer over the fully cured paint. This adds a protective barrier against scratches and fading.
Proper dry time between paint coats is critical – refer to the manufacturer’s label. Once fully cured, enjoy your transformed modernized filing cabinets!
How to Paint Metal File Cabinets Like a Pro
Follow these professional secrets and techniques for outstanding painted metal cabinets:
Hang doors while painting – Keep hinges attached and doors hung while painting. This ensures proper alignment between door/cabinet edges as it’s hard to realign if painted separately.
Spray paint hinges – Use spray paint to easily coat metal hinges without having to tape and mask them off. Just remove doors and spray.
Sand between coats – Lightly sand glossy surfaces with 220 grit sandpaper between coats for maximum paint adhesion.
Wipe away drips – Keep a towel or rag handy while painting to immediately wipe away drips or runs before they dry.
Angle top coats – When painting cabinet tops, angle your brush strokes slightly to prevent paint from pooling around edges.
Check for full coverage – Inspect cabinets closely once they are fully dry looking for any thin spots needing an extra coat.
Caulk before painting – Use painter’s caulk to fill any cracks or gaps for a seamless finish after painting.
Mix paint brands – For small touch ups, mixing brands is fine. For full refinishing use the same brand/type of paint throughout the process.
Following professional techniques will take your DIY metal cabinet paint job to the next level.
Common Questions and Answers
New to painting metal cabinets? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
Should I remove cabinet doors and hardware before painting?
This depends on your skill level and the look you want. For beginners, removing doors, handles and hinges makes painting easier. If you are an experienced DIY painter, leaving doors hung while painting gives a seamless door/cabinet edge.
What kind of primer works best?
For metal filing cabinets, a metal primer or rust inhibiting primer provides the best base coat prior to painting the finish color.
How do I get a smooth factory-like finish?
Use high quality enamel or acrylic paint, apply multiple thin coats, sand lightly between coats, and work slowly with proper brush techniques for the smoothest results.
What sheen is best for high-traffic offices?
In workplace environments, opt for gloss or semi-gloss enamel paint. The high sheen resists dirt, fingerprints and frequent handling.
How long does it take for each coat to dry?
Drying times vary based on paint type, temperature, and humidity. Follow the manufacturer’s directions listed on the can or bottle. Typically enamels take longer to dry than acrylic latex paints.
Can I paint over rust spots?
For small surface rust, sand thoroughly before priming and painting. For patches of heavy rust damage, treat with a rust converter before priming.
What kind of brushes work best?
Use high-quality angled sash brushes for cutting in edges and tapered natural or synthetic brushes for large flat surfaces. Foam brushes also work well in crevices.
How do I avoid brush marks in the paint?
Use the right type of brush, apply in thin coats, and always maintain a wet edge when painting using smooth, overlapping strokes.
Hopefully these answers help solve some of the mysteries around properly painting metal filing cabinets. Still have questions? Just ask!
Transform Your Metal Cabinets Today
Now that you’re armed with all the steps, tools and tips for painting metal filing cabinets, it’s time to start your transformation. Follow the surface prep, painting and drying steps outlined above to take dull, outdated cabinets from dreary to delightful.
With a little time and effort, you can give beat up old metal cabinets new life with a fresh coat of beautiful paint. Transform your office, garage, basement or workspace with revitalized cabinets. Just think how great your room will look once those metal cabinets get a makeover. Grab your brushes and get painting!
Conclusion
Painting metal filing cabinets rejuvenates worn furnishings and upgrades the look of any space. By selecting appropriate paints for metal, properly preparing surfaces, using proper brush techniques, and applying coats methodically, anyone can achieve professional-looking results. This comprehensive guide outlined all the steps needed – from cleaning and priming to painting and protective finishing. Follow these tips for stunning painted metal cabinets that stand up to heavy use and look fabulous for years to come. With numerous paint sheen options you can match any decor. Give those tired old metal cabinets new life! Just think of how great your freshly painted filing cabinets will look in your newly transformed room.