Painting old metal kitchen cabinets can update the look of your kitchen quickly and affordably. With the right prep work, paint, and technique, you can give dated cabinets a fresh new look. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to paint old metal kitchen cabinets.
Introduction
Painting metal kitchen cabinets allows you to update the color and style of your kitchen without the high cost of installing new cabinets. Paint adheres best when the metal has been cleaned, lightly sanded, and primed to create a surface the paint can grab onto. While spray painting typically provides the most even coverage on metal, brushed or rolled paint can also work well when applied properly. The key is taking the time to properly prepare the cabinets and using a paint designed for metal.
Steps to Paint Old Metal Kitchen Cabinets
Clean the Cabinets
The first step is to thoroughly clean the cabinets to remove any grease, dirt or residue. Here’s how:
- Remove cabinet doors and drawers if possible and clean separately. This allows you to more easily access the cabinet frames.
- Wash cabinets with a degreasing cleaner or TSP substitute mixed with warm water. Scrub with a sponge or brush.
- Rinse cabinets and let dry completely.
Sand andDegloss Cabinets
For paint to properly adhere, the metal surface needs some “tooth” or texture. Lightly sanding creates ideal texture.
- Sand cabinets with 220 grit sandpaper just to dull and lightly scratch the surface.
- Alternatively, use a deglossing liquid or sanding block to dull and etch glossy surfaces.
- Clean cabinets with a tack cloth after sanding to remove dust.
Prime the Metal
Primer creates a base layer that allows the paint to bond tightly.
- For best results, use a dedicated metal primer designed for smooth metal surfaces. Rust-oleum and Krylon make affordable metal primers.
- Apply primer in thin, even coats allowing proper drying time between coats.
- Follow all label instructions for dry time and number of coats needed. Two or more thin coats are better than one thick coat.
Paint the Cabinets
Once primed, the cabinets are ready for painting.
- High quality spray paints provide the most seamless finish on metal but require tenting off the area.
- For brushed or rolled application, use interior acrylic latex paints or oil-based enamels. Oil-based paints bond better.
- Apply two thin coats of paint allowing proper dry time between coats for full coverage.
Pro Tip: Slightly thin the paint with water or mineral spirits for a smoother brushed finish.
Reinstall Doors and Drawers
After the final coat has fully cured, reinstall the doors and drawers on the freshly painted frames. Add new handles or knobs to finish off the updated look.
Tips for Successfully Painting Metal Cabinets
- Properly cleaning, sanding and priming are vital to achieve great looking results. Don’t skip these prep steps.
- Always use paint products designed for metal. Look for primers and paints specifically made for smooth metal.
- Apply thin coats of primer and paint and allow proper drying time between coats. Rushing the process can ruin the finish.
- Use high quality paintbrushes and mini rollers made for smooth surfaces when brushing or rolling paint.
- Work in a dust-free space with adequate ventilation.
- Be patient. Rushing through steps can ruin the finish and cause chipping or peeling later on.
Common Questions
What kind of paint should I use?
Look for interior acrylic latex paints, oil-based enamels, or spray paints specifically formulated for metal. Primer made for metal is also a must.
How do I get paint to stick to metal?
Proper prep is key. Cleaning, lightly sanding, and priming metal creates a surface paint can grab onto. Rushing these steps can lead to peeling.
Should I spray or brush paint?
Spraying typically provides the smoothest finish but requires tenting off the area. For brushed paint, use high quality mini rollers or angled sash brushes. Apply thinned paint in thin layers.
How long does it take to fully cure?
Check the label but most paint fully cures within 2 weeks. Avoid cleaning or replacing doors and drawers until paint has fully hardened.
Can I paint over rust?
Light surface rust needs to be sanded and primed first. For heavy rust, remove as much as possible before priming. Specialty rust-inhibiting primers can also be used.
Conclusion
Painting worn, dated metal kitchen cabinets is an affordable way to update the heart of your home. With the proper metal primer, quality paint, and good technique, you can give new life to old metal cabinets. Just be sure to properly prepare the surface so the fresh paint will adhere well and resist chipping or peeling. Patience is also key – don’t rush the process and allow proper drying time between coats. In a weekend, you can transform the look of your kitchen for a fraction of the cost of new cabinetry.