Painting over stained wood cabinets can completely transform the look of your kitchen. With the right techniques and paint products, you can make your existing cabinets look like brand new metal ones. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to paint over stained wood cabinets to give them a realistic metal finish.
Supplies Needed
- High-quality primer (oil-based or bonding primer)
- Metal paint (silver, nickel, bronze etc.)
- Foam rollers and brushes
- Fine grit sandpaper
- Tack cloth
- Painter’s tape
- Drop cloths
Preparing the Cabinets
Proper preparation is key to achieving a smooth, professional metal finish on your cabinets. Here are the steps to take before painting:
- Remove cabinet doors and drawers. Take off all hardware like knobs and hinges. This allows you to fully paint the cabinet frames and doors.
- Thoroughly clean the cabinets to remove grease, dirt and residue. Use a degreasing cleaner and rinse well.
- Sand the cabinets lightly with fine grit sandpaper. This helps the primer and paint adhere better.
- Wipe down with a tack cloth to remove dust.
- Tape off any areas you don’t want painted like countertops or floors. Spread drop cloths to protect surroundings.
Priming the Cabinets
Primer creates a uniform surface for the metal paint to stick to.
- Apply a high quality oil-based or bonding primer using a foam brush or roller. Do 2-3 coats, allowing each coat to fully dry.
- Sand lightly between coats for a super smooth finish.
- Be sure to get full coverage on the frames, doors, trim and molding. Prime all sides including the backs.
- Allow the final primer coat to dry completely overnight before painting.
Painting Techniques for a Realistic Metal Look
Here are tips to make your painted cabinets look convincingly like real metal:
- Choose a high-quality metal paint in the finish you want – silver, bronze, pewter etc. Liquid metals work great.
- Thin the paint slightly with water according to manufacturer’s directions to avoid brush marks.
- Apply the paint in smooth, overlapping strokes following the wood grain. Use light pressure.
- Use a small foam roller to quickly cover large flat areas, then brush for trim and edges.
- Do 2-3 coats of the metal paint, allowing each coat to fully dry. Lightly sand between coats.
- Paint the cabinet frames, doors, sides and molding to look seamless.
- Finish with a protective clear coat for added durability and sheen if desired.
Achieving a Realistic Metal Look
Here are some finishing techniques to make your painted cabinets look authentically metallic:
- Use painter’s tape to mask off straight, clean lines if painting a two-tone look.
- Add tarnished effects like rubs, scratches and smudges for an aged, imperfect metal look.
- Paint the backs of cabinet doors a dark color so the hinges look like weld points.
- Dry brush over edges and raised areas after the final coat to highlight the texture.
- Consider adding industrial accents like metal grates, hardware and lighting fixtures to complement the metal cabinet finish.
With some careful preparation and painting techniques, you can easily convert your existing wood cabinets into gorgeous metal showpieces for your kitchen. Just take your time with each step for professional looking results. Happy painting!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a smooth finish when painting cabinets?
Proper prep work is key for a smooth painted finish. Make sure to thoroughly clean, sand and prime the cabinets first. Apply thin coats of quality paint in overlapping strokes. Lightly sand between coats. Use a small foam roller for large flat areas, then brush for trim.
What kind of paint adheres best to stained wood cabinets?
For painting over stained wood, oil-based primers, bonding primers and latex paints formulated especially for cabinets work best. They are designed to adhere to slick surfaces like stained wood and laminate.
What sheen of paint is best for cabinets?
A satin or semi-gloss sheen is ideal for cabinets. It provides a smooth finish that’s easy to clean and durable. Flat paints show more defects, while high-gloss can accentuate uneven surfaces.
Should I remove cabinet doors and drawers before painting?
Yes, you should remove the doors and drawers before painting cabinets. This allows you to fully paint the cabinet frames and finish all sides of the doors and drawers for a cohesive look.
How do I get a tarnished metal look?
After painting, you can create a tarnished metal effect by lightly rubbing the surface with steel wool. You can also use paint glazes, chemical patinas or aging solutions designed for metals. Work in layers to build up darkness in crevices.
Can I use a paint sprayer to paint cabinets?
Paint sprayers can be used to paint cabinets, but require some skill. They work best for the door fronts while brushing is better for frames and trim. Proper spraying technique is needed to avoid drips and uneven coverage.
Conclusion
Revitalizing worn, stained wood cabinets by painting them to look like metal can give your kitchen an ultra-modern, industrial feel. With the right tools and some strategic techniques, you can create metal cabinets with an authentic, vintage look. Always use high-adhesion primers and paints formulated for slick surfaces like cabinets for best results. Take your time prepping and applying multiple thin coats. Add realistic details like tarnishing and hinge marks to convincingly pull off the metal effect. With a little time and effort, you can affordably transform your kitchen with gorgeous metallic cabinets.