Painting rusted metal cabinets can completely transform the look of your kitchen or bathroom. With some preparation and the right paint, you can cover up unsightly rust and give your cabinets a fresh, updated appearance. This comprehensive guide will walk you through all the steps for successfully painting rusted metal cabinets.

Introduction

Rusted metal cabinets are an eyesore, but with a little work they can be revitalized. Painting is an affordable way to refresh your old cabinets and make them look brand new. The key steps include:

Thoroughly cleaning and removing all rust
Sanding to rough up the surface for better paint adhesion
Priming to seal and build a base layer
Applying cabinet paint in thin, even coats
Finishing with a protective clear coat for added durability

With proper prep and application, painted cabinets can last for many years before needing touch ups. The end result is a transformed space that looks clean, put-together, and more valuable. This article covers cabinet painting from start to finish so you can tackle this project yourself and breathe new life into your rusted metal cabinets.

Supplies Needed

Before starting to paint rusted cabinets, assemble all the necessary supplies:

Rust remover solution – To clean off flaky rust and convert remaining rust into a paintable surface
Metal sanding blocks – For sanding flat surfaces and contours
Sandpaper – Coarse 80-100 grit to start, then 180-220 grit for smoothing
Tack cloths – For wiping away dust between sanding sessions
Rags and scrub pads – For applying rust remover and cleaning
Drop cloths – For protecting floors and countertops
Painter’s tape – For masking off areas you don’t want painted
Primer – Specifically formulated for metal
Cabinet paint – Oil-based enamel or water-based acrylic-enamel
Paintbrushes – Angled sash brush for cutting in edges
Paint roller – For quickly covering large flat areas
Paint tray – For holding paint and allowing the roller to be coated
Clear top coat – For extra protection and sheen
Paint thinner – For cleanup

It’s also helpful to have on hand materials like masking paper, plastic sheeting, spackling paste, wood filler, and fine grit sandpaper. Preparing and painting cabinets is an intensive process, so make sure you have all necessary supplies before getting started.

Step 1 – Thoroughly Clean and Remove Rust

The first and most important step in prepping metal cabinets for paint is to thoroughly remove all rust down to the bare metal. This gives the new paint something to adhere to for best results.

Start by taking the doors off the cabinets so you can access all the surfaces. Use a wire brush attachment on a power drill to scrub off any loose, flaky rust.

For stubborn rust that won’t brush off, apply a rust remover solution. Products like Naval Jelly or rust converter work well. Apply a thick coat to rusted areas, allow it to sit for 15-30 minutes, then scrub with steel wool or a stiff brush.

After scrubbing, wipe the cabinets down with water and a clean rag until no rust residue remains. Vinegar is also great for breaking down remaining rust and neutralizing the metal.

Once completely dry, inspect for any glossy areas or rust that needs further removal. Repeat the cleaning process on those spots until only smooth, matte metal remains.

Thorough rust removal is tedious but essential for successful painting. If any rust remains, it will continue to spread under the new paint.

Step 2 – Sand the Cabinets

Once the cabinets are free of rust, it’s time to rough up the surface. This helps the primer and paint mechanically adhere for maximum durability.

Start sanding with 80-100 grit sandpaper to effectively scuff up the surface. Use sanding blocks for large flat areas and by hand for curved details.

Sand in the direction of the metal grain to get an evenly roughed surface. Continue until you have a uniform dull, scratched appearance.

Thoroughly wipe away all sanding dust with a tack cloth. Apply a second round of sanding using a 180-220 grit sandpaper. This smoothes out scratches from the first pass while still leaving ideal texture for painting.

Finish by wiping cabinets down again with a tack cloth and clean rag. From an up-close view, the metal should now have a matte look with visible scratches.

Step 3 – Fill Holes and Imperfections

Before priming and painting, take time to spot fill any holes, dents, or surface imperfections in the metal:

Small holes – Fill with spackling paste, allow to dry fully, then sand smooth.
Large holes – Fill with auto body filler, allow to cure, then sand until flush.
Dents or gouges – Use spackling or wood filler as needed to build the area back up to be flush with the surrounding surface. Sand until smooth.

Take your time with this step to get a perfectly smooth finish. Unfilled holes and dents will show through the final paint job.

Once any filled areas have dried completely, do a final all-over sanding with 220 grit paper. Wipe clean with a tack cloth and prepare to prime.

Step 4 – Apply the Primer

Priming is a critical step when painting metal. Primer creates a barrier between the cabinet and paint to prevent reactions between metals and pigments. It also seals the surface so rust doesn’t develop under the paint.

For best results, use a high-quality metal primer formulated for maximum adhesion. Etching primer or spray-can primers made for metals are great options.

Before priming, mask off any areas like walls or countertops where you don’t want primer or paint to get on. Use painter’s tape and plastic sheeting to protect surfaces.

When ready to apply primer, work in thin coats using a brush, roller, or paint sprayer. Allow each coat to fully dry before adding another. Two to three coats provides ideal coverage and protection.

Avoid applying primer too thick in one coat or you risk it drying improperly and flaking off later. Thin, even coats are the key.

Once the final coat of primer is dry, sand any areas that feel rough or bumpy to ensure a smooth base for painting.

Step 5 – Paint the Cabinets

With the cabinets primed and ready to go, it’s finally time to apply cabinet paint. While regular wall paints work, it’s best to use an oil-based enamel or water-based acrylic-enamel paint. These formulas provide extra durability and a harder finish.

When choosing a color, opt for light, neutral shades to keep cabinets looking bright and clean. White, off-white, light gray, and beige are popular cabinet colors.

Make sure to stir the paint thoroughly before starting. As when priming, apply paint in multiple thin coats for a smooth finish. Thick coats are prone to drips and brush marks.

Use an angled sash brush to carefully cut-in around edges and details. Then roll larger flat areas with smooth strokes, maintaining even coverage.

Allow each coat to dry fully before adding another. Water-based paints only need 1-2 hours between coats while oil paint needs up to 24 hours. Most cabinets need 2-3 coats for full opacity and an even look.

Don’t rush the painting process. Slow and steady wins the race. Once the final coat has dried, do a close inspection for any drips, spots, or uneven coverage to touch up.

Step 6 – Add a Clear Top Coat

For increased durability and easier cleaning, apply 1-2 coats of a clear polyurethane or acrylic top coat. This adds an extra layer of protection.

Use a water-based satin, semi-gloss, or high-gloss finish. Satin has a smooth low sheen while semi-gloss and high-gloss are more reflective.

Just as with paint, apply thin even coats. Lightly sand and wipe clean between coats for best results.

The top coat seals the painted cabinets so grime and grease can be easily wiped away. This helps maintain the freshly painted look for years before needing to re-do the finish.

7 Tips for Achieving a Flawless Paint Job

Follow these top tips for getting professional looking results when painting your rusted cabinets:

1. Clean thoroughly – Eliminate all rust and grease from cabinets before starting. Rust under paint causes peeling and grease prevents proper adhesion.

2. Sand properly – Rough up the surface adequately before priming so paint can grip. But don’t scar the metal.

3. Work slow – Apply primer and paint in numerous thin coats. Rushing leads to drips, unevenness, and brush marks.

4. Mind edges – Use a brush and steady hand to cut-in trim and edges. Lap marks show on finished cabinets.

5. Maintain wet edge – When rolling, recoat areas before paint dries to prevent lap marks. Work systematically.

6. Ventilate well – Ensure proper airflow as oil-based paints require fresh air to cure fully.

7. Be patient – Give adequate dry time between coats. Rushing the drying process ruins previous coats.

Taking your time is the best way to achieve a smooth, durable, and uniform painted finish. The extra care and right techniques will pay off.

Tackling Problem Areas

Painting worn or damaged cabinets often means dealing with issues like peeling laminate, significant rust-through, and missing hardware. Here are some tips for handling these trouble spots:

Peeling laminate – Remove all loose laminate then scuff sand until smooth. Build up low spots with wood filler if needed before priming.

Deep rust – Seal with rust converter, allow to dry fully, then fill pits and holes with auto body filler before sanding and painting.

Large damaged sections – Cut out entire rusted portions and replace with new cabinet-grade plywood, supported underneath.

Missing hinges – Replace missing or broken hinges and hardware before painting. Fill old screw holes.

Detached pieces – Reattach loose molding, trim, doors, and drawer fronts with wood glue and clamps before prepping and painting.

Don’t ignore major issues if you want your fresh paint to last. Properly addressing rusted-through spots, peeling laminate, and detached pieces leads to better results.

Painting Metal Cabinets vs Wood Cabinets

While the painting process is similar for metal and wood cabinets, there are several key differences:

Prep – Metal doesn’t require sanding to “open up” the grain, only to roughen the surface.
Primer – Metal needs a dedicated metal primer to prevent corrosion under the paint.
Dry time – Oil-based paint dries slower on metal than wood. Expect longer recoat windows.
Durability – Paint adheres well when properly prepped, but metal cabinets show scratches more easily than wood.
Top coat – A polyurethane clear coat works for both but is especially important on metal for easy cleaning.
Touch-ups – Due to slower drying, it’s trickier to blend metal paint touch-ups than wood touch-ups.

Overall, focus on thorough rust removal and priming when prepping metal cabinets. The painting process itself is essentially the same.

Can You Paint Over Rust?

Painting directly over rust without proper prep leads to peeling and premature paint failure. For paint to properly adhere, all rust needs to be removed down to bare metal.

Wire brushing, sanding, and rust converters allow existing rust to be effectively removed and converted into a paintable surface.

Attempting shortcuts by painting over rust ultimately wastes time and money. The new paint coat simply won’t bond well and the cabinets will quickly look shabby and rusted again.

Proper prep may take a little extra effort up front, but it allows the paint finish to last for many years rather than just a few months.

How Long Does Painted Metal Last?

With proper preparation and application, painted metal cabinets can look fresh and new for many years. Here are some factors that affect paint durability on metal:

Quality paint designed for metals lasts longer than standard wall paints.
Thorough rust removal and priming prevents paint blistering and cracking.
Allowing proper dry time between coats maximizes paint adhesion and hardness.
A clear top coat protects the paint and helps it maintain glossiness.
Gentle cleaning using only mild soap helps maintain the painted finish.
Touching up scratches and any damage as soon as it appears prevents rust and peeling.

Typically painted cabinets last 5-10 years before needing a refresh. Preventing moisture exposure and sun damage also prolongs the paint. With care, painted metal can look pristine for over a decade.

Safety Tips for Painting Metal Cabinets

Painting metal cabinets takes time and involves hazardous materials, so keep these safety tips in mind:

Work in a well-ventilated area due to strong chemical smells.
Wear gloves, goggles, and a mask or respirator when prepping, priming, and painting.
Read all product labels and heed warnings carefully.
Keep paints and solvents away from ignition sources due to flammability.
Properly dispose of rust removers, primers, paints, and thinners according to local regulations. Don’t pour down drains.
Clean up spills immediately to avoid slips or skin/eye exposure. Have rags and absorbent materials on hand.
Keep children and pets away from the workspace while working.
Allow freshly painted cabinets full dry time before reinstalling doors and drawers.

Observing basic safety practices keeps you healthy and prevents fires or environmental contamination when painting cabinets.

Transform Your Space With Painted Cabinets

With some focused effort, those worn out rusted metal cabinets can be given new life through painting. While refinishing cabinets takes time and diligence, the dramatic results are well worth it.

Thorough rust removal, priming, painting, and adding a protective clear coat allows metal cabinets to be attractively and durably refinished. The paint provides a fresh facelift and prevents further rust damage.

Beyond the functional benefits, painted cabinets also completely change the look of a dated kitchen or bathroom. Liven up the space with crisp white cabinets, opt for a trendy grey finish, or try out a bold color.

So don’t replace those old metal cabinets just yet. With the techniques outlined above and some elbow grease, you can paint them yourself and save thousands over the cost of new cabinetry. Follow this guide and you’ll have stunning painted cabinets that look factory-finished.

Frequently Asked Questions About Painting Metal Cabinets

Painting metal cabinets to cover rust or update the look can seem daunting. Here are answers to some of the most common questions about the process.

Can I paint over cabinets without removing the doors?

It’s best practice to fully remove cabinet doors, drawers, and hardware prior to painting. This allows you to clean and sand all surfaces thoroughly. Removing doors also prevents paint drips on hinges or hardware.

What kind of paint adheres best to metal?

For metal cabinets, use oil-based alkyd enamel or water-based acrylic enamel paint. Avoid latex wall paints. Dedicated metal paints are formulated for maximum adhesion and durability on metal surfaces.

How do I avoid brush marks when painting cabinets?

Applying paint in thin, even coats prevents unsightly brush marks. Use high quality synthetic bristle brushes and maintain a wet edge as you paint. Going back over partially dried paint causes streaking.

What grit sandpaper should be used on metal cabinets?

Start with 80-100 grit paper to effectively scuff up and degloss the metal surface. Finish sanding with 180-220 grit to smooth the surface for painting while still leaving grip for adhesion.

How long does it take for paint to cure on metal?

Oil-based cabinet paint dries in about 24 hours but takes 1-2 weeks to fully cure and harden. Water-based acrylic paint dries faster but still needs a few days to fully cure. Avoid heavy use during this period.

Should I use primer on repainted metal cabinets?

Always use primer when painting metal cabinets. Quality metal primer provides a protective layer between the cabinet surface and paint. Primer prevents the paint from chipping or peeling.

What sheen of paint is best for cabinets?

A satin or semi-gloss sheen is ideal for cabinets. These offer a smooth finish that’s wipeable and cleans up easily. Avoid flat paints that show grime. High-gloss can look too “plasticky”.

How do I avoid drips when painting cabinets?

Avoid overloading the paintbrush. Apply in thin coats while holding the brush at a consistent angle. Move slowly and carefully. Ensure adequate overhead lighting so no drips are missed.

How do I get a smooth finish on painted metal cabinets?

Proper prep and applying thin coats of high quality primer and paint provides the smoothest finish. Sanding between coats also eliminates any surface texture. Use a small foam roller for the final coat to get ultra smooth results.

Conclusion

Painting metal cabinets is an extremely effective way to overhaul the look of your kitchen or bathroom without the expense of new cabinetry. While the process involves careful preparation and application, the results are well worth the effort.

Thoroughly removing all rust, sanding, priming, painting, and protecting with a clear top coat allows metal cabinets to be attractively refinished. The fresh paint also prevents further rust damage.

With the techniques and tips in this guide, you can achieve professional-looking results painting over rusty metal cabinets. Take your time, use proper materials, and prep the cabinets properly. Your painted metal cabinets will look fantastic for years to come, adding color, brightness, and value to

How to Paint Rusted Metal Cabinets