Prep the Surface Properly
Thorough surface preparation is key to achieving a smooth finish. Make sure to:
- Clean the cabinets well with a degreasing agent to remove any oils or grime.
- Sand the metal lightly with fine grit sandpaper to scuff up the surface and allow the paint to adhere properly.
- Prime with a high-quality metal primer formulated for smooth finishes.
Taking the time to properly prep the metal will help the paint glide on smoothly.
Use the Right Paint
Choose a high-quality cabinetry paint such as an oil-based enamel, alkyd, or acrylic paint. These paints are formulated to level out nicely on metal surfaces.
Avoid cheap latex paints—they have a tendency to show brush strokes more.
Apply in Thin, Even Coats
Applying the paint in multiple thin, even coats will help reduce visible brush strokes. Thick coats tend to accentuate any brush marks.
Lightly sand between coats with fine sandpaper to smooth things out. Always work in the direction of the metal grain.
Take your time and resist the urge to go back over areas that have begun drying.
Use the Right Brush
Invest in quality synthetic bristle brushes made for smooth finishes. The bristles need to be soft enough to glide on the paint easily without leaving marks.
Avoid stiff bristle brushes—they are more likely to leave noticeable brush strokes.
Maintain a Wet Edge
As you paint, maintain a “wet edge” where the freshly painted area overlaps the drying paint. This helps the two sections blend together seamlessly.
Work in sections slowly and methodically to prevent lap marks. Keep the leading edge wet and even.
Apply in a Straight, Consistent Motion
Move your paintbrush in long, straight, consistent strokes without stopping in the middle of a section. Curved or uneven strokes may leave behind telltale marks.
When cutting in edges, keep your brush strokes all going in the same direction.
Roll for Extra Smoothing
For large flat surfaces like cabinet doors, you can gently roll over the dried paint with a high density foam roller to help create an ultra-smooth finish. Use light, even pressure and work in the direction of the grain.
This helps blend brush strokes and flatten out the paint. Be cautious not to apply too much pressure, which could pull up paint.
DIY vs Professional Help
For best results removing brushstrokes on metal kitchen cabinets, consider hiring a professional painter. They have the skills, tools and experience to finish cabinets smoothly.
If tackling it yourself, take it slow and focus on prepping, brush technique, and applying thin coats. The more care taken, the less brush marks will be visible.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I wait between coats when painting metal cabinets?
Follow the manufacturer’s recommended recoat time, usually 4-6 hours. Allowing each coat to fully dry helps prevent brush marks from appearing in the next coat.
What is the best way to apply cabinet paint?
Use a high-quality synthetic bristle brush, apply in thin coats, maintain a wet edge, and brush in long straight strokes following the direction of the metal grain for the smoothest finish.
Should I use a paint sprayer instead of a brush?
Paint sprayers can work well on metal cabinets, but still require back-brushing to catch any drips and fill in gaps. Brushing alone tends to provide the most control for ultra-smooth results.
How do I fix brush strokes after my final coat of paint?
Lightly sanding with extra-fine grit sandpaper can help smooth things out. Then reapply one final thin, even coat of paint using proper brushing techniques to level out the surface.
Should I use oil-based or latex paint on metal cabinets?
Oil-based paints like alkyds and enamels are recommended for painting metal cabinets as they self-level and dry to a harder finish. Water-based latex paint tends to show brush strokes more.
Conclusion
Achieving a flawless, professional-looking paint finish on metal kitchen cabinets comes down to proper preparation, using quality paint and brushes, applying multiple thin coats, and brushing slowly and methodically in the direction of the grain. Taking extra care to prevent visible brush marks with each coat and sanding between applications will help hide any strokes and allow you to get a smooth, durable finish that makes your kitchen really shine.