Introduction
Painting metal cabinets can give your kitchen or bathroom a quick facelift. However, over time, the paint may start to peel, chip or lose its luster. Removing old paint from metal cabinets and applying a fresh coat can seem like an overwhelming task. With some careful preparation and the right tools, the process can be made much easier.
In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through all the steps and techniques needed to strip paint from metal cabinets. We will cover how to prepare for the paint removal process, the best tools and chemical strippers to use, instructions for safe application and removal, how to clean and prep the bare metal for new paint, top tips for avoiding common mistakes, and so much more. With the information in this guide, you will have all the knowledge needed to strip paint from metal cabinets like a pro.
Gather Supplies and Prepare the Workspace
Before starting the paint removal process, take the time to gather all the necessary supplies and set up your workspace. Rushing into paint stripping without proper preparation can lead to frustration, accidents or damage to your cabinets. Follow these tips to ensure you are fully ready to start:
Supplies Needed
- Chemical paint stripper (citrus, soy or methylene chloride-based)
- Paint stripper brush or old toothbrush
- Paint scraper or putty knife
- Sandpaper (150 grit and 220 grit)
- TSP substitute or degreasing cleaner
- Rags, steel wool & abrasive pads
- Painters tape
- Drop cloths or plastic sheeting
- Nitrile gloves, safety goggles & face mask
Prepare the Workspace
- Clear countertops and empty cabinets of all contents
- Protect nearby surfaces with plastic drop cloths
- Open windows and use fans for ventilation
- Have a trash bag ready for paint debris
- Work in sections so stripped cabinets can dry before reassembly
Taking a few minutes to gather supplies and set up your workspace makes the stripping process faster and more efficient. It also helps protect your safety and prevent damage to nearby surfaces.
Choosing the Best Paint Remover
One of the most important steps in how to remove paint from metal cabinets is selecting the right type of chemical paint stripper. The product you choose can mean the difference between easily stripping away multiple layers of paint versus spending hours scrubbing with little results.
There are three main types of chemical strippers that work on metal:
Citrus-Based Gel Strippers
- Made from d-limonene extracted from citrus fruit peels
- Biodegradable and low odor
- Better for thicker paint layers
- Slower acting but won’t harm metal
Soy-Based Strippers
- Made from soybeans and methyl soyate
- Low odor, non-toxic & biodegradable
- Better for smaller paint removal jobs
- Multiple applications may be needed
Methylene Chloride-Based Strippers
- Most powerful and fastest acting
- Can be used on metal, wood, masonry
- Toxic fumes require strict ventilation
- Can damage metal if left on too long
For removing paint from metal cabinets, a citrus-based gel stripper is often the best choice. Citrus strippers are powerful enough to cut through several layers of paint quickly but won’t harm or corrode metal surfaces. Soy-based strippers work well for smaller projects but may need multiple applications on thicker paint.
Methylene chloride strippers work fast but the fumes are extremely harsh and prolonged exposure can damage metal. Always take safety precautions if using this type of stripper.
How to Apply the Paint Stripper
Once you have selected the right chemical paint stripper for your cabinets, it is time to start application. Follow these steps for safe and effective paint remover application:
1. Prepare the Surface
- Sand painted cabinets lightly to rough up the surface
- Clean metal with TSP substitute/degreaser
- Use painter’s tape to mask off hinges, handles, edges
2. Read Product Directions
- Follow all label safety warnings and application instructions
- Check recommended thickness to apply and drying times
3. Apply Paint Stripper
- Use a paint stripper brush or old toothbrush
- Apply a thick, even coat over painted surface
- Just overlap edges rather than double coating
- Let stripper sit for recommended dwell time
4. Reapply as Needed
- Check if paint blisters or lifts after dwell time
- Reapply to any spots with remaining thick/stubborn paint
- Let stripper sit again according to directions
Applying the paint remover liberally and evenly is key to allowing the product to fully penetrate and lift the painted surface. Be patient and let the stripper do the work. Avoid the temptation to scrub or scrape too soon.
How to Remove Loosened Paint
Once the dwell time is up, the next step is to remove the loosened paint from the metal cabinets. This is done by gently scraping away the blistered paint and wiping the surface clean:
Scrape Away Paint
- Use a plastic paint scraper or putty knife
- Hold at 45 degree angle and gently scrape
- Switch to steel wool or abrasive pad for any residue
Wipe Surface Clean
- Use old rags to wipe away paint stripper and residue
- Reapply stripper and let sit again if needed
- Rinse with water and clean with TSP/degreaser when done
- Allow metal to fully dry before sanding or painting
Take care when scraping to not gouge, scratch or damage the metal underneath. Little pressure is needed to remove the softened paint. Wipe the surface frequently so you can see if any paint remains.
For textured surfaces, use steel wool or an abrasive pad to scrub away leftover residue. Check for any shiny spots, which indicates paint that needs reapplication of stripper.
How to Clean and Prepare Metal for Painting
Once all the old paint is removed, the stripped metal will need to be cleaned and prepped before applying a fresh coat of paint. Follow these steps:
Clean Bare Metal Thoroughly
- Use TSP substitute/degreaser to remove any remaining stripper
- Scrub with steel wool or abrasive pads if needed
- Rinse well with clean water
- Allow to fully dry for 24-48 hours
Sand Surface Lightly
- Use 150 grit sandpaper to rough up metal
- Make sure to sand inside cabinets and drawers
- Help new paint adhere by creating a “tooth”
- Wipe away all sanding dust
Apply Primer
- Use a high-quality metal primer
- Helps paint better adhere to slick metal
- Primer also helps cover scratches or imperfections
Taking the time to properly clean and prepare the bare metal prevents problems like peeling or chipping of the new paint. Always read and follow the primer product directions for best results.
Tips to Avoid Common Paint Removal Mistakes
Stripping old paint off metal cabinets may sound straightforward but there are some common mistakes to avoid:
- Don’t use the wrong stripper – Pick one formulated for metal/thick paint layers
- Don’t allow stripper to dry on surface – Reapply if needed before scraping
- Don’t scrub too hard – Let stripper do the work to avoid scratching metal
- Don’t use metal scrapers or steel wool early on – Use plastic and rags first
- Don’t forget painter’s tape – Protect hardware, hinges, trim and edges from drips
- Don’t rush drying time – Allow full 24-48 hours to prevent future peeling issues
- Don’t forget PPE – Wear gloves, goggles, and a mask to avoid hazards
Going slowly, following product directions, and taking safety precautions will help avoid many common frustrations and rework. Test stripping a small area first to get a feel for the process before diving into the full project.
Step-By-Step Instructions Summary
To recap all the steps needed for how to properly remove paint from metal cabinets:
- Gather necessary supplies – chemical stripper, scrapers, steel wool, cleaner, etc.
- Prep workspace – cover surfaces, open windows, clear cabinets
- Choose a citrus-based paint stripper formulated for metal
- Lightly sand and clean cabinets to prep for stripping
- Apply a thick, even coat of stripper over painted surface
- Let stripper dwell for recommended time
- Gently scrape away softened/blistered paint
- Wipe surface clean and reapply stripper as needed
- Use TSP/degreaser to clean stripped metal and rinse
- Allow 48 hours for metal to fully dry
- Sand surface lightly with 150 grit sandpaper
- Clean away sanding dust and apply metal primer
- Finish by applying new paint according to product directions
Following these steps will make stripping paint and prepping metal cabinets for a new painted finish much easier. The hardest parts are being patient during stripping/drying times and avoiding over-scrubbing the surface. Go slowly and let the products do the work.
Frequently Asked Questions
For more details on successfully removing paint from metal cabinets, read these frequently asked questions:
What precautions should I take when using chemical strippers?
Always wear nitrile gloves, safety goggles and ventilation mask when using any chemical paint stripper. Avoid direct skin and eye contact. Use painter’s tape for overspill protection. Keep children and pets away from project area.
What tools work best for scraping off loosened paint?
A plastic paint scraper or putty knife works very well for the initial paint removal. For any remaining residue, switch to steel wool or an abrasive scrub pad. Avoid using metal scrapers or steel wool early on.
How can I determine if all the paint has been fully removed?
Check for any glossy areas after wiping the surface, which indicates remaining paint. Also look at inner corners or crevices for paint that may need reapplication of stripper. Sand a small area to see if only bare metal shows.
What is the quickest method for stripping paint from metal cabinets?
The fastest chemical stripper is methylene chloride-based. However, the fumes are toxic and it can damage metal if left on too long. Citrus-based gels work nearly as fast but are safer for metal surfaces.
Can I use paint stripper to remove paint from cabinet hardware?
It’s best to remove all hardware like hinges, handles and knobs before stripping cabinets. Soak hardware in stripper separately and scrub gently with steel wool/brush. Avoid soaking more than a few hours.
How long should I let freshly stripped metal cabinets dry before painting?
It’s important to allow at least 24-48 hours of drying time before painting, especially for the cabinet interiors. This helps prevent peeling or chipping issues with the new paint.
Conclusion
Removing old paint from metal cabinets may seem like a messy, frustrating job, but it can be made significantly easier by following the steps in this guide. With the right tools, stripper, safety gear and techniques, you can strip away multiple layers of paint quickly and properly prep for new paint.
The most important tips to remember are:
- Select the right citrus-based stripper for metal surfaces
- Apply stripper liberally but avoid excess overlap
- Let stripper dwell for recommended times
- Use plastic scrapers before gently switching to steel wool
- Wipe and clean stripped metal thoroughly before painting
- Allow 1-2 days of drying time for best paint adhesion
With some patience and hard work, your outdated painted cabinets can be stripped down to reveal beautiful metal that looks brand new. Getting rid of old flaking or chipped paint and applying fresh coats will help modernize the look of any kitchen or bathroom.