Metal kitchen cabinets once shined in kitchens across mid-century modern America. Their sleek, smooth exteriors and durability made them popular from the 1930s through the 1960s. However, time has not always been kind to these beloved kitchen staples. Years of use and changing trends can leave metal cabinets looking worn and outdated. But don’t be too quick to replace them! With a little time and elbow grease, it’s possible to restore metal cabinets to their former glory.
Assessing the Damage
Before you begin a restoration project, take stock of the current condition of your metal cabinets. Check for these common issues:
Faded Paint or Finish
Over time, the original paint or lacquered finish can dull, yellow, crack, bubble, or peel away completely. Addressing this will likely be step one of your restoration process.
Rust
If the finish has worn off in spots, exposed metal can start to rust. This oxidation can quickly spread if not removed.
Dents and Scratches
Years of wear, bumps, and improper cleaning can take a toll. Dents, chips, and scratches in the metal can make cabinets look dingy.
Loose Hinges and Hardware
With heavy usage, hinges and hardware like knobs and pulls can come loose or break over time. These will need to be tightened, repaired, or replaced.
Once you’ve noted any problem areas, take inventory of the metal your cabinets are made from. Most vintage metal kitchen cabinets are steel, but aluminum was also occasionally used. You’ll need this information when selecting restoration products.
Gather Your Restoration Supplies
With an assessment complete, it’s time to gather the necessary supplies for restoring metal kitchen cabinets. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Cleaners: A degreaser and a gentle cleanser for preparing cabinet surfaces
- Sandpaper: Higher grits like 220 and 320 for smoothing surfaces
- Primer: For sealing raw metal before painting
- Paint: Oil-based enamel or traditional metal paint in the desired color
- New knobs/pulls: If replacing broken or missing hardware
- Rags and brushes: For applying cleaners, primers, and paint
- Painters tape: For masking off surfaces
- Silicone caulk: For sealing any gaps post-restoration
Specialty metal restoration products can also be used instead of standard primers and paints. These are formulated to adhere well to metals like steel and aluminum.
Safety gear like gloves, eye protection, and drop cloths are a must as well. The cabinet restoration process often involves harsh chemicals.
Clean Cabinets Thoroughly
With supplies in hand, it’s time to start restoring those vintage metal cabinets. The first step is thorough cleaning. Grime, grease, rust, and any failing paint must be removed for new finishes to properly adhere.
Remove Doors and Drawers
Start by removing all cabinet doors, drawers, and hardware. Set them aside and lay them flat. Take care not to bend hinges or damage drawers in the process. Number or label pieces for easy reinstallation later.
Remove Surface Grime
Apply a degreasing cleanser and liberally scrub both interior and exterior cabinet surfaces to cut through grease and grime buildup. Rinse thoroughly and let dry.
Treat Rust and Remove Paint
Use a rust treatment specifically formulated for metal to convert any oxidation into an inert protective coating. This prevents future rust.
For cabinets with failing paint, you’ll need to strip the finish to reveal the bare metal underneath. Chemical stripping gels work well for controlled removal. Apply the gel, allow it to sit per product instructions, then scrape away the softened paint with a putty knife.
Warning: Old paint may contain lead, so take proper safety precautions during the stripping process.
Clean and Sand Surfaces
Once stripped of any rust and paint, wash cabinet surfaces again with a gentle cleanser. Lightly sand with 220 grit sandpaper to smooth any remaining paint drips or uneven surfaces. Thoroughly wipe away all cleaner and sanding residue with clean rags.
Prime Bare Metal
With freshly cleaned and sanded metal ready for restoration, it’s time to apply a primer coat. Priming serves an important purpose:
- It locks in rust inhibitors and seals the bare metal from future oxidation.
- It allows the topcoat of paint to properly bond with the slick metal surface.
When selecting primer, choose one formulated specifically for the metal you’re painting – steel or aluminum. Standard metal primers are ideal, but specialty restoration products also exist. Using the wrong primer can result in finish failure down the road.
Apply primer liberally to all interior and exterior cabinet surfaces using a clean brush. Follow manufacturer instructions for dry time, and sand lightly with 320 grit sandpaper before the finish coat.
One coat of primer is usually sufficient. But for heavily distressed cabinets, a second coat can help ensure even coverage.
Apply Finish Coat Paint or Enamel
With primed and prepped metal cabinets in hand, it’s time for the fun part – choosing a finish color! Here are some great options for metal kitchen cabinets:
Paint
For a brighter, clean look, multi-surface enamel spray paints are a good option for coating metal. Opt for oil-based varieties over latex for the most durable finish. After thorough drying, apply two to three thin coats.
Satin or semi-gloss sheens will hold up best to cleaning and wear. Make sure to use paint specifically formulated for metal rather than wood, masonry, or other surfaces.
Traditional Enamel
For a vintage feel, Traditional oil-based enamel paint provides a smooth, glossy finish reminiscent of the original metal cabinet era. Work in multiple thin coats using high-quality natural bristle brushes. Allow ample drying time between coats.
Restoration Paint
Specialty restoration paints and finishes are also available from companies like Rust-Oleum and Krylon. These offer superior metal adhesion and come in satin and gloss sheens ideal for kitchen cabinets.
Powder Coating
For the most durable finish possible, consider powder coating. This process applies a powdered paint electrostatically using special equipment. Once cured, it leaves an ultra-tough outer coat that resists wear, abrasion, and chipping. Great for cabinets that see heavy use.
Choose a color that complements your kitchen’s overall palette. Both solid colors and metallic varieties work beautifully on vintage metal cabinets.
Restore Cabinet Hardware
With fresh paint dry, it’s time to rejuvenate or replace any worn hardware. Here are some tips:
- Clean existing hinges, knobs, and pulls thoroughly with degreaser and steel wool. Rinse and let dry.
- Firmly reaffix any loose hinges or tighten screws.
- Use touch-up paint on hinges, knobs, pulls, and exposed metal brackets if needed.
- Replace any broken or missing hardware. Vintage style pulls and handles can be found through antique stores, architectural salvage shops, or online retailers.
Take care not to damage your fresh paint job when reinstalling hardware. Fill any holes and smooth edges with silicone caulk.
Sealing and Protecting Your Restored Cabinets
Once fully reassembled with fresh hardware, add a final protective layer to your restored metal masterpieces:
Wax
Applying a light coat of paste wax like Renaissance Wax will seal and protect the finish from moisture and oxygen. Use a soft cloth to gently buff on and wipe away excess.
Clear Coat (Optional)
For added protection on paint finishes, apply 1-2 thin coats of clear acrylic sealer spray. Allow ample drying time between coats.
Touch up as Needed
Check for any small finish flaws and use acrylic craft paint to touch-up if needed. Dab interior corners and edges with silicone caulk to prevent moisture ingress.
Clean Properly
Maintain your restored finish by using only gentle cleaners and soft cloths. Avoid abrasive pads or scrub brushes. Promptly dry any spills or water spots.
With some time and care, it’s easy to bring vintage metal kitchen cabinets back to life. Take pride in preserving beloved mid-century history while giving your kitchen an eye-catching focal point. Hello again, gleaming metal cabinets!
Frequently Asked Questions About Restoring Metal Kitchen Cabinets
Restoring metal kitchen cabinets is very rewarding, but also involves a lot of details. Here are answers to some common questions on the process:
How long does it take to restore metal cabinets?
The full process takes 2-3 days. Day 1 for cleaning, sanding, and priming. Day 2 is painting. Day 3 allows paint to fully cure before reassembling hardware and accessories. Working in haste risks damaging the finish, so patience is key.
Can I use a metal restoration kit?
Yes, companies like Rust-Oleum and Krylon sell all-inclusive kits. These provide specialty degreaser, metal etchant, primer, paint, and protective clear coat specifically designed for metal restoration. Kits simplify the product selection process.
What color should I choose?
Personal preference rules here, but some popular options are glossy whites, warm neutrals like almond and tan, and retro pastel hues like mint green or pale yellow. Choose a semi-gloss or gloss finish for easy wipe-down.
How do I remove rust from metal cabinets?
Rust must be fully removed before priming and painting. Use a phosphoric acid-based metal etchant to convert rust into a dark protective layer, then scuff sand. Or opt for a rust converter primer like Krylon’s Rust Tough, which contains tannic acid to seal rust before coating.
Can I use chalk paint on metal cabinets?
Chalk and milk paints work best on porous surfaces like wood. The wax and finish tend to chip easily on metal over time. Enamel spray paints formulated specifically for metal surfaces deliver more durable results.
How do I repair dents and scratches?
For shallow dents, try dabbing out with a few drops of water. Place a damp cloth over the dent and apply heat from a hair dryer or heat gun to gently raise up the metal. Fill deeper scratches with metal-specific filler before priming and painting.
Restoring metal cabinets takes work, but yields stunning results. With these simple steps, you can revitalize an outdated metal kitchen into a showstopping centerpiece.
Conclusion
Vintage metal kitchen cabinets offer unmatched durability and mid-century style. But years of use can take a toll on their appearance. Instead of replacing worn metal cabinets, consider restoring them. With some elbow grease and the right products, you can renew chipped paint, remove rust, fix dents, and refresh the finish. The process involves cleaning, sanding, priming, painting, and refinishing hardware. Use specialty metal paints and primers to ensure long-lasting results. With proper prep and products, it’s easy to breathe new life into tired metal cabinets. They can once again shine as a focal point of your retro or modern kitchen. Revival of form and function is immensely rewarding.