Spray painting metal cabinets can completely transform the look of your kitchen or bathroom. With the right preparation and technique, you can achieve a smooth, professional-looking finish. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to properly spray paint metal cabinets.
Things You’ll Need
Before starting your project, make sure you have the following supplies:
- Paint sprayer or HVLP spray gun
- Paint sprayer hose
- Metal primer spray paint
- Topcoat spray paint in your desired finish
- Sandpaper (180-grit and 220-grit)
- Tack cloth
- Painters tape
- Plastic sheets or drop cloths
- Paint strainer
- Masking paper
- Paint thinner (if using oil-based paint)
Prepare the Metal Cabinets
Proper preparation is crucial for getting great results when spray painting metal cabinets. Follow these steps:
Clean the Cabinets
Use a degreasing cleanser or solution to thoroughly clean the cabinets and remove any grease, grime, or residues. This will help the paint adhere properly.
Remove Doors and Hardware
Take off all cabinet doors, handles, and hinges. This allows you to spray the cabinets efficiently. Set aside the hardware in a safe place.
Sand the Cabinets
Lightly scuff-sand the cabinets using 180-grit sandpaper to rough up the surface. This helps the primer coat stick. Wipe away any dust with a tack cloth.
Clean and Dry the Cabinets
Give the cabinets another wipe down with a clean cloth dampened with thinner to remove any dust or debris. Allow the cabinets to fully dry before priming.
Tape Off Areas
Use painters tape to mask off any areas you don’t want painted, such as cabinet interiors or countertop edges. Protect floors with plastic sheets.
Prime the Cabinets
Apply a thin coat of metal primer evenly across all cabinet surfaces using a paint sprayer. Allow the primer to fully dry per the manufacturer’s directions before painting.
Spray Paint the Cabinets
Once primed, you’re ready to apply the finish coat of spray paint using these steps:
Prepare the Paint
Stir or shake the spray paint thoroughly before pouring it into your paint sprayer cup or HVLP spray gun. For latex paint, you may need to thin it slightly with water. Strain the paint if needed.
Adjust the Spray Pattern
Test the spray pattern on cardboard or scrap wood before spraying the cabinets. Adjust the nozzle or pressure as needed to get an even, fine spray pattern.
Apply Thin Coats
Holding the spray gun 6-10 inches from the surface, apply light, even coats of the topcoat paint. Allow each coat to dry completely before adding another. Multiple thin coats give better results than heavy coats.
Spray All Surfaces
Systematically spray the cabinets, doors, frames, and any trim or accents. Ensure you cover all sides – front, back, edges, and undersides.
Allow Proper Dry Time
Follow the manufacturer’s recommended dry time between coats. Drying may take 30 minutes or up to several hours between coats.
Reinstall Doors and Hardware
Once fully dry, mount doors back onto cabinets and reattach any handles, pulls, or knobs removed before painting.
Tips for Getting Great Results
Keep these pointers in mind for getting a smooth, even finish when spray painting metal cabinets:
- Maintain proper spray technique – keep the gun perpendicular and the same distance from the surface as you spray back and forth.
- Apply paint in a sweeping motion with slight overlaps between passes. Avoid holding the sprayer in one spot.
- Work in sections for large cabinet sets. Fully finish one cabinet before moving to the next.
- Spray lightly in the pattern of a crosshatch or crisscross pattern for even coverage.
- Be patient and allow proper dry time between coats. Rushing the job can ruin the finish.
- Provide adequate ventilation and wear a respirator when spray painting.
- Disposable paint cups or liners can make cleanup much easier.
With the right materials and some practice, you can get professional quality results spray painting kitchen or bathroom cabinets. Take your time and apply multiple thin coats for maximum durability. Enjoy your transformed cabinets!
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about spray painting metal cabinets:
What kind of paint should I use?
For best adhesion and durability on metal, use a specifically formulated spray paint primer and enamel topcoat made for metal surfaces. Avoid standard latex wall paints.
Do I need to sand the cabinets first?
Lightly sanding provides an ideal surface for the paint to stick to. Always wipe away dust before priming and painting.
How long does it take for spray paint to fully cure?
Most spray paints take 2-3 weeks to fully cure and reach maximum hardness and durability. Avoid heavy cleaning or abrasion during this time.
Should I use oil-based or latex paint?
Oil-based enamel spray paints work very well for cabinets but require mineral spirits for cleanup. Latex acrylic paints are lower odor and clean up with soap and water but may require more coats.
What psi should I use for my paint sprayer?
Check the sprayer manual, but a standard operating pressure for cabinet paint is around 25-35 psi. Adjust as needed for the paint viscosity and desired spray pattern width.
How do I get a smooth finish without brush marks?
Applying multiple thin coats with a sprayer provides a seamless finish without brush marks. Slowly spray back and forth while slightly overlapping passes.
What’s the best way to spray paint the cabinet interior?
Mask off the exterior then spray the inside by angling the spray gun into the cabinet. Or remove doors and shelves to spray separately for best coverage.
Spray painting metal cabinets is a satisfying do-it-yourself project that can give your space an affordable upgraded look. With proper preparation and application, you can get beautiful, professional-level results.
Conclusion
Transforming outdated or worn metal cabinets by spray painting them is an easy and affordable way to give your kitchen or bathroom a fresh new look. With some simple preparation, high quality spray paint in your desired color, and proper application technique, you can get results that look like you had new cabinets installed. The key steps are proper cleaning, light sanding, applying metal primer, using thin coats of spray paint, and allowing adequate drying time between coats. Spray painting cabinets requires some patience but is a project most homeowners can tackle successfully themselves. Just be sure to use the appropriate metal-suited spray paint products and maintain proper spray techniques. In no time you’ll have revitalized metal cabinets that look like brand new for a fraction of the cost.