Introduction

Cleaning and restoring metal cabinets can breathe new life into old furniture and make them look like new again. Over time, grease, grime, rust and old paint can build up and make metal cabinets appear dull, dirty and dated. Stripping away the years of built-up mess and gunk reveals the original natural beauty of the metal underneath.

Restoring metal cabinets is a rewarding do-it-yourself project that allows you to customize and update the look of your kitchen or bathroom. With some elbow grease and the right stripping and cleaning solutions, those worn-out cabinets can be revitalized.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through all the steps needed to strip and clean metal cabinets. We will cover:

• Benefits of Stripping Metal Cabinets
• Supplies Needed
• Prepping the Workspace
• Removing Surface Grime
• Stripping Paint and Rust
• Cleaning and Polishing the Metal
• Painting and Sealing
• Safety Tips

Follow these steps properly and you can uncover gorgeous, gleaming metal cabinetry hiding right in your own home. Let’s get started breathing new life into those old metal cabinets!

Benefits of Stripping Metal Cabinets

Stripping away old paint and gunk to reveal the original metal surface offers many advantages over painting over weathered cabinets or installing new ones:

• Cost savings – Stripping and cleaning cabinets is much cheaper than replacing them entirely. The supplies needed cost well under $100.
• Preserve historic details – Stripping cabinets allows you to retain the classic hardware and style details of older cabinets. Install new ones and all the original character is lost.
• Customize the finish – After stripping, you can stain, paint or seal the cabinets in any color or finish you choose.
• Learn a new skill – Refinishing metal cabinets lets you flex your DIY muscles and gain experience handling stripping chemicals and tools.
• Eco-friendly – Stripping reuses existing cabinets rather than dumping the old ones in landfills to make new ones. It’s the green choice.
• Enjoy the metal look – After stripping, you may love the look of the bare metal and want to leave the natural surface exposed.

With some time and elbow grease, you can strip away years of grime to reveal beautiful and functional metal cabinets hidden beneath the gunk and restore your kitchen to its former glory.

Supplies Needed

Stripping and cleaning metal cabinets requires using some harsh chemicals and specialized tools for maximum effectiveness and safety.

Here are the supplies you’ll need:

Safety Gear

• Gloves – Thick rubber household gloves to protect your hands from stripping chemicals
• Goggles – Safety goggles for eye protection
• Mask – Chemical-rated face mask to cover your nose and mouth
• Ventilation – Use stripping chemicals in a well-ventilated area or outdoors

Stripping Tools

• Paint scraper – A manual scraping tool with interchangeable blades
• Sandpaper – Coarse 80-100 grit sandpaper to remove remaining finish
• Steel wool – Fine 0000 grade steel wool for polishing
• Chemical paint stripper – Liquid solution specifically for stripping finishes from metal
• Rust remover gel – Specialty gel for rust spots on metal

Cleaning Supplies

• Degreaser – Tackle oil and grease buildup
• Metal polish – Cleans oxidation and creates shine
• Sealant – Optional protective clearcoat for finishing

Gather all supplies before starting to strip cabinets so they’re on hand when needed. Don’t forget rags, plastic sheets, and tin foil too!

Prepping the Workspace

Stripping cabinets requires using hazardous chemicals and generates lots of messy drips, drizzles and dust. Appropriately preparing your workspace helps contain the mess and protects surfaces.

Follow these tips when setting up to strip metal cabinets:

• Clear countertops and floors around the cabinet area so there’s plenty of workspace.
• Cover nearby surfaces with plastic sheeting taped into place to guard from chemical splatters and dust.
• Have all your supplies and tools close at hand to limit having to move around once working.
• Wear all required safety gear – gloves, goggles, mask, ventilation.
• For optimal results, work in a warm area between 65-90° F. Avoid direct sunlight which can dry chemicals prematurely.
• Make sure there’s adequate lighting so you can see all the nooks and crannies as you strip away layers of gunk.

It’s impossible to prevent making a mess when revitalizing old grungy cabinets. But prepping your workspace properly goes a long way towards containing the chaos.

Removing Surface Grime

Before digging into stripping paint and rust, it’s important to thoroughly clean the cabinet surfaces of grease, dirt and grime. Surface gunk can interfere with chemical strippers and paint adhesion if not removed.

Here’s how to clean away general filth and oily residue from metal cabinet exteriors:

Supplies Needed

• Degreaser
• Rags
• Scrub brush
• Bucket of warm water

Directions

1. Remove cabinet doors – Take doors off cabinets to access all sides easier.
2. Mix degreaser – Pour degreaser into bucket of warm water according to product directions.
3. Scrub surfaces – Dip scrub brush in solution and vigorously scrub all cabinet surfaces, doors, trim, tracks and handles.
4. Blot Dry – Use clean rags to wipe away greasy cleaner residue.

This manual scrubbing should successfully cut through grease, dirt and general kitchen grime. Avoid using overly wet rags that might damage wood cabinet parts.

Thoroughly removing surface gunk is an important first step to prepping metal cabinets for deeper stripping and restoration.

Stripping Paint and Rust

Here comes the messy but rewarding part – using chemical paint strippers to dissolve away years of accumulated paint and rust. This reveals the bare metal hidden underneath.

Follow these steps closely when stripping old finish from metal cabinets:

Supplies Needed

• Chemical paint stripper
• Plastic sheets
• Paint scraper
• Wire brush
• Sandpaper
• Rags
• Bucket of water

Directions

1. Read product directions – Follow all label precautions when using chemical strippers. Apply in a well-ventilated area.
2. Protect surfaces – Spread plastic under and around work area. Wear safety gear – gloves, goggles, mask.
3. Apply stripper – Use a plastic applicator or brush and generously coat the finish to be removed according to directions. Avoid contact with skin.
4. Let stripper work– Wait the recommended time listed on the product label to allow finish to bubble and lift. Don’t let product dry.
5. Scrape away finish – Use your paint scraper to scrape off bubbled paint. Take care not to gouge the metal underneath.
6. Rinse stripper – Wipe residue away with wet rags. Use a brass wire brush to scrub remaining finish off metal.
7. Repeat as needed – If some finish remains, reapply stripper and scrape again. Rinse thoroughly after final scrape.
8. Dry & sand – Allow metal to fully dry. Lightly sand with 80 grit sandpaper to smooth and prep for polishing.

Stripping away old paint and rust takes some muscle but is very gratifying. Take your time and use caution when handling stripping chemicals. Thoroughly rinse all residue away before sanding and polishing.

Cleaning and Polishing the Metal

Once stripped down to bare metal, some oxidation and tarnishing will be present on the newly exposed surface. Special metal cleaners and polishes remove this to bring back the metal’s natural luster and shine.

Follow these steps to clean and polish stripped metal cabinetry:

Supplies Needed

• 0000 Steel wool
• Metal polish
• Clean rags

Directions

1. Clean with steel wool – Lightly rub cabinet surfaces with 0000 grade steel wool to gently scrub away oxidation.
2. Rinse and dry – Wipe away steel wool residue with a damp rag. Allow metal to fully dry.
3. Apply metal polish – Rub a thin coat of high quality metal polish onto surfaces using a clean, dry rag.
4. Buff to shine – Use a clean, dry rag to briskly buff the polish until the metal shows a bright shine.
5. Remove residue – Make sure to wipe away any leftover polish residue with a clean rag.

The steel wool scrubbing followed by buffing with metal polish will restore the natural beauty of the metal’s bare surface. Admire how the cabinets have been transformed before applying any optional protective finishes.

Painting and Sealing (Optional)

If desired, stripped metal cabinets can be treated with either paint or clear sealant for protective and aesthetic purposes:

Paint – For a color change, apply a thin coat of metal primer followed by two coats of cabinetry paint in your desired hue. Lightly sand between coats. Consider a smooth satin finish for easy cleaning.

Clear sealant – To retain a natural metal look, use a clear metal lacquer or sealant. Apply several thin coats allowing drying between coats, lightly sanding between last coats.

Wax – For quick protection on small surfaces, apply paste wax with steel wool, allow to dry, then buff with a dry cloth.

Oil – Wipe metal with a thin coat of mineral oil to prevent rusting and maintain the polished shine.

Choose finishes wisely since refinishing is difficult once stripping work is complete. Proper prep and application helps finishes adhere and last.

Safety Tips

Stripping and refinishing cabinets requires using hazardous chemicals and produces lots of dust. Follow these tips to help make the process safer:

• Work in a well-ventilated area, preferably outdoors
• Point a fan towards the workspace to circulate fumes
• Wear goggles, mask, gloves and coveralls at all times when stripping
• Follow all chemical product label precautions closely
• Avoid contact between chemicals and skin/eyes
• Take breaks from chemical fumes to breathe fresh air
• Wet methods create less dust than sanding
• Clean up dust with wet rags rather than dry sweeping
• Dispose of chemicals safely according to product guidelines

Revitalizing tired metal cabinets does require some risky chemical handling. But taking proper safety precautions minimizes the dangers allowing you to safely transform the old cabinets.

Frequently Asked Questions About Stripping Metal Cabinets

Stripping metal cabinets down to the original bare surface is extremely rewarding but may seem daunting to first-timers. Here are helpful answers to some common questions about the process:

What types of metal cabinetry can be stripped?

Most common metal cabinetry can be stripped including:

• Stainless steel
• Galvanized steel
• Aluminum
• Chrome
• Anodized aluminum
• Copper
• Brass

Avoid using strippers on antique tin or cast iron which can be easily damaged. Talk to a professional first.

What’s the best stripping method for metal cabinets?

Chemical stripping gels are the most effective and quickest method for removing multiple layers of paint, sealant, rust and grime from metal cabinet surfaces. Manual sanding alone takes forever!

How long does stripping metal cabinets take?

The stripping process takes 1-3 days total depending on cabinet size. Plan on:

• Day 1 – Clean and apply chemical stripper
• Day 2 – Scrape, reapply stripper, sand
• Day 3 – Polish, wax and seal

Working in small sections speeds the stripping process and keeps chemicals moist.

Can I strip metal cabinets in place or do they need to be removed?

Metal cabinets can be stripped in place if easy access is available to all sides. For easier access, doors and drawers should be removed. Limited visibility and reach make in-place stripping more difficult.

What’s the best way to contain the mess from stripping cabinets?

Cover the floor and countertops around the cabinets with heavy plastic secured with painter’s tape. Wear gloves, aprons and goggles to protect yourself too. Despite precautions, chemical stripping gels do run and drip, so prep accordingly.

Is stripping metal cabinets a safe DIY project?

Stripping metal cabinetry requires using harsh chemicals and producing dust, so safety precautions are a must. Avoid hazards by wearing protective gear, working in a ventilated area, and closely following product label instructions. Use extreme caution to safely strip metal cabinets yourself.

What supplies do I need to strip metal cabinets?

At minimum, you’ll need chemical paint stripper, a putty knife for scraping, metal polish, steel wool, sandpaper, and liquid degreaser plus all the required safety gear. Quality supplies strip better and protect you from hazards.

Conclusion

Restoring worn and rusted metal cabinets back to a gleaming finish is an extremely rewarding DIY project. The process involves removing years of accumulated gunk, grime and paint to uncover the beautiful metal beneath.

While stripping metal cabinetry takes a significant time commitment and careful attention to safety, the results breathe new life into dated kitchens or bathrooms.

Following the steps outlined in this guide – including proper workspace prep, stripping, polishing and sealing – can transform tired old cabinets into stunning focal points.

What once was covered by chipped paint and grease will become warm, shining metal brimming with character. Just imagine how much joy those renewed metal cabinets will bring.

The satisfaction of stripping cabinets yourself is well worth the effort. So gear up properly and get ready to strip away the past and uncover cherished metal cabinets as good as new!