Old metal cabinets can give your home a charming, vintage look. However, over time they may start to show their age through fading, scratches, or rust. Thankfully, there are many creative ways to give tired metal cabinets new life with simple DIY updates.
Clean and Remove Rust from Old Metal Cabinets
Before applying any new paint or finish, it’s important to properly clean and prepare the metal cabinets. This ensures the new finish will properly adhere and last. Follow these steps:
- Remove cabinet doors and hardware. Set aside and clean separately later.
- Use a degreaser or tsp substitute cleaner with warm water and scrub with a firm bristle brush to remove built-up grime and grease. Rinse thoroughly.
- For spot rust removal, use a rust converter or naval jelly to change rust into an inert protective coating that can be top coated.
- For heavier rust, use sandpaper or a wire brush to scrape off loose rust. Wipe clean.
- Clean inside cabinets with a multipurpose cleaner and rinse. Allow time to fully dry before replacing shelves or drawers.
Proper cleaning and rust removal allow for the new finish to stick better and prevent further rust from forming under the new finish.
Refresh with New Paint
Painting metal cabinets is an easy and affordable way to give them a facelift. Follow these tips:
Remove Doors and Hardware
Remove doors, drawers, and all hardware prior to painting. Clean hinges if possible before reinstalling. This allows for easier access to paint the entirety of cabinet frames and doors.
Thoroughly Clean Surfaces
Ensure all surfaces are free of dirt, grease, rust, and chipped paint before painting. Proper prep prevents the new paint from chipping or peeling later.
Sand Lightly
Lightly sand metal cabinet surfaces with 220 grit sandpaper to rough up the surface for better paint adhesion. Clean away all sanding residue.
Prime Properly
Use a bonding primer formulated for metal before painting to ensure maximum adhesion of the new topcoat. Allow primer to fully dry per manufacturer’s instructions before painting.
Choose the Right Paint
Use a semigloss or gloss oil-based enamel paint for a smooth, durable finish. Latex paints may not adhere as well.
Apply in Thin Coats
Thin coats of paint applied with a good quality brush will go on smoothly and evenly. Allow proper drying time between coats.
Replace Hardware
Once fully cured, replace all hardware, doors, and drawers. The refreshed paint gives cabinets a brand new look.
Stain or Seal for a Natural Look
For those wishing to maintain the natural metal look, consider these options:
Stain
Penetrating stains are ideal for aging metal to give it an antique, rustic look while providing protection. Wipe or brush on and wipe away excess. Multiple coats may be needed for desired look.
Tung Oil
Pure tung oil penetrates deeply to naturally waterproof and prevent rust while maintaining the natural sheen of metal. Apply several thin coats allowing time to cure between each.
Clear Coat
A clear polyurethane or lacquer sprayed or brushed over cleaned metal will add protection with a transparent glossy or satin sheen. Fully cure between coats and reattach hardware.
Wax
Apply wax with a soft cloth after cleaning metal cabinets to protect the surface and lightly darken and unify the look. Reapply wax regularly for ongoing protection.
For a natural metal look, stains, oils, clear coats and wax bring out the beauty in the metal while stopping rust in its tracks.
Add New Hardware
Replacing outdated hardware provides an instant facelift. Some easy hardware updates include:
- Knobs or Pulls – Install new knobs or pulls in a polished metal like brass, chrome, nickel, or iron for an updated look.
- Hidden Hinges – Concealed hinges remove visible hinge hardware for a streamlined look.
- Undermount Slides – Drawer slides that mount underneath the drawer keep lines smooth and modern.
Take cabinet style and placement into account when selecting new hardware. Install all new hardware at once for a cohesive finished look.
Replace Doors and Drawers
For more significant refreshes, replacing old doors and drawers can fully transform the look of metal cabinets, such as:
New Metal Doors
Install new ready-made metal doors in stainless steel, copper, tin, or aluminum for a contemporary vibe. Some companies even make custom metal doors.
Wood Doors
Wood doors like oak, maple, or cedar cover up worn metal fronts while contributing warmth and texture. Stain or paint to match cabinet frames.
Glass Doors
Glass panel doors open up metal wall cabinets visually. Frosted, etched or colored glass options available to match décor.
Shaker Style Doors
Classic shaker style doors in wood or painted metal mesh well with metal cabinet boxes for a soothing blend of materials.
Drawer Replacement
For worn or damaged drawers, install new drawers made of wood, bamboo, or even sleek acrylic for a modern transparent look.
With some creative thinking, metal cabinets can be easily adapted to work in any décor by switching up door and drawer fronts.
Add Trim Pieces
Sometimes small additions make a noticeable difference in elevating kitchen cabinets:
Crown Molding
Crown molding installed across the top of wall cabinets adds architecture. Use decorative wood or foam molding and paint to match.
Bun Feet
Bun feet screwed into the bottom of base cabinet frames add lifted style. Opt for tapered, round, or square feet in finishes like antique brass.
Decorative End Panels
End panels cover side cabinet frame edges for a built-in custom look. Use reclaimed wood, patterned metal, or beadboard.
Shelf Molding
Add ledges or decorative trim strips under cabinet shelves to give base cabinets more detail. Paint molding to match.
With simple trim additions, it’s possible to transform the look of old metal cabinets for very little investment. Get creative with trims in different shapes, sizes and materials.
Add New Shelves and Organizers
Beyond surface upgrades, adding new handy storage accessories revitalizes old metal cabinets:
Pull Out Shelves
Install pull out shelves or tray dividers in base and wall cabinets to access items in the back. Helpful for storing cookware and pantry goods.
Spice Racks
Mounted inside cabinet doors, spinning spice racks keep spices organized and easily accessible while freeing up shelf space.
Tiered Shelving
Split standard shelves into two or three sections of different heights to store more items in the same space. Great for plates.
Drawer Dividers
Small metal dividers organize cooking utensils or office supplies neatly in drawers. Customizable to needs.
Door Racks
Pots, pans, and lids can be stored on the back of cabinet doors to get them off shelves and maximize interior storage.
With smarter storage additions, it’s simple to boost storage capacity and access in outdated metal cabinets.
Add Colorful Backsplashes
An eye-catching backsplash offers the perfect accent pop of color to balance plain metal cabinets. Consider these colorful backsplash ideas:
- Handmade Subway Tile – Subway tiles in glossy bright hues like cobalt blue, fresh greens, or bold yellows liven up walls.
- Geometric Tile Patterns – Graphic mosaic tiles in contrasting colors create visual interest behind sinks or ranges.
- Metallic Tile – Penney-sized mirror, copper, or stainless steel mosaic tiles deliver glamorous shine and reflection.
- Recycled Glass Tile – Eclectic recycled glass tiles use old bottles and dishes for an environmentally friendly mosaic.
- Peel-and-Stick Tile – Peel-and-stick backsplash panels with colorful designs offer easy application and removal.
- Painted – Use specialty paint pens to create your own custom mural or geometric design on a painted backsplash area.
Backsplashes provide the perfect opportunity to infuse color, sheen, and creativity beside dated metal cabinets. Have fun designing patterns or scenes.
Add New Lighting Fixtures
Improved lighting paired with metal cabinets lends a glamorous, sophisticated look. Consider these lighting updates:
Under Cabinet Lights
Attached underneath wall cabinets, LED strip lighting illuminates countertops and work zones beautifully.
Sconces
Mount decorative sconces or pendant lights on side walls or above cabinets to provide ambient and task lighting.
Cabinet Interior Lights
Battery-operated LED lights inside cabinets illuminate contents and recapture wasted space.
Glass Cabinet Doors
For glass-front cabinet doors, LED cabinet light bars to highlight and enhance displayed collections.
Complementary lighting reflects off metallics and makes kitchen tasks easier and clearer. LEDs use minimum energy for maximum brightness.
Repurpose and Display
Instead of hiding away pretty dishes and collectibles, repurpose metal cabinets to show off treasured items:
- Plate Display Shelving – Install glass-fronted shelving to create visible plate collections inside wall cabinets.
- China Cabinet – Remove cabinet doors to expose shelves, transforming a metal cabinet into an open china hutch.
- Glassware Display – Turn a base cabinet into a glassware display case by replacing doors with glass and adding interior lighting.
- Bookshelves – Remove doors and place wooden shelves inside metal cabinets to display books, photos, and accessories.
- Wine Rack – Remove interior cabinet shelves and install a metal wine rack insert to store wine bottles sideways.
With some clever modifications, outdated metal cabinets become beautiful display cases rather than just utilitarian storage.
Add Stylish Vent Covers
Exposed venting from stoves and microwaves detracts from high-end kitchen styling. Dress up necessary vents with one of these attractive options:
Metal Grilles and Covers
Ornate bronze, brass, nickel, or chrome register covers and grilles mask venting in style.
Wood Cover Boxes
Simple wooden cover boxes surround ductwork subtly and can be painted any color to coordinate with cabinets.
Marble or Stone
Elegant marble or granite slabs shaped to fit around vents add luxury. Great for range vents.
Matching Tile
Tile matching or complementing the backsplash camouflages range vents for a seamless look.
Recessed Vents
Recessed ventilation panels sink into walls or sit behind cabinets to hide ductwork.
With the right coverings, kitchen vents and hoods blend right into the background behind dazzling metal cabinets.
Add Cabinet panels
Simple cabinet panels attached to the front of cabinets create a built-in, custom look:
- Beadboard Panels – Classic white beadboard adds cottage-chic style as a cabinet front.
- Wooden Crates – Old wooden crates screwed into place make trendy rustic paneling.
- Metal Sheeting – Corrugated or rusted tin sheeting achieves industrial style.
- Removable Wallpaper – Self-adhesive wallpaper transforms plain cabinet fronts for a patterned look.
- Frame Mounted Fabric – Stretch fabric inside mounted frames for a soft, tufted cabinet cover.
Depending on the mounting method, many cabinet panel options can be changed out seasonally or when redecorating. Have fun getting creative!
Questions and Answers About Updating Metal Cabinets
How can I make my old metal cabinets look more modern?
Some easy ways to modernize metal cabinets include installing new sleek hardware like bar pulls or hidden hinges, replacing doors and drawers with updated materials like wood or glass, adding discreet undermount lighting, and complementing with backsplashes in contemporary materials like glass or metal tile.
What type of paint is best for refinishing metal cabinets?
An oil-based enamel paint formulated especially for metal provides the most durable, long-lasting finish on metal cabinets. Opt for semigloss or gloss sheens for easy cleaning and a subtle shine. Sherwin Williams ProClassic Metal & Wood Enamel is a great option.
Should I prime metal cabinets before painting?
Yes, it’s highly recommended to use a dedicated metal primer to ensure maximum adhesion before repainting metal cabinets. The primer coats fill in pores and create a surface that the new paint can grab onto. Popular metal primers include Rust-Oleum Clean Metal Primer and Krylon Stops Rust Protective Enamel.
How do I restore the shine to old metal cabinets?
To restore the natural shine and luster to worn metal cabinets, use a good metal polish like Brasso or Nevrdull. Clean the surface thoroughly first, then buff a small amount of polish over the metal using a soft, lint-free cloth. Avoid greasy polishes. Frequent polishing maintains shine.
What’s the easiest way to upgrade metal kitchen cabinets?
One of the simplest ways to upgrade metal kitchen cabinets is by replacing visible hardware like knobs and hinges. New brushed brass or black metal hardware immediately modernizes the look. Painting the metal cabinets is another fast and affordable option to refresh the color.
Can I DIY refinishing metal cabinets or do I need a professional?
With some time and elbow grease, metal cabinets can absolutely be refinished as a DIY project by an experienced do-it-yourselfer. The key steps of thorough cleaning, sanding, priming, and painting metal cabinets does not require professional expertise, just patience. That said, pros may be preferred for more complex upgrades like installing new doors or drawers.
Conclusion
Old metal cabinets still have plenty of life left with the right updates and transformations. Whether you paint, polish, add trim, improve storage, update lighting or show off collectibles, metal cabinets can be refreshed to suit any style. Use these creative ideas to reimagine and upgrade outdated metal cabinets affordably. With a little imagination, even old metal cabinets take on a brand new look and function.