Metal kitchen cabinets can add a touch of style and durability to any kitchen. However, over time, metal cabinets can start to show wear and tear in the form of scratches, dents, discoloration, rust, and more. When this happens, someone who works on restoring metal kitchen cabinets can help bring new life back into your kitchen by repairing and refurbishing your existing metal cabinets.
What Does Someone Who Restores Metal Kitchen Cabinets Do?
Someone who works on restoring metal kitchen cabinets performs a variety of services to improve the appearance and functionality of worn or damaged metal kitchen cabinets. Here are some of the key tasks they may perform:
- Inspect cabinets to assess condition and determine what repairs or refinishing is needed
- Remove doors, drawers, and hardware to prepare cabinets for restoration work
- Repair dents, scratches, and other damage using filling/sanding techniques
- Strip old paint or stain to prepare for new finish
- Remove rust and re-seal cabinets to prevent future rusting
- Replace broken hardware like hinges and pulls
- Apply new paint, stain, or other finish
- Install restored doors, drawers, and hardware
- Adjust doors and drawers for proper fit and smooth operation
- Clean and polish cabinets to restore shine
- Educate clients on caring for refinished metal cabinets
In some cases, they may also be able to modify or reconfigure cabinets by adding new shelves, drawers, or other custom elements to improve cabinet functionality. The specific work involved will depend on the condition of the existing cabinets and the client’s desired outcome.
Skills and Knowledge Needed
Restoring metal kitchen cabinets requires certain skills, knowledge, and experience. Here are some of the key requirements for someone who works on restoring metal kitchen cabinets:
- Knowledge of different metal types and finishes used in cabinetry
- Familiarity with metal restoration products, techniques, and processes
- Experience with metal repair methods like dent removal, rust treatment, etc.
- Skill with woodworking tools and materials for cabinet modifications
- Ability to properly prep cabinets for new paint or stain
- Knowledge of painting/refinishing techniques for metal surfaces
- Attention to detail and craftsmanship for quality results
- Good customer service skills to consult with clients
- Physical stamina for working on-site and handling cabinetry
Formal training in metal fabrication, auto body work, construction trades, or furniture repair can be helpful. Hands-on experience restoring metal surfaces like appliances, automobiles, or architectural features is also valuable preparation for working on metal kitchen cabinets. An eye for design is useful when suggesting custom updates to improve cabinet styling.
Process for Restoring Metal Kitchen Cabinets
The process for restoring metal cabinets will vary for each job, but typically involves the following general steps:
Planning and Inspection
- Meet with client to discuss goals and assess current cabinet condition
- Inspect cabinets for damage, wear and tear, rust, etc.
- Discuss repair vs refinishing options and costs with client
- Plan cabinet restoration approach and timeline
Preparation
- Protect work area with drop cloths
- Remove cabinet doors, drawers, and hardware
- Clean cabinet interiors and exteriors
- Lightly sand metal surfaces to prep for painting/refinishing
- Use painter’s tape to mask off areas as needed
- Repair dents, gouges, and other damage
- Treat rusting and re-seal metal to prevent future rust
Refinishing
- Strip any existing paints or finishes if needed
- Apply suitable primer and let dry completely
- Apply new cabinet paint or other finishes in thin, even coats
- Allow proper dry time between coats
- Sand lightly between coats for smooth finish
- Clean and polish finished cabinets
Reassembly and Installation
- Reinstall doors, drawers, and hardware
- Test doors/drawers for proper fit and smooth operation
- Adjust hinges, pulls, etc. as needed
- Touch up any final scratches or imperfections
- Clean up work area thoroughly
Follow Up
- Review care instructions for refinished cabinets with client
- Discuss any customization options for improved style or function
- Provide any additional finishing touches like polishing or sealing
With the right planning and skills, someone who works on restoring metal kitchen cabinets can make old, worn cabinets look brand new and last for years to come. Proper prep work and using durable finishes designed for metal will help ensure long-lasting results.
Tools and Materials Typically Used
Restoring metal kitchen cabinets requires having the right tools, equipment, and materials on hand. Here are some that someone who works on restoring metal kitchen cabinets will typically utilize:
Hand Tools
- Sandpaper (various grits)
- Putty knives
- Paint scrapers
- Dent repair tools
- Wrenches for removing doors/drawers
- Screwdrivers
- Pliers
- Clamps
- Hammers
- Pry bars
Power Tools
- Orbital sanders
- Belt sanders
- Angle grinders
- Drills
- Nail guns
- Air compressors
Chemicals/Materials
- Cleaners and degreasers
- Paint stripper
- Metal primers
- Metal paints and finishes
- Rust removers
- Rust reformer/sealants
- Wood putty or plastic filler
- Painter’s tape
- Rags, tarps, and drop cloths
Having the right combination of manual and power tools makes it easier to perform the various sanding, scraping, removal, repair, and installation tasks involved. Chemical products help prepare and treat the metal surfaces. Quality painting supplies are essential for achieving an even, consistent finish.
Cabinet Refinishing Options
There are a few main options when it comes to refinishing metal kitchen cabinets:
Painting
This involves stripping the old finish, prepping the surface, and applying new paint. Enamel, alkyd, and acrylic paints formulated for metal adhere best. Spray painting usually provides the smoothest finish. Proper priming is essential for good adhesion and preventing imperfections in the new paint.
Staining or Sealing
For a more natural look, metal cabinets can be sanded down to bare metal, then stained with an oil-based metal stain or sealed with a clear coat finish like lacquer. This enhances the grain and patina of the original metal.
Powder Coating
Powder coating involves applying colored plastic powder with an electrostatic spray gun, then baking it to cure and fuse it to the metal. This durable process can create a wider range of color and finish options.
New Metal Overlay
For dramatic updates, new stainless steel, copper, tin or other metal sheets can be overlaid directly onto existing cabinets. This essentially creates a fresh facade while preserving the underlying cabinet structure.
The ideal refinishing method depends on the existing cabinet finish, client budget, and desired aesthetic. A restoration expert can suggest the best option.
Costs for Restoring Metal Kitchen Cabinets
The cost of restoring metal kitchen cabinets can vary considerably based on factors like:
- Size of the kitchen and number of cabinets
- Overall condition of the existing cabinets
- Type of restoration needed – minor touch-ups vs. full refinishing
- Materials and finishes selected – paint, stain, re-facing, etc.
- Geographic location and labor rates
Some typical price ranges:
- Minor repairs and touch-ups – $50 to $500
- Full repainting – $2,000 to $4,500
- Staining or clear coats – $3,000 to $7,000
- Powder coating – $3,000 to $6,000
- New metal overlays – $5,000 to $15,000
Additional costs may apply for replacing hardware, adding organizational features, or electrical/plumbing work involved with cabinet modifications.
Many pros provide free consultations to inspect and estimate the costs for a specific kitchen. Getting multiple estimates is advisable to compare pricing. Consider both the upfront project costs and value added from restored metal cabinets that can last for decades when investing in a quality restoration.
Benefits of Restoring Metal Kitchen Cabinets
Instead of replacing metal kitchen cabinets, restoring them provides many benefits:
Cost savings – Refinishing existing cabinets is 50-75% cheaper than full cabinet replacement.
Retained value – Refaced metal cabinets retain more resale value for homeowners vs. brand new low-cost cabinets.
Sustainability – Restoration reuses existing materials vs. discarding for new cabinets. It’s the green choice.
Customization – The restoration process allows for upgraded storage options and style changes.
Faster project timeline – Refinishing cabinets takes less time than full cabinet installs.
Enhanced aesthetics – Beautifully restored metal cabinets give the kitchen an updated, high-end look.
Improved durability – New finishes repair damage and protect cabinets from future wear.
Restored vintage metal cabinets also maintain the unique character and craftsmanship that new stock cabinets cannot replicate. With proper care, restored metal cabinets can serve a kitchen well for several more decades.
How to Care for Refinished Metal Cabinets
To help refinished metal cabinets maintain their refreshed look, homeowners should follow these care tips:
- Use soft microfiber cloths to gently clean cabinets. Avoid abrasive scrubbing.
- Wash cabinets with mild soap and warm water only. Avoid harsh cleaners.
- Immediately dry any water or liquid spills on cabinets.
- Re-seal exterior cabinet surfaces annually to protect from moisture damage.
- Use cutting boards to protect cabinet interiors from utensil scratches and dings.
- Check for signs of new dents, chips, or rust and touch up as needed.
- Tighten cabinet hardware as needed to prevent sagging and alignment issues.
- Consider having cabinets professionally detailed/polished every 2-3 years.
- Touch up paint and finish scratches as soon as they appear to prevent chips from spreading.
- Avoid exposing cabinets to direct sunlight or moisture as much as possible.
With proper care and maintenance, restored metal kitchen cabinets should maintain their renewed look and function for many years before needing another restoration.
Typical Background and Qualifications
What type of background and qualifications does a good professional metal kitchen cabinet restorer typically have?
- Hands-on training as a painters, finish carpenter, autobody repairer, metal fabricator, or similar trades.
- 1-3 years experience specifically restoring metal surfaces like appliances, furniture, architectural features, automobiles, etc.
- Knowledge of metals like steel, stainless steel, aluminum, tin, copper, and applying appropriate finishes.
- Experience using metal restoration chemical products for rust removal, prep, priming, and prevention.
- Skill with relevant power tools like sanders, compressors, HVLP spray systems.
- Artistic skill with color matching, paint mixing, and achieving flawless painted finishes.
- Knowledge of appropriate safety protocols for metal restoration chemical products.
- Attention to detail and ability to meet perfectionist quality standards.
- Positive client communication skills.
- Physically fit and able to lift, carry, and maneuver heavy cabinetry.
- Training certificates from a technical college or vocation programs are a plus.
While restoration experience is most important, formal training shows a professional level of knowledge. Look for evidence of continuing education to keep skills current. Check reviews and referrals to confirm stellar past metal cabinet restoration results.
Key Questions to Ask When Hiring
Restoring metal kitchen cabinets is an investment, so homeowners should ask the right questions upfront to find the best professional.
What is your experience with refinishing metal cabinets specifically?
Look for at least 1-3 years focused on metal finishes, not just general painting experience. Ask about specific kitchen cabinet projects in their portfolio.
Do you have training credentials related to metal finishing?
Formal training shows professional-level knowledge. Look for any relevant certificates or vocational coursework.
What is the complete process you use to restore metal cabinets?
A thorough step-by-step overview of their process will tell you how meticulous they are. Look for details like proper sanding, cleaning, priming, painting, sealing, etc.
How do you prep and apply finishes for the longest durability?
Proper prep and industrial-grade finishes made for metal are key. They should highlight products made for commercial kitchens.
Can you match existing cabinet finish colors and sheen perfectly?
Make sure they have experience color-matching existing finishes and adjusting sheen levels like satin, matte, gloss, etc.
Do you modify cabinets for improved functionality?
Upgrading storage with new drawer inserts, shelves, and other improvements should be an option.
What ongoing cabinet care do you recommend?
Choose someone who provides thorough clean-up, maintenance, and touch-up instructions for properly caring for refinished metal cabinets.
Asking the right questions helps confirm expertise in the nuances of metal cabinet restoration. Check websites and social media for examples of their previous work.
Signs It’s Time for a Refinish
How do you know when your metal kitchen cabinets are due for a restoration? Here are some key signs:
- Visible scratches, chips, or dents that are catching your eye
- Rust spots or oxidation forming on the cabinet surfaces
- Corrosion, pits, or flaking on the metal hardware parts
- Cracks, bubbles, or peeling in the existing paint or finish
- Discoloration or yellowing of the cabinet color and finish
- Grease build-up and darkening near cooking areas
- Sagging doors that no longer align properly due to loose hinges
- Warping or structural issues like split wood on cabinet boxes or frames
- Outdated color palette, hardware, or style that feels worn-out
If your cabinets show any combination of these issues, then a professional restoration is likely warranted to get them looking pristine again. Addressing problems early before they accelerate deterioration can help retain more of the original cabinet structure.
Set up a free consultation with an experienced metal cabinet pro to assess your cabinets in person. They can review which repairs and refinishing processes will get your cabinets back into tip-top functional and aesthetic shape.
Is Refinishing Worth the Investment?
Given the costs involved, is restoring metal kitchen cabinets really worth the time and money instead of just replacing them? In most cases, yes – refinishing metal cabinets is an incredibly worthwhile investment!
The biggest factor is cost savings. Replacing even a small kitchen’s worth of cabinets can easily cost $5,000-15,000. Refinishing existing quality metal cabinets costs a fraction in comparison. And you recoup more future resale value with refinished original cabinets vs. new budget replacements.
The process allows you to update the cabinet style dramatically through refacing, new hardware or custom inserts without removing the existing cabinet structure and layout. Changing cabinet configurations can mean expensive new countertops and plumbing work.
Refinishing is better for the environment since you don’t have to discard and replace cabinets unnecessarily. It restores and preserves the materials and natural resources used in existing cabinet construction. That sustainability saves you money as well.
Lastly, nothing replicates the quality, durability, and character of real antique and vintage metal kitchen cabinets. They were built to last lifetimes and are worth restoring. With modern finishes and some upgrades, restored metal cabinets provide a stunning focal point for your kitchen that brand new stock cabinets simply cannot match.
The bottom line – proper metal kitchen cabinet restoration pays off with big rewards for an affordable investment.
Hiring Professional vs. DIY Refinishing
Can you save money by refinishing metal cabinets yourself instead of hiring a professional? In some cases, but DIY refinishing has some distinct disadvantages:
- Learning curve – There are complex steps to metal prep, paint mixing, spraying, etc. Mistakes can be costly.
- Time investment – The process takes days or weeks even for small kitchens. Is your time worth the savings?
- Quality results – Achieving a flawless professional-level finish takes experience and skill that takes trial and error to develop.
- Safety issues – Many metal refinishing products require protective gear and ventilation.
- Proper tools – You may need to heavily invest in quality equipment to get contractor-grade results.
- Ongoing maintenance – DIY repairs may not hold up as well over time compared to commercial cabinet finishes.
While minor repairs can potentially be a DIY job, the risks and frustrations often outweigh the cost savings. Consider hiring a professional for the initial restoration, then performing upkeep touch-ups yourself.
Ultimately, the value of restoring metal kitchen cabinets lies in the decades of renewed life quality professional refinishing brings. In the long run, the upfront investment in an expert cabinet restoration pays dividends over time and retains value in your home. Do the job right the first time and your beautiful metal cabinets will last for many years down the road.
Signs of a Reputable Metal Cabinet Restoration Company
So how can you identify reputable professionals for refinishing metal kitchen cabinets in your area? Look for these key signs:
- Strong reviews – Check online reviews and testimonials from past clients on services.
- Photo galleries – Look for detailed project galleries showcasing successful metal cabinet transformations.
- Established business – Longer time in business, especially locally, typically signifies seasoned experience.
- Specialization – Seek companies focusing specifically on cabinet refinishing over general contractors.
- Prompt contact – They should respond to inquiries promptly and be readily available to schedule estimates.
- Knowledgeable – During consultations, they should offer insightful ideas and solutions tailored to your needs.
- Explains the full process – From planning to finished results, every step should be outlined.
- Quality products – They should use industry-leading finishing products designed for durability.
- Certified and insured – Licensure and insurance helps protect you