Introduction
Kitchen cabinets can really make or break the look of your kitchen. Over time, even high-quality metal cabinets can start to look worn and dated. Fortunately, there are many easy and budget-friendly ways to update metal kitchen cabinets without a full replacement. With some creativity and elbow grease, you can give your kitchen cabinets a fresh new look.
Prep the Cabinets
Before making any cosmetic changes, take time to clean the cabinets thoroughly and make any needed repairs. Remove doors and drawers to clean built-up grease and grime. Fix any broken hinges or slides. Fill small dents and scratches with wood filler and sand smooth. Ensuring your cabinets are structurally sound before updating will help your new look last.
Fresh Coat of Paint
Painting metal kitchen cabinets is an easy and affordable way to transform the look of your kitchen. To start, remove the doors and drawers and clean thoroughly. Lightly sand to rough up the surface and ensure paint adheres. Apply 2-3 thin coats of cabinet-specific paint, allowing proper drying time between coats. For a sleek look, opt for a neutral color like white, gray, or black. For a pop of color, consider a deep green, navy, or crimson shade. Be sure to use paint specifically formulated for metal cabinets.
Change the Hardware
Replacing kitchen cabinet hardware is a simple way to update the look with minimal effort. Swapping out tired old handles and knobs for new ones can give cabinets a more modern or traditional look. Matte black hardware is trendy and contemporary, while brass finishes offer a more traditional vibe. Make sure to measure existing holes carefully so new hardware fits properly. Changing all visible hardware to match provides a cohesive updated look.
Add Molding and Trim
Moldings and trim serve both form and function in a kitchen. Adding crown molding across the top of upper cabinets finishes the space and makes the ceiling appear higher. Decorative trim and panels on cabinet fronts add architectural detail. Carefully measure and cut molding pieces to fit your cabinetry footprint. Use construction adhesive and nails to adhere trim pieces securely. Caulk gaps for a seamless look and prime and paint trim to match cabinets.
Update with New Doors
For a more dramatic update, consider replacing existing cabinet doors. New slab cabinet doors can modernize the look instantly. Opt for simple Shaker-style doors or doors with a recessed panel for a traditional appearance. Doors with decorative glass inserts also provide an updated look while allowing light to filter into the space. Ensure new doors fit properly before removing old ones. Watch for interference points with existing drawer fronts when changing door style.
Change the Layout
For a functional facelift, updating the layout of your cabinets can make the kitchen more ergonomic. Consider moving upper cabinets to new locations to open the space. Removing upper cabinetry over the sink window provides an airier feel. Changing lower cabinets to drawer-style provides easier access. Adjusting cabinet locations to better suit workflows in the kitchen creates a more user-friendly space. Just be sure alterations do not impact plumbing or electrical.
Add Interior Lighting
Installing interior lighting inside cabinets creates both form and function. Puck lights, strip lighting or LED tape lights installed on the upper interior back edge of cabinets provide task lighting when doors open. Ambient under-cabinet lighting or above-cabinet lighting fills the space with a soft glow. Hardwired and battery-operated options are available. Just be sure to follow electrical codes and manufacturer guidelines when installing cabinet lighting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most cost-effective ways to update metal kitchen cabinets?
Some budget-friendly ways to update metal cabinets include repainting, adding new hardware like knobs and pulls, installing new doors or interior lighting, and changing the layout. These simple cosmetic changes provide an affordable kitchen facelift.
What type of paint should be used on metal kitchen cabinets?
Specialized cabinet paint is formulated to adhere to slick surfaces like metal and laminate. Paints like Rust-Oleum Cabinet Transformations are specifically made for resurfacing cabinets without intensive prep. Always opt for paint made for metal cabinets rather than standard wall paint.
Can you paint over existing cabinet finishes?
In most cases, it is possible to apply new paint over existing cabinet finishes, including metal, laminate, and wood surfaces. Proper prep is key – clean thoroughly, lightly sand, and apply primer before painting for best adhesion. Opt for paint formulated specifically for kitchen cabinets when repainting.
What kind of molding is best for finishing kitchen cabinets?
Trim pieces made of wood, PVC or polyurethane work well for finishing kitchen cabinetry. Wood crown molding and decorative trim add a built-in custom look. Vinyl products resist humidity and hold up well in kitchens. Look for trim pieces with profiles made specifically for cabinetry for the best fit.
Should new cabinet doors be fitted before removing old ones?
It’s smart to test fit any new replacement cabinet doors before permanently removing existing doors. Check that new doors open, close and align properly on cabinets before detaching old doors. Look for potential interference points with drawers and neighboring doors to prevent issues down the road.
Conclusion
Updating tired metal kitchen cabinets doesn’t have to involve a full remodel. Simple weekend DIY projects like adding a fresh coat of paint, new hardware or lighting can make cabinets look brand new again. More extensive upgrades like new doors, molding and layout changes take a bit more work but still revive the look affordably. With some creativity and effort, you can give your outdated metal cabinets a much-needed facelift.