Repainting metal cabinets can breathe new life into an outdated kitchen or bathroom. With the right kind of paint and proper preparation, you can easily transform the look of your metal cabinets. Choosing the ideal paint ensures a smooth, durable finish that will hold up for years to come. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about repainting metal cabinets, from surface preparation to topcoat application. Follow these tips and techniques for stunning results.
Cleaning and Prepping Metal Cabinets for Painting
Proper preparation is crucial for a quality paint job on metal cabinets. Any grease, grime, or residue left on the surface will impede paint adhesion. Follow these steps to ensure your cabinets are clean and ready for fresh paint:
Supplies Needed
- Trisodium phosphate (TSP) cleaner
- Dish soap
- Clean rags
- Painters tape
- Drop cloths
- Sandpaper (150-220 grit)
- Tack cloth
- Primer
- Paint
- Foam roller (for smooth surfaces)
- Angled trim brush (for edges and hard to reach areas)
- Paint tray
Instructions
- Empty out the cabinets and remove doors and drawers. Remove all hardware like knobs and hinges.
- Wash the cabinet boxes, doors, drawer fronts and any trim pieces with a TSP solution to remove grease and oils. Scrub with a sponge or brush and rinse clean.
- Wipe down all surfaces with a rag dampened with dish soap and water. Rinse thoroughly.
- Allow the cabinets to fully dry before moving onto sanding.
- Lightly sand the metal with fine grit (150-220) sandpaper to rough up the surface for better paint adhesion.
- Wipe away all sanding dust with a tack cloth. Make sure no residue remains.
- Tape off any nearby surfaces you don’t want painted. Place drop cloths on the floor.
- Apply a high quality primer formulated for metal. Allow to fully dry per the manufacturer’s directions before painting.
Thorough cleaning and proper prep removes any barriers between the paint and metal surface. Sanding provides “tooth” for the paint to grip. Priming seals the metal surface and improves topcoat adhesion. Now your cabinets are ready for a fresh new paint job!
Choosing the Right Kind of Paint for Metal Cabinets
Not all paints are created equal when it comes to metal surfaces. The right formula will adhere tightly and provide a durable, resilient finish:
Oil-Based Alkyd Enamel
Traditional oil-based enamel paints provide a hard, glossy finish that resists chipping, scratching, and yellowing. The high pigment load allows deep, rich color development. Oil enamel dries slowly with a very hard finish that can be tricky to apply without visible brush strokes. Proper ventilation is a must due to strong odor and VOC off-gassing.
Acrylic Latex Enamel
Water-based acrylic latex enamel paints combine the durability of oil with easier soap and water clean up. Latex enamels feature excellent adhesion, hardness, and scratch/stain resistance. Quick-drying with very low odor and VOC emissions. Available in various sheens from matte to high gloss.
Epoxy Enamel
Two-part epoxy paints offer extremely tough, chemical and heat resistant finishes. Epoxy enamels contain a resin and a hardener that must be precisely mixed before applying. Levels itself very smoothly. Provides a thick, protective coating for heavy-use and industrial surfaces. Long drying time and limited color options.
Urethane Alkyd Enamel
Urethane fortified alkyd enamels deliver ultra hard, glass-like finishes with superior flow and leveling. Combines the toughness of urethane with traditional oil-based enamel. Excellent abrasion resistance. Available in satin, semi-gloss or gloss sheens.
Rust-Oleum High Performance Enamel
Specifically designed for use on metal surfaces, Rust-Oleum High Performance enamel offers excellent rust prevention, chip resistance and color retention. Oil-based formula provides a smooth, durable finish and dries much faster than traditional enamels. Comes in satin, semi-gloss and gloss.
For most DIYers, acrylic latex and urethane alkyd enamel paints provide the best combination of easy application with a durable, scratch-resistant finish. Always choose exterior grade paints for increased hardness and durability, even for indoor cabinet projects.
Preparing and Priming Metal Cabinets
Primer plays a vital role in preparing metal surfaces for topcoat paint. It blocks stains, provides corrosion resistance, and improves paint adhesion. For best results, follow these tips:
Choose the Right Primer for Metal
Look for these characteristics when selecting a primer specifically made for metal:
- Rust-inhibitive – Contains anti-corrosion additives to prevent rust. Essential for steel cabinets.
- Etch primer – Chemically etches the metal surface to bond tightly with paint. Better for smooth metal.
- Stain-blocking – Prevents stains from bleeding through finished paint. Ideal for covering dark cabinets in light colors.
- Fast-drying – Speeds up time between coats. Look for primers that can be recoated in under an hour.
- Sandable – Can be lightly sanded to ensure a perfectly smooth finish. Allows fixing any drips or runs.
Oil-based primers offer the best adhesion and durability on metal, but latex-based primers work well also. For rusty metal, a coating of rust converter may be needed before priming.
Proper Primer Application
- Make sure metal surfaces are clean, dry and properly prepped before priming.
- Apply primer in thin, even coats using a high-quality brush or foam roller.
- Allow primer to fully dry per manufacturer’s directions before applying paint.
- Lightly sand primer with fine 220 grit sandpaper to create an ultra-smooth finish.
- Carefully wipe away all dust with a tack cloth before painting.
Applying primer properly ensures it fully seals and prepares the metal surface to accept new paint. Always read the product directions carefully for drying times and sanding instructions.
Step-By-Step Guide for Painting Metal Cabinets
Follow these steps for flawless results painting your kitchen or bathroom cabinets:
1. Choose Paint Finish and Sheen
Select durable enamel paint in your desired finish:
- Oil-based – Hard, glossy finish but requires careful application
- Acrylic latex – More forgiveness in application with easy soap and water cleanup
- Alkyd urethane – Combines toughness of alkyd with urethane for ultra hardness
For cabinet interiors, consider a metal-suitable all-surface acrylic paint.
Pick a sheen:
- Gloss – Durable, shiny finish. Shows imperfections.
- Satin – Soft glow with moderate durability. Masks flaws well.
- Semi-gloss – Shiny but not overly glossy. Withstands cleaning and scrubbing.
- Matte – Velvety flat finish. Prone to scuffing on cabinets.
Satin, semi-gloss, and gloss enamel paints all work well for cabinet exteriors.
2. Gather Supplies
- Paint trays, rollers, brushes
- Paint tape, drop cloths
- Sandpaper, tack cloth
- Enamel paint and primer
- Mineral spirits for oil-based paint cleanup
- Rags, paint thinner, stir sticks
3. Prepare Cabinets
Follow all metal preparation steps outlined above:
- Clean boxes, doors, and hardware thoroughly
- Lightly sand to rough up surface
- Remove dust
- Prime cabinets fully before painting
4. Paint Cabinet Boxes and Interior Surfaces
- For inside cabinet surfaces, use a short nap roller or nylon/polyester brush.
- Apply in thin, even coats using overlapping strokes.
- Allow to dry fully between coats. Lightly sand then wipe away dust if needed.
- Apply at least 2-3 coats for complete coverage and durability.
5. Paint Cabinet Doors and Drawer Fronts
- Work on one drawer or door at a time.
- Use an angled sash brush to cut in around edges and hard to reach spots.
- Quickly fill in the center area with smooth strokes using a quality foam roller.
- Apply paint top to bottom in a “W” or zigzag motion to ensure even coverage.
- Allow paint to dry fully between coats, sanding lightly if necessary.
- Apply at least 2-3 coats for a glassy smooth finish.
6. Reinstall Hardware and Rehang Doors
- Wait at least 2-3 days after final paint coat before reinstalling hardware.
- Pre-drill new screw holes to avoid cracking paint.
- Touch up paint around screw holes if needed.
- Clean cabinets with a soft cloth only. Avoid harsh cleaners.
With patience and proper techniques, your outdated metal cabinets will look factory-fresh in their beautiful new paint. Enjoy your updated kitchen or bathroom!
Common Questions about Painting Metal Cabinets
Still have some unanswered questions about repainting metal cabinets? Here are helpful answers to some frequently asked questions:
What kind of paint adheres best to metal cabinets?
Enamel paints, both oil and water-based, provide the toughest, most durable finish on metal surfaces. Opt for interior/exterior grade for hardness. Etch primers further enhance metal adhesion.
What precautions should I take when painting metal cabinets?
Work in a well-ventilated area and take steps to protect nearby surfaces. Allow sufficient drying time between coats. Some metal paints require up to 2 weeks curing before use. Use appropriate PPE gear like gloves and goggles.
Should I remove old paint before repainting metal cabinets?
If paint is adhered tightly with no flaking or blistering, you can paint over it after proper prep. For peeling paint, fully remove old coatings with paint stripper before repainting.
How do I achieve a smooth finish when painting metal cabinets?
Proper prep and priming ensures a smooth base. Applying thin coats of paint with light sanding between allows an ultra-smooth finish. Use high quality microfiber mini rollers and angled sash paintbrushes.
What sheen is best for painting kitchen cabinets?
A satin or semi-gloss enamel provides a subtle shine that is easy to clean and hides surface imperfections well. Gloss shows more flaws while matte finishes scuff more easily.
How long does it take for painted metal cabinets to cure?
Oil-based enamel may take up to 2 weeks to fully harden and cure. Quick dry acrylic and urethane enamels cure in 2-3 days. Do not scrape, slam or scrub freshly painted cabinets until fully cured.
Can I use a paint sprayer to paint metal cabinets?
Yes, HVLP spray systems allow applying thin, even coats of paint for a seamless finish. Spray painting requires tenting off the entire area and extensive prep. Brushing and rolling provides adequate results for DIYers.
What mistakes should I avoid when painting metal cabinets?
Rushing preparation steps like cleaning and priming can lead to peeling or chipping paint later on. Applying paint too thickly results in drips and impair drying time. Allowing insufficient dry time between coats or replacing hardware too soon can also ruin the paint job.
Transform Your Cabinets with a Fresh Coat of Paint
With this complete guide, you have all the information needed to successfully repaint metal kitchen or bathroom cabinets. Investing some time in proper cleaning, priming, and prep work will ensure your painted finish comes out smooth and durable. Use high quality oil or water-based enamel paired with the right application tools. Avoid common mistakes like insufficient drying time. With a little patience, you can easily give outdated metal cabinets an amazing makeover. Enjoy your updated space!