Painting metal cabinets can transform the look of your kitchen or bathroom. With the right type of paint, you can give dated cabinets a fresh, modern look. But not all paints adhere well to metal surfaces. Choosing the best paint ensures a smooth, durable finish that will last for years.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Metal Cabinet Paint
Several factors go into selecting the ideal paint for metal cabinets:
Paint Type
- Oil-based paint – Adheres well to slick surfaces like metal. Provides a hard, durable finish. However, oil-based paints contain VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and require mineral spirits for cleanup.
- Latex paint – Lower in VOCs than oil-based. Requires less toxic cleanup with soap and water. Not as durable for metal as oil-based, but newer latex formulations adhere better than old latex paints.
- Enamel paint – Available in oil or latex formulas. Provides a glossy, scratch-resistant finish. Oil-based enamel is ideal for metal cabinets.
- Epoxy paint – A two-part paint that chemically bonds to metal. Extremely tough and long-lasting. Best for heavily used metal cabinets.
Sheen Level
- Glossy – High shine creates a sleek, reflective surface. Enhances the metallic look. Shows imperfections.
- Satin – Subtle sheen with a smooth finish. Minimizes flaws. Easy to clean.
- Matte – No shine. Hides imperfections well. Harder to keep clean.
Color
- Neutral colors like black, white, gray and beige work well for a classic, timeless look.
- Bright colors make a bold statement. Reds, blues, greens and yellows hold up well on metal.
- Metallic paints highlight the natural metallic surface. Silver, gold, copper and bronze are popular choices.
Preparing Metal Cabinets for Painting
Proper prep work ensures paint adheres properly to metal:
- Remove cabinet doors and hardware. Clean surfaces with a degreasing agent like TSP.
- Sand thoroughly with 120-150 grit sandpaper to rough up the surface. Wipe away dust.
- Apply a metal primer before painting. This helps the paint stick.
- For best results, opt for a primer made specifically for metal, such as Rust-Oleum’s Clean Metal Primer.
Top Paint Options for Metal Cabinets
Here are some of the best paints for metal cabinet surfaces:
Oil-Based Enamel
- Rust-Oleum Professional High Performance Enamel – Ideal for cabinets, doors and trim. Glossy finish resists marring, chipping and fading.
- Benjamin Moore Impervex – Extremely durable oil gloss enamel. Withstands cleaning and scrubbing.
- Sherwin-Williams ProClassic Interior Enamel – Water-based for low VOCs. Flows out smoothly. Hard, scratch-resistant finish.
Epoxy Paint
- Rust-Oleum Cabinet Transformations Kit – Contains epoxy-based paint, primer and applicators. Forms durable finish that resists moisture, stains and UV damage.
- Krylon Fusion All-in-One – Single component epoxy paint. Applies easily with a brush, roller or sprayer.
- Valspar Cabinet Enamel Kit – Two-part epoxy paint kit provides professional quality results. Withstands frequent use and cleaning.
Latex Cabinet Paint
- Behr Premium Cabinet and Trim Interior Paint – Water-based acrylic-alkyd paint. Forms hard, protective finish. Low odor and VOCs.
- PPG Break-Through Interior Paint – 100% acrylic latex specifically designed for painting cabinets. Bonds tightly to slick surfaces.
- Benjamin Moore Advance – Combines advantages of oil and latex paints. Resistant finish with easy soap and water cleanup.
Painting Tips for Metal Cabinets
Follow these tips for a smooth, professional-looking painted finish:
- Lightly sand metal between coats to ensure proper adhesion.
- Apply at least two coats of paint for best coverage and durability.
- Use a high-quality brush for trimmed areas. Mini rollers work well for flat surfaces.
- Maintain a wet edge and avoid overlapping roller marks for smooth results.
- Work in sections for large cabinet sets. Paint doors separately from cabinet boxes.
- Allow proper dry time between coats as recommended by manufacturer.
- Finish with a protective clear coat for added durability and stain resistance.
Maintaining Painted Metal Cabinets
With proper care, quality metal cabinet paint can last 5 years or longer:
- Allow paint to cure fully before regular use, around 2 weeks.
- Hand wash painted surfaces using mild soap and water. Avoid abrasive cleaners.
- Reapply clear coat sealant every 1-2 years.
- Touch up any nicks or scratches promptly with matching paint.
- Clean spills quickly to avoid stains.
- Consider removing doors seasonally for deep cleaning.
Painting metal cabinets allows you to refresh your kitchen or bath on a budget. With oil-based enamel, epoxy or a high-quality latex paint and proper prep and application, you can achieve a durable, professional finish that makes outdated cabinets look brand new.
Frequently Asked Questions About Painting Metal Cabinets
What type of paint do you use on metal cabinets?
For metal cabinets, oil-based enamel, epoxy paint, or a high-quality latex paint formulated specifically for painting metal provides the best adhesion and most durable finish.
Does latex paint stick to metal cabinets?
Latex paint can adhere well to metal cabinets if the surface is properly prepped and primed first. Opt for a 100% acrylic latex paint made specifically for use on metal and cabinets. The newer latex paint formulations bond better than older latex paints.
How do you prepare metal cabinets for painting?
Proper preparation is key for paint to adhere well to metal. Remove doors and hardware, then clean and sand the surfaces thoroughly to rough them up. Wipe away all dust, then apply a metal primer before painting.
Should you use primer on metal cabinets?
Yes, metal primer helps paint adhere properly to slick metal surfaces. It provides extra grip for the topcoat paint. For best results, use a primer formulated specifically for metal.
Can you use rustoleum spray paint on cabinets?
Yes, Rust-Oleum makes several spray paints suitable for metal cabinets, including their Cabinet Transformations paint kit. For easiest application on cabinet boxes, opt for Rust-Oleum’s Painter’s Touch 2x Ultra Cover paint + primer spray paint.
What sheen is best for painting cabinets?
A satin sheen is ideal for most cabinet paint jobs. It resists staining and hides imperfections well, while providing a smooth, subtle sheen. Glossy paint enhances the metallic look but shows flaws. Matte paint hides imperfections but is harder to keep clean.