The best way to paint a metal file cabinet is to remove the drawers before anything else. Next, remove old rust from the metal file cabinet by using sandpaper and applying rust primer before painting. Finally, you can use a metal primer spray paint to paint a metal file cabinet.
Full Answer
What kind of paint do you use on a metal file cabinet?
PAINT. Open your can of Rust-Oleum Satin Finish Furniture Paint in Carbon and give it a good stir. Then, pour a small amount into a paint tray, load up the foam roller and begin to paint the outside frame of the filing cabinet. Once the first coat is dry, apply an additional second coat to achieve an even finish.
How do you refurbish a metal file cabinet?
0:322:25Simple DIY File Cabinet Makeover! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipStart by removing the handle from the filing. Cabinet. Using sandpaper sand the entire surface ofMoreStart by removing the handle from the filing. Cabinet. Using sandpaper sand the entire surface of the filing cabinet the purpose of this is to D cloth and remove any pre-existing scuffs.
Do I need to sand a filing cabinet before painting?
Prepare the Filing Cabinet that need to paint. This is the second and the most important step in the process of painting your metal cabinet. It involves using a distinct sandpaper (220 or 320-grit) over the surface of your filing cabinet to smoothen it out.
How do you sand a metal filing cabinet?
1:1411:54Metal Filing Cabinet Makeover | Furniture Flip - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd i scuff sanded the entire piece so that the primer and paint have some adhesion. Once that wasMoreAnd i scuff sanded the entire piece so that the primer and paint have some adhesion. Once that was all scuff sanded i cleaned it with crud cutter. And that sort of removed the rest of the stuff.
What paints to use on metal?
Oil-based paint is typically seen as the gold standard when it comes to covering metal surfaces and items. That's because oil-based paints tend to adhere better to metal, offering a more long-lasting coat of color or finish.
Can you paint a metal filing cabinet with chalk paint?
One of the questions I frequently receive is, Can you use homemade chalk paint on metal? The answer is a big YES! – Chalk paint works beautifully on metal.
What kind of primer should I use on metal?
While a water-based primer is not to be applied on metal surfaces, other primer options such as rust-inhibiting primers, galvanized primers, and iron oxide primers are more suitable options. Applying the primer immediately after surface preparation can help keep away flash rusting or dust accumulation.
How do you paint metal storage cabinets?
You can paint your metal cabinets, but you would first want to clean them with an industrial cleaner to remove any kitchen grease and particulates. Then sand with 220- or 400-grit sandpaper followed by the application of a metal primer. Then you can finish with a coat of acrylic latex paint.
How do you make an old filing cabinet look new?
Here are 14 brilliant file cabinet decorating ideas recommended by teachers.Spruce it up with chalkboard paint. ... Cover it with wallpaper. ... Brighten it up with contact paper. ... Apply stickers. ... Slap on duct tape. ... Transform it with spray paint. ... Stick some magnets on it. ... Who knew ceiling tiles could be this cool?More items...•
How do you get rust off of a metal filing cabinet?
Lemon juice and salt can help gently remove the rust. If the rust is on the cabinet door, remove it from the cabinet to make this option easier. Sprinkle salt on the rust and squeeze fresh lemon juice onto the salt. Give the mixture a few hours to work, then scrub it and wipe away the remaining juice and salt.
How do you clean old metal filing cabinets?
It's easy on the painted or enameled metal surface and is effective at removing most of the mess. Use mild dish detergent mixed with warm water to help remove grease, dirt and other grime. Wash the cabinets using a soft sponge or cloth dipped into the soapy water. Work from the top of the cabinets down to the bottom.
How do you paint rusted metal cabinets?
However, badly rusted metal areas need more prep work and possibly a special primer. Start with a wire brush (Photo 1). Scrub partially rusted metal areas with a wire brush to remove flakes and powdery surface rust, then prime with a rust-inhibitive primer. Once done, you can paint over rust.
How do you make an old filing cabinet look new?
Here are 14 brilliant file cabinet decorating ideas recommended by teachers.Spruce it up with chalkboard paint. ... Cover it with wallpaper. ... Brighten it up with contact paper. ... Apply stickers. ... Slap on duct tape. ... Transform it with spray paint. ... Stick some magnets on it. ... Who knew ceiling tiles could be this cool?More items...•
How do you clean old metal filing cabinets?
It's easy on the painted or enameled metal surface and is effective at removing most of the mess. Use mild dish detergent mixed with warm water to help remove grease, dirt and other grime. Wash the cabinets using a soft sponge or cloth dipped into the soapy water. Work from the top of the cabinets down to the bottom.
How do you cover metal cabinets?
Paint. Applying a coat of paint is one of the easiest ways to disguise an ugly metal filing cabinet. Instead of a bland gray, beige or even black, paint allows you to choose virtually any color in the rainbow for your cabinet.
How do you make a metal file cabinet look like wood?
2:2111:38Diy Metal Cabinet Makeover/Thrift Flip/High End Metal Cabinet MakeoverYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFor the main part of it i used a thick chalk brush. Again you can get this at your home improvement.MoreFor the main part of it i used a thick chalk brush. Again you can get this at your home improvement. Store or i'll try to leave it in my amazon. Store.
How to spray paint a cabinet?
Depress the trigger on the spray can and “paint” three inches of air until the spray contacts the surface, then go past the end of the cabinet and let go of the trigger. Start moving your hand in the opposite direction before depressing the trigger again, then make your pass across the cabinet and let off of the trigger again. It is an on/off, left to right, right to left motion that does the perfect job.
How to make a mask for a filing cabinet?
1. Prepare Your Space. Find the mask that fits you best. First, make sure you have laid down some old fabric or drop cloths to protect the floor. Also, make sure you are painting the filing cabinet in a well-ventilated room, as you will be using aerosol-based spray paint.
How to prevent rust on metal?
Use the Right Paint. As with the primer, opt for a spray paint formulated for use on metal, since these will help prevent rust. Make sure you spray in light, even coats and purchase enough paint for the job.
Do you need to prime metal before painting?
Use Primer Only if You Need It. You will need a primer only so the new paint sticks to the metal—therefore, you need only prime any bare metal spots. You can choose to apply primer before you paint, or choose a paint that already has primer mixed in.
Can you paint a metal filing cabinet?
Don't let an old metal filing cabinet get in your way of creating more storage space in your home or office because it doesn't match your decor. You can easily re-paint a filing cabinet to match your room.
How to get paint off a cabinet?
Allow the cabinet time to dry. Use fine sandpaper and go over the cabinet to remove any loose paint or rust. Sanding will help the new paint to stick better. If the cabinet drawer lock is sticking and not opening, you may have to pick it open. See How to Pick a Filing Cabinet Lock for help.
What happens if you paint a cabinet too thick?
If you get the paint too thick, it will run down the side of the cabinet. Read the paint can to see the appropriate amount of time to allow the paint to dry. When the paint is completely dry, return the cabinet drawers. Move your cabinet back indoors.
Can you paint drawers separately?
Paint the drawers separately from the cabinet. You may choose to only paint the front of the drawers. Decide if you want to paint the handles. If not, you will need to either remove them or cover them with painter's tape.
Can you paint an old metal cabinet?
Once painted, an old metal cabinet can look brand new. You may choose to paint your old metal cabinet, rather than throwing it out, and you will need to follow a few basic steps to paint a metal cabinet for yourself.
Can you paint corners with painters tape?
You probably would want to take them down so as not to get paint on your walls, but if you cover the corners with painters tape, it should work.
Is it safe to paint outside?
It is preferable to do so outdoors, as paint fumes can be toxic, depending on the type of paint you intend to use. With proper ventilation, though, there shouldn't be any real issue.
Can you use spray paint on metal?
You may choose to use a special spray paint that is made just for painting on metal. Purchase a primer for metals that prevents rust. Purchase the kind of paint and the new color you would like for your cabinet. Read the label on the paint can to determine how much spray paint you need to buy.
How to protect a file cabinet?
1. Protect Your Floor. To get started, put some drop cloth or old newspaper down and place the file cabinet on top of it so that your floor is protected . You’ll want to do this even if you’re in the garage or out in the backyard. Be sure that the area you are in is well-ventilated to be safe.
What to do after filing cabinet is on top of newspaper?
After the file cabinet is on top of the drop cloth or old newspaper, remove all of the drawer handles and any other type of hardware, and just set them aside for later.
Why do you need to primer metal?
Additionally, the primer is a very important step because it helps the paint stick better and remain in good shape for years to come. It also helps those pesky rust spots from coming back in the future.
Can you paint a file cabinet after finishing?
After you’re finished with the metal file cabinet itself, you can go to the drawers and do the same thing to them. You can even paint or decorate the entire cabinet afterward to make it more decorative if you like.
Can you spray paint a rusty file cabinet?
Once the metal file cabinet is cleaned, dried, sanded, and the spots have been pretreated with a rust primer, you can go ahead and spray-paint the entire cabinet with a metal primer. These metal primer are super easy to find at hardware and home-improvement stores. You can even buy them online.
Can you use a rusty file cabinet?
In fact, you don’t even have to use the file cabinet for that purpose if you don’t want to. Refurbished file cabinets make great decorative end tables and shelves, and you can make them as basic or as fancy as you like. Even file cabinets that are rusty can be renovated into something beautiful if you know how to do it.
Is it hard to make an old file cabinet look new?
Taking an old file cabinet and making it look new isn’t difficult because it is not complicated. The supplies are inexpensive as well, so it won’t cost a fortune for you to get a beautiful metal file cabinet once the job is complete.
How many coats of paint do I need to paint a file cabinet?
Start painting! The picture below is midway through the painting process. I did 3 coats of paint for both the base and drawers plus a few touchups. The color of the file cabinet and the paint will dictate the number of coats you need.
What are decorative items in a file cabinet?
Decorative items for the file cabinet (i.e., fabric, magnets, photos, etc.).
