
- Prepare the metal cabinet for painting. Remove anything that may be in the drawers of the cabinet. Clean the cabinet well with a damp cloth.
- Select the paint you will use on the cabinet. You may choose to use a special spray paint that is made just for painting on metal.
- Remove the drawers from the cabinet. Paint the drawers separately from the cabinet. You may choose to only paint the front of the drawers.
- Place the cabinet outdoors away from other objects. Put something under the cabinet to protect the ground, such as newspaper or a drop cloth.
- Shake the spray paint can and the primer well before applying. Shake the paint can several times as you are applying the paint.
- Prime the cabinet with a color coordinating primer. Apply 1 coat of primer. Allow the primer to dry completely before applying the top coat of paint.
- Apply the top coat of paint. Spray the cabinet holding the can several inches (cm) away from 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 I paint a metal cabinet indoors safely? ...
Can you paint a metal filing cabinet?
The best approach to paint a metal file cabinet is to take out all of the drawers first. After that, sand the old rust off the metal file cabinet and apply rust primer before painting. Finally, a metal file cabinet can be painted using a metal primer spray paint. Filing cabinets are now commonplace in both homes and companies.
What paint to use for painting cabinets?
Urethane Alkyd Satin Enamel (Behr)
- Quality paint at a very low cost
- Great for use with a roller or paint sprayer
- Unlimited color options
- Available at any Home Depot
How to prep cabinets to be painted?
How to prep cabinets for painting
- Remove all the hardware. Step one is to remove the hardware (handles and pulls) from the doors, even if you’re not planning on replacing them.
- Remove the doors and drawer fronts. Number the doors as you remove them. ...
- The best sander to prep cabinets for painting. ...
- Choosing a paint color. ...
- Back to the drawing board to choose a color. ...
How do I paint over painted cabinets?
Tips for painting over painted cabinets
- If there are visible grooves in the cabinet, understand that the paint will not be totally smooth.
- Allow time for your project to take place. ...
- Always clean the cabinets first. ...
- Sand away! ...
- By placing the cabinet on top of something before you paint it, you will be able to paint under it and on the sides so you do not miss anything.

What paint do you use on metal cabinets?
Oil-based paint is going to be the best option for metal cabinets, as latex paint will peel off.
How do you sand and paint metal cabinets?
0:443:17How To Refurbish Steel Kitchen Cupboards - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo the first part of the process is to take your sandpaper. And sand block and sand on all theMoreSo the first part of the process is to take your sandpaper. And sand block and sand on all the covered.
Can metal file cabinets be painted?
Using the Appropriate Paint for metal filing cabinet It is recommended to use a spray paint instead of a brush paint to avoid brush marks. Besides, spray paints are also efficient to secure the surface against rust. While painting, you will have to make sure to use light sprays evenly on the entire metal surface.
Can you sand a metal cabinet?
Did you know you can sand metal? If you like the look of your metal cabinets but they look scratched, faded and worn, you can refinish your metal kitchen cabinets by sanding them to restore their original bright and smooth surface, and then reinstall them without painting them.
Do you have to sand metal cabinets before painting?
Answer: 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.
What is the best paint to use on metal kitchen cabinets?
Oil-based paint will be the best option for metal cabinets, as the latex paint will peel off.
How do you get paint to stick to metal?
InstructionsRemove Old Paint and Rust. Use a wire brush to remove any loose or flaking paint and as much surface rust as possible. ... Scuff Up the Metal. If the metal doesn't have paint on it or it's smooth, take a scuffing pad and rub it along the metal. ... Prime the Metal. ... Apply Paint. ... Allow the Paint to Cure.
Do I need to Prime metal before painting?
Priming is one of the most important steps prior to the application of metal paint. 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.
What is the best paint 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.
How can I make my metal cabinets look good?
Spray paint them with metal paints or textured paints to give them a new look. If the cabinet has drawers or doors, paint each a slightly lighter shade for a fade or ombre look. Swap out boring handles for stylish new hardware, or repaint the old in a new color that contrasts the cabinets.
How do you spruce up old metal cabinets?
To refinish metal kitchen cabinets, start by thoroughly cleaning or sanding the metal. Then use primer, paint and top coat products designed for metal.
How do you paint metal cabinets to 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. And i went over the entire cabinet.
How do you sand a metal filing cabinet?
0:232:25Simple 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.
How can I make my metal cabinets look good?
Spray paint them with metal paints or textured paints to give them a new look. If the cabinet has drawers or doors, paint each a slightly lighter shade for a fade or ombre look. Swap out boring handles for stylish new hardware, or repaint the old in a new color that contrasts the cabinets.
How do you refinish a metal filing cabinet?
0:3811:54Metal Filing Cabinet Makeover | Furniture Flip - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBut i do recommend using a rust-oleum rust spray if you go through the filing cabinet paint throughMoreBut i do recommend using a rust-oleum rust spray if you go through the filing cabinet paint through to the metal. So that you don't have any rust in the future. But mine seemed to be fine.
How can I make my metal file cabinet look better?
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...•
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What is the best paint for metal cabinets?
A spray primer is great for those hard to reach places and can be purchased at any paint or home improvement store. Oil-based paint is going to be the best option for metal cabinets, as latex paint will peel off.
How old should cabinets be to paint?
If your cabinets are more than 30 years old, it is best to wear a painting mask and gloves when handling the cabinet doors to do any work.
How to get rid of lead paint after drying?
After they have dried, if there is any loose paint, gently smooth it away with a cloth or a soft brush. If you are unsure as to whether or not the existing paint contains lead, do not sand the area. It is better to gently scrape the paint off as opposed to creating lead dust.
Choose the Right Paint
Purchase the appropriate supplies for your type of cabinets: solid wood, laminate or metal.
Prepare to Paint Kitchen Cabinets
Painting cabinets will take several days to complete, so plan accordingly. Always wear the appropriate safety gear and open the windows for ventilation. Also, for best results you should remove the doors and drawers and work on them in an area that’s out of the way, like a garage or basement. Make sure you’ll have proper ventilation there too.
Prime Kitchen Cabinets
Applying primer is an important step in the painting process. Primer provides a suitable surface for the paint to stick to and it covers imperfections.
Paint Kitchen Cabinets
Paint can be applied with a brush and roller (DIY-friendly) or a sprayer (advanced). If you'd like to use a paint sprayer, watch this video for tips on getting the perfect finish.
Refinish Cabinet Hardware
If you’re using your old hardware, you can clean it or refinish it with spray paint for a new look. If your hardware simply needs cleaning, see Refinishing and Cleaning Kitchen Cabinets for instructions. If you want to replace your hardware instead, see our Cabinet Hardware Buying Guide for options.
Finish: Reassemble Kitchen Cabinets
Now that your cabinets are painted, consider adding shelf liners. Some liners are decorative and stick to the surface. Others are padded to help protect the surface.
See How Your Neighbor Did It
Don't just take our word for it. Hilary of Embellishments, took on this project in her bathroom and the results are impressive. She'll walk you through her real-life process of painting cabinets.
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.
What is a fresh coat of paint for metal cabinets?
A fresh coat of paint gives new life to vintage metal cabinets. From the mid 1930s to the mid 1960s, metal cabinets for kitchens were popular and stylish. They were believed to keep out unwanted bugs and rodents while giving a fresh, clean appearance to the room. These now-vintage cabinets are sometimes found to be in need ...
How long does it take for a paint roller to dry?
Use a sponge paint roller to apply metal paint primer in long, straight passes. Move horizontally, up and down the cabinet. Allow to dry for up to 12 hours. Paint the cabinet.
What to wear for a construction project?
Wear protective gear, including gloves and a respirator, for the duration of the project. Provide ventilation to the area with open doors or fans.
