Metal Kitchen Cabinets: 4 Easy Steps to Repainting Your Existing Metal Cabinets

Repainting your metal cabinets, if they are in excellent condition, is a great way to save money and create a new look for your kitchen. While the project is labor intensive, it can be very rewarding. Before deciding to tackle the painting project, take a look at the helpful hints and tips below to get you started.

 

Before jumping headlong into a metal cabinet repainting project, take a good look at your kitchen cabinetry. Are they in great shape? Are the dented and rusted? It is important to know what you have to work with before you begin investing time, energy and money into a remodel that may end up looking worse at the end than it does before you begin. 

 

After you have determined that the cabinets are in great shape and can be repainted, remove all the doors and hardware. Some older metal cabinets come with pre-molded handles that cannot be removed. If that is the case, they will, most likely, look better if they are painted the same color as the kitchen cabinet door. 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. Old, lead-based paint may have been used originally, and if you are creating chips and flakes while unscrewing the doors from the frames, you should protect yourself from such dust and debris. Keep track of all the screws and hardware so that it is easy to replace them after the cabinets are completed.

 

Having a smooth surface to work on when painting is very important. Wipe down the metal cabinets with soap and water to remove any debris. Be sure to rinse thoroughly and allow them to dry completely before moving on to the next step. 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. 

 

Always prime the metal first, so that the paint adhers evenly and smoothly. 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. If you have questions about the type of paint to purchase or the difference from one brand to the next, ask for help at the paint desk. They will be able to guide you to the right metal cabinet painting products that you need for the job.

 

Take your time painting your metal cabinets. You will most likely need to apply two coats of paint over a high-quality coat of primer. Use slow, even roller or brush strokes for the best coverage and results. Repainting your metal cabinets may take awhile, but your kitchen will look brand new when the transformation is complete.