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Refinishing metal kitchen cabinets can be a great way to update the look of your kitchen without spending a lot of money. Here are some steps to help you refinish your metal kitchen cabinets:
1. Remove all the cabinet doors and hardware.
2. Clean the cabinets thoroughly to remove any grease or dirt.
3. Sand the cabinets to create a smooth surface for painting.
4. Apply a primer to the cabinets to help the paint adhere.
5. Paint the cabinets with a metal-friendly paint in the color of your choice.
6. Let the cabinets dry completely before reattaching the doors and hardware.
By following these steps, you can give your metal kitchen cabinets a fresh new look that will enhance the overall appearance of your kitchen.
To restore metal kitchen cabinets, you can follow the same process as refinishing wooden cabinets, but using products specifically designed for metal. This typically involves painting the cabinets, but you can also sand heavily scratched metal to restore its smooth and shiny appearance.
Cleaning and Preparing the Metal
Start by removing all drawer pulls, doorknobs, and external hinges from the cabinets. Then, clean the metal thoroughly with liquid dish soap to remove any grease. Rinse off the soap residue with a damp cloth and dry it with another cloth. The metal surface should be completely smooth to ensure proper adhesion of paint or adhesive.
Inspect the cabinets for any pits, dents, or signs of corrosion. Small areas of rust can be removed with a commercial rust remover and steel wool, but severely damaged metal pieces may need to be replaced entirely.
If the metal was previously painted and the paint is chipping off, you can sand it to create a smooth surface. Alternatively, you can use a paint stripper to remove the old paint. Take precautions when working with a paint stripper, such as working in a well-ventilated area, wearing a respirator, eye protection, and gloves.
Optional: Sanding the Metal
If you want to maintain the natural look of your metal cabinets but they have scratches, fading, or wear, you can restore them by sanding the surface. This will bring back the original brightness and smoothness. If you plan to paint the cabinets, sanding can also help to hide any existing scratches. Cleaning the metal before sanding is not necessary.
For best results, use an electric sander with 80-grit sandpaper, then switch to 220-grit sandpaper. Protect yourself from metal shavings by wearing appropriate safety gear, such as a respiratory mask and safety goggles. After sanding, wipe away any remaining metal particles with a damp rag.
Restoring Metal Kitchen Cabinets
One of the easiest ways to restore metal kitchen cabinets is by using spray paint. The spray will settle into small scratches without creating a thick and heavy appearance. If you prefer not to use spray paint, you can choose a brush-on option. In either case, make sure to ventilate your kitchen or workspace by opening windows and using a fan.
If you decide to use spray paint, protect the surrounding area by covering it with newspaper. Start with a primer specifically designed for metal surfaces. Follow the instructions on the product regarding drying time. Apply the first coat of your chosen color after the primer has dried, and let it dry for the recommended time. Repeat with additional coats until you achieve the desired color depth.
To complete the process, apply a transparent protective finish. Due to the constant opening and closing, kitchen cabinets are prone to wear and tear. Applying a clear top coat will help prolong the lifespan of the paint by absorbing most of the damage, thereby preventing chipping. After the top coat has dried, reassemble the cabinets and attach the handles.
