Can You Paint a Metal Medicine Cabinet?
Painting a metal medicine cabinet can completely transform the look of your bathroom. With some preparation and the right materials, you can easily paint a metal medicine cabinet yourself. Here is a detailed guide on how to paint a metal medicine cabinet.
Introduction
Painting a drab, outdated metal medicine cabinet is an inexpensive way to give your bathroom a fresh new look. Painting the cabinet allows you to change the color easily whenever you want to update the look of your bathroom. It also allows you to match the cabinet to your existing decor or a new color scheme.
Painting a metal medicine cabinet is a relatively easy DIY project that can be completed in a weekend. With proper preparation and paint suited for metal surfaces, you can paint your metal medicine cabinet and give it a beautiful, smooth finish.
Can You Paint a Metal Medicine Cabinet?
Yes, you can paint a metal medicine cabinet. Metal medicine cabinets are typically made from steel, aluminum, or tin. While these metals have a protective coating, they can be painted over successfully.
Paint adheres well to smooth metal surfaces like tin or aluminum. Rougher steel surfaces may require extra preparation and primer. With proper prep work and paints made for metal, a metal medicine cabinet can be painted by a DIYer in a weekend.
How to Prepare a Metal Medicine Cabinet for Painting
Proper preparation is key to achieving an evenly painted surface on your metal medicine cabinet. Here are the steps to prepare a metal medicine cabinet for painting:
Clean the Surface
Wash the cabinet thoroughly with a degreaser or TSP substitute to remove any dirt, oil, or soap scum. Rinse it thoroughly and let it dry completely.
Lightly Sand the Metal
Use 220-grit sandpaper to scuff up the surface lightly. This helps the paint adhere better.
Clean and Dry it Again
Wipe the cabinet with a tack cloth to remove any dust from sanding. Let it dry completely before priming.
Remove Door and Shelves
Take out all removable parts like doors, shelves, and mirrors from the cabinet and clean and sand them separately before painting.
Fill Any Holes or Dents
Use spackle or metal filler compound to fill any holes, dents or imperfections in the surface. Sand smooth after drying.
Use Primer
After thorough cleaning and sanding, apply a coat of metal primer to the cabinet. Allow it to dry completely before painting.
Choosing the Right Paint for a Metal Medicine Cabinet
Picking the right type of paint ensures proper adhesion and a smooth, lasting finish on a metal medicine cabinet:
- Enamel paint – Enamel paints are formulated for smooth, hard surfaces like metal and provide a glossy, durable finish.
- Acrylic latex paint – For a metal cabinet in a bathroom’s humid environment, choose an exterior acrylic latex paint. It resists moisture damage.
- Oil-based paint – Alkyd enamel paint sticks very well to metal. It provides a harder finish than latex acrylics.
- Rust-resistant paint – For steel medicine cabinets, use a rust-inhibiting primer and paint formulated for metal.
- Spray paint – For small metal medicine cabinets, spray paint comes in specific metal finishes and provides a smooth coat.
Always check the paint label to ensure it is intended for use on metal surfaces.
How to Paint a Metal Medicine Cabinet
Once your prep work is complete, painting a metal medicine cabinet using brushes, rollers or sprayers is straightforward:
1. Apply Primer
Use a brush to apply a coat of metal primer allowing complete coverage on the surface of the stripped cabinet. Allow to dry fully.
2. Lightly Sand the Primer
Use 220 grit sandpaper to scuff up the primer coat slightly. This helps the paint adhere to the primer.
3. Apply First Coat of Paint
Use a brush or roller to apply the first coat of paint. Work in sections and maintain a wet edge to prevent lap marks and brush marks.
4. Allow to Dry
Let the first coat dry fully before applying a second coat. Check manufacturer’s drying time recommendations.
5. Apply Second Paint Coat
Apply the second coat of paint in the same direction as the first coat. Allow to dry fully before reinstalling doors and shelves.
6. Reinstall Doors and Shelves
Once the paint has cured fully according to manufacturer specifications, reinstall cabinet doors, shelves, and mirrors.
Tips for Successfully Painting a Metal Medicine Cabinet
- Lightly sand glossy metal cabinets for paint to adhere properly.
- Always paint doors and cabinet box separately for easier painting access.
- Use a high-quality primer suited for metal before painting.
- Allow proper drying time between coats as specified by the paint manufacturer.
- Spray paint applies easily for smaller metal medicine cabinets.
- Maintain clean paint lines by masking off adjacent surfaces with painter’s tape.
- Work in a dust-free area and allow proper ventilation while painting.
How Long Does the Painted Finish Last?
With proper surface prep and quality paint suited for metal, the painted finish on your medicine cabinet can last for many years. Latex and enamel paints form a durable bond with metal surfaces that resists chipping and peeling.
To extend the life of the finish, gently clean the cabinet with mild soap and water. Avoid abrasive cleaners. Apply a fresh coat of paint periodically when you notice fading or wear to preserve the painted metal cabinet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular wall paint on a metal medicine cabinet?
No, regular wall paint does not adhere well to bare metal surfaces. Always use heavy-duty paints formulated specifically for metal when painting a metal medicine cabinet.
Do I need to use primer on the metal before painting?
Yes, primer helps the paint stick to the slick metal surface better. Always apply at least one coat of metal primer before painting.
How do I get rid of rust on the cabinet before painting?
For light rust, sand thoroughly before priming. For heavy rust, use a rust removal chemical solution before sanding and priming the surface.
What kind of paint sprayer is best for medicine cabinets?
HVLP (high volume, low pressure) paint sprayers work very well for painting metal medicine cabinets. They are designed for shooting thinner paints.
What sheen of paint is best for a metal medicine cabinet?
Satin or semi-gloss enamel paints give nice finished looks for medicine cabinets. Gloss paint could look too shiny on a cabinet surface.
Conclusion
Painting a metal medicine cabinet allows you to easily and affordably change the look of your bathroom. With some simple preparation to rough up and clean the surface, even DIYers can paint a metal cabinet. Using heavy-duty paints designed for metal ensures the paint sticks and lasts. Follow the proper steps to prepare, prime and paint the cabinet and doors for a durable, beautiful finish. Paying attention to details like proper drying times and recoating will allow you to achieve great results painting your metal medicine cabinet.
