What Type of Paint for Metal Cabinets: A Detailed Guide

Painting metal cabinets can transform the look of your kitchen or bathroom. With the right type of paint and proper prep work, you can achieve a smooth, durable finish. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the painting process, from choosing the best paint for metal cabinets to applying and finishing tips. We’ll cover everything you need to know to get professional-looking results.

Introduction

Metal kitchen cabinets were extremely popular in the 1950s-1970s. While many homeowners have replaced metal cabinets with wood, composite materials or modern metal finishes, others have kept the vintage look. Painting metal cabinets allows you to revive dingy finishes while creating any color palette you desire.

With proper prep work and painting technique, almost any type of metal cabinet can be updated with a fresh coat of paint. The key is using paints formulated for metal that delivers maximum adhesion. We’ll outline the different types of metal paints and provide tips for choosing the right product.

Proper painting technique is also essential for a smooth, durable finish. Surface prep, priming, painting and sealing steps are covered in detail later in this guide. Follow our steps to avoid common mistakes like brush marks, peeling paint or rust issues down the road.

By the end, you’ll have all the knowledge needed to paint metal cabinets like a pro! Let’s start by looking at how to choose the right type of paint.

Choosing the Best Paint for Metal Cabinets

Painting metal requires specially formulated paints that deliver strong adhesion. Failure to use metal-appropriate paint can lead to chipping, cracking or peeling. When choosing paint for metal cabinets, you generally have four options:

Oil-Based Enamel

Oil-based enamel paint provides a glossy, durable finish on metal surfaces. Enamel paints contain varnishes that create a hard protective layer when dry. The oil base offers superior metal adhesion over other paint types.

Oil-based enamel is ideal for achieving a smooth, professional-grade finish on cabinets. It levels nicely to hide brush marks. The glossy finish is also easy to clean. Oil enamel paints contain VOCs, so proper ventilation is a must during application.

Popular brands like Rust-Oleum, Krylon and INSL-X offer oil-based enamels in a wide range of sheens and colors.

Alkyd Enamel

Alkyd enamel paints offer similar performance to oil-based at lower VOCs. Alkyds use synthetic resins blended with oil for better adhesion and durability. They dry faster than traditional oil enamels.

Alkyds work well for painting metal cabinets, providing a hard finish that resists chipping, fading and yellowing. They’re available in semi-gloss or high gloss sheens. Cleanup requires mineral spirits.

Benjamin Moore’s Impervex and Sherwin-Williams ProClassic Alkyd Enamel are quality alkyd options.

Acrylic Latex Paint

For a low-odor, water-based option, acrylic latex paints for metal are available. Latex paints contain acrylic resins suspended in water rather than petroleum-based solvents. They produce less fume odors compared to enamels.

100% acrylic formulas offer better adhesion and durability than cheaper latex blends. Primer provides added insurance for sturdy bonding on metal. Consideracrylics for indoor cabinets away from moisture. Enamels are better suited for high-traffic kitchens or bathrooms.

Quality acrylic paints for metal include Rust-Oleum Cabinet Transformations and Valspar Cabinet Enamel.

Epoxy Paint

For the most heavy-duty finish, two-part epoxy paints provide superior durability and chemical resistance. Epoxies contain resins and hardeners that bond to metal for a protective, ceramic-like coating.

Specialty epoxy paints like Sherwin-Williams Tile Clad II provide exceptional adhesion and abrasion resistance ideal for metal cabinets. After proper priming, the extremely durable finish resists chipping, moisture and prevents rust.

Epoxies require precise mixing and have a short window for application before drying. They contain solvents during application. Acrylic epoxies like Rust-Oleum’s Universal are lower odor options.

For most cabinet painting projects, oil-based enamels or alkyd paints provide the best value. Epoxies are overkill for basic kitchen or bathroom cabinets. 100% acrylic latex paints work for less demanding applications.

Now that you know the main paint categories, let’s look at specific factors to consider when choosing the best paint for your metal cabinet project.

Paint Adhesion

Adhesion refers to how well paint bonds to the metal surface. Some paint types naturally adhere better than others. Oil-based enamels and epoxies provide the best grip.

However, using a good metal primer before applying any paint gives an extra layer of adhesion. Effective priming is covered later in the surface prep section.

Durability

Paints for metal cabinets need to hold up to regular use without chipping, scratching, fading or wearing away. Oil-based and alkyd enamels offer the best durability thanks to tough acrylic resins and binders.

Latex and epoxy paints can also be very durable with proper prep and application. High-quality acrylics approach oil-based paints in toughness when applied over primer.

Ease of Application

The type of paint impacts the ease and learning curve of application. Enamels have a longer drying time that allows paint to level out and hide brush strokes. Latex acrylics dry faster, making blending more difficult.

Epoxies require precise mixing and limited working time before drying. Oil-based enamels offer the best workability for DIY application. Proper brushing technique also helps any paint apply smoothly.

Color Options

Oil-based and alkyd enamel paints offer the widest range of color choices. Standard colors like white, black, greys and almond are readily available. Custom tinting lets you match any specific color needed for your kitchen or bath design.

Epoxy options are more limited to industrial tones like glossy white or machine grey. Latex acrylics also come in fewer sheen and color choices compared to enamels.

Cost

Oil-based and alkyd enamel paints provide the best value for everyday cabinet painting. Quality brands cost approximately $25-50 per quart. Latex acrylics have a similar price range.

Epoxies can run $50-100+ per kit. While extremely durable, the adhesion benefits often aren’t needed for indoor kitchen or bathroom applications.

Now that you know what to look for when choosing metal paints, let’s summarize the best options:

• Best Overall: Oil-Based Enamel – Hard, glossy finish; Wide color selection; Good adhesion
• Best Low-Odor: Alkyd Enamel – Minimal VOCs; Hard, durable finish
• Best Value: Latex Acrylic – Water-based; Lower fumes; Good durability
• Best Durability: Epoxy – Extreme adhesion; Highly chemical resistant

Prep work, priming and good application technique allow any quality paint to adhere well. For most homeowners, oil or alkyd enamel offers ideal performance without the specialty epoxy cost.

Prep Work – Cleaning and Sanding Metal Cabinets

Proper prep work ensures paint adheres well to metal surfaces. Your cabinets need to be free of grease, wax and other residues for the best paint bonding. Light sanding also helps paint grip.

Here are the key steps to prep metal cabinets for painting:

Cleaning

Give metal cabinets a thorough cleaning before sanding or priming:

• Remove doors/drawers – Makes cleaning easier and faster.
• Degrease surfaces – Wipe all areas with liquid deglosser or TSP substitute cleaner. Rinse thoroughly.
• Remove loose paint – Scrape off any peeling areas with a paint scraper. Sand smooth.
• Clean handles/hardware – Remove built-up grime with TSP or all-purpose cleaner.
• Clean inside of cabinets – Remove shelving, wash with mild detergent and rinse well.

Proper cleaning removes contaminants that could interfere with paint adhesion. Let all surfaces dry completely before sanding or priming.

Sanding

After cleaning, sanding creates a rough profile for the primer and paint to adhere to. Here are key tips for sanding metal cabinets:

• Use 150-220 grit sandpaper – Coarse enough to scuff the surface without removing metal.
• Hand sand in direction of metal grain – Helps camouflage any imperfections.
• Avoid stripping paint to bare metal – Paint adheres best over existing layers.
• Sand glossy areas thoroughly – Deglosser alone doesn’t provide enough tooth.
• Sand inside of cabinet boxes – Sides, bottom and interior doors need abraded too.
• Rinse well after sanding – Remove all dust particles before priming.

Thorough sanding prepares the surface for primer and provides the tooth for a long-lasting paint bond.

Priming Metal Cabinets

Quality metal primer provides extra insurance that your topcoat paint sticks well. Primers seal the surface while providing a uniform base layer for painting.

These are the benefits of priming metal cabinets before painting:

• Enhances paint adhesion
• Seals porous metal
• Hides surface imperfections
• Prevents tannin stains on cabinets

Using the same brand primer as your topcoat paint allows the products to work together as a system. Follow manufacturer recommendations for drying times between coats.

For best results, use an oil or shellac-based primer:

• Oil-based – Provides excellent penetration and sealing of metal. Adheres strongly to slick metal surfaces.
• Shellac-based – Great for covering stains and knots on metal. Also adheres well to glossy or shiny surfaces.

After cleaning and sanding, apply the primer according to manufacturer instructions. Use a quality brush and roll thin, even coats. Let the primer dry completely before painting.

The investment of time and money on proper prep work pays off with longer-lasting paint results. Now let’s look at tips for the painting process.

Painting Metal Cabinets

With the right materials and prep work complete, you’re ready to apply cabinet paint. Follow these tips for getting a smooth factory-like finish:

Painting Steps

Follow a systematic painting order for best results:

1. Doors/Drawer Fronts – Most visible surfaces so start here.
2. Cabinet Frames – Use painters tape for clean lines along walls.
3. Inside of Cabinets – Paint back, bottom and sides.
4. Hardware – Remove to paint separately or cover when painting cabinets.

Take doors and drawer fronts off the cabinets to make painting easier. Set them on sawhorses to spray or brush paint.

Brush vs. Roller vs. Spray

Brushing enamel paint allows you to smooth out brush strokes as you go. Use high-quality natural bristle or nylon/polyester brushes. Maintain a wet edge and gently blend as you go.

Rolling works well for cabinet sides and interiors. Choose short-nap microfiber sleeves for smooth metal. Roll gently to avoid bubbling.

Spraying provides the most seamless finish, but requires tenting off your workspace. Use an airless sprayer to apply thin, even coats. Practice your technique first.

HVLP sprayers also provide a professional finish with finer mist and less overspray. More time-consuming than airless but worth the final results.

Dry Times

Follow manufacturer recommendations for dry time between coats – usually 24 hours. Cooler temps or higher humidity extends dry times. Rushing recoats can ruin paint.

Use a dry film thickness gauge to check if primer and paint coats are fully cured before recoating. Test several areas on the cabinet to ensure proper film build.

Applying paint too soon leads to unsightly wrinkling. Patience leads to an enduring finish!

Topcoat Paint Tips

Apply two or three thin topcoats for best results, sanding lightly between coats. Other topcoat tips:

• Maintain wet edge while brushing – Avoid lap marks.

-Brush/roll with the grain – Helps hide any brush strokes.

• Inspect from all angles – Touch up any missed spots, droughts or sags.
• Check adhesion after 48 hours – Scratch test in an inconspicuous area.

Proper painting technique leads to a durable, resilient finish able to withstand years of use.

Sealing and Protecting Painted Cabinets

For added protection of your freshly painted cabinets, applying a clear topcoat sealant is recommended:

Polyurethane

Oil-based polyurethane provides the toughest protective barrier. Two coats allow your cabinet paint to cure fully before applying the protective final layer. Use a high-quality natural bristle brush.

Water-based polycrylic is a low odor option but less durable than traditional polyurethane.

Tough Clear Coats

Specialty finishes like Benjamin Moore’s Advance Waterborne Alkyd Enamel or General Finishes High Performance provide extra protection. These clear coats offer more durability than standard polyurethanes.

Topcoat sealants prevent paint from yellowing and provide added resistance to moisture, grease and daily wear and tear.

Mistakes to Avoid When Painting Metal Cabinets

While metal cabinet paint projects are very doable for DIY’ers, there are some common mistakes to avoid:

• choosing the wrong paint – Sticking with quality oil, alkyd or acrylic paints formulated for metal prevents adhesion issues down the road.
• inadequate cleaning – Any residual grease, wax or oils will block paint bonding to the metal surface.
• insufficient sanding – Glossy metal surfaces need thorough sanding for paint to grip. Don’t rely on liquid deglosser alone.
• skipping the primer – Oil-based metal primer is cheap assurance paint sticks well. Don’t skip this important step.
• painting too soon – Rushing topcoats when the primer or previous coat isn’t fully dry leads to chipped or wrinkled paint. Allow proper dry times.
• poor spray technique – Spray painting requires an experienced hand to avoid drips, thin spots or excessive paint buildup.
• no protective topcoat – Adding a layer of polyurethane or clear coat adds extra protection for a super-durable finish.

Now let’s answer some of the most frequently asked questions about painting metal cabinets:

FAQs

What Kind of Paint Sticks to Metal Cabinets?

Oil-based and alkyd enamels, epoxies and acrylic latex paints all can adhere well to metal. Opt for paints marketed specifically for metal that promote strong bonding power.

How Do You Prepare Metal Cabinets for Paint?

• Clean thoroughly with liquid deglosser or TSP substitute to remove any existing oils or grease
• Sand glossy areas with 150-220 grit sandpaper to scuff the surface
• Apply quality oil or shellac-based metal primer for extra adhesion

Proper prep work ensures the paint sticks tight.

What Sheen Is Best for Painting Metal Cabinets?

Semi-gloss or high gloss enamels provide the most durable finish. Gloss paints resist moisture, grease and cleaning chemicals well in kitchens and baths. Satin or eggshell finishes also work for less use.

Can You Use a Roller to Paint Metal Cabinets?

Yes, using a short-nap microfiber paint roller works well for the flat cabinet side and door panels. Use a high-quality natural bristle brush for the cabinet frames and trim work. Maintain a wet edge while rolling to avoid lap marks.

How Do You Get a Smooth Finish on Painted Metal Cabinets?

Sanding well between coats creates a perfectly smooth base for paint. Applying multiple thin coats provides better results than thick single coats. Use an HVLP sprayer or fine finish tip on airless sprayers. High-quality natural bristle brushes also minimize brush strokes.

Conclusion

Reviving dated metal cabinets with a fresh coat of paint is very achievable for DIYers. With the right prep work and painting technique, your kitchen or bath can get a complete facelift.

Choosing quality oil-based or alkyd enamel paints made for strong metal adhesion prevents future chipping or peeling. Proper cleaning, sanding and priming provide extra insurance your new paint job sticks tight.

Apply paint in smooth, thin coats, allowing proper dry time between coats. Finish up by adding a protective clear topcoat for super-durable and long-lasting results.

With a little time and effort, you can paint metal cabinets with beautiful, professional-looking results. Just be sure to use the right prep work steps and painting technique. Your freshly painted metal cabinets will enjoy years of renewed life!