- Select a well-ventilated area to paint in. Lay a drop cloth to protect the space.
- Put the cabinet on the drop cloth.
- Clean and dry the cabinets.
- Prime the cabinets with the metal primer.
- Allow the primer to dry according to the package directions.
- Spray paint the cabinet with your color choice.
How to make a metal file cabinet look better?
Supplies to update a metal filing cabinet
- Filing cabinet
- 8 by 10 Black Frames from Target
- 4 wooden furniture feet. I could not find a link to the ones I purchased, but HERE you can see something similar.
- Gorilla glue epoxy
- Krylon Chalkboard Paint
- Black contact paper
- Drill
- Drawer pulls of your choice
- Hot glue gun
Can you paint a metal filing cabinet?
The best way to paint a metal file cabinet is to remove the drawers before anything else. Next, remove old rust from the metal file cabinet by using sandpaper and applying rust primer before painting. Finally, you can use a metal primer spray paint to paint a metal file cabinet. Nowadays, filing cabinets are found in both homes and offices.
How do you paint a filing cabinet?
- Select a well-ventilated area to paint in. Lay a drop cloth to protect the space.
- Put the cabinet on the drop cloth.
- Clean and dry the cabinets.
- Prime the cabinets with the metal primer.
- Allow the primer to dry according to the package directions.
- Spray paint the cabinet with your color choice.
How to stencil a file cabinet?
How to Stencil a Cabinet
- Sand the cabinet door lightly with 120-grit sandpaper to roughen the glossy surface for better paint adhesion.
- Mark the location for the stencil with a pencil. Use a ruler or level to ensure designs are placed correctly and properly centered.
- Spray the back of the stencil with mounting spray adhesive. ...
What kind of paint do you use on a metal filing cabinet?
PAINT. Open your can of Rust-Oleum Satin Finish Furniture Paint in Carbon and give it a good stir. Then, pour a small amount into a paint tray, load up the foam roller and begin to paint the outside frame of the filing cabinet. Once the first coat is dry, apply an additional second coat to achieve an even finish.
How do you refurbish a metal file cabinet?
0:322:25Simple 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.
What is the best paint to use on metal?
Restore and Decorate With the Best Spray Paints for MetalRust-Oleum Protective Enamel. ... Krylon ColorMaster Paint and Primer. ... Seymour High Solids Spray Paint. ... Dupli-Color Metalcast Coating. ... Rust-Oleum Painter's Touch 2X Ultra Cover.
How can I make my metal file cabinet look better?
14 File Cabinet Decorating Ideas for the ClassroomSpruce 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...•
Can I paint my metal filing cabinet?
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.
How do you paint metal storage cabinets?
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.
Do you have to Prime metal before painting?
Primer is a must for painting metal. If the metal surface has been painted before, you'll need to remove old paint, rust, debris, grease, dirt using a wire brush or wire-brush tool.
What do you clean metal with before painting?
MetalRemove loose rust with a wire brush, sandpaper or chemical rust remover. ... If applicable, sand areas where paint is chipping until surface is smooth.Remove dust or oil with a degreaser or denatured alcohol.Prime surface to protect against rust and corrosion.More items...
Do you need special paint for metal?
Metal decor items or outdoor metal furniture require one of two kinds of paint when you want to give them new life, cover rusted spots, or change their color. You can use either a water-based acrylic paint or an oil-based paint, as long as the container identifies "for metal" somewhere on its labeling.
How do you update metal cabinets?
0:443:17How To Refurbish Steel Kitchen Cupboards - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOnce you have completed the sanding process it's time to wipe down the cupboards with a cloth andMoreOnce you have completed the sanding process it's time to wipe down the cupboards with a cloth and cleaning solvent. Here i'm using cleaning thinners mostly to remove the dust.
Can you use chalk paint on metal filing cabinet?
One of the questions I frequently receive is, Can you use homemade chalk paint on metal? The answer is a big YES! – Chalk paint works beautifully on metal.
How do you spray a filing cabinet?
1:503:02Filing Cabinet Makeover with Rust-Oleum Spray Paint - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt's super thick which is a testament to this product not a sponsor rust-oleum two times ultra coverMoreIt's super thick which is a testament to this product not a sponsor rust-oleum two times ultra cover paint and primer. Really goes on thick. And gets the job done then it's time to spray the hardware.
How to get paint off a cabinet?
Allow the cabinet time to dry. Use fine sandpaper and go over the cabinet to remove any loose paint or rust. Sanding will help the new paint to stick better. If the cabinet drawer lock is sticking and not opening, you may have to pick it open. See How to Pick a Filing Cabinet Lock for help.
What happens if you paint a cabinet too thick?
If you get the paint too thick, it will run down the side of 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 you paint drawers separately?
Paint the drawers separately from the cabinet. You may choose to only paint the front of the drawers. Decide if you want to paint the handles. If not, you will need to either remove them or cover them with painter's tape.
Can you paint an old metal cabinet?
Once painted, an old metal cabinet can look brand new. You may choose to paint your old metal cabinet, rather than throwing it out, and you will need to follow a few basic steps to paint a metal cabinet for yourself.
Can you use spray paint on metal?
You may choose to use a special spray paint that is made just for painting on metal. Purchase a primer for metals that prevents rust. Purchase the kind of paint and the new color you would like for your cabinet. Read the label on the paint can to determine how much spray paint you need to buy.
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.
How to protect a file cabinet?
1. Protect Your Floor. To get started, put some drop cloth or old newspaper down and place the file cabinet on top of it so that your floor is protected . You’ll want to do this even if you’re in the garage or out in the backyard. Be sure that the area you are in is well-ventilated to be safe.
What to do after filing cabinet is on top of newspaper?
After the file cabinet is on top of the drop cloth or old newspaper, remove all of the drawer handles and any other type of hardware, and just set them aside for later.
Can you paint a metal file cabinet?
Painting a metal file cabinet isn’t difficult, but you will need a rust-resistant spray paint. Most people find it isn’t practical to use a paint brush because it simply takes too long to paint something this size, so choose a spray paint instead. Additionally, an all-in-one paint & primer works best when painting a metal file cabinet.
Can you buy metal paint primer online?
You can even buy them online . While metal paint primer is not always a requirement, it is always recommended, especially if the metal will come into any contact with moisture. Additionally, the primer is a very important step because it helps the paint stick better and remain in good shape for years to come.
Is it hard to make an old file cabinet look new?
Taking an old file cabinet and making it look new isn’t difficult because it is not complicated. The supplies are inexpensive as well, so it won’t cost a fortune for you to get a beautiful metal file cabinet once the job is complete.
Can you spray paint a rusty file cabinet?
Once the metal file cabinet is cleaned, dried, sanded, and the spots have been pretreated with a rust primer, you can go ahead and spray-paint the entire cabinet with a metal primer. These metal primer are super easy to find at hardware and home-improvement stores. You can even buy them online.
Step 1
You'll first need to prepare the filing cabinet for painting. Use 220 grit sandpaper to remove any residue from previous paint. Gently sand the entire cabinet.
Step 3
Make sure and spray paint in a well ventilated area. Make sure your spray paint is formulated for metal. The first coat, a tack coat, can be thin; you are setting up the metal to take the paint. Allow the first coat to dry per directions on the spray can. Make sure you paint in light, even coats. You will need at least three coats.
Step 4
Attach the hardware. For a more contemporary look, we suggesting adding modern-style hardware to the filing cabinet. Make sure to use the same dimensions to match your filing cabinet.
Step 5
Next, add the wood legs. First use a drill bit to match the size of the screw on the table legs (we used a 5/16 drill bit). Drill a hole into the bottom corners of the filing cabinet.
Step 6
Screw in the legs on each bottom corner. Secure with a bolt from the inside.