Are you looking to update or refresh an old metal file cabinet? Whether it’s rusted, outdated, or simply in need of a makeover, painting a metal file cabinet can give it a brand-new look without the hassle of buying a new one. With the right preparation and paint choice, you can easily transform your cabinet into a functional and stylish piece of furniture. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential steps to paint a metal file cabinet, from preparation to applying the perfect finish, whether you prefer spray paint or traditional brushes and rollers. Get ready to bring new life to your metal filing cabinet with a fresh coat of paint!
How to Paint a Metal File Cabinet
Can You Paint a Metal Filing Cabinet?
Yes, you can! With the right preparation and paint choice, you can easily refresh an old, rusty, or outdated metal filing cabinet. Whether you want to brighten it up or match it to your décor, painting a metal filing cabinet is simple when you follow the right techniques. Before you start, you may need to sand off any peeling paint and remove the handles or hardware for a smoother, cleaner finish.
What is the Best Paint for Metal file Cabinets?
Choosing the right paint is essential for achieving a smooth and long-lasting finish on a metal file cabinet. You’ll also want a paint that’s easy to apply so you can get the job done quickly and efficiently. To paint a metal file cabinet, you can use spray paint, oil-based paint, lacquer paint, or an all-purpose acrylic paint. Here’s a breakdown of each option to help you decide which one is best for your project:
- Acrylic Paint: Acrylic paint is one of the best options for painting a metal file cabinet. It’s easy to apply, low in odor, and widely available. These qualities make it a convenient and user-friendly choice, especially for indoor use.
- Oil-Based Paint: Oil-based paint offers excellent coverage and durability on metal surfaces, making it another great option for painting a file cabinet. However, it dries slowly and has a strong odor. This type of paint is best used if you can move the cabinet outdoors or to a well-ventilated area.
- Lacquer Paint: Lacquer paint is one of the most durable finishes for metal. It resists scratches and wear over time and dries quickly, which makes it a practical choice for painting metal file cabinets. However, it can be difficult to apply with a brush or roller. A spray gun is the most effective way to apply lacquer paint for a smooth and even coat.
- Spray Paint: Spray paint is a fast and easy way to paint a metal file cabinet. It’s especially useful for smaller cabinets or quick touch-ups. However, it produces strong fumes and overspray, which can be unpleasant in indoor spaces. For larger cabinets, beginners may also struggle with paint runs or uneven coverage.
How to Prepare a Metal Filing Cabinet for Painting
Proper preparation is essential to ensure that paint sticks well and provides a long-lasting finish on your metal filing cabinet. Before you start painting, inspect the surface of the metal filing cabinet for any peeling paint. If there is peeling, use 200-grit general-purpose or metal sandpaper to remove loose areas and smooth out the surface.
If your metal filing cabinet doesn’t have peeling paint, you can paint it with or without a primer. However, applying a primer specifically made for metal surfaces is highly recommended for better adhesion and durability.
Before priming your metal filing cabinet, remove the handles and empty all drawers to give yourself full access to every surface.
Thoroughly clean the metal filing cabinet to remove any dust, grease, or dirt that could prevent the paint from bonding properly.
If there are any stickers or labels on the metal filing cabinet, make sure to peel them off completely. Related post: “Best way to prep metal for paint.”
How to Paint a Metal Filing Cabinet with Spray Paint
Spray paint is a quick and effective way to paint a metal filing cabinet. However, if you’re inexperienced with spray painting, the paint may run or drip, especially on larger metal filing cabinets, which can be more challenging to cover evenly. Follow these steps for the best results:
- Move the metal filing cabinet to a well-ventilated outdoor space where you can spray comfortably.
- Apply a light coat of spray primer to the surface of the metal filing cabinet.
- Wait about 30 minutes for the primer to dry completely.
- Apply the first and second coats of spray paint, allowing 30 minutes of drying time between coats.
- Let the metal filing cabinet dry thoroughly before moving it back indoors or using it.
Tip: For added protection, you can optionally apply a clear spray sealer or lacquer about 30 minutes after the final coat of paint.
How to Paint a Metal Filing Cabinet without Spray Paint
Prefer using a roller and brush? The easiest way to paint a metal filing cabinet without spray paint is by using all-purpose acrylic paints. With its quick drying time and ease of application, acrylic paint is just as good as spray paint for metal filing cabinets. For this, you can use a high-quality, soft-bristled 4-inch brush or a small roller with short nap. This will allow you to paint the metal filing cabinet quickly and smoothly, without leaving streaks.
After cleaning the surface of the cabinet, apply one coat of acrylic primer, bonding primer, or any water-based primer. Wait at least 4 hours before starting to paint.
Paint the metal filing cabinet with two coats, allowing at least 4 hours of drying time between each coat. Optionally, you can apply a water-based sealer about 4 hours after painting to protect the finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Paint Is Best For Painting a Filing Cabinet?
To refurbish and repaint your cabinet, we recommend using general-purpose latex paints and general-purpose water-based acrylic paints, which are odorless, fast drying and easier to apply than other paints.
Can You Use Chalk Paint on a Metal File Cabinet?
Yes, you can use chalk paint to paint a metal file cabinet. It is water-based and odorless. It adheres well to the file cabinet. It can hold well on many surfaces without using a primer. It is a very suitable paint for painting the metal filing cabinet. However, it has a matte appearance. It does not leave brush and roller marks, and no painting line is formed.
How Do You Restore a Rust Filing Cabinet?
Sand rusted parts. Wipe off the dust with a dry cloth. If there are holes and cracks, repair them with metal repair paste. Apply a coat of rust inhibitor. After 4 hours, apply a coat of paint. After 4 hours, apply a top coat of paint.
How to Strip and Polish a Metal Filing Cabinet?
Apply the paint remover on the filing cabinet. Wait half an hour. Scrape the paint from the filing cabinet with a spatula. Paint in the desired color with glossy paint.
How to Make a Metal File Cabinet Look Like Wood?
Making a metal filing cabinet look like wood is a lot of work with paint. You can use self-adhesive vinyl wraps instead.
