Asked on Dec 28, 2017
How can I change up old metal kitchen cabinets besides painting them?
+19
I have old 1950's metal kitchen cabinets that we have painted of course many times and many different colors to change up the look of the kitchen. I would love to completely tear them out and replace with wood but our budget will not cover that at this time. The cabinet doors do not come off so anything I would do to them has to be done while they are still hanging on the hinges. I would welcome any ideas/suggestions that others have to spruce up my kitchen and give it a different look. Picture shows one side of the kitchen, opposite side with the oven and stove has too much stuff on it to want to show the public!
Sand them down to bare metal with appropriate sanding tools for metal.(consult with a metal worker skilled person. Create a patern with motion of your sander, like using a circular motion or other motion. ) this would give it a creative industrial modern look. Go crazy with the knobs and handles. I would love to see this if you do it. Hope it works for your project.
You can use wallpaper on them..... http://www.theprairiehomestead.com/2013/03/8-tips-for-adding-farmhouse-charm-to-a-builder-grade-kitchen.html I think white on top and maybe a dark blue or dark gray cabinets on bottom would give a fresh look. Love the new beadboard wallpaper.
go back to natural and change what you can in the kitchen to match the look
Can sand and repaint, numerous colors from lights to darks
Apply Contact paper or the heavy duty adhesive marble paper. Make sure you turn the edges over the top instead of cutting flush to the edges or they will start to curl up because of the steam in the kitchen.
Sand & Prime, then spray paint thin coats. I think you could get money for Vintage/ Retro Cabinets & appliances. Then use the money to buy new ones.
Truthfully, I would do use Rustoleum paint, I know that the will not rust but they look so pretty with this. Lisa
Why not make them look like wood? Add a 'frame' to each one made of thin strips of wood, so the frames aren't too heavy.
Either paint to get the wood color, or use contact paper? [Add the frames after the contact paper. Just to the front, so the doors still close. Don't wrap the paper around to the back, since it would just wear out.]
Paint the edges to match.
Then get new handles, if you don't care for the ones you have.
Keep them and change the knobs, counter tops, and sink if possible. Go with the updated retro look that incorporates some open shelving with them (requires removing some of them) and new backsplash or tile. You can get a great new look and have some great cabinets that you may come to love as is!
Hi there,
You could give them a Dappled finish using a sponge or brush, or Stencil and or add a trim and enclose Washable Wallpaper or Fabric using Mod Podge. You could change the Handles Have fun.....
I had mine bead blasted and then used marine paint. It settles and leaves no brush markets when tipping as you would on a boat.
I'm contemplating with the idea of selling my home and although I love my 50s cabinets...they will last another 70 years, I'm afraid they will hamper my sale
You can really go crazy with all the patterns of contact paper. Would be an easy way to change the look of the piece often.