Can you use appliance paint on metal cabinets?

Question

Hello, will appliance paint work on old metal kitchen cabinets -- cabinets from the 1950s? And are there any special steps to take? Thanks.

Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com · Answer

Sure appliance paint will work but its a bit expensive. Any good quality latex paint will work or use Rustoleum brand paints. What you would use would depend upon the look your going for. 
As far as doing the job. Be sure to clean the cabinets well. Old kitchen cabinets will contain grease and oils plus all sorts of past cleaning residue. Once clean a good sanding to remove any gloss followed by a primer that is designed to be used with the paint choice and your good to go. Ideally spraying the cabinets is best. The finish will come out more professional, but rolling will work fine as well. 
Be sure to take before and after photos and share them with the rest of us!

Lou · Answer

Yes appliance paint will work.  It provides a good hard finish.  If othe colors are desired consider using automotive or Rustolem aerosol spray which is available in numerous solid colors.

Preparation is key.  Wash the panel with warm water and detergent.  Rinse after washing with clean water and dry.  (If you are a cleaning fanatic, additional cleaning with precleaner (wax and grease remover) and a final wipe with isopropyl alcohol never hurts.) If you don’t clean contaminants off of the surface before scuffing it, you can drive the contaminants into the paint job.
Scuff the panel with a red or grey Scotchbrite® pad.  Make sure that the panel is completely scuffed so that the entire surface is dull, with no shiny areas.
After scuffing the panel, wipe it down again with precleaner. The proper way to use this or any other solvent cleaner is to wet the surface with the cleaner. Before it evaporates, wipe it off of the panel with a clean rag. 
 A final wipe with isopropyl alcohol, will remove any oily residue left by the precleaner.  Note: prime any bare or rusted ares.  Be sure to paint the bottom and back sides.

Debra Grieve · Answer

Great advise! Try to do this work outside! What with old lead paint and all. If you can't possibly do the job outside, you will need to find a primer that will stick to shiny paint, before you actually paint the cabinet. These primers are very good these days and are pretty tough. Have fun!

Cynthia Jahn · Answer

I would see if you could find a body shop that is slow in your area. The price could be not much more than the paint and your time.

Bobbi Perreault · Answer

Hi, I do this a little differently. Mostly with old office cabinets that are metal. I've had very good results, getting a personalized finish using Zinsser primer - Latex paint, and a hard clearcoat on top. Here's a tool cabinet, (left side) it takes a licking too.

Duv310660 · Answer

Consult the label for info on appropriate painting surfaces. Do this for any painting project that raises questions.

Debbie Machmer · Answer

I purchased an old 50s metal sink/cabinet that was in wonderful shape. It had the original paint. I had it sandblasted, then primed and painted. I did not give it the clear coat only because I didn't think of it. I will add that. Cost of sandblasting was $60.

Christina · Answer

Thanks all!

Can you use appliance paint on metal cabinets?

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Can you use appliance paint on metal cabinets?

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