Do I need to sand metal file cabinets to paint them?

They just have to be cleaned really well not sanded. I hope this answers your question .

you should probably use primer or light sand. Or use Hammer spray paint like I did.

if you can you can use a primer but you don't need to but you will need to coats

Definitely use a primer first. Get a paint made for metal

If the cabinets are rusted,you will have to lightly sand them.Clean,apply two light coats of Rustoleums2X spray paint for metal allowing to dry in-between

Or chalk paint that has a slight grit to it. But if there is any rust on the cabinets, that needs to be sanded off first. At the least, use two coats of paint. Bless you 😇

The paint needs some "tooth' to grab on to. Sand and prime, then paint.

thank you to all who answered it was very helpful and now I can get started!!

No give them a good washing (elbow grease) and here's some pic of ideas

nope! no need to sand. I have even painted clean ones without doing any washing and it worked fine. But you may need to check the type of paint.

Good Luck !