How to spray paint a metal filing cabinet

Painting the metal filing cabinet is a great idea to add the style that your office needs. But, you need to understand how to go about the job.

The steps that you have to follow to get the job done will be explained in this article.

This guide is for those newbies who don’t understand the painter’s language but want to spray paint their metal filing cabinets.

On their own without creating any mess and getting a perfect finish and satisfactory results.

Follow each step explained in this guide in order to achieve the results you want.

You have surely seen these pieces of furniture before, and if you have been an office worker for any period of time, you have probably used one.

They are metal filing cabinets, and they have been used for decades and decades, but are now being replaced by standard filing cabinets, or electronic filing cabinets.

This Blog post’s Purpose: To show the uses of old metal filing cabinets and why you should consider keeping or making a home for one in your life.

Table of Contents

How to spray paint a metal filing cabinet?

Prepare the workplace before painting the metal filing cabinet

Putting a fresh coat of spray paint on your filing cabinets can really make a difference in their appearance.

But it’s important to do this in the proper setting so that you don’t end up with file cabinets that are shiny and nice looking but covered in rust from improper spraying techniques!

The best way to accomplish this is by making an outdoor structure by stacking old cardboard boxes on top of each other with some sheets of newspaper.

In order for you to take on painting your filing cabinet, there are a few things that you need to do beforehand.

First of all, make sure that the room in which you’ll be working is properly ventilated. There are many kinds of paint and lacquer available on the market today.

But regardless of what kind of paint you’re using, make sure it will cause no harm at all if inhaled and be sure to wear proper protective equipment such as rubber gloves.

And a respiratory mask when applying paint to ensure safety from harmful chemicals. Here are some tips to paint metal surfaces.

Sand the metal cabinet surface

Sand the metal filing cabinet and clean it thoroughly. You can use wire-bristle brushes to clean it and wipe it.

Then wash the filing cabinet with soap and water. If there is any adhesive, dust, or other dirt still on the cabinet, then you can use detergent to clean it.

Then dry the cabinet and do a test spray painting on a hidden part of the filing cabinet.

You may need to apply a few coats depending on the color of your filing cabinet and the type of paint you are using. You can use 200-grit sandpaper for this purpose.

Apply primer

Use an appropriate primer on the cabinet (not needed if new cabinet). Then, use sandpaper to remove rust and paint as much as possible.

Apply several coats of primer until the surface is covered. Be sure to apply the primer in a thin, even layer.

Allow time for the primer to dry between each coat. Once the primer has dried, you can paint the filing cabinet with the desired color.

Start painting metal filing cabinet

There are two best ways to paint metal cabinets. The first one is to use an air compressor with an air spray gun.

It is a very effective method not only for filing cabinets but for any metal surface you need to paint. If you don’t have a compressor, you can use paint spray cans.

Though it is not as effective as a compressor, it is a good alternative if you have no way to get one.

Truly, you can spray paint cabinets with regular spray paint, but it usually doesn’t look that good.

But if you use specialty metal paint like Rust-Oleum’s Metal Effects spray paint, you’ll get better results.

Spray 2 to 3 coats of paint. If you have a large metal cabinet, as opposed to a small one, you may need more than three coats of paint.

Let the paint dry for at least 12 hours before you start moving it around.

Can you spray paint a metal cabinet?

Yes, it is possible to spray paint a metal cabinet. Before painting, it is important to clean and prep the surface to ensure that the paint adheres properly. Here are some steps you can follow:

Clean the surface: Remove any dirt, dust, or debris from the cabinet using a cleaning solution and a scrub brush or cloth.
Sand the surface: Use fine-grit sandpaper to lightly sand the surface of the cabinet. This will help the paint to stick better.
Wipe down the surface: Use a cloth or rag to wipe down the surface of the cabinet to remove any dust or debris from the sanding.

Prime the surface: Apply a metal primer to the cabinet using a paintbrush or roller. This will help the paint to adhere to the metal surface.
Spray paint the cabinet: Once the primer has dried, apply several thin coats of spray paint, allowing each coat to dry completely before applying the next.

It is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the paint and primer you are using and to work in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling fumes.

How can I make my metal filing cabinet look better?

There are several ways to make a metal filing cabinet look better:

Clean and polish the surface: Removing dirt and grime from the surface of the cabinet and giving it a good polish can make it look much brighter and fresher.
Paint the cabinet: You can give your filing cabinet a new lease on life by painting it with a fresh coat of paint. You can use a roller or brush to apply the paint, or you can use spray paint for a smooth, even finish.

Add decorative hardware: Replacing the handles, knobs, and other hardware on your cabinet with decorative pieces can give it a more stylish and unique look.
Cover the cabinet with contact paper: You can use self-adhesive contact paper to cover the surface of the cabinet and give it a new look. This is an easy and inexpensive way to change the appearance of your cabinet.
Add decals or stickers: Decorative decals or stickers can be added to the surface of the cabinet to give it a fun and unique look.

Remember to clean and prep the surface of the cabinet before applying any of these treatments to ensure that they adhere properly and look their best.

How do you paint rusty metal cabinets?

If you want to paint a rusty metal cabinet, you will need to take steps to remove the rust and prepare the surface before painting. Here are the steps you can follow:

Remove any loose rust: Use a wire brush or sandpaper to scrub away any loose rust from the surface of the cabinet.

Clean the surface: Use a cleaning solution and a scrub brush or cloth to remove any dirt, dust, or debris from the cabinet.
Sand the surface: Use fine-grit sandpaper to lightly sand the surface of the cabinet. This will help the paint to stick better.
Wipe down the surface: Use a cloth or rag to wipe down the surface of the cabinet to remove any dust or debris from the sanding.

Apply a rust converter: Use a rust converter product to neutralize the rust and convert it into a paintable surface. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for applying the rust converter.
Prime the surface: Once the rust converter has dried, apply a metal primer to the cabinet using a paintbrush or roller. This will help the paint to adhere to the metal surface.
Paint the cabinet: Once the primer has dried, apply several thin coats of paint, allowing each coat to dry completely before applying the next.

It is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the paint and rust converter you are using and to work in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling fumes.

How do you spray paint metal?

To spray paint metal, you will need the following items:

Metal surface to be painted

Sandpaper or metal prep solution
Primer designed for metal
Spray paint designed for metal

Clear sealant (optional)

Instructions:

Begin by preparing the metal surface. Use sandpaper to rough up the surface and remove any rust or flakes. If the metal is very rusty, you may want to use a metal prep solution to remove the rust before sanding.

Once the surface is prepared, use a metal primer to prime the surface. This will help the paint to adhere better to the metal and provide a more durable finish.
Allow the primer to dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Once the primer is dry, shake the can of spray paint well and hold it about 6-8 inches away from the metal surface. Begin spraying in a back-and-forth motion, starting at one end of the metal and working your way to the other end.

Allow the paint to dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
If desired, apply a clear sealant to the painted metal to protect the finish and give it a glossy look.

Remember to always use the paint in a well-ventilated area and to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use.

Can you spray a filing cabinet?

Of course, you can spray a filing cabinet! In fact, spraying is one of the most popular ways to paint or refinish metal furniture like filing cabinets.

Before you start, make sure to properly prepare the surface of the filing cabinet. This includes cleaning it thoroughly to remove any dirt, grime, or grease that may be on it.

You can use a cleaning solution like trisodium phosphate (TSP) or a degreaser to do this. After cleaning, rinse the surface with water and let it dry completely.

Next, you’ll want to sand the filing cabinet to create a rough surface that will help the paint adhere better.

Use a fine-grit sandpaper and sand the entire surface of the filing cabinet, including any corners and crevices.

Be sure to wipe off any dust or debris with a clean, dry cloth before moving on to the next step.

Now it’s time to spray! You can use a spray paint designed specifically for metal surfaces or a paint and primer combination.

Make sure to shake the can well before use and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for spraying.

It’s usually best to spray in thin, even coats, and to avoid spraying too much in one spot to prevent drips or runs.

After you’ve finished spraying, let the filing cabinet dry completely before handling it. This may take a few hours or overnight depending on the type of paint you used and the weather conditions.

Spraying a filing cabinet can be a fun and easy way to update its look or give it a new lease on life.

With proper preparation and technique, you can achieve a professional-looking finish that will last for years to come!

Do I need to prime metal before spray painting?

Yes, it is recommended to prime metal before spray painting it. Priming creates a barrier between the metal surface and the paint, which helps the paint adhere better and last longer.

Metal surfaces can be prone to rust and corrosion, and primer helps to prevent this by providing a protective layer.

Additionally, priming can help to smooth out any imperfections on the metal surface, resulting in a more even and professional-looking finish.

When choosing a primer, look for one that is specifically designed for metal surfaces. Rust-Oleum and Krylon are two popular brands that offer metal primers.

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application, and make sure the primer is dry before applying the spray paint.

In some cases, you may be able to use a spray paint that includes primer in its formula, known as a paint and primer combination.

These products can be convenient, but make sure to read the label carefully to ensure that they are suitable for metal surfaces.

FAQ’s of How to spray paint a metal filing cabinet

Effectively paint steel file cabinet by using paint brush, petroleum jelly and newspaper. Mix black paint with petroleum jelly. Cover half of the filed cabinet with newspapers. Apply black paint with brush to the cabinet’s body. Wait for five minutes. Now, remove the newspaper from the cabinet. Apply petroleum jelly to the remaining black paint on the cabinet. Now, spread the petroleum jelly evenly to the black paint with the help of brush. Let it dry for 10 minutes. Remove the remaining black paint from the cabinet using clean white cloth.

This is a tricky question because it is impossible to give a simple answer to it. The paint you use on a metal file cabinet depends on several factors. If you want to paint a metal file cabinet which is rusty, you should use a product which can seal the rust properly and then you can use a common paint. If the metal file cabinet is already painted, you should clean it well and then use an enamel paint which is specifically designed to paint the file cabinet because it can resist the use of the cabinet. If the metal file cabinet is an antique, it is better to hire a professional.

When it comes to painting, priming is not necessary for all kinds of surfaces. We need to prime the surface if the paint is not going to adhere properly. Metal is no exception. One reason why you may choose to prime metal is when you’re painting an object that has a glossy finish and you want it to have a matte finish. Another instance is if the metal you’re painting is a rusty object. You can paint right over the rust with rust-inhibiting primer, but the primer is a good idea if you’re just painting to paint. The paint will still not adhere to the rusty object. You can prime the object first, then paint it. No matter what surface you’re painting, you should always apply two coats.

Sanding is necessary before painting metal if you want to get the best results. Sanding removes any rough spots and gives a more even surface. If you sand a surface properly before painting, it will make the job of the finish much easier. This is done by placing sandpaper on a flat surface and holding the surface to be painted on top of the sandpaper, while dragging it across the sandpaper in a back and forth motion. This will remove any tiny imperfections and give a very smooth surface. Before spray painting metal, you need to sand it properly. If you do not sand metal before spray painting, it will give a rough and wrinkled surface, which will look ugly and will be damaged easily. For example, if you have a metal shed or a car and you want to paint it, you need to sand it properly. Remember to start with the finest sandpaper, before moving onto the coarser sandpapers.

Yes, you can. If you are planning to spray paint your metal (the surface) without using primer then you can go ahead and give it a try. You don’t have to use primer if you are spraying only the outer surface though. But you have to be careful in choosing the right spray paint. Metal is a conductive material and the paint will bead off the surface. To be more specific, you have to use a lacquer (clearcoat) spray paint for this purpose. Another important thing is the paint’s surface tension. It should be around or below 50 dynes/cm.

Summary of How to spray paint a metal filing cabinet

Now that you have finished reading this blog post, you should know how to spray paint your metal filing cabinet.

If you still have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us anytime in the comments section.

Thank you for reading and we are always excited when one of our posts is able to provide useful information on a topic like this.

Till then take care of yourself and spray-painting tools. Don’t hesitate to ask any queries in your mind in the comments section.

Matthew Edward

Matthew Edward is a professional painter who loves to paint and wants to share useful tips and tricks which he had learned in many years of experience in painting. He also used many products that can be used for painting he has tried and tested each and every product to give an unbias opinion about it in his review. This blog is very useful for those newbies who want to learn painting without making mistakes.