How to Refinish Metal Filing Cabinets

Most metal filing cabinets are an uninspiring gray or black color, leaving you as the consumer with few color options. However, because the cabinets are metal it is rather easy to refinish them and change the color to something more of your liking. This can give your home or work office more of your own character simply by adjusting the color and finish of your cabinet.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Rag
• Spray paint

1. Remove all of the files and other content from the filing cabinet.

2. Take the metal cabinet to a well-ventilated area. It is best to do this outside if at all possible.

3. Wash and clean the exterior of the metal filing cabinet with a damp rag. You need to make sure all dirt and debris are gone.

4. Cover up the ground or surrounding area with newspaper to protect it from your paint.

5. Shake up your can of spray paint vigorously, then aim the can at the metal filing cabinet and keep it roughly eight to 10 inches away. This keeps a smooth and steady stream of paint without streaks.

6. Allow a few hours to dry, then apply a second coat to the cabinet. You may need to apply several additional coats to reach the full color you are looking for.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have access to a large painting facility--for example, those of universities, school systems or industrial parks--you may be able to have your cabinet painted electrolytically. This is going to apply a new layer of paint to your cabinet in less time. The process is going to be more expensive though.

References

• Paint Metal Filing Cabinets