Metal finishing Q&As since 1989

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Paints that simulate metal finishes

2006

Hi there,
Single, female homeowner here. Recently I acquired a few old, metal cabinets. Some have glass doors. Sound nice, huh? Well, the finish is ugly, scraped, and, did I say ugly? You get the picture. Fortunately for me, they were free, in relatively good condition, and my "more-ideas-than-money" brain sees swans instead of ugly ducklings. I think they would spiff up nice if I can find a decent (inexpensive) paint that can simulate chrome or stainless steel. The plan is to use them in my kitchen, since I have no cabinets, no storage of any kind, and a fridge and oven that were passed down to me by the Flintstones! YUK! This is a new undertaking for me, and I'm blonde, so if you can be kind and un-technical when you respond with the perfect solution for me, I would greatly appreciate it!
I love you handy, brainy, creative guys!

Arlene D'Urso
owner of money pitt - Bellmawr, NJ, U.S.A.

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Now here's a case where the inquirer should have posted her photo :-)

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey

Maybe she isn't a real blonde, Ted :-)

Guillermo Marrufo
Monterrey, NL, Mexico
2006

I have had good results with hand wet sanding, priming and painting with a air-less paint gun. I had to do quite a bit of practicing on a few cardboard boxes, but I got the hang of it. Lowes or Home Depot could be better in helping you with paint selections. You can rent a [on eBay or Amazon] at most equipment rental stores. You will want to have the cabinets completely prepped and glass taped off before you rent the sprayer to keep rental cost down to a few days. Make sure you have adequate ventilation and wear a quality painter's respirator. I've also had good results with small, light napped rollers.The thinner the nap, the tighter the paint grain structure. Rustoleum makes great primer and paint for metal, so you could roll both finishes from a flat roller tray. You can do it! Good Luck!

Mark Baker
process engineer - Malone, New York
2006