Beautiful work. I have these metal cabinets in a 1926 house I bought. I didn’t know about rust converter so I will have to get some before I paint. I won’t be able to remove the unit but will do my best to work on it in house and see how it turns out!
Wow!!😱😱😱 looks amazing! Thanks for the video! I was going to change out the metal cabinets in my dad's home (which is almost 100 years old). But, the contractor told me not to! He told me that he can clean them up like this! I am so curious to see how ours turn out. 😊
Yes, you have my interest! That is so cool. Imagine that in a laundry room or tricked out garage or even outdoor kitchen. I bet it will start trending.
Fantastic! My wife and I are all about bringing in the old and out with the new. Just acquired a full kitchen of St. Charles metal cabinets. What grit were you initially starting with?. I think I can do most of the bull prep work and then get them powder coated. Like the wood reinforced areas. Great channel. Everything new isn't always the best!
Cool! I have a full St Charles Kitchen in my 56 ranch that is just so durable and perfect. I just couldn't trash it. Every door and drawer opens smoothly and perfect. They don't make things like they used to! I'm gearing up to DIY them and realizing there is a lot of flat surfaces. I think I will strip them with a good stripping chem. prime and paint. Check out the Samsung Bespoke kitchen appliances. I walked by them in Home Depot and instantly fell in love with how they match the st Charles look perfectly. What I don't spend on the cabinets by doing them myself, I think I will spend on the appliances. I am thinking a nice slate like blue for the lower cabinets and a white for the op cabinets tied together with a natural mahogany countertop.
Hi, Sorry for taking so long to reply... I just figured out how to reply :) Anyway, I typicall start with 80 or 120 for the sanding, depending on the condition. I think powder coating could be good if you have someone in the area that can handle the size. Thanks, Jon
I refinished a similar cabinet. I went to a local shop that forms roofing metal for barns and commercial building . I ordered what is called j-channel that they use around windows and doors only I had them form the back side to 4 inches. That way it is the same size as the metal under the front side of the cabinet. I wrapped the custom j-channel around all 4 sides . I first cut off the rusted metal and sanded and painted then riveted on the j-channel. Just simplified the repair.
I love these cabinets. I bought two. One is like brand new. The other, bigger one, needs some work. I can handle the sanding and painting, but there is a dent in one of the doors. Since there is double metal on the frame, how do I get inside to get the dent out? I am restoring this to make it part of my baking corner, to roll dough. I ordered a nice piece of granite for the surface, not to ruin the vintage charm, but because dough rolls amazing on a cold surface. I see this video is from two years ago. I hope you still have your page and can respond. Thank you! Lizzy
Hi Lizzy, Sorry it took me so long to see this and reply... I just figured out how to do this :) Anyway... You might be able to pull it out / up somewhat with a suction cup dent puller, but if it's creased... that's hard. Maybe try one of the companies that do dent repairs for cars. They have unique tools for getting inside panels and 'rubbing/pushing' them out. Otherwise, sometimes I say that's just part of the vintage charm. It's also like christening a bout with a bottle of champaign... get the first ding and dent on it, then you can enjoy it :) Thanks for watching, Jon
Most helpful! I have the same lower sink cabinet at my cottage. We’re on a small island, so not easy to transport on and off the island to get it refinished, so thinking I have to do it by myself. What type of primer and paint do you recommend.
i have very similar cabinets in my kitchen but with way less rust, and a pretty crappy coat of paint on them. My main question is, do you normally not remove the cabinet doors, I feel like I'll have difficulty sanding and painting with the doors still attached.
If possible taking the doors off can help, but sometimes creates the problem of having to hang something with two sides of wet paint... If spraying one side at a time has its challenges too. I have plans in the future to show the process using Electrostatic Spray equipment... we'll see if that makes it easier or not... Thanks, Jon
Hi, Lead dust is a concern for some items, especially if painted before the 1970's. I usually sand using a vac system on the sander with HEPA filter for dust and also sometimes do so in the paint booth with the exhaust fan running, as well as using a respirator. (not paper mask). As far as doing something like this at home... if lead is a concern, you can get the lead test kits by 3M, then at least you know what you're working with. As far as the coatings that we're using, none contain lead. Thanks for asking. Jon
My husband and I just purchased an old house we are going to redo and the kitchen has a full set of these metal cabinets… they are all rusted and I thought beyond repair but maybe we can re work them now that I’ve seen this…
Great job! I have metal cabinets in my kitchen that look like they are in good shape but some of the drawers tracks are broken and it drives me crazy!! What do you think I should do to repair this? Any ideas out there?
Replying because my husband and I are in the same boat. We may try to repair them ourselves or get someone to come here to spot weld them back. It's in our kitchen so we need to re do them in place!
Sir I wish I could have you finish my kitchen cabinets you are a Craftsman. Except for underneath the sink my cabinets are in better shape than those, you started with. I am hesitant to sand because of lead in the paint. I am considering scuffing lightly I am to remove doors and drawers but don't want to move cabinets. I also have old oil base Rust-Oleum, is it safe to use. Thank you much please comment.
The Rustollium should do fine, just different than what I am using, not that thats bad... just different. But If I were going to use an Oil-Based Paint, I really like the way the Benjamine Moore Satin Impervo works and holds up. Sorry for the late reply... I'm still learning this youtube stuff :) Jon
It took about 3 weeks for the whole set. Probably 20 actual hours? If I remember correctly, I think I charged $1500.00 for the complete set. Thanks, Jon
In your other videos I notice bathtubs. Do you refinish the vintage farmhouse sink that has some counter drain on it. The metal cabinets you have we have the same kind. I did not see the sink. You you refinish them. Some people say paint it. I didn’t think that was good idea. Around the drain the sink is very worn. I what do you suggest. What state or you in?
I have this cabinet. I just removed it to update my wash room. I never threw it away because I kinda don't want to. I just don't want to get rid of it but don't know where to put it. Smh. I love the look and know it can be refinished but it doesn't fit the concept of my home.
Man, too bad. Ive got an airforce unit with vintage metal cabinets that are in excellent shape! but that’s jut how the Air Force is, nothin but the best. Anyway, I just want to know how I would brighten up the white paint on the undamaged cabinets i do have without repainting them all over again? Just wondering if there is a bleach chemical cleaner for the paint that would bring them back to bright original white to match my appliances/ I mean they are in perfect order inside and out! was looking on line at prices for these cabinets all junked up and what they are selling for these days and it should be a crime! Just my opinion but the way i figure my kitchen set should fetch around 5K easy or more!good job prepare.
I would try ZEP Degreaser as a start. Not harsh but does a good job at dissolving grime, nicotine, etc... Good ol Windex works great too, just let it do the work. Just a thought. Jon
I wish some company could fabricate new metal cabinets like this in a retro style.
That would be cool.
Thanks,
Jon
Beautiful work. I have these metal cabinets in a 1926 house I bought. I didn’t know about rust converter so I will have to get some before I paint. I won’t be able to remove the unit but will do my best to work on it in house and see how it turns out!
Good luck and thanks for watching!
Jon
I have this cabinet in green. So glad to watch this, as I'm researching right now on restoration
Wow!!😱😱😱 looks amazing! Thanks for the video! I was going to change out the metal cabinets in my dad's home (which is almost 100 years old). But, the contractor told me not to! He told me that he can clean them up like this! I am so curious to see how ours turn out. 😊
same here. have a 1920's Craftsman Bungalow and that's my project for 2023!
Yes, you have my interest! That is so cool. Imagine that in a laundry room or tricked out garage or even outdoor kitchen. I bet it will start trending.
This is exactly what I have in my old house I just bought! I was searching to see how to reburish it. Walla!
Voila'
did you like your results?
I’m sure the customer is very happy with this. Excellent work
Fantastic! My wife and I are all about bringing in the old and out with the new. Just acquired a full kitchen of St. Charles metal cabinets. What grit were you initially starting with?. I think I can do most of the bull prep work and then get them powder coated. Like the wood reinforced areas. Great channel. Everything new isn't always the best!
Cool! I have a full St Charles Kitchen in my 56 ranch that is just so durable and perfect. I just couldn't trash it. Every door and drawer opens smoothly and perfect. They don't make things like they used to! I'm gearing up to DIY them and realizing there is a lot of flat surfaces. I think I will strip them with a good stripping chem. prime and paint. Check out the Samsung Bespoke kitchen appliances. I walked by them in Home Depot and instantly fell in love with how they match the st Charles look perfectly. What I don't spend on the cabinets by doing them myself, I think I will spend on the appliances. I am thinking a nice slate like blue for the lower cabinets and a white for the op cabinets tied together with a natural mahogany countertop.
Hi, Sorry for taking so long to reply... I just figured out how to reply :) Anyway, I typicall start with 80 or 120 for the sanding, depending on the condition.
I think powder coating could be good if you have someone in the area that can handle the size.
Thanks,
Jon
I love your work! I have the base cabinets and sink with an excellent drain, in Avocado green. Would it be ok to use Naval Gel on the rust.
I'm restoring my cabinets from 1953. Do you mind sharing which paint you used? Thx
U.S. Paints 545 Epoxy primer and Awlcraft Acrylic Urethane top coat.
Sorry for such a late reply... I just figured out how to respond...
Thanks,
Jon
I bought a house that had metal cabinets. I put the base cabinets in my garage and am currently refinishing the wall cabinets to use in the kitchen.
I refinished a similar cabinet. I went to a local shop that forms roofing metal for barns and commercial building . I ordered what is called j-channel that they use around windows and doors only I had them form the back side to 4 inches. That way it is the same size as the metal under the front side of the cabinet. I wrapped the custom j-channel around all 4 sides . I first cut off the rusted metal and sanded and painted then riveted on the j-channel. Just simplified the repair.
Great Idea!
I just bought a house with the original metal cabinets. Was going to get rid of them but decided maybe I'd try restoring
Same here!! I am so glad the contractors talked me into saving them! We are going to add new counter tops
I love these cabinets. I bought two. One is like brand new. The other, bigger one, needs some work. I can handle the sanding and painting, but there is a dent in one of the doors. Since there is double metal on the frame, how do I get inside to get the dent out? I am restoring this to make it part of my baking corner, to roll dough. I ordered a nice piece of granite for the surface, not to ruin the vintage charm, but because dough rolls amazing on a cold surface. I see this video is from two years ago. I hope you still have your page and can respond. Thank you! Lizzy
Hi Lizzy, Sorry it took me so long to see this and reply... I just figured out how to do this :)
Anyway... You might be able to pull it out / up somewhat with a suction cup dent puller, but if it's creased... that's hard. Maybe try one of the companies that do dent repairs for cars. They have unique tools for getting inside panels and 'rubbing/pushing' them out. Otherwise, sometimes I say that's just part of the vintage charm. It's also like christening a bout with a bottle of champaign... get the first ding and dent on it, then you can enjoy it :)
Thanks for watching,
Jon
Great job.
Most helpful! I have the same lower sink cabinet at my cottage. We’re on a small island, so not easy to transport on and off the island to get it refinished, so thinking I have to do it by myself. What type of primer and paint do you recommend.
i have very similar cabinets in my kitchen but with way less rust, and a pretty crappy coat of paint on them. My main question is, do you normally not remove the cabinet doors, I feel like I'll have difficulty sanding and painting with the doors still attached.
If possible taking the doors off can help, but sometimes creates the problem of having to hang something with two sides of wet paint... If spraying one side at a time has its challenges too.
I have plans in the future to show the process using Electrostatic Spray equipment... we'll see if that makes it easier or not...
Thanks,
Jon
Where are you located? I have a whole set of cabinets that I primered last year and haven't been able to paint them yet
Good idea on stiffening up the base and riveting the shelves. You would think they would do that from the factory
I have metal cabinets in my kitchen. The drawers do not function properly since the tracks are broken. Any idea on how to repair this?
Very nice.
Wow, nice! Since black or white Matte appliances are desired; have you been asked to paint a stainless steel appliance to matte color?!!
I have painted Stainless Steel, but not as an appliance.
Being that these are very old, they’re probably lead paint is it wise to sand them?
Hi, Lead dust is a concern for some items, especially if painted before the 1970's. I usually sand using a vac system on the sander with HEPA filter for dust and also sometimes do so in the paint booth with the exhaust fan running, as well as using a respirator. (not paper mask).
As far as doing something like this at home... if lead is a concern, you can get the lead test kits by 3M, then at least you know what you're working with. As far as the coatings that we're using, none contain lead.
Thanks for asking.
Jon
My husband and I just purchased an old house we are going to redo and the kitchen has a full set of these metal cabinets… they are all rusted and I thought beyond repair but maybe we can re work them now that I’ve seen this…
even if the bottom is rusted out, you might be able to replace with sheet metal or even wood...
Hope it works out!
Jon
Just wondering why the cabinet doors were left on for painting?
They dont come off easily. and that way both sides can be painted at the same time.
Great job! I have metal cabinets in my kitchen that look like they are in good shape but some of the drawers tracks are broken and it drives me crazy!! What do you think I should do to repair this? Any ideas out there?
Replying because my husband and I are in the same boat. We may try to repair them ourselves or get someone to come here to spot weld them back. It's in our kitchen so we need to re do them in place!
Many are just press fit into slots, but I have drilled holes and pop riveted them at times.
Many are just press fit into slots, but I have drilled holes and pop riveted them at times.
are the drawers on roller or do they slide on metal to metal?
often times but sometimes they have a nylon wheel.
What kind of primer and paint did you use?
U.S. Paint 545 Epoxy Primer.
Most any good automotive epoxy metal primer should do fine. Even spray can auto primer...
Hi! I actually want to bring back the metal and eliminate all the paint, has anyone ever done it? Or know how to do it? Please help!
I have this exact kitchen sink cabinet. It’s super rusted. 🙃
Sir I wish I could have you finish my kitchen cabinets you are a Craftsman. Except for underneath the sink my cabinets are in better shape than those, you started with. I am hesitant to sand because of lead in the paint. I am considering scuffing lightly I am to remove doors and drawers but don't want to move cabinets. I also have old oil base Rust-Oleum, is it safe to use. Thank you much please comment.
The Rustollium should do fine, just different than what I am using, not that thats bad... just different.
But If I were going to use an Oil-Based Paint, I really like the way the Benjamine Moore Satin Impervo works and holds up.
Sorry for the late reply... I'm still learning this youtube stuff :)
Jon
grr. I came to learn how to remove the drawers. I did learn other stuff though
Me too
Next time I get one of these in, Ill be sure to show that. Usually they just lift out when the drawer is fully extended.
Thanks,
Jon
Greetings I have some metal upper and lower cabinets in an old house I just bought in Michigan City would love to have you help me with them
How many hours did you spend on this project and approximately how much would something like this cost?
It took about 3 weeks for the whole set. Probably 20 actual hours? If I remember correctly, I think I charged $1500.00 for the complete set.
Thanks,
Jon
In your other videos I notice bathtubs. Do you refinish the vintage farmhouse sink that has some counter drain on it. The metal cabinets you have we have the same kind. I did not see the sink. You you refinish them. Some people say paint it. I didn’t think that was good idea. Around the drain the sink is very worn. I what do you suggest. What state or you in?
I would suggest reglazing for the sink.
I'm in Grand Rapids, Michigan
Sorry for the late reply, still figuring out how to use RUclips.
Jon
What color and paint did you use
I used Awlcraft F-8020 Off White.
I have this cabinet. I just removed it to update my wash room. I never threw it away because I kinda don't want to. I just don't want to get rid of it but don't know where to put it. Smh. I love the look and know it can be refinished but it doesn't fit the concept of my home.
Yes we have metal cabinets
Where are you located , I’m in S E Ohio and need my Cabinets done .
Thank you
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Man, too bad. Ive got an airforce unit with vintage metal cabinets that are in excellent shape! but that’s jut how the Air Force is, nothin but the best. Anyway, I just want to know how I would brighten up the white paint on the undamaged cabinets i do have without repainting them all over again? Just wondering if there is a bleach chemical cleaner for the paint that would bring them back to bright original white to match my appliances/ I mean they are in perfect order inside and out! was looking on line at prices for these cabinets all junked up and what they are selling for these days and it should be a crime! Just my opinion but the way i figure my kitchen set should fetch around 5K easy or more!good job prepare.
I would try ZEP Degreaser as a start. Not harsh but does a good job at dissolving grime, nicotine, etc... Good ol Windex works great too, just let it do the work.
Just a thought.
Jon
How do you remove drawers😢
Many of them just Lift out when fully extended.
Lots of people have asked you questions. It would be nice if you'd respond.
Ha Ha... I' just figured out how to do this... didnt even know I had all these questions.
Working on the reply's now.
Thanks for watching,
Jon