How to Restore an Antique Metal Medicine Cabinet

Knowing and learning how to restore and antique metal medicine cabinet is an easy way to create a long lasting piece of furniture on a budget. If you have found a metal antique medicine cabinet at the local flea market or salvage yard, then repairing is an easy and worthwhile project perfect for creating a great storage piece.

To Restore a Metal Antique Medicine Cabinet You Will Need

Sand Paper

Metal Primer

Paint

Car Bonding Agent

To get started restoring your metal medicine cabinet you will need to remove any and all rust found on the piece. After time many people began to set these in the garage and on the porch, which led to the rust. If you bought yours at the flea market, it was also exposed to the elements.

So, sand off the rust wiht a metal grade sand paper. This can be bought at the hardware store. Wipe away any dust and grainy rust with a clean dry cloth. You can use a damp one, but go back and dry it immediately.

Now, on to the primer. I like to use a primer that is specifically for metal. Look for products from rustoleum. This is well know for fighting rust and preventing get from returning.

Note: If you do not sand the rust off, then you will only be covering get and it will get worse an show through.

Also, if your pieces so rusty that when you sand it creates large holes, this piece may simply be unrepairable for a home improvement project. Try visiting your local Auto body Car shop. They may have options for patching the holes and repainting the piece, just like they would the metal on a car.

Now, spray on a coat or two of the primer. Let each coat dry before adding the next.

You will want to feel the piece and see if it needs another sanding in between coats.

Finally, on to the paint. Rent a paint spray from the local home improvement store. This will give the smoothest finish to your metal antique medicine cabinet.

Use an oil based paint (latex if you insist) and spray on 1 to 3 coats as needed. Again, let each dry, feel it, sand as needed, and paint again.

Almost any DIYer can repair and clean up a vintage metal or antique metal medicine cabinet with a little free time and some elbow grease.

If the piece is in relatively good condition, but in need of a new coat of paint, then you have saved a ton of money and refurbished a cool retro medicine cabinet on your own!

Tip: The auto body shop can also paint the piece for you! This will give the longest lasting finish!