Painting metal kitchen cabinets — and a peek at Stephan’s new ‘58 Palm Springs pad — Tony Curtis provenance!
50sPam on Dec 03 2007 at 1:18 pm | Filed under: Hi Pam - Reader Spotlight, bathroom, geneva kitchen, st. charles kitchen cabinets, steel kitchen cabinets, youngstown kitchen
Stephan from Palm Springs makes me oh-so-happy when he writes to compliment the blog — and moreover, to share great info on how to have vintage steel kitchen cabinets repainted. Please note, there is another, separate post — on how to repaint cabinets yourself. Check it out if you’re interested in the DIY approach.
Stephan writes: I just found your website today. I am THRILLED to have done so! The wealth of information is staggering. I am in the process of buying a small condominium here in Palm Springs in a
building built in 1958. The entire building was once owned by Tony Curtis. The unit I am buying is absolutely original, right down to the Columbia metal cabintery and stainless steel appliances in the kitchen, green tub and tile in the bathroom with a steel “VaniLav” cabinet holding the sink [Note fromPam: A "VaniLav" was likely very similar to the "Lavanette" in the photo, above], and all of the original switchplates on the light switches. I have a suggestion to offer for those wanting to refinish metal kitchen and bath cabinetry. Rather than painting it with a latex or enamel wall paint, or spraying it with a standard enamel metal paint, I strongly recommend the following:
- Dismount the cabinets from the walls and take them to a local powder-coating business.
- Most commonly used for auto body work (especially chassis), powder coating produces a very strong, glossy, enamel-like finish far superior to standard spray-on paint.
- The company will do all of the stripping for you in the process, saving loads of time-consuming labor.
- The price is higher than simple spray painting, but the result is a finish that almost exactly reproduces the original 1940s-1950s finish.
I will be watching your site closely for more ideas, and telling my friends about it. Palm Springs is an entire city of mid-century modern architecture and homes, and there is a huge push here to preserve and restore authentic MCM design and decor. We even have a huge annual convention on the subject, with home tours, etc. - Stephan, MCM Enthusiast I followed up with Stephan, and he sent some of the great photos from the real estate listing. It’s, like, 20 degrees where I live. Forget the interior. Let’s get some rays! Alas. Stephan promises to keep us posted after he moves in and his retro renovation progresses in the months ahead. Thanks, Stephan! 
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[...] Springs Stephan told us how to repaint your vintage steel kitchen cabinets via the powder coating method at your local industrial place. A beautiful finish - but yes, will cost some [...]
[...] although the lister says they are in great shape, the cabinets may indeed need a good paint job. (See Stephan’s tips.) But trust me, to retrofit someone else’s kitchen into your existing space is a challenge. [...]
[...] you, Stephan, and good luck now that you’re in your Tony Curtis condo! I’m sorry you didn’t win the Useless but Wonderful contest for the Kurl Katchers. Are [...]
[...] This Beauty Queen kitchen and lavanette are from the same company, Toledo Desk and Fixture Co., Maumee, Ohio. Oh how I wish I had a lavanette! (See one also in blue, in this 2007 post.) [...]
[...] Take it for powder-coating [...]
Powder coating may not be possible for all kitchens. After trying to Zip Strip by own turquise Youngstown 1949 cabinets, I decided I’d take Stephan’s advice and try powder coating.
I took one drawer and one cabinet door to my local professional powder coaters. They looked over the steel, took a knock on the cabinet door and said that it would be impossible to strip and powder coat. Evidently my cabinets and drawers are hollow and have an insulation in-between the steel walls of the cabinet door that would melt and cause the steel to warp as soon as they are placed in the oven. I thought this might be something for all to consider.
I’m looking for other recommendations. Any advice?
Stephan, have you heard of this with your experience?