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.
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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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?
A friend of mine said that powder coating might not hold up over time due to the flexible nature of the cabinet doors causing the paint to crack. is there any truth to this? has anyone had cabinets powder coated and experienced and problems?
Hi! I was surfing and found your blog post… nice! I love your blog.
Cheers! Sandra. R.