5 Locker Hacks to Make Old Metal Lockers Look New
Lockers with dull finishes, rust, and other visible cosmetic flaws, can be an eyesore in your facility and make it appear old and outdated. If you’re tired of vain attempts to prevent inevitable wear and tear, then maybe it's time to take matters into your own hands with a few easy DIY locker hacks from the pros. Using cheap, household products you can reverse the damage and make your metal lockers look brand new again. Just don’t forget to snap a before picture so you can marvel at the dramatic results!
Step #1 - Start with a Clean Slate
Most lockers aren’t cleaned nearly as often as they should be and while a good deep cleaning can be transformative, it is also necessary for the health of your facility. Because metal lockers can be a breeding ground for viruses, mold and a host of contaminants—if you aren't regularly disinfecting them, now is a good time to start. Wiping them down with antibacterial wipes can be an efficient and gentle way to eliminate germs.
You can also apply Isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) to extra grimy areas. Rubbing alcohol is a solvent that is great for cutting through grease and dissolves many oil or water-based contaminants. Alcohol can also help remove any ink stains or scuffs which will save you time in step 2. Keep in mind, alcohol has a drying effect on metal surfaces so it may look a little cloudy for the time being.
Use Locker-Safe Cleaning Products
After you're finished sanitizing your lockers, make sure to remove any greasy, sticky films or residues. Now, it's time for cleaning. You don’t need any special products for this step, just a big bucket full of warm water mixed with a mild cleanser should do the trick but make sure to avoid any products that might harm your finish or worsen degradation. Never use abrasive cleansers, specifically acidic or alkaline products. Also, avoid cleaners that contain the following ingredients:
✖ Hydrogen peroxide
✖ Xylene
✖ Methylene Chloride
✖ Muriatic Acid
✖ Acetone
To avoid scratching your finish further, you’ll want to use a tool with gentle cleansing action such as those used in car detailing. Lambswool, a microfiber mitt or a soft sponge are all great ways to clean your surface while preserving the paint. After a thorough cleaning, wipe away any excess water with a lint-free towel or chamois. Keep all the locker doors open and allow them to fully air dry.
Step #2 - Assess and Treat the Damage
Depending on the severity of the damage, you may be able to minimize or remove many of the cosmetic blemishes found on your finish. When addressing stains or discolorations, it's crucial to pinpoint the cause of the stain to ensure proper treatment. Common stains with lockers are typically caused by water and other liquid stains, rust, and ink.
If you were unsuccessful using rubbing alcohol alone to remove ink stains, try writing over the stain with a dry erase marker (or a magic eraser if you have one) combined with a little more alcohol. Continue this process until the stain has completely faded. To remove water stains, club soda is an effective and inexpensive remedy that is gentle on finishes.
Removing Rust & Corrosion
For stains caused by rust, you’ll need to first check if the corrosion has eaten through the paint. If the rust stain has penetrated only the surface, you can apply a paste of baking soda and water to lift it out. 
For tackling deeper rust stains, try to find an acid-free rust remover. If you find that the rust has fully penetrated the paint, you’ll first need to stop the corrosion. Carefully chip the paint away and sand it down to a gritty texture using coarse sandpaper. Apply a rust neutralizer to the bare metal surface and lightly paint the area with an oil-based primer to prepare it for painting.
To minimize the appearance of surface scratches, use a fine-grit sandpaper or steel wool to lightly buff them out. You can remove small dents or dings on your finish by pounding them with a flat hammer or rubber mallet. Hammer out the dents using moderate force while supporting the opposite side with a hard, flat material to prevent any new damage from occurring.
Step #3 - Conceal Flaws with Touch-Up Paint for Lockers
One of the quickest and easiest ways to revitalize locker finishes involves applying a matching touch-up paint that is specifically formulated for lockers. You should try to find the exact same shade and brand as your current lockers. Even slight variations in color or sheens can be noticeable, keep this in mind if you want a seamless transition.
If you can’t find your exact Pantone color online, you should try contacting the manufacturer directly to see if they have some on hand they can sell to you. If you still can’t track down the original paint color, you may want to order paint chip samples for color comparison. Locker touch-up paint is usually sold with various applicators including aerosol spray formulas, pens or bottles with a brush tip. Choosing the best applicator for your needs all depends on the amount of coverage required and the extent of damage your working with.
Step #4 - Replace Any Old or Damaged Hardware
Because they are subject to the most wear and tear, locker hardware is usually the first to lose its shine. Rather than buying all new lockers, you can go the cost-effective route of replacing unsightly handles, hinges, nameplates and exterior locker parts that are heavily tarnished, scratched or rusty. This update works wonders to restore shine to your lockers and improves overall functionality for smoother, quiet operation.
If your hardware is still in relatively good condition but has been dulled by years of knicks and scratches, a jewelry polish is a quick way to revive old steel parts. You can also find many DIY recipes for homemade jewelry polishes online if you don't have any on hand. Because many polishing agents can strip the paint off metal, carefully tape around the hardware to protect your finish.
Step #5 - The Finishing Touches
Now for the fun part, it's time to seal your locker’s finish with wax. 
Not only will this final step be the most satisfying, but it will also help to protect your finish from future damage. You’ll need to purchase some basic automotive wax at an auto parts store, try to find one with a soft pad included to help with the application. If you have ever waxed a car before, you’ll essentially be using the same technique. First, apply a thin coat all over the entire surface of the lockers.
Applying Wax to Your Lockers
Choose an area to start with and apply the wax using small, circular motions until the lockers are completely covered. Allow the wax to dry, which will look matte and chalky when it is finished. Using the same circular motion, remove all the wax by gently buffing the surface of the lockers with a chamois or other soft cloth. Once all the wax has been removed, you should be left with beautiful, vibrant lockers with a luminous new sheen.
Trying to reduce locker maintenance needs in your facility? Let us help you find an economical, long-lasting locker solution to help save you time and money. Request a quote today!
