A beginner’s guide to painting appliances: What you need to know

Feeling like your kitchen could use a facelift but don’t want to burn a hole in your pocket? Sprucing up your appliances with a fresh coat of paint might just be the budget-friendly DIY project you’re after. With some basic tools and a dash of patience, you can turn your outdated appliances into chic pieces that mesh perfectly with your decor.

Just a heads-up: The info we’re sharing here might not line up exactly with your appliance’s model. We aim to give helpful advice for all sorts of DIY appliance fixes, but different models can throw in some curveballs with unique troubleshooting steps, error codes, parts, and so on. For the most accurate advice, we highly recommend checking out the manufacturer’s guide for your specific model or reaching out to us if you’ve got any questions.

Prepping your appliance for a fresh coat

To get that professional-looking finish, it’s all about the groundwork. Here’s how to get your appliance ready for its makeover:

Take things apart and clean up

1. • Remove what you can: Unscrew handles, knobs, shelves—anything that’s detachable. It’ll make painting easier and help you get that even coverage.

• • Clean like you mean it: Grab a degreaser and wipe away all the grease, dirt, and gunk. A clean surface means the paint will stick properly.

Can’t find your appliance’s model number for those specific instructions? No problem—check out our guide on how to find your appliance’s model number.

Sand down

1. • Start rough: Begin sanding with some coarse-grit sandpaper to tackle rust and any rough spots.

• • Smooth it out: Switch to finer grits to get a smoother finish. This helps the primer and paint latch on better.

Apply primer

1. • Slap on some rust-inhibitive primer: A good primer keeps rust at bay and gives you a smooth base for painting.

• • Let it dry: Make sure the primer’s completely dry before you start painting.

Pick the right paint

Choosing the right paint can make a big difference in how your appliance looks and holds up over time.

Go for appliance-grade paint

Use paint that’s made specifically for appliances. These paints are built to handle high temps and resist scratches and chips. Brands like Rust-Oleum Specialty Appliance Epoxy Spray or Krylon Appliance Epoxy Spray are solid options.

Know your paint types

• • Acrylic enamel: A tough, durable water-based paint that’s easy to clean up if you make a mess.

• • Hybrid enamel: A mix of oil and water that gives you the easy application of acrylics with some extra durability.

• • Epoxy paint: Gives a hard, durable finish that’s great for appliances.

Get a pro finish with these painting tips

Now that your appliance is prepped and you’ve picked out your paint, it’s time to make it happen.

Pick your painting method

• • Brushes: Good for detailed spots and small touch-ups.

• • Rollers: Perfect for covering larger flat areas quickly.

• • Sprayers: Offers a smooth, even finish that looks like it came from the factory.

Lay it on thin

• First coat: Apply a thin, even layer of paint. Don’t worry about full coverage on the first go.
• Dry time: Let each coat dry completely before adding the next one. This helps you avoid drips and gives a smooth texture.
• Keep going: Repeat with thin coats until you get the look you’re after.

Tackle common issues

• • Fixing runs: If you spot drips or runs while the paint’s still wet, gently scrape them off with a razor blade.

• • Covering thin spots: Once the last coat is dry, add another thin layer to any areas that look patchy.

• • Patience pays off: Let the paint cure completely before you put the appliance back together to avoid smudges or fingerprints.

Keep safety tips in mind

Painting appliances is pretty straightforward, but it’s important to stay safe while you’re at it.

Ventilation is key

Paint fumes aren’t great for your lungs. Make sure you’re working in a well-ventilated space or consider wearing a mask to keep your respiratory system happy.

Gear up

• • Cover up: Wear long sleeves and pants to protect your skin from paint and chemicals.

• • Protect your hands and eyes: Gloves and safety glasses can keep paint and debris away from your hands and eyes.

Clean up safely

Dispose of paint materials according to your local rules. Keep paints and solvents out of reach of kids and pets.If you need more detailed safety tips or run into issues during your project, our repair help section has tons of useful info. Remember, giving your appliances a new look with some paint isn’t just easy on the wallet—it’s also a fun way to put your personal touch on your kitchen. With some careful prep and attention to detail, you can get a finish that looks like the pros did it.

For more tips, resources, and quality appliance parts, swing by AppliancePartsPros.com. We’re here to support your DIY journey every step of the way.

Stay connected with us for the latest updates and advice. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Got questions or need a hand with something? Don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re always happy to help.