How to paint metal appliances without peeling or chipping

Looking to spruce up your kitchen appliances without shelling out big bucks for new ones? Giving them a fresh coat of paint is an affordable way to revamp your space. But to make sure the paint sticks and doesn’t peel or chip over time, it’s important to do things right. In this guide, we’ll show you how to paint your metal appliances like a pro.

Heads up: The tips in this article might not fit your exact appliance model. We aim to give handy advice for all sorts of DIY appliance fixes, but different models can have their quirks—like unique troubleshooting steps, error codes, or parts. For spot-on guidance, it’s best to check your appliance’s manual or reach out to us if you’ve got any questions.

Prep your metal appliances for painting

When it comes to painting metal appliances, the prep work is everything. If you rush or skip steps, the paint might not stick well, and you could end up with peeling or chipping down the road. Here’s how to get your appliances all set for that fresh coat of paint.

1. Round up your supplies

• Sandpaper in different grits (60, 80, and 120)
• A water-based cleaner or degreaser
• Primer that’s made for metal surfaces
• Paint that’s designed for metal appliances
• Brushes, rollers, or a paint sprayer
• Drop cloths and painter’s tape
• Microfiber cloths
• Protective gear like gloves, a mask, and safety glasses

2. Sand down the surface

Kick things off by sanding the metal surface of your appliance. Start with a coarse grit sandpaper, like 60-grit, to get rid of any old paint, coatings, or rust. Then, work your way up to finer grits (80, then 120) to smooth things out. Sanding gives the surface some texture, which helps the primer and paint stick better.

3. Give it a good clean

Once you’re done sanding, wipe down the appliance using a water-based cleaner or degreaser to get rid of dust, grease, and any other gunk. Don’t forget the corners and crevices where dirt likes to hide. If you’re dealing with galvanized metal, make sure to remove any passivators—they can mess with the paint sticking properly.

4. Get rid of peeling paint

If you see any spots where the paint is peeling or chipping, take it off with a scraper or a chemical paint stripper. Just be sure to read the instructions on any chemicals you use and wear your protective gear. After you’ve stripped away the old paint, give the surface another wipe-down to make sure it’s debris-free.

5. Cover up areas you don’t want painted

Grab some drop cloths and painter’s tape to shield the parts you don’t want to paint—like handles, logos, or the control panel. This helps you get a neat, professional finish without accidentally painting over important bits.

Prime the metal surface

Don’t skip the primer! It’s a key step. A good primer helps the paint stick better and makes your paint job last longer.

1. Pick the right primer

Choose a primer that’s made for metal surfaces. If your appliance is galvanized metal, grab a primer that’s specifically for that. Got stainless steel? Go for a top-notch metal primer that bonds well with steel.

2. Put on the primer evenly

Use a brush, roller, or sprayer to apply the primer—it depends on how big the appliance is and what you’re comfortable with. The key is to get an even coat all over. And don’t forget to check the drying times on the primer’s instructions before you move on to painting.

3. Check your work

After the primer dries, take a good look to see if you missed any spots or if there are uneven areas. Touch up any places that need it so you have a nice, even base before painting.

Paint your metal appliance

Now that everything’s prepped and primed, it’s time to paint. The kind of paint you use and how you apply it can make a big difference in how it turns out.

1. Choose the right paint

Pick a paint that’s meant for metal surfaces. Acrylic or hybrid enamel paints work great on appliances. A satin finish is a solid choice—it gives you a nice sheen without being too shiny, and it’s easy to clean. If you’re painting galvanized metal, double-check that the paint is compatible so you don’t end up with peeling issues down the line.

2. Go with thin coats

When you start painting, it’s best to do several thin coats instead of one thick one. You can use a brush, roller, or paint sprayer—whichever you prefer. If you’re working on a big surface or want a super smooth finish, a sprayer might be the way to go. Make sure you let each coat dry as per the paint’s instructions before adding the next one.

3. Sand between coats (optional)

If you’re aiming for an extra smooth finish, you can lightly sand the surface with fine-grit sandpaper between coats. Just remember to wipe off any dust with a microfiber cloth before you slap on the next coat.

4. Add a clear protective coat (optional)

For extra durability, you might want to apply a clear protective coat after the final layer of paint is dry. It’ll help ward off scratches and make cleaning easier down the road.

Keep your newly painted appliance looking good

Taking care of your painted appliance will help the paint job last longer and keep things looking fresh.

1. Keep it clean

Wipe down the painted surface regularly with a damp microfiber cloth. You can use plain water, a mix of water and white vinegar, or a gentle window cleaner. Stay away from abrasive cleaners or scrubbers—they can scratch up the paint.

2. Fix chips and peels right away

If you spot any chips or peeling, take care of it ASAP to stop things from getting worse. Sand the area, clean it up, and apply some touch-up primer and paint.

3. Give it a polish

Once the paint is completely cured, you can buff the surface with a microfiber cloth to boost the shine. It’s an optional step, but it adds a nice touch.

Additional tips for a successful paint job

• Temperature and humidity: Try to paint in a well-ventilated area where it’s not too hot or humid. That helps the paint dry and cure properly.
• Test first: If you can, test the primer and paint on a small, hidden spot to make sure they look right and work together.
• Safety first: Always wear protective gear like gloves, masks, and safety glasses when you’re sanding or using chemicals.
• Check the manual: Look at your appliance’s manual for any specific warnings or suggestions. Not sure where it is? Learn how to locate your appliance’s model number.

Revitalize your appliances with confidence

Giving your metal appliances a fresh coat of paint is a satisfying DIY project that can totally change the vibe of your kitchen or laundry room. By prepping the surface right, using the correct materials, and following these steps, you can get a professional-looking finish that lasts. Just remember—the secret to avoiding peeling or chipping is all in the prep work and how carefully you apply the paint.

For more DIY tips and top-notch appliance parts, head over to AppliancePartsPros.com. Our experts are ready to help with all your appliance repair and maintenance needs. Connect with us on social media to get the latest updates and helpful resources:

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