Pro tips for choosing the perfect paint for your appliances

Ever glanced at your old fridge or stove and thought it could use a little sprucing up? Painting your appliances is an awesome way to revamp your kitchen without emptying your wallet. But how do you pick the right paint to get a smooth, long-lasting finish? We’ve got you covered with some tried-and-true tips and tricks.

Keep in mind, this info might not match your generator exactly. We aim to help with all sorts of DIY generator fixes, but different models can have unique steps and parts. For the best advice, it’s a good idea to check your generator’s manual or reach out to us if you’ve got questions.

1. Know your paint options

Use appliance epoxy paint

If you’re thinking about jazzing up appliances like fridges, washers, or dryers, appliance epoxy paint is your best bet. It’s tough as nails, resists scuffs, and handles daily wear like a champ. The coolest part? It’s self-priming, so you can skip that extra step and save yourself some hassle. Brands like Rust-Oleum and Krylon have a bunch of colors in both spray cans and regular paint cans, so you’ve got loads of choices to fit your vibe.

Use heat-resistant paint

Got appliances that heat up, like ovens, stoves, or microwaves? You’ll want heat-resistant paint for those bad boys. Regular paint just can’t take the heat, it might peel off or even cause safety issues. Products like Rust-Oleum High Heat spray and Krylon High Heat spray are made to handle those hotter temps without breaking a sweat.

Apply enamel gloss protective spray

Want to give your paint job some extra armor, especially if you went with regular spray paint for that unique color? Slap on an enamel gloss protective spray. This clear coat will help your paint stick around longer and keep it looking shiny and fresh.

Use touch-up paint

Got a few small dings or scratches? Sometimes a dab of touch-up paint does the trick. Many appliance makers have touch-up paints that match your appliance’s original color spot-on. It’s a quick and easy way to keep things looking sharp.

2. Get your appliance ready to paint

Unplug the appliance

First things first, unplug that appliance! We don’t want any shocking surprises while you’re working.

Give it a good clean

Appliances can get pretty grimy over time, and that gunk can mess with your paint sticking right. Grab some ammonia or a strong cleaner to wipe away any grease and buildup. Make sure you clean all the surfaces you’re gonna paint, and let everything dry out completely before you move on.

Scuff it up a bit

To help the paint stick, you need to give the surface a little texture. Use some steel wool or medium-grit sandpaper to lightly sand the appliance. You’re just looking to dull the finish a bit, not strip off all the old paint.

Cover up everything else

Let’s face it, painting can get messy. Throw down some drop cloths or plastic sheets to keep paint off your floors, furniture, and countertops. It’ll save you a headache when it’s time to clean up.

Take off or tape up hardware

Unscrew any handles or knobs you can remove. You can paint these separately to get an even coat all around. For stuff that won’t come off, like logos or fixed buttons, cover ’em up with painter’s tape so they stay paint-free.

3. Start painting

Use spray paint

Spray paint is great for getting that smooth, even look without any brush marks. Hold the can about a foot away and use steady, sweeping motions. It’s way better to do several thin coats than one heavy one. Let each coat dry as per the instructions before hitting it with the next layer. Trust me, a little patience here goes a long way to a killer finish.

Use a brush or roller

If brushes or rollers are more your style, take it slow and steady to dodge bubbles and streaks. Epoxy paint can be a tad finicky, bubbles might pop up while you’re painting. But no worries, they usually even out as things dry.

Use moisture-resistant paint for wet areas

Got parts that deal with a lot of water, like dishwasher racks? You’ll need moisture-resistant paint for those. It’s made to handle getting soaked without chipping or peeling off. When in doubt, check what the manufacturer suggests.

4. Get a pro look with extra tips

Go for unique colors

Want to make a statement with a funky color? You might have to use regular spray paint. If you do, be sure to add a clear enamel gloss protective spray on top. This will seal everything in and make your paint job last longer.

Don’t rush it

Give each coat plenty of time to dry, and don’t rush things after the final coat either. Hurrying can mess up your hard work with smudges or fingerprints. Always check the paint can for how long you should wait.

Keep the air flowing

Make sure you’re painting in a place with good ventilation so you’re not breathing in nasty fumes. If moving the appliance outside isn’t an option, crack open some windows and get a fan going. Throwing on a mask made for paint fumes is a smart move too.

Do a test run

Not sure how the paint’s gonna turn out? Try it on a small, hidden spot first. That way, you can check out the color and finish before you go all in.

5. Need replacement parts or help?

Sometimes a fresh coat of paint isn’t gonna cut it. If parts are really banged up, it might be time to replace them. Knowing your appliance’s model number is key to finding the right parts. If you’re clueless about where to find it, take a peek at our guide on how to find your appliance’s model number. We’re always here with top-notch parts and expert know-how. 

Check out AppliancePartsPros.com for all your appliance needs. And hey, don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Twitter for more tips, tricks, and updates.

If you’ve got any questions or need a hand, don’t hesitate to give us a shout. Happy painting!