How to Paint Appliances

Last Updated: September 15, 2021 References Approved

Most homeowners want their appliances to look up to date and clean. Household appliances also tend to be costly, so replacing appliances every time there is a desire to redecorate a room or a house can become expensive and time consuming. The appearance of appliances can look interesting and fresh with some paint, which can give them new color and new life. Paint appliances over the course of 1 or 2 days, and save the money that would have otherwise been spent on new appliances.

Steps

1
Cover the floor and surrounding area with a drop cloth. This will protect flooring and any other appliances and furniture from paint. Put the appliance on top of the drop cloth.^{[1]
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2
Clean the appliance. Use a sponge to wipe the appliance down with soap and water. Scrape off any dried debris or particles. All grease and oil substances must be completely removed. Dry the appliance with a clean towel.^{[2]
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3
Rub the appliance with an ammonia based solution. Mix a small solution of ammonia and water together and sponge it all over the appliance. This will give it an easier finish to prepare and paint.^{[3]
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4
Rub the appliance with a scouring pad. Use a steel wool or something with strong, solid bristles that can scour the appliance for stubborn contaminants or food and debris left crusted to the appliance.^{[4]
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5
Sand the appliance. Rub a coarse sandpaper all over the appliance, including handles and ledges. Dust away the debris with a clean paintbrush and sand the entire appliance a second time. Sanding it thoroughly is necessary for the paint to adhere to the appliance surface.^{[5]
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6
Remove hardware. Any knobs or buttons that will not be painted, or can be painted separately should be removed from the appliance.^{[6]
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7
Apply tape to spots that will not be painted. Any clocks, words, or other markings and areas on the appliance that will not be painted over should be covered with painter's tape.^{[7]
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8
Purchase appliance paint. Self priming epoxy appliance paint is available at home improvement and hardware stores. This type of paint is available in a can to be painted with a brush, or in a spray can.^{[8]
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9
Paint the appliance. Use slow, even strokes to put one full coat on the entire appliance if using a paint brush. If using the spray painting method, hold the can a consistent distance from the appliance and cover it with a complete coat. Allow the appliance to dry overnight.^{[9]
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10
Apply a second coat of paint to the appliance. A second coat will give the appliance an even, smooth painted finish. Allow the appliance to dry.^{[10]
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Community Q&A

Question

Can I paint my refrigerator when it's plugged in?

Community Answer

Sure, just be careful not to seal it shut. Also, do it when you or anyone in the house won't be opening or closing it a lot.
Question

Can stovetops be repainted?

Community Answer

Whether or not you can paint it depends on the material. Seeing as most stoves are metal, you can probably paint it.
Question

My refrigerator has a textured finish. Can I still paint it?

C Grace

Community Answer

Yes, I painted mine and it was easy. In step 5, use a medium sandpaper to lightly rough up the surface, just enough to take off any gloss remaining after the ammonia wash and the steel wool. You don't want to destroy the texture. Use spray paint, don't try to apply paint with a brush.