How to Use Appliance Paint

Taking the time to learn how to use appliance paint will help save costs when updating or repairing appliances in the kitchen. With the proper preparation and materials any homeowner can tackle this easy do-it-yourself project with satisfying results.

Using appliance paint can help you change the look of your kitchen.

Many make-over and fix-it shows make painting appliances a popular undertaking when modernizing a family kitchen. It is an inexpensive option when compared to replacing a tired-looking fridge or a microwave that doesn’t match the rest of the décor in the room.

When changing the color or fixing scratches in the finish of an appliance, paint that is made specifically for appliances should be used. If ordinary interior wall paint is used, it will not adhere properly and the finish will begin to peel off soon after completion. Homeowners should take the time when purchasing their paint to read the product labels for important information on how to use appliance paint. A list of needed materials and time required are provided on the container as well.

Appliance paint can be used for refrigerators, microwaves, dishwashers and other small appliances in the kitchen. Caution should be taken on any appliance that is close to or generates heat. Specialty appliance paint can be purchased that states on the label it is heat resistant. If it does not have this noted on the product, it should not be used for stoves, ovens, or range hoods. Washers and dryers and other appliances that need sprucing up, such as a barbecue or a bar refrigerator, can be given new life with a paint job, too. Follow the same guidelines as for the kitchen appliances to ensure proper coverage and longevity of the paint job.

There are preparations and steps that need to be completed prior to applying paint to appliances. Even with the right appliance paint, if the surface isn’t prepared properly the desired result will not be achieved.

The appliance needs to be thoroughly cleaned of all grease and other dirt. The homeowner should read the instructions on how to use appliance paint for the recommended cleaning methods. In most cases soapy water and a sponge will suffice. After washing, the entire surface to be painted needs to be dried completely.

If the appliance is showing any signs of rust, a product to prevent the spread of rust and further deterioration needs to be applied before the appliance is painted. The application of a rust protection will increase the longevity and wear of the appliance. For older appliances, this step can be added as a precautionary measure even if no signs of rust are present.

Good ventilation is needed when using appliance paint. If it is not possible to paint outside, the homeowner should open windows and doors to let fresh air circulate in the painting area.

In addition to regular or heat-resistant appliance paint, the other choices available to homeowners are brush on paint and spray paint. The decision can be made based on personal preference and the size of the surface that is to be painted.

When the entire appliance is to be painted, a spray-on application is a better choice. The time to paint the appliance will be shorter and the application will be smoother with no brush or roller marks in the finish.

Using a can of paint with a brush is best for small scratches or dents. In addition to researching how to use the paint, a homeowner should find out what is the best material for filling in deeper gouges or scratches prior to painting.

The exact instructions will vary from brand to brand and type of paint application used but you can follow these general steps:

1. Clean the appliance thoroughly with soap and water and leave to dry.
2. Apply a treatment on rust spots to prevent the rust from spreading or showing up through the new paint.
3. Unplug and move the appliance to a well-ventilated area or create good air circulation in the painting area.
4. Remove or protect areas (such as handles and other decorative details) on the appliance that should not be painted.
5. Paint the appliance according to the product instructions.
6. Let dry thoroughly before moving.
7. Apply a second coat if necessary..

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