Painting Kitchen Appliances
Peter Rymwid
Paint is an easy and affordable way to update a room, and it can go a long way in the kitchen. You can use paint to update just about anything in your kitchen, from walls and backsplashes to tables and even appliances.
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If you're living in a rental unit that has outdated appliances or you're not ready to upgrade the ones you own in your home, paint can really save the day.
Painting your appliances won't be a permanent fix, but it's a budget-friendly option for outdated items such as your oven, fridge, microwave, stove or washer and dryer.
Available in heat-resistant finishes, appliance paint is a durable option that can dramatically change the look and feel of your kitchen. Appliance paint can be applied different ways, but spray versions tend to work the best. Semi-gloss paint is another option, but it should only be used on items that don't get too hot, such as your refrigerator.
To update your appliances using paint, make sure they're unplugged and pulled away from the wall. Make sure to clean the appliance beforehand to remove any grime or other residue. If you skip this step, the paint will not adhere to the item. Remove or cover all the hardware and handles from your appliances. Try to paint your appliances outside if possible. If you don't have any outdoor space, make sure to cover all the other items in your kitchen and open some windows for ventilation.
If you're spraying on appliance paint, you'll want to apply light, consistent coats. Typically, you'll need 3 or 4 coats to ensure the items are completely covered. Wait 15 minutes between coats, and allow the item to dry for 24 hours before putting it back in place.
You can use paint to make a brown stove white or you can really have fun and inject some life into the most important items in your kitchen. If the rest of your kitchen is neutral, a red or brightly colored fridge will really pop. Just remember that painting appliances can be a long, tedious process. Keep that in mind when selecting colors for your appliances and choose ones that you'll be happy with for a while.
Refrigerators tend to be the easiest appliances to paint. If you can't decide on a color, try chalkboard paint. Use a small amount of the paint to create a mini chalkboard on the front door, or cover the entire appliance with it. With a chalkboard fridge, you'll never forget when you run out of milk or other important items.
