Like any other tool or equipment, household appliances suffer wear and tear as the result of regular use. Whether damaged in a move or simply as the result of age, household appliances often look far worse off than they really are. Appliances that still function like new can look like new with little effort. Whether your old appliance's paint is rusted through or chipped, or you simply want to change the color to match your decor without the expense of buying a new unit, appliance refinishing is your fastest and most affordable option.
- Light-duty sandpaper (300-grit or higher)
- Damp cloth
- Appliance epoxy (aerosol can)
- Masking tape
Sand the entire surface of the appliance. Use a circular motion to avoid creating lines or grit marks, as these may remain visible after the new paint is dry.
Wipe the appliance down with a damp cloth to remove all loose dirt and dust particles from the appliance surface.
Cover knobs, display screens, and control dials with masking tape when applicable. This prevents paint from concealing important setting information needed to operate the appliance.
Spray the appliance with appliance epoxy. Apply only a light coat, allowing the paint to form a mist over the entire appliance surface.
Allow the first coat to dry before applying additional layers of appliance epoxy.
Apply the second and third coats the same way as the first, using a light mist to cover the appliance. Repeat as many times as needed to thoroughly coat the appliance. Three to four coats is usually sufficient.
Once the final coat is dry, remove the masking tape.
Tips and Warnings
- Sanding in a circular motion keeps the grit lines made by the sandpaper random. Random lines are harder for the human eye to detect than straight ones. This procedure will result in a more uniform final finish.
- Do not attempt to apply appliance epoxy in one coat as this will result in puddles that will run and leave streaks in final finish.
