How to Paint Your Kitchen Appliances the Right Way, According to Pros

When it comes to easy, budget-friendly DIYs that make a big impact, it doesn’t get much better than a fresh coat of paint. Whether it's a bright yellow or a cool blue, a splash of color can instantly transform a room.

Looking to make some changes in your kitchen? The same rules apply, but if you aren’t ready for a full remodel, then painting your large appliances is a relatively simple, cost-effective way to get a fresh look. Of course, there are plenty of do's and don'ts you should be aware of before picking up a brush. Here, we spoke to the experts who've done it themselves to get the full picture.

Select an Appliance

When it comes to painting kitchen appliances, there are a few special considerations to keep in mind. Some paint can’t withstand the high temperatures of stoves or ovens, for example. Plus, you want to be mindful of the materials you use around cooking surfaces. 

When artist and interior designer Kaarin Staalsen gave her own kitchen a colorful makeover, she selected her dishwasher, microwave, and oven knobs and handles for a fresh coat of paint. “They all have a plastic front that I knew would take the paint well,” she says. “I also chose areas of my appliances that didn’t have high heat.”

If you’re hesitant about painting an appliance, then try a few external elements first to see how you like it. This can also be an easier task than painting the whole appliance since, as Staalsen points out, many knobs can be removed and painted more easily.

Kathleen Martin, an experienced DIY-er and founder of Create a Colorful Life, also recommends choosing older appliances that you won’t mind being a little imperfect. “Make sure painting it won’t disrupt its warranty or functionality,” she says. “It's a great way to camouflage older models.”

Prep the Space

One thing to remember is that preparation is key. Whenever you work with paint, it’s always good to put down a tarp or drop cloth over the surrounding areas. Be mindful of paint fumes, too, and make sure the space you’re working in is ventilated. “Always wear a mask to protect yourself from the fumes," says Staalsen, who used spray paint for her project. "Make sure no people or pets will be in the area while spray paint dries.”

For prepping the appliances themselves, consider sanding any plastic parts first. “I made sure to sand the plastic really well with coarse-grit and then fine-grit sandpaper to ensure the spray paint would adhere and not chip,” says Staalsen. Martin sanded her refrigerator using an orbital sander and fine-grit sandpaper. “I didn't sand the dishwasher,” she says. “It had a very slick surface, and I was worried it would leave scratch marks.”

Martin also recommends using a good primer. “Fusion Mineral paint has a special primer called Ultra Grip. It’s different than a traditional primer because it goes on clear,” she says. “I found the best way to apply it is with a damp foam roller. You need to be careful, because if you don’t put it on evenly, it will leave ridges. In my experience, Ultra Grip makes almost anything paintable.”

Pick a Paint

When it comes to picking a color, there are no rules! One option is to paint your appliances so that they blend in, like Martin did. “It's an amazing and budget-friendly way to get the look of built-ins," she says. "Before I painted my dishwasher, it was a big white box that really stood out. I love that it blends in now.” Alternatively, you can add pops of contrasting color, like Staalsen did in her kitchen.

In terms of paint formulas, different options can work for different purposes and priorities. Some paint companies make paints specifically for appliances, but be sure to check the fine print—some are designed for plastic, and others for metal.

“The brand I chose and recommend, Fusion Mineral Paint, is an acrylic paint," says Martin. "It has a thinner consistency than wall paint and goes on really well.” Staalsen, on the other hand, used spray paint to avoid brush strokes. “Spray paint allowed me to have a clean coating over the appliances,” she says. “I picked one that was the color I wanted and made sure it was a two-in-one with primer. I did three coats of the spray paint, sanding again between each coat.”

Be Patient

As with any painting project, it’s important to let each coat dry completely before starting on the next. “I was impatient when I painted my dishwasher and started the second coat too soon. The roller started to pull up the paint and smudge it,” says Martin. “Once the paint was truly dry, I was able to add a second coat, and you couldn’t even tell that I messed it up.” 

To prevent your paint tray from drying out while your appliance dries, Martin recommends an option that's designed to help save paint (and time). “An amazing accessory that was invented by a friend of mine is the Repaint Tray," she says. "It's a reusable silicone painting tray with a lid—it's the perfect way to store your paint between coats.”

If you do opt for spray paint, then be careful to avoid drips. “Keep the can farther away from the appliance as you paint, and keep the coats thin. Don't go too heavy, or you'll get dripping paint!" says Staalsen. “If drips do happen, let them fully dry, and then go in with a fine-grit sandpaper and smooth the area down completely before going over it with a new coat.”