Get Creative & Paint Stainless Steel Appliances

With their sleek look and easy-to- clean finish, stainless steel appliances are a popular choice. But over time, scratches, dents, and discoloration can give them a well-worn appearance. Replacing high-end appliances can cost thousands. However, with proper preparation and application, you can give your existing stainless steel appliances a fresh new look with paint.

Painting over stainless steel is an affordable way to update the style of your kitchen without undergoing a full renovation. The smooth surface presents some challenges for good paint adhesion, but following key steps will have you enjoying a durable, customized finish.

Why Paint Stainless Steel Appliances?

There are many great reasons to paint old stainless steel appliances instead of purchasing new ones:

• Cost savings over replacement - New stainless appliances easily cost over $1000 per item. A few cans of paint and supplies will transform them at a fraction of the price.
• Refresh dated look - Even expensive appliances can start to look worn and out of style after 5-10 years. Paint offers an instant style update.
• Cover scratches or damage - Painting is an easy fix for appliances suffering from surface damage or heavy scratching from years of use.
• Match new kitchen decor - Tired of your stainless steel looking out of place with your newly remodeled kitchen? Customize the finish to blend seamlessly with your new color scheme.

Choosing Paint for Stainless Steel

With a quality primer and paint designed specifically for metals and appliances, it is possible to achieve a smooth factory-like finish on your stainless steel surfaces. When selecting paint, keep these considerations in mind:

Consider Durability Needs

Stainless steel appliances are often used in high-traffic areas where they may get knocked around and be vulnerable to chipping. Look for paint options specifically designed to be durable and long-lasting such as those labeled "scratch-resistant." An enamel top coat can also add extra resilience.

Opt for Scratch-Resistant Enamel

For the hardest, most impervious finish, choose an enamel paint made for metals. Enamel paint leaves an ultra-smooth glass-like coating after proper curing that resists scratches, chips, cracks, and stains even under heavy use.

Seek Color Stable Options

Some paints may react with stainless steel over time, leading to discoloration. To avoid this, select a "color-stable" or "UV-stable" paint designed to resist fading and changes in hue when exposed to sunlight and other environmental factors.

Test Paint in Inconspicuous Spot

Even with paint formulated for metals, it's wise to test on a small hidden location first. This assures proper adhesion and lets you check for any discoloration issues before committing to painting the entire appliance surface.

Proper Prep Work Is Crucial

While stainless steel can present difficulties for paint adhesion, following some key preparation steps will have your appliances looking freshly coated:

• Clean thoroughly - Remove all grease, dirt and residue first with degreasing cleansers made for metals.
• Lightly sand surface - Using fine 400+ grit sandpaper, gently rough up the smooth appliance surface to help paint grab on.
• Wipe away all residue - Carefully clean away any remaining debris left over from sanding before painting.
• Apply etching primer - Use a primer specifically formulated for metals to further improve paint bonding.

Priming for Strong Adhesion

Perhaps the most important step in ensuring your painted finish lasts, priming prepares the stainless steel for accepting paint:

Use Metal-Specific Primer

After cleaning and lightly sanding, apply a high-quality primer designed for smooth metals and metal alloys. Such primers contain chemicals and compounds that etch and adhere to slippery metal surfaces. This gives the top coat paint something secure to cling to.

Allow Thorough Drying Time

It's crucial not to rush priming and to let each coat dry completely as specified by the manufacturer before adding another coat. This allows primer ingredients to activate and bond correctly to the stainless steel, creating a foundation for paint.

Follow Manufacturer Recommendations

For best results, carefully read and follow all label directions on drying times, number of coats to apply, and any specific instructions for metal or stainless steel application provided by your chosen primer's manufacturer.

Application Methods

Once primed, you can now apply your paint using common techniques:

Paintbrush

For small appliances or working in tight spaces, an angled brush with trimmed bristles offers control and access. Maintain a steady hand, and work slowly to avoid drips and uneven coverage. Pay special attention to hard-to-reach nooks and crannies.

Paint Roller

A small foam roller with a short nap quickly applies primer and paint to large flat stainless surfaces. However, the coarse texture may create a slightly stippled appearance. Use an angled trim brush to smoothly cut-in corners and edges.

Paint Sprayer

For big appliances like refrigerators, a spray gun offers fast full coverage with a smooth, consistent finish. Carefully mask off any nearby walls or unrelated surfaces first. Spraying does require some technique to master.

Achieving Desired Finish

Proper paint application techniques also impact the final look of your stainless steel paint job:

• Apply 2-3 thin coats for best durability allowing proper drying time between coats.
• Lightly sand again between coats using extra fine grit sandpaper to further smooth the surface.
• Always follow your paint manufacturer's recommendations for drying times between re-coats for maximum toughness.

Cleanup of Supplies

Once painting is complete, proper cleanup and storage will keep brushes and other tools ready for future use:

• Store extra paint according to manufacturer directions to preserve freshness for touch ups.
• Clean brushes, rollers, spray tips, etc thoroughly after use following best practices.
• Safely dispose of chemical thinners, soiled rags, and other hazardous waste.

Show your DIY painted stainless steel appliances some care so they continue looking like new:

• Use only gentle cleaners and wipes that won't mar the painted finish.
• Immediately wipe up any spills, grease or food residue.
• Touch up paint as soon as you notice any scratches to prevent corrosion.

You can give dull, damaged appliances a new life with some careful prep work and quality paint. Instead of spending thousands on replacements, extend their usefulness with a custom painted finish.