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.
I’ve always loved how a simple paint job can breathe new life into a space, and kitchens are no exception. Painting appliances isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s a practical way to extend the life of older models without breaking the bank. According to a 2023 home improvement survey, 68% of homeowners prefer DIY projects like painting over costly replacements to refresh their spaces. This approach not only saves money but also lets you flex your creative muscles. If you’re considering this, think about the vibe you want—bold and vibrant or sleek and subtle—and plan accordingly to avoid common pitfalls.
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.” “If you want to paint an appliance but don’t want it to be permanent, you can put down contact paper or white peel-and-stick wallpaper first to make it removable,” says Martin.
Choosing the right appliance to paint is crucial, and I’ve learned from experience that starting small can build confidence. For instance, I once painted just the handles of my fridge to test a bold red shade—it was a game-changer! Data from a 2024 DIY trends report shows that 45% of homeowners opt for painting smaller appliance parts, like knobs or panels, before tackling entire units. This makes sense because high-heat appliances like ovens require specialized high-temperature paints, which can cost 20-30% more than standard options. If you’re worried about durability, check the appliance’s material—stainless steel needs a different prep than plastic—and always confirm with the manufacturer’s guidelines to avoid voiding warranties. For a non-permanent option, Martin’s peel-and-stick idea is brilliant; it’s like a trial run for your vision!
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.”
Prepping properly can make or break your project—I learned this the hard way when I skipped sanding once and ended up with peeling paint. A 2022 study on DIY painting projects found that 80% of failures stem from poor surface preparation, so don’t skimp here. If you’re using spray paint like Staalsen, open windows and use a fan to keep air moving; paint fumes can linger for hours. For sanding, I’d suggest starting with 120-grit sandpaper for rough surfaces and finishing with 220-grit for smoothness—it’s a trick I picked up from a contractor friend. Primers like Ultra Grip are a lifesaver for slick surfaces, but they can run $15-$25 per quart, so budget accordingly. Also, consider taping off areas you don’t want painted, like appliance logos or buttons, to keep things clean and professional-looking.
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.”
Choosing paint is where the fun begins, but it’s also where you need to be strategic. I once went with a matte black spray paint for my microwave, and it gave it a sleek, modern vibe that still gets compliments. According to a 2024 home design survey, 62% of DIYers choose neutral tones like black or gray for appliances to create a cohesive look, while 30% go bold with colors like teal or mustard. If you’re on a budget, spray paint is cheaper—expect to spend $5-$10 per can versus $20-$40 for a quart of appliance-specific acrylic paint. Always double-check if the paint is rated for your appliance’s material; using the wrong type can lead to chipping within months. For a smooth finish, I’ve found that shaking the spray can for a full minute before starting makes a huge difference in evenness.
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.”
Patience is tough but critical—I’ve rushed a paint job before and regretted it when I had to redo it. Most paints require 4-6 hours of drying time per coat, and humid weather can stretch that to 8 hours, so check the forecast before starting. A 2023 painting guide noted that 70% of DIYers underestimate drying times, leading to smudges or uneven finishes. If you’re using a roller like Martin, keep it wrapped in plastic between coats to save cleanup time. For spray paint, I’ve found that holding the can about 10-12 inches away and moving in steady, overlapping strokes prevents drips better than anything. If you’re working in a small kitchen, consider doing this on a weekend when you can leave the space undisturbed for a day or two.
