Skip to Content

Can You/Should You Paint Over Stainless Steel Appliances? (How-to)

Modern steel appliances

Your appliances are still in great working condition, but their appearance is not so great anymore. You don’t want the unnecessary expense of purchasing new appliances when they’re not needed. Can you/should you paint over stainless-steel appliances?

You can/should paint stainless steel when the steel needs a protective coat or you want a change from the traditional industrial look. Prepare the appliance by sanding the steel. Apply a primer. Use an oil-based or epoxy paint. Seal the paint with wax.

Painting your appliances is an affordable way to update the appearance of your appliances. Stainless steel does require a little more work than other painting projects but the end result is well worth it.

Can You Paint Over Stainless-Steel Appliances? (Washer/Dryer/Fridge/Dishwasher)

Confused man standing

Stainless steel appliances can look very sophisticated, but they can also look cold and industrial. Can you paint over stainless-steel appliances?

You can paint over stainless-steel appliances. Appliances such as refrigerators will need oil-based or epoxy paint. Appliances that generate heat, such as washers/dryers/dishwashers will require a high heat paint that can handle temperatures up to 650° Celsius or 1200° Fahrenheit.

Choosing the right paint is crucial to your appliance looking beautiful for years to come. It is also crucial that high-heat appliances have paint that is designed for higher temperatures. Using the wrong kind of paint will result in the paint bubbling or peeling off the appliance.

Can You Paint Over Steel Appliances?

Modern steel appliances

Steel is smooth and shiny. Can you paint over steel appliances?

You can paint over steel appliances. Scour the steel with a ball of steel wool or a steel brush. Scouring the finish will create tiny pores that the primer can adhere to. Once the primer has completely dried, apply your paint.

Painting over steel appliances is not complicated but it can be time-consuming. The most important part of painting steel is the prep work. If the steel is not properly prepared, the primer and paint will not adhere to the steel.

This article and its contents are owned by Ready To DIY and was first published on 07/25/2022.

Should You Paint Over Stainless Steel Appliances?

Confused man standing

Are you nervous about painting over your stainless-steel appliances? Are you wondering if you should paint over stainless-steel appliances?

You should paint over stainless-steel appliances if the appliances are in good working condition and you have the time and patience to do the proper prep work. Each step of the prep work involved will ensure the paint adheres to the appliance and will last for years.

Preparing the stainless-steel appliance for paint does take some time. Several hours of dry time are required between each coat of primer and paint. If you do not have the time or patience for this, you should not paint over your stainless-steel appliance.

What Tools And Preparation Do You Need To Paint Stainless Steel Appliance?

Holding a paint brush

Painting stainless steel does require some set-up before you can start. Are you unsure of what tools and preparation are needed to paint stainless-steel appliances?

Before you paint stainless-steel appliances, you will need a drop cloth or plastic sheeting to protect your floor. Use painter’s tape to cover any hardware you do not want to be painted. Wear protective eyewear and a respirator to protect your eyes and lungs from the paint fumes.

Now that you have yourself and your floor protected, here are the other items you will need to paint your stainless-steel appliance.

· Bucket with a mild degreaser and warm water

· Sponge or microfiber cloth

· Steel wool or brush

· Metal primer

· Paint sprayer or roller brush

· Oil-based paint

· Marine varnish or car wax

· Buffing cloth

What Paint Can You Use To Paint Stainless Steel Appliance So It Stays On?

Confused man standing

You know the color you want to paint your appliance but there are so many different types of paint to choose from. What paint can you use to paint stainless-steel appliances so it stays on?

When painting stainless-steel appliances so the paint stays on, use an oil-based or epoxy paint. For smaller appliances that generate minimal heat, use specialized paint that can handle the heat, such as Rust-Oleum and Krylon.

It can be overwhelming when trying to figure out what paint is best for your appliance. The type of paint you use will determine the end result of your project and how long it lasts.

Oil-Based Paint

Oil-based paints are a popular choice for just about any DIY project. The same is true for painting stainless-steel appliances. Oil-based paints are more durable and maintain their color.

Oil-based paints are also easy to clean. This is a great feature when you are painting appliances that little ones will be around. These paints also come in a larger variety of colors so you can really express your creative side!

You can also decide how you want the paint applied – whether by a brush or rolled-on for a more textured look. Oil-based paint also adheres better to stainless steel.

The only downside to using oil-based paint is the dry time. Oil-based paints take longer to dry. There are some fast-drying formulas out there but they increase your attention to detail when prepping the appliances.

Water-Based Paint

Compared to other paints out there, water-based paints are more affordable, but this is the only positive thing about water-based paints when it comes to painting stainless-steel appliances.

Water-based paints are not as resilient as oil-based paints. The paint does not adhere very well to stainless steel and it is not as durable.

Copyright protected content owner: ReadyToDIY.com and was initially posted on July 25, 2022.

Epoxy Paint

Epoxy paint is not often the first choice for DIY projects because it is more labor intensive. The paint cannot simply be applied to the appliance. A hardener has to be applied to the paint so that once it is on the appliance, it will harden.

If liquid epoxy is not what you are interested in, there is spray epoxy paint. Spray epoxy paint comes in limited colors, but it is very durable and much easier to work with.

There is little wait time when using spray epoxy. Simply prep, spray, and let dry. If a second coat is needed, you can spray on another coat within the first 30 minutes of applying the first coat.

This article and its contents are owned by Ready To DIY and was first published on 07/25/2022.

How To Paint Stainless Steel Appliance Properly

Holding a paint brush

You’ve decided to give your appliance a new look but you’re not sure where to start. You want to do it right so you can enjoy the new look for many years. How do you paint stainless-steel appliances properly?

Painting stainless-steel appliances does require some planning and prep work. But, in the end, the result will make you so glad you took the time to do the job right. The following steps will walk you through how to properly paint your stainless steel appliance.

Step 1: Prepare Your Work Area and Appliance

Unless you are able to work outside, cover your floor with plastic sheeting or drop cloths. Use painter’s tape to cover the handles on the appliance or any other feature you do not want to paint.

Because you are working with strong chemicals, open windows and turn on fans so you have adequate ventilation.

Stainless steel is not porous so there is nothing for the paint to adhere to. Use a ball of steel wool or wire brush to scuff the steel. Do not apply a lot of pressure. You are not trying to remove the steel.

It’s important after scuffing the appliance that all of the dust be removed. If you notice stains or any other residue on the appliance, use soap and warm water to clean the appliance.

Copyright article owner is ReadyToDiy.com for this article. This post was first published on July 25, 2022.

Do not use bleach on the steel. Bleach will eat away at the metal, making it extremely vulnerable to rust.

Step 2: Apply the Primer

Primer is what will ensure the paint adheres to the steel and lasts. Do not skip this step. Apply a high-quality, galvanized, metal-etching primer that is designed for stainless steel.

The majority of primers are white however if you are painting your appliance a dark color, look for a primer that is grey. This will help to reduce the number of coats of paint needed.

How you apply the primer depends on the look you are hoping to achieve. Spraying the primer will ensure a smooth, even coat. Using a brush or roller will give a more textured look.

Most primers designed for stainless steel are thick so only one coat should be needed. Let the primer dry completely before you start painting. You should allow at least 4 hours for the primer to dry.

Step 3: Paint

Once the primer is completely dry, apply your paint. Again, the method used to apply the paint is determined by the final look you want. If more than one coat is needed, let the paint completely dry before applying the next coat.

Step 4: Apply a Finishing Wax

You may be thinking you don’t need a waxy, shiny finish. Wax does more than make the appliance shine. It also protects it.

A wax coating protects the appliance from water stains, makes it easy to clean, and makes it look new for years to come.

For a super shiny finish, use a marine varnish. Marine varnishes do not require buffing but will also protect the appliance if it is being stored outside.

For a more natural finish, use car wax. Car wax will require some buffing. Use a microfiber cloth to apply the wax to the appliance. Once the wax has a cloudy appearance, use another microfiber cloth to buff it until it shines.

To paint stainless steel properly, scuff the surface of the appliance with a ball of steel wool or brush. Clean the appliance with a mild degreaser. Apply an oil-based or epoxy primer. Apply the paint with a sprayer for a smooth finish.

Related Articles

Can You/Should You Paint Over Formica? (How To)

Can You/Should You Paint Over Plywood Floor? (How To)

Can You/Should You Paint over Formica Counters? (How To)

Can You Paint Over Wood Panel And Wood Trims? (How To)

ReadyToDIY is the owner of this article. This post was published on July 25, 2022.

Can You/Should You Paint Over Epoxy?