Whether you plan to redecorate your kitchen or just want to spruce up that refrigerator you've had for years, you have some concerns about what kind of results you can get with paint. Don't worry; with a little bit of preparation and the right materials, you'll achieve professional results.
Preparation
As with many jobs, the first steps make up the most critical part of the process. To end up with a smooth finish, start with a smooth surface. First, disconnect the appliance and move it to a dry and well-ventilated work area. Wear appropriate safety gear, as you will work with sandpaper and spray paint.
Cleaning
Clean all surfaces of the appliance you intend to paint. Use a detergent solution to remove any grease or oil adhering to the appliance. After cleaning, remove detergent residue with a clean, damp cloth. Paint needs a solid surface to bond to; whether you plan to cover bare metal or a previous coat of paint, you'll need a good base.
Sanding
Remove any rust spots with a wire brush; rust will clog fine-grit sandpaper quickly.
Scratch the surface of the appliance uniformly with a fine-grit automotive sandpaper. Rather than removing all old paint, simply get rid of any loose or flaking paint while uniformly scuffing paint that still has good adhesion. The scuffed surface gives the new paint an open surface with which to bond.
Continue sanding until the entire surface of the appliance is smooth. Run your hand over the sanded areas. A properly sanded surface will have no dips or irregularities. Any unevenly sanded spots will stand out when painted.
Second Cleaning
Use a clean paintbrush to clean off the bulk of the sanding residue. After brushing the appliance, allow dust to settle for a few minutes. Then wipe it thoroughly with a tack cloth, which will pick up any loose dust on the surface of the appliance---the last and most important step before painting. Any dust or debris left behind at this point will show as a blemish in the final coat.
Masking
Before painting, cover any part of the appliance you do not intend to paint. YOu'll find refrigerator gaskets and handles, oven windows, etc., easier to mask than to clean. Start with masking tape for narrow strips such as gaskets. Cover larger areas such as oven windows with newspaper, and use masking tape to hold it in place.
Painting
Look for appliance paint at paint stores and home improvement centers. Like automotive paint, apply it with a spray gun or, for a smaller job, an aerosol sprayer.
Before spraying, wear proper breathing protection and make sure your work area has adequate ventilation. Follow manufacturer's instructions and precautions when using any paints, solvents or chemicals.
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