Yes, you can brush on appliance paint to refresh old appliances and update their look. Appliance paint is a specially formulated spray paint that adheres to smooth surfaces like refrigerators, stoves, dishwashers, and washing machines. While spraying appliance paint may provide the most even coverage, brushing it on is certainly an option if you don’t have access to a sprayer.
When brushing on appliance paint, proper preparation and technique are key for achieving the best results. With some simple steps, a little patience, and the right paintbrush, you can successfully brush on a fresh coat of appliance paint to revamp your old appliances.
Benefits of Brushing vs Spraying Appliance Paint
Here are some of the main pros and cons of brushing on appliance paint rather than spraying:
Benefits of Brushing:
– Don’t need a spray gun or other special equipment. Just need a paintbrush.
– Can precisely control where the paint goes and avoid overspray.
– Paints a thinner coat than spraying, so you may use less paint.
– No need to mask off other areas to prevent stray paint.
– Can touch up and paint small areas more easily.
Benefits of Spraying:
– Provides a more even, consistent coat since the paint is finely atomized.
– Covers larger surface areas much faster than brushing.
– Can reach hard to access nooks and crannies.
– Achieves a smoother, more professional sprayed-on look.
– Easier to get full coverage without brush marks.
So while spraying has some advantages, brushing on appliance paint is certainly feasible, especially if you only have a small appliance or area to paint.
Steps for Brushing on Appliance Paint
Follow these key steps for successfully brushing on a coat of appliance paint:
1. Clean the Surface
Thoroughly clean the appliance surface with soap and water first. This helps the paint adhere properly. Remove any grease, dirt, or grime with a degreasing cleaner. Rinse and let dry fully.
2. Sand Glossy Surfaces
If the appliance has a glossy finish, lightly sand it to help the paint stick. Use 220-grit sandpaper and sand in the direction of the grain. Wipe away any sanding dust.
3. Mask Off Areas
Use painter’s tape to mask off any chrome, aluminum trim, or adjacent surfaces you don’t want to get paint on. This keeps them clean and makes painting easier.
4. Apply Primer
For best adhesion, apply a coat of primer designed for appliances. Allow the primer to dry completely before painting. Priming helps the topcoat stick and provides a uniform base.
5. Use a Small, High-Quality Brush
Choose a good nylon or polyester brush that is around 1-3 inches wide. The bristles should be soft and evenly cut. A quality brush will make painting much easier.
6. Work in Small Sections
It’s best to work in smaller 2×2 foot sections so the paint doesn’t dry too quickly before you brush it out evenly. Apply a generous coat of appliance paint to the section.
7. Brush Back and Forth
Use long, even, overlapping brush strokes to spread the paint smoothly. Brush back and forth, following the grain direction. Work from unpainted areas into wet painted areas to avoid lap marks.
8. Brush Out Strokes
Tip off each section by lightly brushing up and down and then side to side to even out the paint. Avoid over-brushing or redsipping the brush into paint.
9. Allow Proper Dry Time
Let the paint dry completely before adding another coat. This usually takes 1-2 hours. Appliance paint requires 2-3 coats for best coverage and durability. Lightly sand between coats.
10. Remove Tape and Clean Up
Carefully remove all masking tape before the paint fully dries. Clean brushes with mineral spirits. Dispose of rags properly due to combustion hazard from oil-based paints.
Tips for Brushing Appliance Paint
Follow these tips when brushing on appliance paint:
– Always read and follow the paint manufacturer’s instructions for best results.
– Use a high-quality nylon or polyester bristle brush. Avoid foam brushes.
– Apply paint in thin, even coats versus thick, gloppy coats.
– It’s better to apply multiple thin coats rather than one thick coat.
– Maintain a wet edge and work systematically to prevent lap marks.
– Brush gently to minimize brush marks and stippling. Let the paint level out.
– Work in the shade and on cooler days when painting outdoors. This allows for proper paint flow and drying time.
– Be patient when brushing. Rushing leads to poor coverage and obvious brush strokes.
– Use a small artist’s brush for painting hard to reach areas if needed.
Best Paints for Brushing on Appliances
Look for appliance paints specifically formulated for high-prep surfaces like refrigerators, stoves, and dishwashers. Here are some top options:
Rust-Oleum Appliance Epoxy – Offers excellent adhesion, chip resistance, and color retention. Dries to a uniform, professional finish.
Rust-Oleum High Heat Enamel – Great for surfaces up to 1200°F like grills, stove vents, radiators, and fire pits. Durable and fade resistant.
Krylon Fusion for Plastic – Specifically designed for plastics like mini fridges and microwave bodies. Bonds directly so no primer needed.
Krylon Appliance Touch-Up Paint – Available in popular appliance colors like white, black, bisque, and stainless. Matches factory finishes.
Dupli-Color Appliance Epoxy – Formulated for indoor and outdoor use on appliances. Provides a scratch resistant finish.
Valspar Appliance Spray Paint – Includes built-in primer. Good value brand sold at many hardware stores.
Always test paint adhesion on a small hidden spot first before painting the entire appliance.
Most Common Appliances to Paint
Here are some of the most common household appliances people paint using appliance spray paint applied with a brush:
Refrigerators – The exterior surface of refrigerators are frequently painted to update old or dingy finishes, conceal scratches, and match new kitchen decor.
Dishwashers – Faceplates of front-control dishwashers often get painted so they coordinate with surrounding cabinetry. The sides may also get painted.
Washing Machines and Dryers – Laundry machines are popular painting projects, especially if the finish is worn or no longer matches other appliances after kitchen remodeling.
Stoves and Ovens – Painting stove bodies and control panels is common to refresh appearances. High heat paint should be used on stove vents.
Microwaves – Countertop microwaves and microwave hoods above ranges can get a makeover with a coat of appliance paint on the outer housing.
Garbage Cans – Trash and recycling bins often get painted to camouflage grime and make them blend in with cabinets or walls.
Radiators – Brushing a fresh coat of high heat paint renews old radiators and allows changing their color.
Outdoor Grills – Grills are frequently painted with appliance paint when their original finish chips and wears down over time.
Conclusion
While spraying may be faster, brushing on appliance paint is an effective technique for renewing old appliances. With proper preparation, a quality brush, and careful application using overlapping strokes and multiple thin coats, you can achieve an even, smooth finish. Appliance paint provides a durable and decorative upgrade. Just be sure to use paints designed for high-prep surfaces for the best adhesion and results when brushing it on.
