How to Refinish Major Appliances
When new appliances become old and lose their appeal, you can refinish them. You can skip replacing them, which can overstretch your budget. If they are operable, the surface can be refinished quickly with a few simple tools and techniques.
Materials Needed:
- Isopropyl alcohol
- Clean cloths
- 320 grit sandpaper
- 400 grit sandpaper
- Sponge
- Painter’s tape
- Primer
- Paint for appliances
- Make sure the appliance is plugged. If it is possible, move the appliance to a place that is well ventilated. If you cannot move it, place fans in the area and open all doors and windows.
- Pour isopropyl alcohol over a clean cloth and wipe over the appliance. The alcohol will remove grease and dirt from the surface of the appliance. Wet another clean cloth with clean water and wipe over the appliance.
- Use 320-grit sandpaper to sand the appliance. Change to 400 grit sandpaper and sand the appliance. Make sure there are no shiny areas left on the appliance. The sanded surface will allow the paint to adhere to the surface.
- Wet a sponge and wring it until it is damp. Use the sponge to remove all of the dust particles left from sanding. Dry the appliance with a dry cloth. Allow the appliance to dry for 30 minutes.
- Cover the handles with painter’s tape. If the appliance has buttons, make sure they are also covered by the painter’s tape.
- Coat the appliance with one layer of paint primer. Use side-to-side motions. Allow the primer to dry according to the direction on the can.
- Use a steel wool pad to sand over the surface of the appliance. Make sure you use light and gentle pressure.
- Spray a coat of paint to the appliance using side-to-side motions. Allow the coat of paint to dry completely before applying more paint. You can apply more coats of paint if you wish but allow each coat to dry before applying an additional coat.