The majority of appliance manufacturers have determined that the only colours accessible for a washer and dryer are white, black, stainless steel, or dark grey. You might be able to buy a model in red or teal blue on occasion, but if you want a unique appearance for your laundry machines, you’ll have to paint it yourself.
There are practical reasons to paint a washer or dryer in addition to adding colour to your laundry room. Perhaps you bought a mismatched set during a bargain, received a damaged floor model, or your appliances are rusting. Painting the appliances will give the space a more unified aesthetic, as well as prevent corrosion and the spread of rust oleum.
Preparation
Any laundry appliance should be unplugged and emptied before a paint job. Remove it from the laundry room if feasible and place it in an open space, well-ventilated area. This will keep your walls free of paint overspray and offer you more space to work. Cover the machine with a drop cloth. Wipe down, clean and remove the machine’s exterior using a detergent and hot water combination. Pay special care to any locations where residue may accumulate. Allow it to dry after wiping it down with clean water.
Scrape any loose or peeling paint from surrounding rusted areas using a paint scraper if your appliance has rust spots. Scrape off any paint bubbles that have developed on top of the rust. Auto body filler can be used to repair dents and minor holes.
Scrape off as much extra as possible with a plastic putty knife. Work fast since the putty takes 10 to 15 minutes to harden. Cover the damaged area with fibreglass tape if the rust is severe and has eaten through to produce a hole. Apply a filler layer over the tape after bonding it to the machine using car body filler.
After the putty has cured, use a palm sander and 220-grit sandpaper to sand the filled areas and any rusty spots. To make a gentle transition to the remainder of the body, feather the borders of the filled and rusted parts. Clean away the dust with denatured alcohol and a rust-inhibiting primer before applying the appliance epoxy spray paint.
WARNING
Wear a face mask and goggles if you use aerosolized paints, epoxy, or conduct any sanding work to protect yourself from fumes and dust particles. Gloves come in helpful while you’re painting.
What You’ll Require Tools / Equipment
• Facemask
• Eye protection or goggles
• Gloves
• Vacuum
• Spreader for plastic putty (optional)
• Scraper for removing paint (optional)
• Sandpaper for palms (optional)
Materials
• Use a drop cloth
• Cleaning spray for a variety of surfaces
• Cleaning rags or clothes
• sandpaper with a 400-grit rating
• sandpaper with a grit of 600
• Tack cloth made of microfiber
• Denatured ethanol
• Newspaper
• Masking tape for painters
• Epoxy spray paint for appliances
• Putty for auto body repairs (optional)
• sandpaper with a grit of 220 (optional)
• Rust-preventative primer (optional)
Instructions
Sand any surfaces that will be painted using 400-grit sandpaper. The goal is to soften the factory finish enough for the new paint to adhere. You don’t have to get rid of all the old paint. After that, use the 600-grit sandpaper for a second sanding.
Get rid of the sanding dust
Vacuum the dust from the machine and clean it off with a microfiber tack cloth. Wipe it down with denatured alcohol after that.
What Is Denatured Alcohol and How Does It Work?
Cleaning solutions including denatured alcohol are commonly used. It has particular ingredients that prevent it from being consumed. This kind of ethanol has a terrible odour, has a poor taste, and is deadly if consumed. People are put off by the strange ingredients and are less likely to drink it recreationally.
Cover Spray-Proof Areas with Painter’s Tape
Painter’s tape can be used to cover components of the machine that you don’t want to paint, such as switches, dials, or glass windows. For simpler masking, remove certain outdated dials and knobs. Tape to protect parts of the washing machine.
Spray the Appliances with the Appliance Spray Paint
To paint the machine, follow the directions on the can of spray paint and apply consistent strokes from left to right. Spray in a steady motion 12 to 16 inches away from the appliance, slightly overlapping each row of paint. Within 30 minutes, recoat if necessary. Allow drips to dry and then sand them away before touching up the paint is a great idea.
Allow time for the paint to dry
Allow 24 hours for the paint to cure before utilising the appliances.
When Should You Hire a Professional?
Painting a washing machine and dryer is similar to painting a car. You may also take your appliance to a body shop to get it repaired. You’ll get a tough, professional finish, but it’ll cost you. If the rust is significant, such as huge gaping holes, you should take a photo of the damage to your appliance and get a repair quote. It’s possible that the cost of repair will be close to the cost of a new appliance, making the hassle ineffective.
