Affordable Ways To Update the Color of Appliances

by Reader Contributors

Can you paint appliances when you want to change the color? Our frugal readers share ways to update the color of appliances instead of buying new ones.

Perhaps you found an incredible deal on a new refrigerator in the wrong color for your kitchen or simply want to update your kitchen or laundry room without laying out the money for appliances in a different color.

Changing the color of appliances can be a cost-effective way to update the look of your kitchen or laundry room without replacing the appliances themselves.

So how can you change the color of your refrigerator or dish washer? Two methods for changing the the color of your fridge or some other appliance is painting or applying adhesive vinyl.

Below is a step-by-step guide for each method to give you an idea of the work and cost involved. You’ll also find tips from our frugal readers for affordably updating the color of appliances.

You should carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions for any supplies and paints you use to ensure proper adherence and a nice-looking finish. Also, work in a well-ventilated space when working with paint or adhesives.

Method 1: Painting

1. Choose the right paint: Select a paint specifically designed for appliances, such as appliance epoxy paint or spray paint. These paints are heat-resistant and durable.
2. Clean the appliance: Thoroughly clean the appliance’s surface using a mild detergent and a damp cloth. Remove any dirt, grease or grime to ensure the paint adheres properly.
3. Remove or mask hardware: Remove any handles, knobs or other hardware. If it’s not possible to remove the hardware, use masking tape and plastic sheeting to cover and protect it from paint.
4. Sand the surface: Lightly sand the appliance’s surface with fine-grit sandpaper (around 400 grit) to create a rough surface for better paint adhesion. Wipe away any dust with a damp cloth afterward.
5. Apply primer: Apply a thin coat of primer specifically designed for appliances. Allow the primer to dry completely.
6. Apply paint: Apply thin, even coats of paint, allowing each coat to dry before applying the next. It’s generally better to apply multiple thin coats rather than one thick coat.
7. Reassemble and cure: Once the final coat of paint has dried completely, reattach any hardware that was removed. Allow the paint to cure before using the appliance.

Method 2: Adhesive Vinyl

1. Choose the right vinyl: Select a high-quality, heat-resistant adhesive vinyl designed for appliances. This type of vinyl is durable and can withstand the heat generated by appliances.
2. Clean the appliance: Clean the appliance’s surface using a mild detergent and a damp cloth. Remove any dirt, grease or grime to ensure the vinyl adheres properly.
3. Measure and cut the vinyl: Measure the appliance’s dimensions and cut the adhesive vinyl to the appropriate size, leaving a little extra around the edges for trimming later.
4. Apply the vinyl: Remove the backing from the vinyl and carefully apply it to the appliance, smoothing out any air bubbles as you go. A squeegee or credit card can be used to help press the vinyl firmly onto the surface.
5. Trim excess vinyl: Use a sharp utility knife to carefully trim away any excess vinyl around the edges of the appliance.
6. Heat and smooth: Use a heat gun or hairdryer to gently heat the vinyl, especially around any curves or corners. This will help the vinyl conform to the appliance’s shape and create a more professional-looking finish.

Other Affordable Options for Updating Appliance Color

Our frugal readers shared the following tips and recommendations:

Panels Can Be Changed

If you want to change the color of your fridge, I know there are companies that will simply change out the panels on the fridge. You can go to the appliance store and ask for a brochure.
Stephenie

Try Appliance Refinishing

The best solution is “appliance refinishing” or otherwise known as electrostatic painting. Assuming your appliance is in good condition (no cracks, chipping, and so on), the refinisher can have your color updated and ready to use in as little as 48 hours for a refrigerator to seven days for a stove (this is 99.5% drying time).

We used this process to turn a 1970s gold tub and sink to a 1990s almond color with great success. Search online for “Appliance Refinishing near me.” Enjoy turning those ugly ducklings into swans for a fraction of the cost of new.
Patti

Contact Paper Works Great

We once bought a home with a kitchen that had dark brown cabinets with black counters, fridge, dishwasher and stove and a dark red floor. I was desperate to brighten the place up. The fridge was only a year old, so replacing it was silly.

I simply bought heavy duty Contact paper and covered both it and the front of the dishwasher. It was sturdy, easy to wipe off and quick to apply. If you haven’t used Contact paper in a while, you’ll be surprised at how much easier it is to work with.

After about two years, the seams had shrunk just a tad, but I caught a sale and just bought a new covering in a new color for a fun update!
Peggy

Appliance Painting is Simple

We’ve painted a fridge and a dishwasher with melamine paint and a foam roller. They both have looked great for years. They have that no fingerprint texture because of the foam roller. We’ve also painted two range hoods this way with great results.
Connie

Related: Finding Quality Paint at An Affordable Price

TV Demo

I recently saw an episode of “Trading Spaces” on TLC where they did the very same thing. They just went to a home improvement store and bought black appliance paint in a spray can.

It’s important to get the appliance paint and not regular spray paint because the appliance paint is formulated to withstand hotter temperatures without cracking and peeling. You may have to put more than one coat on it, depending on the present color of your refrigerator or appliance, but I got the impression it isn’t much more expensive than regular spray paint and the result was beautiful.
Julie

Body Shops Can Change the Color

The way to change the color of your refrigerator is to take it to the same place you would take your car if you needed it painted. I used to clean houses and one of my clients would take her appliances to a body shop whenever she wanted to change colors in her kitchen. Worked great and it wasn’t really too expensive. It was better than getting new appliances each time.
Sandy

Related:

• A Budget-Friendly DIY Kitchen Remodel
• Resurfacing Kitchen Countertops on a Budget
• Renew Your Kitchen Cabinets for $100 or Less
• 7 Non-Obvious Ways To Save on a Kitchen Remodel

Reviewed April 2023