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I am currently planning a kitchen remodel and trying to keep it as cost effective as possible. My current appliances are in great working condition, so I can't justify buying new ones, but the colors don't exactly go with my new design ideas. Does anyone have experience with painting their appliances? I know there are specific paints made for appliances, I've just never heard of anyone doing this. Please help

I painted our old harvest gold refrigerator...artistically. It was fun to do, and since it was old/I did not care if it lasted that long (surprisingly it did, for two more years). The paint was Rustoleum out of pint cans with a sponge roller and small brush. Primed with Zinsser 123. We donated it to a local charity when we got a new one, and the guys that picked it up thought it was the coolest thing.

Door seal rubber can also show on refrigerators, so if you choose to paint a white one black (for example), the rubber may still stand out as white?

If you want a really good diy finish job, spray painting (appliance or metal paint) would be the way to do it. Clean it well, tape off areas you don't want paint on, and drape an area (create a spray booth) in your garage to paint the refrigerator and dishwasher door. Gas range, not so sure about a paint job on it, as the heat may be an issue? Same with the electric ones with coil burners? Metal primers are great, very sticky and create a good bond between the clean surface and your new appliance paint coating.

Some may recommend an auto paint shop, but the trouble and expense of hauling the appliances, and taping off or removing all parts to be painted and the labor...you might as well consider replacement.. unless your appliances are really new?

Appliances just don't tend to last as long as they used to, so I might just live with the "colors that don't exactly go" for awhile? Or consider watching for other gently used appliances (of the right color) off Craig's list, and sell the ones you have?

Kris, you don't say where you are; put it in your profile as I have done. It is important in this case since if you live in a large metro area, you can probably find an appliance repaint shop that will pickup and deliver. I know they had them in SoCA.

Bob I am in southwest mi. Good suggestion. I'll look to see if there are appliance painting shops in the area.

My brother-in-law took his refrigerator to an auto body shop. It was a 70s harvest gold and with their kitchen re-do, his wife wanted black. Before me, husband bought the house and the refrigerator. We sold it all in 2005...the refrigerator and its 20-year old paint job still looked good and ran like a top!

Really nice ideas, I never thought about the possibility. I wouldn't mind trying it. I am about to get an appliance package deal but all the items will come in standard colors and these days I am all about personalization. This painting idea may work just fine.