Liquid Stainless Steel is a water-based paint that will completely cover your appliances with a durable and attractive stainless-steel surface. There’s no need to disconnect appliances, and you don’t need to take food out of the refrigerator.
Use the following items for best results:
Painter’s Tape
Liquid Stainless-Steel DIY Paint Kit
Screwdriver
Paint Tray
Two Roller Covers of a Roller Handle
Two-Inch Brush
11-inch brush
Base Coat
Clear Topcoat
Step by Step Instructions
You can find the links to all these materials in the description down below.
Follow these easy steps to get the best results:
Start by cleaning your appliance with a window cleaner or a 50/50 mixture of ammonia and water.
Use a paper towel to dry the surface and make sure there’s no remaining residue.
Use painter’s tape to cover off all the parts you don’t want to paint.
If you can easily remove the handles or knobs, that’s even better.
Use a magnet to see which surfaces are metal:
If it is, you’re ready for liquid stainless-steel application.
If the surface is not metal, you’ll need to prime it first.
Use Zinsser Bullseye one, two, three water-based primers available at any home improvement store.
Apply the primer using the same brushstrokes you’ll use with your liquid stainless to ensure the finishes are consistent.
Before opening the liquid stainless steel can:
Shake it before opening
Stir it and often stir throughout the process
Shake and stir the base coat well before using it. The stainless flex may have gathered in clumps at the bottom of the can. While you are starting to unclog the meshed clumps with the stir stick against the side of the can, do it in such a manner as to help break up the clumps.
This may take a few minutes, then pour a small amount into your paint tray to begin painting.
Follow this method for painting your refrigerator:
When painting the fridge, start with the inside of the doors.
You can paint the insulation strip on the side.
Don’t paint the face of the strip.
Continue all around the inside of the doors.
Paint the sides one side at a time
Remember, you may paint a glass open door with liquid stainless, but never paint over your doors observation window.
Follow these procedures to start painting your refrigerator:
Use the provided three-eighths roller to start the first coat.
Follow up with the foam brush.
Push hard in a single-wide stroke to remove any bubbles
Continue over all the surfaces.
All your brush strokes need to be in the same direction.
Use the provided foam brush to apply evenly.
Paint your refrigerator in a vertical direction
Using the foam roller roll on the refrigerator, start with the base coat with long vertical strokes. Then, while the coating is still fresh, use the wet brush to smooth it out with the 11-inch-wide foam brush using long vertical bottom to top, overlapping brush strokes.
Here we are using the same concept as before, where we are applying the base code in long vertical strokes covering the entire area. I’m using the two-inch foam brush for the top, the side, and the bottom portions, then I brush it smooth with the 11-inch-wide foam brush. Repeat the same steps on all sides of your refrigerator.
If you’re painting your range, dishwasher, or another small appliance, use your foam brush to brush on your liquid stainless and make a final pass using long end to end one-way brush strokes. Apply the stainless-steel paint for your stoves and dishwashers in a left to the right application.
It’s the best way to match the original surface.
What is the waiting period between paint coat applications?
After finishing the first complete coat, wait 60 minutes before moving to the second coat. If you’re doing more than one appliance, move on to the second appliance while you wait for drying on the first one.
For best results, apply thin coats.
Keep in mind to apply multiple thin coats, so don’t be too concerned about how much the first coat covers.
After you have finished applying the first coat, it will look thin and uneven. It will fill in as you apply more coats.
By the second coat is already starting to look like it’s only steel finish. You may need three to five coats for full coverage. It’s essential to apply in light, thin coats. I applied three coats in total. Shake and stir the topcoat very well before using it. Apply in the same way you applied the base coat, utilizing vertical strokes, covering the entire area, and then using the 11-inch-wide foam brush to remove any excess. Repeat these entire steps on all sides of the refrigerator.
Continue with a second coat, and then after 60 Minutes, finish with the third coat. You can clean your brushes with warm water to get ready for the clear topcoat. Wait two hours before applying the clear topcoat. Just keep on stirring the paint until the end.
Don’t shake the can once you have already opened it. Instead, apply it using the same method and brush strokes you used with your liquid stainless steel.
How many coats do you need to apply?
Apply one coat for a Satin finish
Complete two coats for a Semigloss finish
End with three coats for a High gloss finish
When you’re done with the last coat, wait two hours before closing your doors and removing the tape; score the tape with a knife to avoid pulling any paint from the surfaces.
And here is the final result, the appliances makeover is complete, and you’ll be truly loving the way it looks.
You’ll be surprised at how good this would turn out. You can easily transform your appliances at a fraction of the cost to hire a painter. This paint process truly allows you to upgrade and enhance your well-working appliances.
How soon can you start using your appliances?
You can use your refrigerator appliance right away, but give your stovetop a day to set, then relax and enjoy the beauty of classic stainless steel.