Yes, you absolutely can paint your Kitchenaid mixer! Giving your mixer a new color is a fun way to make it match your kitchen or just give it a fresh look. This guide will show you how to paint a Kitchenaid stand mixer the right way, from taking it apart to putting on the final coat.
Painting a Kitchenaid mixer is a project that takes time and care. You need the right tools and materials. Following each step helps make sure your mixer looks great and the paint lasts a long time. Think of it like a small car body project for your kitchen counter.
Let’s get ready to give your mixer a brand new style!
Image Source: i.ytimg.com
Getting Ready To Paint
Before you grab a paint can, you need to plan and get everything together. This is the start of preparing Kitchenaid for paint. It means getting your workspace ready and gathering all the things you will need. A good start makes the whole job easier.
Think about where you will work. You need a space that is well-aired. Paint fumes are not good to breathe. A garage or an outdoor area works well. Cover the floor and nearby things with plastic sheeting or old newspapers. Paint spray goes everywhere!
Gathering your tools and materials is next. Having everything ready means you don’t stop in the middle to run to the store.
H4 What You Need For This Job
Here is a list of the main things you will need:
- Your Kitchenaid mixer (of course!)
- Screwdrivers (different sizes, maybe Phillips head and flathead)
- Gloves (nitrile or rubber work well)
- Safety glasses or goggles
- Dust mask or respirator (important for sanding and spraying)
- Drop cloths or plastic sheeting
- Painter’s tape
- Degreaser or strong cleaner (like Simple Green or Krud Kutter)
- Paper towels or clean rags
- Sandpaper (different grits: 220, 320, 400, 600 grit)
- Sanding block or sponge
- Rubbing alcohol or wax/grease remover
- Primer (etching primer or epoxy primer for metal is best)
- Paint (automotive paint or appliance epoxy spray paint are good choices)
- Clear coat for painted Kitchenaid (optional, but makes it last longer)
- Spray can comfort grip (makes spraying easier)
- Small containers or plastic bags to keep screws organized
Choosing the best paint for Kitchenaid mixer is key. Appliance epoxy spray paint is made for things like refrigerators. It is tough and made for metal. Automotive spray paint is also very durable. Make sure the paint says it works on metal.
H4 Choosing Your Mixer’s New Look
This is the fun part! Thinking about Kitchenaid mixer custom color ideas. Do you want it to pop with a bright color like teal or red? Or maybe something classic like matte black or cream?
Consider your kitchen colors. Do you want the mixer to match? Or be a fun accent color? You can even do a metallic finish! Look online for ideas. Pinterest is a good place to see other people’s painted mixers.
Once you pick your color, get a few cans of the right kind of spray paint. It is better to have too much than run out in the middle of spraying.
Taking Apart The Mixer
This is a very important step in disassembling Kitchenaid mixer shell. You need to take the mixer apart safely. This lets you paint all the parts the right way and protects the motor and inside parts from paint. Don’t worry, it sounds harder than it is. Take your time and keep things organized.
H4 Finding The Screws
Most Kitchenaid stand mixers have screws in certain spots.
* Look under the trim band that goes around the main body. You might need to gently pry this off.
* Look under the cap on top of the mixer head. Pop this cap off.
* Look near where the bowl sits.
* Look at the back of the mixer head.
Use the right size screwdriver. Don’t force anything. If a screw is stuck, try a little penetrating oil, but be careful it doesn’t get on parts you want to paint.
H4 Opening The Mixer Head
This is where the main shell comes off. Once you get the screws out, the outer shell of the mixer head can be lifted off. It might be in two pieces. Take it off carefully.
Inside, you will see the motor and gears. You do NOT want to get paint on these!
H5 Protecting The Inside Parts
Use painter’s tape and plastic sheeting or bags to cover everything inside the mixer head. Cover the motor, wires, gears, and any other parts that should not get paint on them. Tape the edges down well so no paint spray gets through.
Also, tape off the metal shaft where the attachments connect. This shaft needs to stay clean so attachments fit right. Tape off the speed control lever too.
H4 Taking Off Other Parts
Some mixers have trim pieces, logos, or other parts that can be removed. It is best to take off anything you don’t want painted or that makes painting hard. For example, the little screw that holds the hub cover on the front. Take it off. The trim band around the base can usually be removed too.
H5 Keep Track Of Screws
This is very important! You need to put the mixer back together later. Use small containers, bags, or even tape screws to a piece of paper and label them. For example, “screws from under trim band,” “screws from top cap.” This saves a lot of headaches later.
Take pictures with your phone as you take things apart. This helps you remember how it all goes back together.
Once the shell is off and the inside is covered, you have the mixer shell pieces ready to be cleaned and prepped.
Cleaning The Mixer Body
Before you sand or paint, the mixer shell must be very clean. Any grease, dirt, or old food bits will mess up the paint job. Paint will not stick well to a dirty surface.
H4 Washing The Shell Pieces
Wash the shell parts with warm water and a strong degreaser or cleaner. Use an old sponge or brush to scrub all surfaces. Get into any curves and details.
Rinse the parts very well with clean water. Make sure all the soap is gone. Soap left behind can also stop paint from sticking.
H4 Drying The Parts
Let the parts dry completely. You can air dry them or use a clean, lint-free cloth. Make sure there is no water left, especially in any seams or screw holes.
H4 Final Surface Prep
Even after washing, there can be tiny bits of oil from your hands or left over from manufacturing. Wipe down all surfaces you plan to paint with rubbing alcohol or a wax/grease remover. Use a clean cloth for this. This step helps the primer and paint stick best. This is a key part of preparing Kitchenaid for paint.
Do this final wipe-down right before you start sanding.
Making The Surface Smooth (Sanding)
Now that the mixer shell is clean, you need to sand it. Sanding Kitchenaid mixer body helps the new paint stick better than just painting over the old smooth finish. It gives the surface a little “tooth” or texture for the primer to grab onto.
H4 What Kind Of Sandpaper To Use
You will start with a rougher sandpaper and move to a finer one.
* Start with 220 or 320 grit sandpaper. This grit is rough enough to dull the shiny surface and help smooth out any small scratches or bumps in the old paint.
* After using the rougher grit, switch to 400 or even 600 grit sandpaper. This finer grit smooths out the scratches made by the rougher paper. You want a smooth, but not shiny, surface.
H4 How To Sand The Mixer
You can sand by hand or use a small electric sander if you have one, but be very careful with an electric sander as the mixer shell is curved and can be thin in places. Sanding by hand gives you more control.
Use a sanding block or sponge. This helps you sand evenly and get into curves.
* Sand the whole outside surface of the shell parts.
* Sand just enough to take the shine off the old paint. You don’t need to sand down to bare metal unless the old paint is chipped or peeling badly.
* If there are chips or deep scratches in the old paint, sand those areas more to smooth them out.
* Sand carefully around edges and details.
H5 Dealing With Old Paint Problems
If your mixer is an repainting old Kitchenaid mixer and the old paint is peeling or flaking, you might need to sand more aggressively in those spots. You might even need to use a paint stripper first in those areas, but be very careful and follow the stripper’s instructions. Make sure to clean the stripper off completely afterward. For most mixers with good factory paint, just roughing up the surface is enough.
H4 Cleaning After Sanding
Sanding creates a lot of dust. You must remove all this dust.
* Brush off the big dust with a clean brush.
* Wipe the parts down with a tack cloth. A tack cloth is a special sticky cloth that picks up fine dust.
* Wipe again with rubbing alcohol or wax/grease remover using a clean cloth. This removes any leftover dust or oils.
The surface must be perfectly clean and dust-free before you prime. Run your clean hand over it. It should feel smooth but not slick or shiny.
Putting On The Primer
Primer is like a base coat. It does several important jobs when priming Kitchenaid stand mixer.
* It helps the new paint stick much better to the sanded metal surface.
* It gives the new paint a uniform color base. This helps the final color look true and even.
* It helps cover any small imperfections left after sanding.
H4 Choosing The Right Primer
For painting metal like the Kitchenaid mixer body, you need a primer made for metal.
* Etching primer is good. It actually bites into the metal slightly, giving great adhesion.
* Epoxy primer is also very durable and provides a good base.
* Make sure the primer is compatible with the type of paint you chose (appliance epoxy or automotive spray paint). Read the cans!
Get your primer in a spray can for easy application.
H4 How To Apply Primer
Set up your workspace for spraying. Make sure it is well-aired and covered. Wear your gloves, safety glasses, and respirator or dust mask.
- Hang the mixer shell parts or prop them up so you can reach all sides. You can use wire or hooks.
- Shake the primer can very well, as the label tells you.
- Practice spraying on a piece of cardboard first. This helps you get a feel for how the paint comes out. Hold the can about 8-10 inches away from the surface.
- Spray in even strokes, moving the can back and forth. Overlap each stroke slightly.
- Don’t try to cover everything in one thick layer. Several thin layers are better. Thick layers can drip or run.
- Spray one thin coat. Let it dry for the time the can says (usually 10-15 minutes).
- Apply a second thin coat. Cover any spots you missed. You want an even coat of primer over the whole surface.
Two thin coats are usually enough. The surface should look evenly colored and dull.
H5 Sanding The Primer (Optional But Recommended)
After the primer is completely dry (check the can for drying time, maybe an hour or more), you can lightly sand it. Use a very fine grit sandpaper, like 600 or 800 grit. This smooths out any tiny bumps in the primer and helps the top coat of paint look even smoother.
Sand very gently. You just want to lightly scuff the surface.
Clean off all dust again using a tack cloth or alcohol wipe. The surface must be dust-free before painting.
Putting On The Color (Painting)
Now for the fun part! Applying your chosen color using spray painting Kitchenaid mixer. This is where your mixer starts to look new!
H4 Choosing Your Paint Type Again
As mentioned, appliance epoxy or automotive spray paint are good choices for the best paint for Kitchenaid mixer. They are tough and made for metal surfaces that might get bumped or wiped down.
H4 How To Spray Paint
Make sure your workspace is ready, clean, and well-aired. Wear your safety gear.
- Hang or prop up the mixer shell parts again.
- Shake the paint can really well (follow the can’s instructions, often for a full minute or two).
- Use a spray can comfort grip if you have one. It makes spraying easier and helps you spray more evenly.
- Start spraying off the piece, move across the piece, and stop spraying off the piece. This avoids getting heavy spots at the start and end of your stroke.
- Hold the can about 8-10 inches away. If you hold it too close, you get runs. Too far, you get a dusty texture.
- Apply thin, even coats. Overlap each spray stroke slightly.
- Let each coat dry for the time listed on the can (usually 10-20 minutes). Don’t rush this!
- Apply more coats until the color is solid and even. Two or three thin coats are usually better than one thick one.
H5 Getting An Even Color
Walk around the pieces as you spray to see them from different angles. This helps you spot areas you missed or areas that are too thin. Spray light coats until the color looks uniform everywhere.
Be patient. Building up the color with thin layers prevents drips and gives a smoother finish.
Adding Protection (Clear Coat)
Putting a clear coat for painted Kitchenaid mixer is a good idea. It adds an extra layer of protection to the color coat. It helps stop scratches, chips, and makes the paint easier to clean. It can also give your mixer a nice finish, like glossy, satin, or matte, depending on the clear coat you choose.
H4 Choosing A Clear Coat
Make sure the clear coat you choose is compatible with your paint. It should be a clear coat designed for use over spray paint, preferably the same type (like epoxy clear coat over epoxy paint, or automotive clear coat).
Choose the finish you want:
* Glossy: Shiny finish.
* Satin: A little bit shiny, not full gloss.
* Matte: No shine.
H4 How To Apply Clear Coat
Wait for the color coat to dry properly before applying clear coat. Check the paint can – it might say to wait a few hours or even 24 hours before adding a clear coat.
Set up your clean, well-aired space again. Wear your safety gear.
- Shake the clear coat can very well.
- Apply thin, even coats just like you did with the color paint.
- Hold the can the correct distance away (check the can).
- Use even, overlapping strokes.
- Let each clear coat dry for the time the can says (usually 10-20 minutes).
- Apply two or three thin coats for good protection.
Applying clear coat is the last layer you spray. Take your time to get it right for a smooth, even finish.
Letting The Paint Get Strong
This is a step many people want to rush, but it is very important: curing paint on metal mixer. Paint might feel dry to the touch quite quickly, but it takes much longer for it to become hard and strong. This process is called curing.
H4 Why Curing Matters
If you put the mixer back together or start using it too soon, the paint can easily get scratched, smudged, or even peeled off. Curing lets the paint fully harden and bond to the surface.
H4 How Long To Let It Cure
Check the instructions on your paint and clear coat cans. They will give you a recommended curing time.
* Often, paint is “dry to touch” in 20-30 minutes.
* It might be “handleable” in a few hours.
* But for full hardness, it can take several days, even up to a week or two depending on the type of paint and how thick the coats are.
Try to let your painted mixer parts cure for at least 3-7 days in a clean, dry place. The longer you wait, the harder the paint will be.
H5 Speeding Up Curing (Carefully)
Some paints cure faster in warmer temperatures. You can try letting the parts cure in a warm, dry room. Do NOT try to bake the parts in an oven – Kitchenaid parts are not made for oven temperatures and you could damage them or create dangerous fumes. Just a warm room is enough.
Protect the parts while they are curing. Make sure they are in a place where they won’t get bumped, scratched, or dusty.
Putting Your Mixer Back Together
Once the paint is fully cured and hard, it is time to reassemble your Kitchenaid mixer. This is where those pictures you took and the labeled bags of screws come in handy!
H4 Reassembly Steps
- Carefully remove all the painter’s tape and plastic covering the motor and internal parts. Check that no paint got where it shouldn’t be.
- Start putting the shell pieces back onto the mixer frame.
- Refer to your pictures to see how the pieces fit together.
- Put the screws back into their correct holes. Don’t overtighten the screws, especially the ones that go into plastic parts. Just make them snug.
- Put any trim pieces or logos back on.
- Put the top cap and trim band back on.
Take your time and be gentle. You don’t want to scratch your beautiful new paint!
Tips For Success And Troubleshooting
H4 Common Problems And Fixes
- Runs or drips: This happens from applying paint too thickly. If the paint is still wet, you can sometimes wipe it gently with a rag soaked in mineral spirits (check compatibility with your paint). If it is dry, you will need to sand the run smooth and repaint that area.
- Dusty texture (overspray): This happens when the can is held too far away or it’s windy. You can try rubbing the surface gently with a very fine grit sandpaper (like 1000 or 2000 grit) or polishing compound after the paint is fully cured. A clear coat can also help smooth this out if applied correctly afterwards.
- Paint not sticking: This is usually because the surface wasn’t cleaned or sanded properly. The only fix is to sand the paint off, clean and sand the surface better, and repaint.
H4 General Tips
- Patience is key! Don’t rush the cleaning, sanding, drying, or curing steps.
- Always spray in a well-aired area and wear safety gear.
- Practice spraying on cardboard first.
- Apply multiple thin coats instead of one thick one.
- Store your painted mixer carefully until it is fully cured.
Repainting Old Kitchenaid Mixer
If you are repainting old Kitchenaid mixer, you might face different challenges than painting a newer one. Old mixers might have:
- More scratches, chips, or dents in the original paint.
- More built-up grease and grime.
- Screws that are harder to remove.
H4 Extra Steps For Older Mixers
- Cleaning: Spend extra time degreasing and cleaning. You might need stronger cleaners or multiple cleaning steps.
- Sanding: You might need to sand more in areas with chips or deep scratches to smooth them out. You might even need to use body filler designed for metal to fill dents or deep chips after sanding and before priming. Follow the filler’s instructions carefully.
- Rust: If there is any rust, it must be completely removed before painting. Sand the rust away down to bare metal. You might consider using a rust-inhibiting primer.
- Disassembly: Older screws can be stubborn. Use the right tools and don’t strip the screw heads. Sometimes a little heat or penetrating oil helps.
Repainting an old mixer can bring it back to life and make it look brand new! It takes extra care, but the result is worth it.
Caring For Your Painted Mixer
Once your mixer is painted and fully cured, you want to keep it looking good.
- Clean it gently. Use a soft cloth and mild soap and water.
- Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive scrubbers, which can scratch the paint.
- Wipe up spills quickly, especially acidic foods.
By following these steps, your painted Kitchenaid mixer can look fantastic and last for many years.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
H4 Can I paint my Kitchenaid mixer with a brush?
You could, but for the smoothest, most professional-looking finish, spray paint is recommended. Brush strokes will likely show with regular paint.
H4 What kind of primer is best for a metal mixer?
An etching primer or epoxy primer made for metal is best. These primers help the paint stick very well to the metal surface.
H4 How long does the paint need to dry?
Paint feels dry to touch in minutes, but needs hours or even days to dry enough for another coat (check the can). It needs several days to a week or more to fully cure and become hard enough for regular use. This is the curing paint on metal mixer step.
H4 What if I mess up while painting?
If the paint is wet, you might be able to wipe it off carefully. If it’s dry, you will likely need to sand the area smooth and repaint it. Patience and thin coats help avoid mistakes.
H4 Do I have to take the mixer all the way apart?
Yes, it is strongly recommended to disassembling Kitchenaid mixer shell and cover the inside parts. This protects the motor and gears from paint and lets you paint the shell pieces properly from all angles for a smooth finish.
H4 Can I use regular wall paint?
No, regular wall paint is not suitable for painting a metal appliance like a Kitchenaid mixer. It will not stick well, will not be durable, and is not designed for the wear and tear a mixer surface gets. Use paint made for metal, like appliance epoxy or automotive paint. This is key to choosing the best paint for Kitchenaid mixer.
H4 How do I get custom colors?
You can mix custom colors if you use automotive paint systems, but this is complex. For spray cans, your Kitchenaid mixer custom color ideas are limited to the colors available in appliance epoxy or automotive spray paint lines. Many colors are available, so you still have lots of choices!
H4 Is painting an old mixer harder?
Repainting old Kitchenaid mixer can be a bit harder if the old paint is damaged (chips, rust) or the screws are hard to remove. You might need extra cleaning, sanding, or even rust removal steps. But it is definitely possible!
Giving your Kitchenaid mixer a new coat of paint is a rewarding project. It takes time and care, but the result is a custom appliance that looks just the way you want it!