Step-by-Step: How To Paint A Kitchenaid Mixer Successfully

Yes, you can paint a KitchenAid mixer. Painting is a good way to give your old mixer a new look or change its color. This guide helps you refurbish your KitchenAid stand mixer with a fresh coat of paint. It tells you how to change your KitchenAid color and make it look new again.

Painting a KitchenAid mixer takes time and care. You need the right stuff and need to follow steps carefully. This makes sure the paint sticks well and looks good for a long time. Let’s look at what you need and what to do.

Image Source: reality-daydream.s3.amazonaws.com

Gather Your Tools and Stuff

Before you start, get everything ready. Having all your items close by makes the job easier and safer. Painting needs a well-aired spot away from dust.

Things You Will Need

• KitchenAid mixer
• Screwdrivers (different sizes might be needed)
• Painters tape (good quality tape is best for sharp lines)
• Sandpaper (fine grits, like 320, 400, and 600)
• Gloves (to keep your hands clean and protect them)
• Safety glasses or goggles (protect your eyes)
• Dust mask or respirator (to avoid breathing in dust and paint fumes)
• Degreaser or strong cleaner (to clean the mixer well)
• Rags or old cloths
• Rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol)
• Drop cloths or plastic sheeting (to protect your work area)
• Primer (best primer for metal appliances)
• Appliance spray paint (make sure it works on metal)
• Clear coat spray (clear coat for painted mixer, use one that works with your paint)
• Small wire brush or steel wool (for tough spots)
• Utility knife or craft knife (for cutting tape)

Picking the Right Paint

Choosing the right paint is key. You need paint made for metal and appliances. Appliance spray paint is a good choice. It is tough and made for things used in the kitchen. Look for paint that says it works on metal surfaces.

You also need a good primer. The best primer for metal appliances helps the paint stick. It also makes the final color look better. Make sure the primer and paint work together. Check the cans to be sure.

A clear coat adds protection and shine. It helps the paint last longer and makes it easier to clean. Get a clear coat that goes with your paint type (like enamel with enamel).

Getting Ready to Paint

This part is very important. Taking the mixer apart and cleaning it well makes sure the paint sticks. Do not skip steps here. Poor prep leads to bad results.

Taking the Mixer Apart

You need to take off parts you do not want paint on. This includes knobs, trims, and maybe the back cover. Look at your mixer model. There are many helpful videos online that show how to take apart specific KitchenAid models.

Steps to Take Apart

1. Unplug the mixer! This is the most important safety step.
2. Turn the mixer over. You might see screws on the bottom. Take these out.
3. Carefully lift off the bottom cover.
4. Find screws holding the main body shell. Take them out. Keep the screws in a safe place, maybe in a labeled bag.
5. Gently separate the metal shell from the inside parts. Be careful not to pull wires. You only want the outer shell.
6. Take off other parts like the trim band, logo badge, or speed control knob. These usually just pull off or have small clips/screws.

Keep all screws and small parts together. Label them if you need to. This makes putting it back together easier. You want to end up with just the metal outer shell that you will paint.

Cleaning the Metal Shell

The metal surface must be very clean. Any grease, dirt, or old food stops paint from sticking. This is a key part of metal surface preparation.

How to Clean the Shell

1. Wipe down the shell with a damp cloth to get off loose dirt.
2. Use a strong degreaser or cleaner. Spray it on and let it sit for a few minutes as the product says.
3. Scrub the shell well. Use a sponge or cloth. For tough spots, a small wire brush or steel wool can help.
4. Rinse the shell completely with water. Make sure all the soap is gone.
5. Let the shell dry fully. You can use a clean rag to help dry it.

Make sure the shell is totally free of grease and grime. If it is not clean, the paint will not stick right.

Making the Surface Ready

After cleaning, the surface needs more work. This step helps the primer and paint hold on tight. It makes the finish smooth and even.

Sanding the KitchenAid Shell

Sanding does two main things:
1. It makes the surface a little rough. This gives the primer something to grip onto.
2. It smooths out small scratches or bumps in the metal or old paint.

You do not need to sand down to bare metal everywhere. Just make the old surface dull. Sanding kitchenaid shell needs fine sandpaper.

How to Sand

1. Start with 320 grit sandpaper. Rub the whole outer shell. Use gentle, even strokes. Go in circles or back and forth.
2. Focus on any rough spots or deep scratches. Sand them until they are smooth.
3. Once the whole shell is sanded with 320 grit, clean off the dust. You can use a brush or blow it off.
4. Now use 400 grit sandpaper. Sand the shell again. This makes the surface even smoother.
5. Clean off the dust again.
6. For the best finish, you can use 600 grit sandpaper. This makes the surface very smooth before priming.
7. Clean off all sanding dust one last time. It is important to get all the dust off. Use a clean cloth, maybe slightly damp, or compressed air.

After sanding and dusting, wipe the shell down with rubbing alcohol. This removes any last bits of dust or oil from your hands. Let the alcohol dry fully. The surface should now be dull and clean, ready for primer. This is key metal surface preparation.

Taping Parts You Won’t Paint

Some parts of the shell or inside areas should not get paint. Use painters tape to cover these areas. Taping kitchenaid parts carefully gives you clean lines and protects parts that should not be painted.

Where to Tape

• Any metal inside edges or screw holes you do not want paint in.
• The ring where the bowl locks on.
• Any electrical connectors or wires you could not remove.
• The metal post that holds the attachments (if it is part of the shell piece you are painting).
• The area where the trim band goes (if you took it off).

Press the tape down firmly along the edges. Use a utility knife to trim the tape precisely around curves or corners. Make sure the tape is sealed well so paint does not sneak under it.

Putting on the Primer

Primer is the first coat you spray on the metal shell. Applying primer to mixer is a must for good paint results. It helps the new paint stick to the metal or old paint. It also makes the color look more even.

Picking the Right Primer

As mentioned, use the best primer for metal appliances. Look for a spray primer. Make sure it says it works with metal and with the type of spray paint you plan to use. Using the right primer helps prevent chips and makes the finish last.

How to Spray Primer

Spray in a well-aired area. It should be away from wind and dust. Put down drop cloths to protect the floor and things nearby. Wear your mask and gloves.

Steps for Priming

1. Shake the primer can well for at least one minute after you hear the ball inside. Keep shaking it now and then while you spray.
2. Hold the can about 8-10 inches away from the mixer shell.
3. Start spraying off the edge of the shell and move across it in smooth, steady strokes. Overlap each stroke a little.
4. Keep the can moving. Do not stop spraying while the can is pointed at the shell. This causes drips.
5. Apply a thin, even coat. It is better to spray several thin coats than one thick one. A thick coat can run or dry unevenly.
6. Let the first coat dry. Check the primer can for drying time. It might be 10-15 minutes “to touch” and longer for “recoat”.
7. Apply a second thin coat. Make sure you cover any spots you missed.
8. If needed, apply a third thin coat. Aim for light, even coverage. You want the old color or metal fully covered by the primer.

After the last coat of primer, let it dry completely. Drying time appliance paint can vary. Primer often needs several hours, or even overnight, before you can paint over it. Check the can instructions for the exact drying time before the next coat (the color paint).

Applying the New Color

Now for the fun part: the custom kitchenaid color change! You get to see your mixer start to look new. Use the appliance spray paint you chose.

Picking the Right Paint

Again, use appliance spray paint made for metal. This paint is tough and made to handle use in a kitchen. Pick any color you like!

How to Spray Color Paint

The steps are much like spraying primer. Work in a clean, well-aired spot. Wear your safety gear.

Steps for Painting

1. Shake the paint can well for at least one minute after hearing the ball. Shake often while painting.
2. Hold the can 8-10 inches away from the shell.
3. Start spraying off the shell and move across in smooth, even strokes. Overlap strokes.
4. Keep the can moving to avoid drips.
5. Apply a thin, even coat. This first coat might not cover everything. That is okay. Thin coats are best.
6. Let the first coat dry according to the can’s instructions for recoating. Drying time appliance paint is important between coats. It might be 30 minutes to a few hours.
7. Apply a second thin coat. Cover the shell completely.
8. If needed, apply a third or even fourth thin coat to get a deep, even color. Always let each coat dry enough before the next one.

Take your time with the color coats. Rushing or spraying too much paint at once is the main cause of drips and runs. Hold the shell up to the light to see if the color looks smooth and even. Make sure you get paint into all the curves and corners.

Adding a Protective Clear Coat

A clear coat protects your new paint job. It makes it stronger, more durable, and gives it a nice finish (shiny or flat, depending on the clear coat you pick). It helps against scratches and makes cleaning easier. This is the clear coat for painted mixer step.

Picking the Right Clear Coat

Get a clear coat spray that works with your appliance spray paint. Check the paint can label if you are not sure.

How to Spray Clear Coat

This step is just like spraying primer and paint. Work in a clean, well-aired spot. Wear your mask and gloves.

Steps for Clear Coating

1. Wait for the color paint to dry fully. This is very important. The can will give a “fully dry” or “cure” time. It might be 24 hours or more. Do not spray the clear coat too soon.
2. Shake the clear coat can well for at least one minute. Shake often while working.
3. Hold the can 8-10 inches away from the shell.
4. Spray in smooth, even strokes, overlapping each pass. Keep the can moving.
5. Apply a thin, even coat. You might not see it easily, but it is going on.
6. Let the first coat dry according to the clear coat can’s instructions for recoating.
7. Apply a second thin coat.
8. You can apply a third thin coat for extra protection.

Applying clear coat is the last spray step. Make sure it looks smooth and covers everything.

Letting It Dry and Harden

After the clear coat is on, the mixer shell needs to dry and cure. Drying time appliance paint includes time for the paint and clear coat to become hard and tough.

Curing Time

Just because the paint feels dry to the touch does not mean it is ready. It needs time to cure, which means it hardens all the way through. This can take several days, maybe even a week or more, depending on the paint, clear coat, temperature, and humidity.

Check the can for the recommended cure time. During this time, handle the shell very gently. Do not try to put the mixer back together until it is fully cured. If you rush this part, the paint might scratch or peel easily later. Let it sit in a clean, dry spot.

Putting the Mixer Back Together

Once the paint and clear coat are fully cured, it is time to put your refurbishing kitchenaid stand mixer back together.

Steps to Reassemble

1. Carefully remove all the painters tape. Use a utility knife to gently score along the edge of the paint before pulling the tape. This helps get a clean edge.
2. Gather all the parts you took off earlier. Get your screws ready.
3. Place the metal shell back over the inner workings of the mixer. Line up the screw holes.
4. Put the screws back in. Do not overtighten them.
5. Put the bottom cover back on and replace its screws.
6. Reattach the trim band, logo, speed knob, and any other parts you removed.
7. Make sure everything is tight and in the right place.

Once it is back together, your custom kitchenaid color change is complete! Your mixer should look like new.

Tips for a Great Finish

• Work Clean: Dust is the enemy of a smooth paint job. Clean your workspace well.
• Good Air Flow: Paint fumes are bad. Work outside or in a garage with the door open. Use a fan to move air (but not blow dust onto your wet paint).
• Test Spray: Before spraying your mixer, test your spray can on a piece of cardboard. This lets you see how the paint comes out and practice your spray strokes.
• Warm Cans Work Better: Spray paint works best when it is not cold. If your cans are cold, warm them up in a bowl of warm (not hot) water for a few minutes.
• Keep it Thin: Always spray thin coats. They dry faster and cover better in the end than one thick coat.
• Be Patient: This project takes time. Do not rush the drying times between coats or the final curing time.

Common Questions About Painting KitchenAid Mixers

What type of paint should I use on a KitchenAid mixer?

You should use appliance spray paint. It is made for metal surfaces and is tough enough for kitchen use. Make sure it works on metal.

Do I need to sand the mixer before painting?

Yes, sanding is very important. Sanding kitchenaid shell makes the surface rough so the primer and paint can stick well. It also helps smooth out the surface.

How long does appliance paint take to dry?

Drying time appliance paint varies. It usually takes 10-30 minutes to be dry to touch. You might need to wait a few hours between coats. The paint needs several days to fully harden or “cure”. Always check the paint can instructions.

Can I paint a plastic part of the mixer?

Some parts might be plastic. You need a primer that works on plastic and metal if you paint the whole shell (which might have metal and plastic parts). Then use appliance paint. Testing on a hidden plastic piece first is a good idea.

Why do I need a primer?

Applying primer to mixer helps the new paint stick to the old surface (metal or old paint). It makes the color look better and helps the paint last longer without chipping. The best primer for metal appliances prepares the surface correctly.

Is clear coat necessary?

A clear coat for painted mixer adds an extra layer of protection. It makes the paint more durable, scratch-proof, and easier to clean. It also gives the finish its final look (shine level). It is highly recommended for a long-lasting job.

How do I avoid drips and runs?

To avoid drips, hold the can the right distance away (8-10 inches). Keep the can moving while spraying. Use thin coats instead of one thick coat. If you see a drip, let it dry fully, then lightly sand it smooth before applying the next coat.

Can I paint over the existing color without removing it?

Yes, you can usually paint over the old paint if it is in good shape. You must clean and sand the old surface very well first. If the old paint is chipped or peeling, you might need to remove it all before starting.

How do I take the mixer apart to paint the shell?

You need to remove screws, usually from the bottom. Look for guides specific to your mixer model online. It involves separating the metal outer shell from the motor and gears inside. Taping kitchenaid parts you cannot remove is important.

Does painting void the KitchenAid warranty?

Yes, changing the mixer’s color by painting it yourself will likely void the warranty. This refurbishing kitchenaid stand mixer project is best for mixers that are older or out of warranty.

Refurbishing your KitchenAid stand mixer with a custom kitchenaid color change is a rewarding project. With careful metal surface preparation, the right appliance spray paint, patient drying time appliance paint, and a protective clear coat for painted mixer, you can give your mixer a brand new look. Remember to tape kitchenaid parts you don’t want painted, use the best primer for metal appliances, and take your time applying primer to mixer. Good luck with your project!