Most appliance manufacturers have decided that if you want a washer and dryer, the colors available are white, black, stainless steel, or dark grey. Occasionally, you might find a model that comes in red or teal blue, but pretty much, if you want a custom look for your laundry appliances, you are going to have to do it yourself. Beyond adding color to your laundry room, there are practical reasons to paint a washer or dryer. Perhaps you’ve purchased a mismatched pair during a sale, got a scratched floor model, or your appliances are starting to rust. Painting the appliances will bring a cohesive look to the room, prevent the scratches from rusting, and stop rust from getting worse.
Preparation
Unplug and empty the appliance of any laundry. If possible, remove it from the laundry room to an open, well-ventilated space. This will prevent paint overspray mishaps on your walls and give you room to work. Place a drop cloth under the machine. Use a detergent and hot water mixture to wipe down and clean the machine exterior. Pay close attention to areas where residue can build up. Wipe it down with clear water and allow it to dry.
If your appliance has rust spots, use a paint scraper to scrape any loose or flaking paint from around rusted areas. Scrape off bubbles of paint that have formed over the rust. Fill dents and small holes with auto body filler. Apply with a plastic putty knife and scrape off as much excess as you can. Work quickly; the putty hardens in 10 to 15 minutes. If the rust is excessive and has eaten through to form a hole, cover the affected area with fiberglass tape. Bond the tape to the machine with the auto body filler and then apply a filler coat over the tape.
Once the putty has dried, sand the filled areas and any rusty areas with a palm sander and 220-grit sandpaper. Try to feather the edges around the filled and rusty areas to create a gradual transition to the rest of the body. Using denatured alcohol, clean away the dust and use a rust-inhibiting primer before applying the appliance epoxy spray paint.
Warning
Any time you use aerosolized paints, epoxy, or do any sanding work, you should protect yourself from the fumes and dust particulates by wearing a face mask and goggles. Whenever painting, gloves always come in handy.
Source: The Spruce
