- Tool Uses
Caylin Harris
Caylin Harris
Caylin is a contributor for The Kitchn, specializing in all things entertaining and crafting. She lives in Rhode Island with her husband and her four rescue cats.
updated Dec 31, 2020
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Practically a requirement for every home cook, the KitchenAid stand mixer is downright useful. It makes baking a breeze and, with its many attachments, it helps dinner prep go so much faster. And if we’re being honest, thanks to its many color options (copper! Pistachio! Blush pink!), it looks so good sitting pretty on your counter. Let’s face it — even if you’re years away from buying one, you already know what color you’d choose.
But what happens if you didn’t get to pick out this pricey appliance yourself and you hate the color? It happens! A well-meaning relative buys it for you or you inherit your mom’s dingy off-white machine that still works but is a little worse for the wear. Don’t worry — there’s something you can try before shelling out for a new one. You can actually repaint it yourself!
Here’s how.
Important Notes on Painting a Stand Mixer
Like painting kitchen cabinets, the two most important things about painting a stand mixer are the prep and the paint. You want to take your time taping up the parts that you don’t want painted, for two reasons: You want it to look clean and professional, and you don’t want paint to get anywhere it shouldn’t and cause a problem with the mechanics of the mixer.
You also want to buy the best spray paint you can, as cheaper spray paint will look, well, cheaper. We used Rust-Oleum (primer, paint, and clear coat) and were very happy with the results. Another note: Make sure the paint really has time to dry between each coat. Paint on top of wet paint and you’ll get pooling and drips that don’t look great.
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Take some before pics: Start by snapping a few pictures of your mixer from different angles before you touch anything. You probably won’t need them but they’re good to have just in case. At the very least, you can use them to show your friends the dramatic transformation. (Image credit: Catherine Meschia)
How To Paint a KitchenAid Stand Mixer
What You Need
- Cell phone
- Rubbing alcohol
- 2 microfiber cloths
- Painter’s tape
- Plastic Fine grit sandpaper/sanding block
- Spray primer
- Spray paint (Rust-oleum 2x Ultra Cover is great)
- Spray gloss protective enamel in clear
- Screwdriver
- Utility knife
Instructions
- Take some before pics: Start by snapping a few pictures of your mixer from different angles before you touch anything. You probably won’t need them but they’re good to have just in case. At the very least, you can use them to show your friends the dramatic transformation.
- Clean the mixer: Clean the surface of your mixer with the rubbing alcohol and a microfiber cloth to remove any oil, dirt, or stuck on gunk. Dry thoroughly.
- Remove the back plate: This back piece has vents and you don’t want paint getting through the holes and messing with the electrical pieces. Take the plate off — we’ll paint it separately later.
- Tape up the mixer: Anything you don’t want painted should be covered up with painter’s tape. We’re talking about the stuff under that back plate, the metal strip, the knob, the cord, the attachment hub, the stainless steel bowl holder, etc. You can use an X-ACTO knife to cut out the super-detailed parts.
- Sand the surfaces you want to paint: Gently sand the entire mixer —you’re not doing this with the goal of removing all the paint. You want the finish to be rough because it will help the spray primer and paint adhere better. After you’re done sanding, wipe down the machine with a dry microfiber cloth to remove any dust.
- Prime the mixer: In a well-ventilated area, apply the spray primer to the entire surface using even spraying motions. Be sure to keep the spray can far enough away from the machine to avoid drips. Don’t forget that back panel you removed!
- Let dry and paint: Once the primer is completely dry (follow the directions according to the can), apply two coats of spray paint (or however many you need to reach your desired shade). Allow the previous coat to dry before applying the next coat. Paint the back panel, too!
- Add a clear coat: Let the paint dry and then apply a few coats of the finishing spray gloss enamel for some shine and to protect your paint job.
- Remove the painter’s tape: Once the paint is dry to the touch, remove the painter’s tape.
- Wait at least a few days: This might be one of the most important steps! Let the mixer sit for a few days in a room that’s not humid and is a comfortable temperature to really let the paint cure. Then reattach that back panel and you’re ready to whip up something spectacular.
More Notes
- The lighter the KitchenAid mixer, the easier it will be to cover the initial paint job. A bright red color, for example, might be more of a challenge. Not impossible, but just challenging. Keep that in mind.
- Microfiber cloths are great because they don’t leave behind lint, which can get stuck into the paint.
- This project will require patience. Again, you really need to be cautious about letting each coat dry. And then also letting the final product dry before using it.
- Choose the best-quality spray paint possible. Primer might seem like an unnecessary step, but it really helps the spray paint to adhere better. Take the extra time and don’t skip it.
More Painting Projects
- How To Paint Your Kitchen Cabinets So It Looks Like You Totally Replaced Them
- 9 Small Painting Projects That’ll Make Your Kitchen Feel Like New
- 5 Things to Know About Painting Pegboards for the Kitchen
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