How To Paint A Kitchenaid Mixer: A DIY Guide

Can you paint a KitchenAid mixer? Absolutely! This guide will show you how to give your KitchenAid mixer a fresh, new look with a DIY paint job. Whether you want to change the color, restore an old mixer, or simply add a personal touch, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the entire process, from preparation to finishing touches.

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

Why Refinish Your KitchenAid Mixer?

There are several reasons why you might want to embark on a DIY KitchenAid mixer painting project.

• Color Change: Maybe you’re remodeling your kitchen and your mixer no longer matches. A fresh coat of paint allows for KitchenAid mixer customization to perfectly complement your new decor.
• Restoration: Older KitchenAid mixers can show their age. Painting is an excellent way to breathe new life into a vintage appliance with KitchenAid mixer restoration.
• Personalization: Add a unique touch to your kitchen by painting your mixer in a custom color or design. This is a fantastic way to express your style.
• Cost Savings: Buying a new KitchenAid mixer can be expensive. Refinishing your existing one is a cost-effective way to achieve a brand-new look with KitchenAid mixer color change.

Choosing Your Method: Spray Paint vs. Powder Coating

Two primary methods are commonly used for painting KitchenAid stand mixers: spray painting and powder coating.

Spray Painting: The DIY-Friendly Option

• Pros:
  • More accessible for DIYers.
  • Requires less specialized equipment.
  • A wide variety of colors and finishes are available.
  • Easier to touch up if needed.
• Cons:
  • Less durable than powder coating.
  • More prone to chipping and scratching.
  • Requires careful preparation and application to avoid runs and drips.
  • The finish is not as smooth as powder coating.
  • Can be susceptible to yellowing with prolonged heat exposure.

Powder Coating: The Professional Finish

• Pros:
  • Extremely durable and resistant to chipping, scratching, and fading.
  • Provides a smooth, even, and professional-looking finish.
  • Available in a wide range of colors and textures.
  • Heat resistant.
• Cons:
  • Requires specialized equipment (powder coating gun, oven).
  • More expensive than spray painting, especially if you hire a professional.
  • Difficult to touch up if damaged.
  • Not a feasible DIY project for most people.

For the purposes of this guide, we will focus on how to spray paint KitchenAid mixer, as it’s the more accessible method for most DIY enthusiasts.

Gathering Your Supplies

Before you begin your DIY KitchenAid mixer painting project, gather all the necessary supplies. Here’s a comprehensive list:

• Screwdrivers: Phillips head and flathead screwdrivers of various sizes.
• Wrenches: A set of wrenches for removing specific parts.
• Pliers: For gripping and maneuvering small parts.
• Painter’s Tape: High-quality painter’s tape for masking off areas you don’t want to paint.
• Masking Paper or Plastic Sheeting: To protect your work area from overspray.
• Sandpaper:
  • 120-grit sandpaper for removing existing paint and rust.
  • 220-grit sandpaper for smoothing the surface.
  • 400-grit sandpaper for final smoothing before painting.
• Cleaning Supplies:
  • Dish soap.
  • Degreaser (e.g., TSP).
  • Tack cloth.
• Primer: Automotive-grade primer.
• Paint: Automotive-grade spray paint in your desired color (specifically, the best paint for KitchenAid mixer)
• Clear Coat: Automotive-grade clear coat for added protection and shine.
• Respirator: To protect yourself from harmful fumes.
• Safety Glasses: To protect your eyes.
• Gloves: To protect your hands.
• Drop Cloth: To protect your work surface.
• Small Containers: For storing screws and small parts.
• Camera or Phone: To take pictures as you disassemble the mixer (for easy reassembly).

Preparing Your KitchenAid Mixer for Painting

Proper preparation is crucial for achieving a professional-looking finish. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Disassembly

• Safety First: Unplug the mixer from the power outlet.
• Take Pictures: Before you start disassembling the mixer, take pictures of each step. This will be invaluable when you reassemble it.
• Remove Attachments: Remove all attachments, such as the bowl, beaters, and pouring shield.
• Remove the Band: Carefully remove the decorative band around the motor housing. This is often held in place with adhesive and small screws.
• Detach the Motor Housing: This is the most complex part of the disassembly process. Consult your mixer’s service manual or online tutorials for specific instructions. Be careful not to damage any wires or internal components. Label and store all screws in separate containers to avoid confusion during reassembly.
• Remove the Base: The base is usually attached with screws. Remove these screws and detach the base.
• Remove any other parts: Remove any other small parts you don’t want to be painted, such as the speed control knob and any trim pieces.

Step 2: Cleaning

• Wash the Parts: Wash all the parts you intend to paint with warm, soapy water. Use a degreaser like TSP to remove any grease or oil.
• Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse all parts thoroughly with clean water.
• Dry Completely: Allow all parts to dry completely before proceeding to the next step.

Step 3: Sanding

• Remove Existing Paint: If your mixer has existing paint that is peeling or damaged, use 120-grit sandpaper to remove it.
• Smooth the Surface: Use 220-grit sandpaper to smooth the surface of the mixer. Pay close attention to any imperfections, such as scratches or dents.
• Final Sanding: Use 400-grit sandpaper for a final sanding. This will create a very smooth surface for the primer to adhere to.
• Clean Again: After sanding, clean the parts again with a tack cloth to remove any sanding dust.

Step 4: Masking

• Tape Off Areas: Use high-quality painter’s tape to carefully mask off any areas you don’t want to paint, such as the KitchenAid logo, any chrome trim, or internal parts.
• Protect Your Work Area: Cover your work area with masking paper or plastic sheeting to protect it from overspray.

Painting Your KitchenAid Mixer

Now that your mixer is properly prepared, it’s time to start painting.

Step 1: Priming

• Apply Primer: Apply a thin, even coat of automotive-grade primer to all the parts you intend to paint. Hold the spray can about 8-10 inches away from the surface and use smooth, even strokes.
• Allow to Dry: Allow the primer to dry completely according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Sand Lightly: Once the primer is dry, lightly sand it with 400-grit sandpaper to remove any imperfections.
• Clean Again: Clean the parts again with a tack cloth to remove any sanding dust.

Step 2: Painting

• Apply Paint: Apply a thin, even coat of automotive-grade spray paint to all the parts you intend to paint. Use the same technique as you did with the primer. Apply multiple thin coats rather than one thick coat to avoid runs and drips.
• Allow to Dry: Allow the paint to dry completely according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Apply Additional Coats: Apply additional coats of paint as needed to achieve your desired color and coverage. Allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next.

Step 3: Clear Coating

• Apply Clear Coat: Apply a thin, even coat of automotive-grade clear coat to all the painted parts. This will protect the paint and give it a glossy finish.
• Allow to Dry: Allow the clear coat to dry completely according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Apply Additional Coats: Apply additional coats of clear coat as needed to achieve your desired level of protection and shine. Allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next.

Step 4: Curing

• Allow to Cure: Allow the paint and clear coat to cure for at least 24-48 hours before reassembling the mixer. This will allow the paint to harden and become more durable.
• Baking: To expedite the curing process, some DIYers bake their painted parts in an oven at a low temperature (around 150-200°F) for a few hours. This can help to harden the paint and clear coat more quickly. However, be very careful not to overheat the parts, as this could damage the paint or warp the metal. It is advised to do extensive research beforehand.

Reassembling Your KitchenAid Mixer

Once the paint and clear coat have fully cured, you can begin reassembling your KitchenAid mixer.

• Use Your Pictures: Refer to the pictures you took during disassembly to guide you through the reassembly process.
• Carefully Reassemble: Carefully reassemble all the parts, making sure to tighten all screws and bolts securely.
• Reattach the Motor Housing: This is the most complex part of the reassembly process. Take your time and be careful not to damage any wires or internal components.
• Reattach the Base: Reattach the base with the screws you removed earlier.
• Reattach the Band: Carefully reattach the decorative band around the motor housing.
• Reattach Attachments: Reattach all attachments, such as the bowl, beaters, and pouring shield.

Finishing Touches

• Clean the Mixer: Once the mixer is fully reassembled, clean it with a soft cloth to remove any fingerprints or smudges.
• Polish the Chrome: Use a chrome polish to polish any chrome trim on the mixer. This will give it a bright, shiny finish.
• Admire Your Work: Stand back and admire your newly painted KitchenAid mixer! You’ve successfully completed a DIY KitchenAid mixer makeover.

Tips for Success

• Take Your Time: Don’t rush the process. Proper preparation and careful application are key to achieving a professional-looking finish.
• Use Quality Materials: Use high-quality automotive-grade primer, paint, and clear coat. This will ensure that your paint job is durable and long-lasting.
• Practice Your Spraying Technique: Practice your spraying technique on a piece of cardboard before painting your mixer. This will help you get a feel for the spray can and avoid runs and drips.
• Work in a Well-Ventilated Area: Work in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling harmful fumes. Wear a respirator to protect yourself.
• Be Patient: Allow the paint and clear coat to dry and cure completely before reassembling the mixer. This will ensure that the paint is durable and long-lasting.

Alternatives to Spray Painting

While spray painting is the most common DIY method, here are some alternative options for KitchenAid mixer refinishing:

• Vinyl Wraps: Vinyl wraps offer a quick and easy way to change the color of your mixer without painting. They are available in a variety of colors and designs.
• Hydro Dipping: Hydro dipping is a process that involves transferring a design onto the surface of an object using water. This can be used to create unique and eye-catching designs on your mixer.
• Professional Painting: If you’re not comfortable painting your mixer yourself, you can hire a professional painter or auto body shop to do it for you. This will ensure that you get a high-quality, professional-looking finish.

Troubleshooting

• Runs and Drips: If you experience runs or drips, stop painting and allow the paint to dry completely. Then, sand down the runs or drips with fine-grit sandpaper and apply another coat of paint.
• Orange Peel Texture: Orange peel texture is a bumpy, uneven texture that can occur when spray painting. To avoid orange peel texture, hold the spray can about 8-10 inches away from the surface and use smooth, even strokes. Also, make sure the paint is not too thick.
• Paint Peeling: If the paint is peeling, it could be due to poor preparation or using the wrong type of paint. Make sure to properly prepare the surface by cleaning and sanding it before painting. Also, use high-quality automotive-grade primer, paint, and clear coat.

FAQ

• What kind of paint should I use?
  • Use automotive-grade spray paint. It’s durable and designed for metal surfaces.
• How much does it cost to paint a KitchenAid mixer?
  • The cost depends on whether you DIY or hire a professional. DIY can range from $50-$100 in materials. Professional powder coating can cost $200-$500.
• Can I paint the inside of the mixer?
  • No, do not paint the inside of the mixer. Only paint the exterior housing.
• Is powder coating better than spray painting?
  • Yes, powder coating is more durable and provides a more professional finish, but it requires specialized equipment and is more expensive.
• How long does it take to paint a KitchenAid mixer?
  • The entire process can take several days, including disassembly, preparation, painting, drying, curing, and reassembly.
• Can I change the color of my KitchenAid mixer?
  • Absolutely! Painting is a great way to change the color of your KitchenAid mixer and customize it to your liking.

By following these steps, you can give your KitchenAid mixer a stunning new look with a DIY paint job. Enjoy your newly customized appliance!