Can You Paint Rusty Appliances?
Even though your appliances may still be working fine, you may be tired of looking at them, especially if you live near coastal areas where the harsh salt air environment can quickly form rust on even the newest metal surfaces. So rather than strap your budget by replacing perfectly good appliances, removing all rust and applying a fresh coat of paint may be the way to go.
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Can Rust be Removed?
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Yes, rusty appliances can be given a complete exterior makeover with just a little effort and a small amount of money. Rust is simply iron oxide that forms when your metal appliance surface comes in contact with moisture. Unless scratched, rust cannot form as the paint seals the metal from allowing moisture to contact the metal, but once the surface is exposed it's just a matter of time until the rust becomes obvious. The longer rust remains on metal surfaces, the worse the condition becomes.
Touch-Ups
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Even the smallest scratches can expose enough of the bare metal for rust to form. On these tiny scratches, you might decide to use a touch-up paint, especially if the scratch is on the side of the appliance and not easily seen. Once the rusty scratch has been covered with fresh paint, oxygen can no longer contact the metal and the rusting process will cease. Check the paperwork and warranty information that came with your appliance for a toll-free telephone number; small bottles of matching touch-up paint may be available.
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Removing the Rust
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It is vitally important when reconditioning the exterior surface to remove all traces of existing rust. There are two ways to remove the rust: sanding with a light-grit paper or sandblasting. For small areas, sandpaper would be the easiest, but when you have to rehabilitate an entire washing machine a small sandblaster (available at do-it-yourself centers) will save time and make the job a lot easier. Once you have removed the rust and you're down to the bare metal, it's time to paint. Applying a primer coat before the paint won't hurt, but it's not really necessary. Aerosol cans will provide an adequate finish, but using an airless gun will produce the finest quality.
Complete Refurbishment
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If your appliance is suffering from severe and unsightly surface rust, a mere touch-up won't help. But make sure your rust problem is just surface rust; rust that has attacked the integrity of the metal has made your appliance unusable and it should be replaced. It's a rather large job, but considering the cost of a new machine vs. a few dollars for paint and a couple days work, it's likely worth your time.
Safety
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When sanding or painting all but the smallest appliance, it's best to move the job outdoors where fumes won't be as much of a concern. Always wear ear and eye protection when using power sanders and don't forget a mask when painting.
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References
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of green kozi
