Painting a KitchenAid Mixer
The KitchenAid mixer has stood the test of time as one of the most iconic items in a well-used or merely well-informed kitchen. One of the true workhorses of the home industrial revolution, the many attachments available make the KitchenAid the most versatile of home appliances. The extremely solid construction of these implements give them a longevity which has certainly contributed to their iconic stature. Yet as they age their paint is one of the only things to show wear, a condition which can easily be improved with the addition of a fresh coat of paint, which is also an excellent option when switching color schemes or homes. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Screwdriver
- Sandpaper
- Painter's tape
- Metal surface paint
- Paintbrushes
- Paint thinner
- Sealant
Instructions
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Remove all removable parts of the mixer, including the attachment port cover and the metal mixing bowl receiving dock. Use a screwdriver to loosen the screws which attach the receiving dock, and then gently rock it out of its position in the mixer's base.
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2
Cover all unpainted metal surfaces with painter's tape, ripping the tape into small pieces as necessary to custom-fit the areas. Cover all knobs and levers with tape as well. Clean all paintable surfaces with soap and dry thoroughly. Wipe down all paintable surfaces again before painting.
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Lightly sand all painted surfaces with medium-grit sandpaper until each surface is evenly roughened. Sand any metal areas you wish to paint in the same manner as well.
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4
Brush the paint on the metal surfaces in smooth, even coats, being very careful to get all of the detailed sections painted. Allow four hours for the first coat to dry. Sand the painted surfaces lightly with a fine-grit sandpaper and paint an additional coat. Clean the brushes with paint thinner.
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Allow the paint to dry overnight, and then apply a thin coat of sealant. Allow four hours for the sealant to dry, and then apply a second coat. Allow the mixer to dry for two days before reassembling it or using it for any reason.
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Tips & Warnings
Bright colors can make a big splash in a mostly white kitchen, so consider using reds, blues and greens to have the mixer stand out.
Old paint colors from the mixers of the 40s and 50s can serve as an excellent inspiration.
Decals can be added to the sides of the mixer to give it a more unique appearance.
Never use your mixer without allowing plenty of time for the paint to dry, as the wet paint can cause the attachment cover or the docking plate to become stuck semi-permanently.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images
