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How to Retouch a Chip in a Stove's Enamel

Denise Brown

The enamel surface of a kitchen stove is hard, but if something bumps it just right, the enamel can chip. These chips are unsightly. If you don’t fix them, the next time something bumps against the chip, more enamel may come off, creating an even larger chip.

Repair kits are available, or you can purchase the individual components at any hardware or paint store. If you can remove the burners and the entire stove top from the range, do so. You can perform the repair work in your garage while allowing for adequate ventilation.

Tip

You might be able to repair small dings and scratches with appliance repair paint, which is extra thick so it settles into damaged areas and blends with the surrounding surface.

Warning

Work in a well-ventilated area when using paint or epoxy.

  1. Mix a drop or two of dish detergent in a container of warm water. Use the soapy mixture to clean the entire surface of the stove top. The surface must be free of dirt and grease in order for the appliance paint to bond properly. Rinse the surface with clean water and allow it to dry.

  2. Sand the damaged area lightly with 400-grit sandpaper. This roughened surface makes it easier for the repair materials to bond with the existing enamel. Wipe away any dust with a tack cloth.

  3. Mix two-component resin according to the manufacturer’s instructions on a small piece of cardboard, using craft sticks. Put equal amounts of resin and hardener on the cardboard with two separate sticks. Stir them together well.

  4. Apply a small amount of resin mixture to the chipped enamel. Smooth it as much as possible, using a craft stick. Let the resin dry at least 30 minutes.

  5. Sand the resin smooth with 400-grit sandpaper. Remove any dust with a tack cloth.

  6. Cut a hole out of the center of a piece of paper slightly larger than the area you are repairing. Center the hole in the paper over the patched area and hold it about 1 inch above the surface. The hole in the paper keeps the paint from spraying more surface than necessary.

  7. Shake enamel appliance repair spray paint. Spray the repaired area with two or three coats of paint. Wait about 10 minutes between each coat. Allow the paint and resin mixture to harden according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This may take up to four days.

The Drip Cap

  • The enamel surface of a kitchen stove is hard, but if something bumps it just right, the enamel can chip.
  • The surface must be free of dirt and grease in order for the appliance paint to bond properly.
  • Sand the resin smooth with 400-grit sandpaper.
  • Remove any dust with a tack cloth.
  • The hole in the paper keeps the paint from spraying more surface than necessary.
  • This may take up to four days.