Washer and Dryer Makeover

I recently acquired a free washing machine and dryer. They worked perfectly, but looked like they dated back to the Brady Bunch era. They were also heavily rusted and corroded in a couple of areas. So I decided to give them a little face-lift.

In the past I have seen posts of laundry room makeovers, but appliance makeovers are rare to find. The only decent one I came across was this blog post by Killer B. Designs: http://www.killerbdesigns.com/10-appliance-makeover/

There were 2 things about Killer B.’s makeover that I didn't like:

Control Panel Labels - In the blog Killer B. originally wrote the labels on with a silver paint pen. She then later decided to print/cut the words with her Silhouette but found the font was too small. My original thought was to do the same, but once I started designing it in Illustrator I quickly came to the same realization. I ended up using self-adhesive alphabet stickers.

Paint – Killer B. used a brush-on enamel paint. The downside to this (for me) is it is VERY thick and leaves visible brush strokes. I decided to use an appliance epoxy spray paint. It left a very smooth finish.

 

Basic Supplies

If your appliances are in good condition, this is all you'll need.

Rust-Oleum Appliance Epoxy

Painters Tape

Self-Adhesive Letters

 

 

Supplies for Rust/Corrosion Problems

 

Stainless Steel Wire Brush - Any spots that are rusted or the paint is chipping, you will want to scrub it down with a wire brush to knock off any debris.

Loctite Extend Rust Neutralizer – If you have any rusted spots you will want to purchase a neutralizer or dissolver. I purchased some made by Loctite. This one not only stops the rust but acts as a primer. After the first application, the rust turns black. You then spray one more application and let it set for 24 hours.

Mighty Putty– This was recommended to me by a co-worker to cover the jagged edges. I was skeptical, since it’s an As Seen on TV product. But, I figured for $10 it was worth a shot. Boy am I glad I did. It worked perfectly. I molded it around the jagged edge and let it set for 24 hours. The next day I took a sanding block to it to smooth it down and it was ready to be painted.

 

Paint Removal Supplies

If you are like me and don't follow instructions very well, you'll probably need supplies to strip your paint off. I decided to spray a clear over my letters and didn't wait long enough in between coats. This caused the paint to lift and give a crackled effect.

Needless to say, my OCD couldn't handle it. So I sanded it down, and sanded it down......and sanded it down. But, I still couldn't get it smooth enough to spray. ENTER AIRCRAFT REMOVER!!!  

 

Aircraft Remover– This product removed the paint VERY well, and very fast. It took off ALL the paint. Even the manufacturers coat. I was highly impressed.

 

Flexible Putty Knife – Use this to scrape off the dissolved paint

 

 

• Before starting, disassemble and clean any items you intend to paint.
• If you aren't able to remove your control panel, just remove (or tape over) your knobs. 

Rust Removal

• Address any rust or corrosion issues before painting.
• Use the wire brush to remove as much of the paint and rust as possible.
• Wipe the area clean.
• Use the rust neutralizer (follow the instructions on the can).
• If you have corroded or jagged edges, apply the Mighty Putty per the instructions. Allow 24 hours for it to set, then sand it to make it smooth.

 

• I used the painters tape to tape over the lines on the control panels; just so I knew where one cycle started and another ended.
• It took about 3 coats for me to get the finish I wanted.
• I let it dry overnight and then applied the stickers the next day.

 

Letter Application

• Wait at least 24-hours before applying the letters. You'll want the paint to be dry, just in case you need to peel one off and reapply it.
• Use a ruler and painters tape to line out where you letters need to go.
• Apply the letters in backwards order if necessary. I did this for the word "Regular" on my washer control panel.

 

 Tips

• ALWAYS unplug your appliances from power before starting.
• Visit the Appliance Parts Pros website to find diagrams and parts for your model.
• If you disassemble your control panels, take pictures of the wiring to make it easier to reassemble.
• Wait about 5-10 minutes in between each appliance epoxy spray coat.
• If you decide to spray a clear over your letters, wait 2 weeks. The appliance epoxy is very thick and needs ample time to cure first.
• Put your knobs back on before you apply the letters around it. As you can see in my washer control panel photo, I failed to do this and the letters are really close to the knob.

Check out the Photo Galley to view all the pictures.