The Best Type Of Paint To Use On Your Dishwasher For A Creative Upgrade

With all the attention that is often paid to the appearance of kitchen cabinets and countertops, the dishwasher is often overlooked as simply a functional piece that tends to be an eyesore. Though you could opt for a panel-front dishwasher to hide it away, these can be quite expensive. If you're looking for a brilliant hack to make your kitchen more aesthetic, you may want to consider painting your dishwasher with chalk mineral paint. Not only is it an affordable way to transform the look of your dishwasher, it also adds another layer of style to your kitchen.

Using chalk mineral paint to paint your dishwasher will ensure that your paint job turns out smoothly with a beautiful lasting finish. It is specifically formulated to have strong adhesion to slick non-porous surfaces such as metal appliances. One of the most popular brands of chalk mineral paint is Dixie Belle Paint Company, which is available on Amazon in a variety of colors. Similar chalk-based multi-surface paint brands include Vintiques and Chalk It.

Choosing to paint your dishwasher gives you complete creative freedom to make it look however you'd like; perhaps you want it to be the same color as your cabinetry so that it blends in seamlessly, or maybe you'd rather go bold and turn it into the statement decor piece your kitchen has been missing. It's also a fairly easy DIY project, though there are a few painting tips you'll want follow to ensure it won't chip or peel down the road.  

To give your dishwasher a paint job that will last, start by cleaning the surface thoroughly. A degreasing cleaner will remove any traces of oil or grease. If your dishwasher has a handle on the front, remove it — the screws holding it in place will likely be on the interior side of the door. Next, give the surface of your dishwasher a light sand using a fine-grit sandpaper, and wipe away any sanding dust with a tack cloth, or vacuum it away. Then, apply a coat of bonding primer such as Dixie Belle Bonding Boss to the dishwasher. Once dry, apply two coats of chalk mineral paint with a foam roller, allowing sufficient drying time between coats. Lastly, apply a waterproof clear coat once the paint is dry.

As for the color and design, that is entirely up to you. Of course, you could paint the dishwasher all one color for a traditional look. If you want to give it extra style, though, why not add a fun pattern? You could use painter's tape to create stripes, chevron, or checkers. Use a stencil to apply a design like cheetah print, dainty florals, or hexagonal shapes to give your home a bold geometric upgrade. If you're a skilled artist, you could even create a mural, such as a landscape or sunset. Alternatively, you could apply a mural sticker over the paint. If you ever get tired of the dishwasher's style, simply repaint it!