If you want to update your microwave, you might consider changing its style and color scheme. However, you’ll first need to know whether painting it’s safe or not.
Can you spray paint a microwave? You can apply spray paint to a microwave, as long as you make sure to use a safe option. Not every spray paint works well on appliances, so you’ll need to check that you get one that won’t cause problems. Plus, you need it to be especially safe if it’s going inside the microwave.
So, while you can spray paint one, you need to be careful. Let’s keep reading to learn more about what spray paints are safe and how best to do this project.
Can You Spray Paint a Microwave?
Spray painting your microwave can make it better fit the theme of your kitchen. Changing the color of the microwave makes it more cost-efficient than buying an entirely new appliance just for it to match. So, you can spray paint your microwave, but you need microwave-safe paints for the project.
Since your microwave doesn’t get hot on the outside, you don’t have to worry about the paint catching fire or releasing fumes there. Generally, it’s a lot safer only to paint the outside of your microwave.
However, you can still paint inside it if you really want to. You must ensure you choose the correct paint, so it’s not a fire risk.
Enamel appliance paints are best for the inside, and you should be able to find them in spray cans as well.
Choosing the wrong paint would be a fire risk, and paint fumes would get into your food when you run the appliance. Of course, you don’t want either of those things to happen! Overall, you can spray paint a microwave when you take precautions. That means spending time choosing the right paint.
What Kind of Paint Can You Use on a Microwave?
You’ll want to choose an appliance spray paint that’s heat-resistant. Enamel paints also work incredibly well for appliances.
Rust-Oleum makes a line of “Appliance Epoxy” spray paints, which are excellent for use on microwaves. You can find the product in multiple colors, allowing you to customize your appliance. Many competing brands make very similar spray paints, too, giving you a wider range of options.
In short, you need to use appliance spray paint. Standard spray paints won’t be nearly as safe as one made for use on your microwave.
Is It Safe To Paint My Microwave?
Spray painting your microwave is safe, mainly if you only paint the outside. Companies design microwaves to vent safely so they don’t get hot on their tops and sides. You can easily paint those areas without worrying about the paint getting too hot later. It’s also safer to keep the paint away from the back vents when you can.
Before you start spray painting, you need to clean the microwave thoroughly. Otherwise, the paints could seal in food debris and grease, which could be hazardous. So, you make it a much safer project by taking the time to clean it.
When cleaning the appliance, you’ll need to use a kitchen degreaser to make it as safe as possible.
Is Using a Microwave With Peeling Paint Safe?
Are you trying to spray paint over peeling paint? If you are, you’ll want to stop and replace the microwave instead. Peeling paint is a sign of significant damage, making it unsafe to use even if you were to paint over it.
Peeling paint becomes a fire hazard in microwaves. Plus, it also means the paint could release toxic fumes into your food. Lastly, without the paint there, the interior of the microwave could start to rust. It’s not worth trying to repair on your own.
In short, using a microwave with peeling paint is unsafe, even if you cover it with a fresh layer of enamel appliance paint. You don’t want to risk a fire, so you should get rid of it at that point.
How To Spray Paint a Microwave
Now that you know it’s safe, you’ll want to know the steps to painting your microwave! You’ll need masking tape, steel wool, and appliance spray paint before you begin. You might also want scissors or an Exacto knife to cut the masking tape into shapes.
Here’s how to spray paint your microwave:
- Unplug the microwave to ensure it’s off.
- Clean the entire microwave, inside and out.
- Lightly buff the appliance with steel wool. This process helps the paint better stick to the surface. (Don’t worry— it’ll still have a smooth finish!)
- Place tape over areas of the appliance you don’t want to add color to. Most people cover the window and buttons.
- Shake the spray paint and hold it about 12 inches away from the surface of the microwave.
- Spray over the entire appliance, avoiding the vents, and wait for it to dry.
- Apply another even coat of color. Repeat to make it look smoother.
- Don’t touch the microwave for at least 24 hours, even if the paint looks like it could be dry.
When applying the paint, you don’t want to drench your microwave immediately. You’ll get better color and smoothness when you use light layers of color. While it takes longer, I’m confident you’ll like the results. Plus, the paint will dry evenly, making it appear professional.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, you can spray paint a microwave! There is an endless number of paint shades that you can try, so you can make one that matches your kitchen’s color scheme. You can even create unique designs for your appliance.
Spray painting a microwave can make it look brand new. Plus, spray paint is almost always cheaper than a new microwave.
That said, you still need to be careful when applying the paint. You can only use appliance spray paints safely since they’re heat-resistant. Using standard spray paints could be dangerous, so it’s not worth using them for this project.
Make sure to follow all my tips and recommended products to ensure your painted microwave project turns out great! Also, don’t forget to check out my other articles for all your painting Q&A’s. Happy painting!