DIY professional-looking enamel painting

[tonycarguy]

hey guys I need some expert opinion here. I have a control module (looks like a shoe box) for a kitchen exhaust fan. It's old and tired looking, but unfortunately the mfr doesn't sell a replacement anymore so I will have to repaint it. How do you get the hardened enamel look of kitchen appliances? I've used those $4 spray paint from Home Depot and they don't look very good. What's the secret?

Would those bathtub enamel repair kits work well?

 

[tom slick]

RustOleum spray paint in gloss should be a close match to the finish on appliances.

 

[doitmyself]

Rustoleum has an aerosol epoxy appliance paint in appliance colors. I tried it on an old "mini" refrigerator door and was amazed at the results.

It is not a true epoxy because it is not two parts (paint/hardener). But it applied very well, leveled out to a glass smooth finish, and it seems to be harder than regular alkyd enamel.

I applied it in two or three coats, allowing it to flash a few minutes between coats. Apply just wet enough to flow out, but not too wet to run. I assume you know proper paint prep and application rules?

http://paint-and-supplies.hardwarestore.com/49-266-epoxy-spray-paint.aspx

 

[TooManyWheels]

Even the most basic rattle can paint will look much richer if you put a layer of clear over it. What ever paint you decide on, include a clear coat of the same formulation.

 

[mechtech2]

I also paint for a living.
Surface preparation is 80% of painting.
Pits, rust, nicks, etc. will show later if they are not smoothed out now. And kitchen grease is a killer. Prep is the key.
A primer is not always needed, but you may need it.
High gloss spray paint should be perfect. Use a number of coats - don't try and get it on all at once.
If the last coat is 'wet' it should dry nice and shiny.

 

[moribundman]

Originally Posted By: mechtech2
I also paint for a living.


Don't cut your ear off.

 

[mechtech2]

Mori - Could you speak a bit louder, please?

 

[moribundman]

I didn't expect you to cut both ears off...