It’s been several years since I painted my Kitchen Aid Mixer and shared this post, and the finish is still FLAWLESS after all this time (and mannnnnny batches of chocolate cookies). I get emails all the time from people wondering how the new finish has fared over time. So I thought it would be worth resharing for all of our new readers, or anyone that’s been regretting their mixer color choice! 😉
It’s no secret that I love baking and eating baked goods. I would make some sort of muffin / scone / cookie / pie / coffee cake / ETC just about every day if I didn’t have any self-control.
I loved the tangerine color when I first got this mixer, but I was OVER IT by now… and ready for a new color!
A few months back, we took a little survey on our Facebook page asking you guys’ opinion about what color we should paint it, and the responses were all over the place. Of the 5 color options we provided, there was no clear winner. Some of you even said they think the orange looks great! And some thought we were crazy for wanting to PAINT a small appliance. #weknow
And so my mixer stayed as-is… until a few days ago. I was heading out the kitchen door to join Nick in the garage. As I reached for the door handle, that bad-spray-tan mixer caught my eye. And in true impulsive fashion, I grabbed it up and took it with me out to the garage.
Let’s just say Nick gave me an eye roll from behind the router table when I entered the garage with it.
How to Paint your Kitchen Aid Mixer!
I loosely followed instructions from this post. The most valuable thing I took from that tutorial is to TAKE PICTURES from lots of different angles before you start disassembling your mixer. I nevvvver would have thought to do that. But I’m so glad I did!
Also… my mixer was DISGUSTING. I scrubbed it down with an all-purpose cleaner, and then let the girls finish up. Obvs.
Clean it…
I took off as many pieces as I felt comfortable putting back together later, and taped off the rest. When I took off this metal strip? YUCK. Even if I wasn’t planning to paint my mixer, this cleaning needed to happen. So much nasty!
For the bolts/screws on the sides, I just put painters tape on them and pressed my fingernail along the edge of the screw to ‘score’ the tape, and then gently pulled off the excess. Some didn’t go as smoothly as other and I had to try again. It has to be perfect!
Sand it…
Then I sanded everything orange with one of those foamy 3M sanding blocks (120 grit) until all the glossiness of the finish was gone. Nick was just cringing when I was doing this… he was pretty sure I was ruining our mixer forever.
Paint it…
It was finally time to PAINT! But first… the color?!?!?!?!
Spray paint is oil-based and when applied according to the instructions, is verrrrry durable, and provides a very professional finish.
I literally just stood in front of my Spray Paint Stash and pondered…
So I went with a deep blue/green that isn’t too sassy, but it still says ‘heyyyyy’.
It’s called RustOleum gloss ‘Night Tide’, which is a deep navy with a hint of green.
I did several light ‘misting’ coats until the orange was completely covered and I had a nice even finish. Keep your spray paint can moving, because if you’re focusing too much on one area, you’re gonna get drips!
Seal it…
I let my mixer dry overnight and then sprayed on some polyurethane, sanding lightly between each coat. Each product is slightly different, so be sure to follow the instructions TO THE LETTER! These things matter!
After the final coat of poly (I did probably 4 ish coats) I let it dry and cure for several days. Because… while it’s dry to the touch, it could still be dented easily!
Assemble…
Then I assembled everything back together and pulled all the tape off! BEST PART of any project! Am I right?!
I was pleasantly surprised by how perfectly crisp the lines where the tape were, and how professional and glossy it looks! THAT is how to paint a Kitchen Aid Mixer!
Although, I have to admit… if I were to do it all over again (which I totally will when I get bored of this color) I would do another couple coats of poly before calling it quits. There are a couple places that look more ‘satin’ than ‘gloss’, like on the under side specifically.
At least nobody will ever see it except for the cookie dough!
And the dough knows not to sass me.
It’s been 3 years, and my Kitchen Aid Mixer looks just as glossy and flawless as it did the day I painted it! I’m so happy with how it turned out, and highly recommend!
This concludes my tutorial on painting your Kitchen Aid Mixer! Anybody out there that doesn’t love the color of theirs anymore? Do you think you’ll give this a try? It certainly beats having to drop another $300 bones to get one in the color of your choice! Yeah?
THANKS for pinning!!
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Some important steps left out. Using 120 grit is too rough. 400 or higher grit will provide a better looking finish. The planetary ring can be removed with a flat head screwdriver (there’s dirt inside there for sure). Also, wipe off any dust after sanding and wipe the mixer down with rubbing alcohol before spraying on the color. Let dry for 30 min, repeat sanding procedure from above between each coat. Spray the clear coat 4-6 light coats sanding between each coat. Let paint dry 30 min after each coat.
I think I sanded too rough.
When I did mine I cleaned with alcohol & then sprayed a primer, then my color, then an acrylic laquer.
In hindsight, I think I needed more of a poly or many more coats. As I only did one.
So I sanded it down, to try to do it again to get the paint to be more durable and not just scratch right off.
However now in some spots the primer won’t evenly coat, it almost looks like oil and water in some spots. While the majority of it is perfect, and a lot more durable.
Any tips to fix the troublesome spot?
Wow! Who would have thought?! Certainly not me! When I bought my KA, 3 months before the birth of my 35 year old daughter, they only came in white. I’ve always wanted a different color, but cannot bear to give up my original. This is a project I absolutely must try. Thank you!
Yay! Send me pics when you’re done!
Thank you for this post!!
An angel appeared and dropped off their well loved kitchenaid standmixer last night <3 its black and i wanted black. however now that i have come across your post, you have provided me with pure confidence to attempt this project to make it feel like my own. VERY excited!!
Did you have any issue with getting the spray paint on under the speed control gear? I’m currently doing mine and it was looking great and then I went to move the speed knob to see if paint got under it and it hadn’t but when I moved it, it scraped where I had already painted ??♀️
Hi! I love this tutorial, I feel much more comfortable seeing everything spelled out.
I can only find the color I like in a “satin” finish. Would it come out like yours after adding the poly coats? Or does the color need to be a gloss finish as well?
Yes totally! The color sheen shouldn’t matter. It’s the sealer that really counts!
How many cans of spray paint did you use?
Just one, if I remember correctly, but I would get two just in case.
Can you use lacquer for the clear coat?
I want to paint my old Kenwood Chef… will the same process work?
I would think so, yes! Just make sure you remember how to put the thing back together. 🙂
Your mixer looks amazing! I was inspired to spray my old white Kitchenaid a beautiful turquoise. I cleaned, disassembled, cleaned again, taped and sprayed. It was stunning! I waited 48 hours per instructions to apply the clear coat (Rustoleum like the paint) and it turned into a wrinkled mess!!! I thought I had followed the directions carefully, but I have two thoughts about how this may have happened. I was in the garage and the temp had fallen so the surface may have been too cold OR I applied the paint too thick. The can said to apply all coats within an hour. I wasn’t sure how long to wait between coats. Now I wonder if it meant to spray, wait about an hour, then do a coat. Wait another hour then repeat. Anyway it was a bugger to sand it all off, but I am trying again.
!
Oh no JoEllen! I’m so sorry this is happening! I’ve had the same exact problem with other projects using spray paint, and I know how frustrating it is. I’m fairly confident that it’s because of cold temperatures. I’ve had this happen both when the thing I’m painting is cold OR the can of spray paint is cold too. Perhaps bring your mixer and spray paint in the house the night before you’re going to paint, and then take it out to paint after they’ve warmed to room temperature. I hope this helps! I’m so sorry it’s being difficult!!
I’m thinking about doing Matt gray or white. Are there sealer’s that are not a shiny finish that I should use?
Curious as to why you sanded in between coats of poly? Wouldn’t that take a bit of the gloss off each time? Or is that something that you’re supposed to do with poly? I’ve never used it before, so I’m genuinely curious. 🙂
And would a clear coat enamel work the same as a poly? I can’t find poly at my local Walmart…and with two little ones, I don’t get out to a local craft or paint store very often at all… ?
The reason you sand between coats is mainly so that the subsequent coat will stick to it. But it’s also for sanding down any high spots that may be present. I would think a clear coat of enamel would work fine in place of poly. I would just be sure to follow the instructions on the can to the letter!
Thank you!!
I love this post! I just scored a kitchen Aid mixer at my local thrift store. I love the red color but it has really lost its shine. Will adding a new coat of polyurethane right on top bring back the shine? Or do I need to sand, repaint the red, and then add the poly? Thanks for your help!
You should be able to just do the poly part! Let me know how it turns out!!!!!!!!!!!
WOW! The Night Tide is my favorite & looking for ways to incorporate the color. Never thought to use that color on my red mixer but now I will. Thank you for sharing.
Beautiful!!!
I am a small appliance repair person and thought I would share some valuable information about the Kitchenaid mixers. The nastiness under the trim band is not food residue, it is the result of the internal grease (food grade, but nasty tasting) breaking down into a waxy and oily component. The oily part leaks out, making a mess and leaving your machine poorly lubricated. It is an easy, but messy job to regrease it. If you are lucky, you can find a repair shop to handle it for you. There are some videos on YouTube to walk you through it. Though the ancient Hobart versions of these machines are often plugging along with the original 50 plus year old grease, the modern ones have a less durable grease. If used heavily, the grease job should hold for 4 to 5 years, however if used lightly, it will make 3 years, if you are lucky.
Wow, that’s fascinating. And good to know! Thanks for this info! <3
My classic standmixer is slow when a tougher dough requires mixing – do you think it needs to be regreased or recollaborated of some nature? appreciate your help
Thank You I always wondered when looking at used models why all the gunk or rusty looking stuff around the band especially on old Hobart models. You just answered my questions and what to look for in mine. Do they all leak like this
This is a fantastic tutorial! We just redid our kitchen and I was thinking my mixer really didn’t match anymore. I figured someone had figured out how to paint one and I drooled a little at your spray paint collection and how organized it is. The funny thing is as I was looking at your pics I realized I had also read about how you guys added to the top of your cabinets which was also super helpful lol. Anyhoo, thanks for such thorough instructions.
Awwww Jessica, you’re so sweet! I’m glad our tutorials are helpful. <3 Send us pics of your Kitchen Aid when you're done!
Hello! How many cans of paint did you use of both the color paint and the polyurethane??
Just one of each!
Bethany, you did a super job on your mixer! My granddaughter followed your tutorial and painted theirs black! ❤ ? Turned out perfect! Thank you for sharing!
Hello I absolutely love your kitchen so organized and the citrus color is gorgeous!
I have a question on painting the mixer after you painted it did your kitchenaid mixer feel different after you painted it? I’m scared it’s not gonna be as smooth and Shiney as the original color from when purchased please let me know Thank you so much for your great ideas:)
Thanks you Damaris! You’re too kind! I was a little worried about the same thing when I painted my Kitchen Aid mixer, but it turned out so smooth and glossy… exactly like it came from the store! And a couple years have passed, and it’s still in great condition without any chipping or scratches. I still highly recommend! <3
Thank you so much for posting this!! I’m in the “drying stage” right now! I love it. What a great idea 🙂 definitely cheaper than a new mixer!
Yay! Send me pictures! beth@realitydaydream.com
Question!!! I just repainted my old red kitchenaid to copper – using the Rust-oleum Metallic Finish “Bright Coat”. I was going to seal it, but noticed that my sealer “Rust-oleum Crystal Clear Enamel” says not to use with a Bright Coat Finish (which is what my copper is). And also -after the few coats of copper, I have little flakes/bumps all over the copper? Do you have any suggestions on what to do? Not sure if I should lightly re sand and re paint or what!! Help!
I’m not sure, but i appreciate your post. I was considering going copper.
Amazing! I purchased an old, all metal-heavy as heck KA mixer in a putrid pea-green and I really need to do this project! Thanks for sharing. I have joined your blog and will share my pics once complete!
On another note, please share the honeycomb-material used on your backsplash. Love your kitchen!
I also purchased a putrid green old KA mixer. My soon-to-be Daughter-in-Law chose a Red KA new mixer from Macy’s at a price of $359 and that is soooo much more than I was planning to spend on their gift. We are also giving them money for the Honeymoon. I bought the Red paint today and am going to eo it. She likes vintage stuff, so I hope she will like it.
Yay! Go for it! It will turn out amazing 🙂
Thank you for sharing this. I’ve been eyeballing the new french blue mixers that Kitchen Aid has released but I have a perfectly functioning (boring) white one that my Mother-in-law gave me at home. I can’t justify buying a new one because of the color. This will solve that problem.
This is a great idea but I have to wonder if you need to make sure the spray paint you use is food safe, free of metals/lead etc.
Yep! I did all the research to make sure this would be safe! As long as the paint and sealer are fully dry and cured, it’s safe to use around food. 🙂
oh 1 more question, What is on your island? I love that stone look! Do you know that name of that? Thanks again!
Mary, it’s called ‘Airstone’ …here’s a link to my post!
https://realitydaydream.com/adding-stone-to-the-breakfast-bar/
It looks great! Love the color! I’ve often thought about doing that to my mixer, now you have me looking at it differenly!!! Thanks for the post and inspiration!
3 years ago, I scored a KitchenAid off of eBay for obscenely little money. It was white and that was all good, but I needed something different. So I took to the internet to see if I could paint it… I ended up spraying it Turquoise (not the actual name but I can’t remeber it…) by Krylan and it’s been that color ever since.. I’ve always loved the color, but I didn’t do a very good job focusing on the finish, (completely my fault, I did not follow the instructions on the can of Polly…) I’ve been itching to re paint it, plus I know it needs a good cleaning…. I just stumbled on this through Pinterest and I’ve decided that as soon as it warms up, I’m giving my mixer a makeover!! Thanks! <3 I used to read your blog all the time when I was working a desk job, but somewhere along the way I lost track 🙁 Your kitchen looks AMAZING now!! <3 but I was sad to see you painted over the swirls.
I was given an old white one. It looks so sad on my counter. I may have to put this on the project list.
You’re the best. I love your sense of humor. You write like you’re talking to a friend, and I feel like I know your family. I love your blog!
I love this! I’ve been wanting to paint mine, it’s boring white.
You shouuuuld! Send me pics when you’re done!
I love it! (and your chartreuse cabinets!) I inherited my Grandpa’s red Keurig a few years ago after he passed. Even though he loved red, it wasn’t me and I painted it silver with white swirls. He was a DIY’er too so I know he’d approve 🙂
Yayyyy! I’m glad you love my cabinets too. There have been mixed reviews… but I figure IT’S MY KITCHEN, so if I like it that’s all that matters. Haha! But I love that you like it too. 🙂 And that you painted your Grandpa’s Keurig! He’s smiling down on that, I’m sure!
It looks gorgeous!
Thanks Rachel!!
It looks perfect! Well done
Thank ya Britt!!
Wow, looks so fantastic and I love the new colour. But oh no, is one of your cupboards coming apart above the storage bins against the wall near the door, there is a weird droop and gap? 🙁
Yeeeeah… it’s been that way for awhile. We just used a warped piece of plywood for the underside of that cabinet, knowing that we would be putting a trim piece in front of it. Now MONTHS later we still haven’t added that trim piece! Oopsy! You and your eagle eye! 😉
Cool 🙂 I´m planning on doing this with my old sewing machine but I´m afraid I will have to cover every tiny hole I was surprised to see you didn´t fill in or cover the gaps? So the spray doesn´t “travel” to the wrong places in machine. Anyone tried this? 🙂
Ooooo a sewing machine! I’m so intrigued!! You’ll have to let me know how it goes and send pics! I didn’t fill in those open gaps because it would just be overspray that got inside… and we blew the whole thing out with the air compressor before reassembling it. That’s my excuse at least! LOL!
Good grief!!! I never would have thought about attempting this ! It looks amazing. As does your kitchen. Of course. Take a bow—you rock!
Awwww thanks Beth Ann! I wouldn’t have normally thought about attempting this… but when my orange mixer no longer fit in with my kitchen, I had to figure something out. Haha! And I knew I didn’t want to spend the $$ to buy a new KA when the one I have works fine. I’m so glad I went for it!
Yes! Thank you Jessica! Don’t be scared of spray paint. As long as you do several light ‘misting’ coats, you can’t go wrong!
Skeptimistic? You’re the cutest. 🙂 Thanks for commenting, babe (and for reading my blog every so often)!
OK! I got my stand mixer on sale which meant I had to settle for black. I am going to give this a try and let you know how it goes.
Yessss! Perfect opportunity! You must send pics when you’re done!
oh wow. That turned out amazing. I think my husband would call someone if I attempted anything like that and tell them his wife went crazy 🙂 You rock and it turned out AMAZING!
Haha! Nick was thinking I done lost my mind too. But he loves the result! You should GO FOR IT while he’s at work! LOL!
I’m not that brave ….yet…..either! Have you seen these?
http://unamorecustomshoppe.com/categories/KitchenAid-Mixers/Custom-Painted-KitchenAid-Designs/
I can totally see you doing not just a custom color, but a custom design!!
Oh wow! There are some really awesome ones! I definitely wanted to keep things somewhat conservative though… with my cabinet color being so obnoxious an all. 🙂
That looks fantastic! but I have to more comment on your spraypaint collection. Dang! That’s frightening yet cool how much you have 🙂
Haha… right?! Sometimes I just stand there and stare at it because it’s so great. 🙂
What a great color and excellent tutorial. Can you believe I’m still using my grandmas 1930’s Hamilton Beach mixer? I love you island too!
LOL that’s so awesome! How vintage of you! Hey, if it works why get rid of it! You could give it new life by making it a new color now!
Wow, that looks surprisingly great! I wouldn’t trust myself to spray paint something like that, but you’re basically a spray-paint pro 🙂 the color looks so much better with the cabinets!
What fun! I am not that brave….yet!!!
I wasn’t either, but I’m so glad I went for it! You should too! 😉
While I may have been skeptimistic at first… I have to say, i love the new color and the scones, cinnamon rolls, etc… i will be enjoying from it ;). Good job giving it a new life!
LOOOOOOOOOOOVVVVVVEEEEE THAT COLOR!!!!! it reminds me of the teal wall at one time…..
I’ll be looking for an abscure color mixer at garage sales now… knowing it’s soooo cool to repaint!!!!!
WIN WIN WIN!!!!
EXCELLENT JOB!
LOL yesssss! And that was not even intentional! I guess my subconscious wanted to pay a little homage to the glossy swirls of yor.