Did you know that you can use paint to make something look like stainless steel?
You can paint appliances (a refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave, oven, vent hood, washer, dryer, toaster, etc), home accessories, furniture, ceramic tile, hardware, light fixtures, trash cans, faucets, bed frames, patio furniture, fireplace surrounds, chairs, the exterior of clawfoot bathtubs, Christmas oranements, cabinets, and more.
Stainless steel is a very popular finish in industrial style homes.
One of the benefits to using faux painted stainless steel over real stainless steel is that there are fewer fingerprints.
Also, if your appliance was magnetic, it will still be magnetic with stainless steel paint, unlike many stainless steel appliances.
Follow the steps below to paint your item in stainless steel paint.
Select Your Paint
There are different types of stainless steel paints #ad available. Prices range from approximately $8 to over $50.
Some stainless steel paint is sold as a kit with brushes and topcoat while others are sold with only paint.
The more expensive paint kits tend to give a more realistic stainless steel look over the cheaper paints.
Read the reviews of the different paints to determine the best one for your project.
Some paints are in a spray can and others have to be brushed on. The ones that brush on can create a brushed stainless look and can often be used inside the house since odors are less than spray paint (so you don't have unplug your refrigerator and take it outside).
Clean, Sand, & Clean Again
Before your item is painted with stainless steel paint, it must be cleaned thorougly in order for the paint to stick properly.
Use soap and water to start with, but you may need to resort to stronger cleaners to remove all grease and stains.
After your item has been cleaned, lightly sand it to allow the stainless steel paint to adhere well.
Items that are very glossy may need a little extra sanding in order to allow the paint to adhere properly.
Make sure to clean your item again to remove all sanding dust before proceeding.
Prime & Paint
If you desire, or if the stainless steel paint manufacturer's instructions tell you to, use a primer on your item to help hide the surface below your stainless steel paint and keep the original color from bleeding through.
If you are painting something with a slight texture that you do not like, such a a refrigerator wtih a slightly bumpy texture, primer will reduce (but not eliminate) the visibility of the texture after it has been painted.
After your item has been primed, follow the stainless steel paint manufacturer's directions for painting your item.
Pay close attention to how many coats of paint are suggested and the dry time between coats.
You may need to apply a finish coat to protect your painted item.
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