How to Paint a Dishwasher

What to Do If the Dishes in a Dishwasher Turn Brown?
Written By
Lisa Wampler
Lisa Wampler
Published: Jul 26, 2011
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
1 minute read
  1. Clean the surface of the dishwasher thoroughly with water, mild dish soap and a rag. Dry with a towel.

  2. Sand the front panel of the dishwasher with 800-grit sandpaper to scuff the surface of the plastic or paint.

  3. Wipe the surface of the dishwasher down with a tack cloth to remove sanding residue.

  4. Tape off the surrounding areas on the dishwasher that you do not want to paint, such as the control panel. Place drop cloths on the floor in front of the dishwasher and on the countertop above the dishwasher. Spray paint tends to "overspray" a bit and can get onto other surfaces if you do not protect them.

  5. Wipe the surface you plan to paint with a degreaser and then wait a few minutes for the degreaser to evaporate.

  6. Spray the surface of the dishwasher with enamel primer. Overlap each left-to-right stroke by 50 percent to ensure adequate coverage. Allow at least two hours for drying.

  7. Scuff the surface of the primer with 800-grit sandpaper and then wipe the surface down with a tack cloth.

  8. Spray the surface of the dishwasher with enamel paint. Overlap each left to right stroke by 50 percent to ensure adequate coverage. Allow at least 24 hours drying time before you use the dishwasher.

Photo Credits

Ryan McVay/Photodisc/Getty Images

Lisa Wampler

Lisa Wampler began writing professionally in 2005 and has published on various websites. She specializes in content writing and search engine optimization, drawing from previous positions as an account manager and a social media manager…

Sponsored
HomeSteady Logo

HomeSteady is the ultimate guide for all your household needs, from cleaning and HVAC to electrical, DIY and maintenance.

Property of TechnologyAdvice. © 2026 TechnologyAdvice. All Rights Reserved

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the products that appear on this site are from companies from which TechnologyAdvice receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site including, for example, the order in which they appear. TechnologyAdvice does not include all companies or all types of products available in the marketplace.