New-Look Appliances

By Better Homes and Gardens

If an appliance is in good working shape but its color has been passe since 1975, why not treat it to a makeover? Here are two basic options.

RefinishingAppliance refinishing provides a crisp, painted look and can be done at a shop or right in your kitchen. An on-site refinisher sands the finish, removes or masks off hardware, and covers the floors and cabinets before painting. Look for a professional who uses an electrostatic refinishing system. This allows the paint to be charged and the metal appliance surface discharged -- attracting the paint spray directly to the metal.

An off-site refinisher, on the other hand, takes your appliance to a paint booth equipped with an exhaust system. This lets the refinisher use a standard polyurethane or epoxy paint.
A new painted finish will not be as durable as the original one, which was baked onto the appliance at the manufacturing plant. But it does provide a coating that looks almost as good as new. With stoves and ovens, the new finish (especially white) may eventually discolor, as its pigments aren't heat resistant.

Look in the yellow pages under "Appliance Refinishers" for a local source. Refinishing a standard-size refrigerator (including front, top, and sides) costs $250 and up.

New trimNew panel/trim kits completely mask the old finish. Panels come in dozens of colors and finishes, including real wood, stainless steel, and colored steel. The largest appliance-panel company, Frigo Design, makes custom panels and trim for all brands and models of refrigerators, freezers, dishwashers, and trash compactors built since 1942. You install the panels and trim yourself; new handles are provided should you decide to replace the old ones.

Panel kits are sold through major appliance dealers; or contact Frigo Design at 800-836-8746. Refrigerator kits, which include front panels and trim, cost about $350 for most colors, $450 for stainless steel, and $700 for real wood.