Appliances, especially the ones in kitchens, can be extremely expensive to replace. Luckily, ovens and microwaves have an extremely long lifespan, and in the case of small signs of wear and tear, they can be fixed with the right products and basic DIY skills. However, it is essential for the whole family’s safety to pick a suitable product for fixing microwaves.
The best paint for microwave interiors should resist high temperatures and be labeled as microwave-safe. You can find sheets, brush-on, or spray-on paint. Among the best paint on the market today, you might consider QB Products Microwave Cavity Paint and SOTO Appliance + Porcelain Paint Touch UP.
Before starting your microwave-repair project, it is worth considering the benefits and risks of this choice. Check out the best microwave paint below, and don’t miss out on the extra tips to complete your project in all safety.
Why Should You Repaint a Microwave?
Microwaves are among the most loved and useful kitchen appliances. Given the fast-paced lifestyles we all live, they can help us cook meals and prepare beverages in just a matter of seconds.
Luckily, over time, technology has evolved, and these appliances are now highly efficient and long-lasting. However, especially if you tend to use your microwave every day, you are bound to notice some wear and tear, which is often visible after years of use.
Thanks to paint and touch-up products on the market, there is not always a need to replace or upgrade your microwave. However, it is worth diagnosing the severity of the damage before attempting to repair your microwave. Indeed, such a project is not free of risks.
We’ll have a look at the benefits and risks of this choice below. However, if you are in a rush, check out the video below for essential information about repainting your microwave’s cavity:
Diagnosing Your Microwave
Diagnosing your microwave is the first step you should dedicate yourself to. Indeed, superficial chips and scratches of the enamel and a little rust are easy damages to repair with touch-up paint. These are not likely to affect the performance of your microwave – or its safety.
Oppositely, if you have noticed arcing (sparks in the oven caused by foil or metal touching the oven’s sides) or holes in the cavity, the damage might be non-repairable. In this case, disposing of your microwave oven might be the most sensible solution to avoid greater risks.
The Dangers of a Rusted Microwave
Rusty microwaves can be extremely dangerous, especially if the rust has reached the interior cavity of your oven. Indeed, rust might not always be visible, and regularly checking your microwave might be one of the few ways to ensure its safety and functioning.
A rusty microwave can lead to arcing and radiation leakage, which can end up contaminating the food you cook in it and represent an immediate danger for your whole household.
In this case, assessing the severity of the damage is essential to decide whether you wish to repaint your oven or replace it altogether.
The Risks of Repairing a Microwave
If you have now decided to go ahead with your microwave-repair project, you might need to keep in mind that this is rarely risk-free. Picking the right paint for the job is undoubtedly the first step to complete.
However, even if you have picked a microwave-safe paint and used it following the manufacturer’s instructions, you might run severe risks.
- Firstly, when repainting a microwave, there is always a risk that you have misjudged the severity of the damage, causing an even greater risk of food contamination and fire.
- Additionally, when you repaint your microwave, its guarantee might no longer be valid and cover you against malfunctioning and damages. This can represent a substantial risk, especially because now there might be a higher chance of causing a fire in your household.
If unsure, it is always worth checking with your supplier or a repair expert. These professionals are better qualified to assess the damage of the oven. Alternatively, buying a new one will only set you back around $70 for the most affordable models.
Microwave-Safe Paint: Options and Types
If you need to repair a minor chip or scratch on your oven and have decided to go ahead with your repair project, it is crucial to pick a type of paint suitable for microwave cavity use.
Among the most common options at your disposal, you can find spray-on and brush-on paint.
Alternatively, you can also find sheets that can represent a viable way to restore your microwave’s functioning. Find out more about these options below.
Spray-On Paint
Spray-on paint for microwaves is arguably the most common option for anybody wishing to repair their ovens at home. These products are extremely easy to use, and you won’t need much more than cleaning products and paper towels to complete the whole process.
However, spray-on paint products are better suited for situations in which you are dealing with larger or spread damages across the microwave’s cavity. To achieve professional results with spray paint, you will only need to ensure that your oven is clean and debris-free.
Then, with care, you will need to apply the paint across the surface uniformly. Once the paint is settled and dry, you can enjoy your like-new microwave.
Brush-On Paint
Brush on paint often comes in smaller bottles or containers, and it is designed to help you fix small scratches and ships that might show on the enamel after prolonged use. This type of paint is largely available in most appliance shops and stores, and you can simply use it by coating the damage in your microwave.
You might often need to apply several coatings, but once dry, you can enjoy a microwave that looks and feels new.
Touch-Up Kits
Touch-up kits and sheets are suitable to replace the waveguide cover of your microwave. These are often made of silicone resin mica paper, and they are usually resistant to high temperatures.
When buying a touch-up kit, you might opt to find those that already include brushes, stirrers, and sandpaper. So, you can complete the whole operation without having to find additional tools and materials.
Heat-Resistant Paint
Another aspect to consider when selecting the paint for your microwave’s cavity is the resistance to the paint’s high temperatures. In most cases, a microwave-safe paint will already be tested against high temperatures. However, you should ensure that the paint selected is created purposely for the microwave cavity – not its exteriors.
Non-Toxic Paint
When picking paint for your microwave interior, it is paramount to pick one that is non-toxic and suitable for entering into contact with food and beverages. Indeed, using paint in your microwave can be a risky process if you cannot be sure that the material you are using is toxin-free.
Ensure you are only investing in a product that clearly states that no ingredient used could be harmful to your health. You can easily check the paint’s toxicity by reading the manufacturer’s instructions on the container or going through the list of ingredients used in the product’s manufacturing process.
If you want to proceed with your project, you should better understand the best products on the market today. So, you can avoid a low-quality, risky one, and opt for tested and safe options. Check out the ones below.
Best Microwave Cavity Paints on the Market
1. QB Products Microwave Cavity Paint
This QB Products’ spray-on paint is one of the most common ones used to repair larger microwave damages that are spread across the cavity. Besides the high-quality paint, microwave owners can also enjoy detailed instructions with this spray.
- Cavity spray paint 98QBP0302 restores the finish on the...
- Genuine Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) part....
- This cavity spray paint (part number 98QBP0302) is for...
- Follow the instructions included with this part
When deciding to use this paint, it is crucial to keep in mind that it might require several coatings to seal off the damage. In this case, it is paramount to wait until each layer is completely dry before adding another coating.
This product is also an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), which means that it is suitable and tested against the risks that might come with repairing a microwave oven.
Best for: More significant damages that are spread across the microwave’s cavity
Pros
- It is an OEM product
- It has been tested against most risks of repairing a microwave
- It is easy to apply
- It includes instructions and YouTube videos that explain its usage are easy to find
Cons
- It might peel off if not properly applied
- The QB Products’ paint is more expensive than most other options
- It only comes in one color
2. Microwave Oven Paint Touch-Up Kit
This extremely affordable kit is one of the best ones if you wish to repaint your microwave entirely. Since it includes stirrers, brushes, and sandpaper, as well as the paint itself, it allows you to start working on your project immediately after receiving it.
While you won’t need refined DIY skills to achieve the results you wanted, this type of paint might not be suitable for all scratched and microwave damages.
It might be recommendable to test the product in a smaller or hidden part of the oven before completing its application.
Best for: Damages spread across the oven’s cavity – but it can also be suitable for smaller scratches. It is perfect for those microwave owners who want a complete kit.
Pros
- Easy to use and convenient.
- It includes stirrers, sandpaper, and brushes.
- The paint is enough to coat most microwaves entirely.
- It is designed specifically for microwave interiors.
Cons
- It is available in only one color (off-white).
3. SOTO Appliance + Porcelain Paint Touch UP
SOTO products are created with a very specific aim – to empower homeowners to complete a DIY project in minutes, and in all safety. Indeed, the products created by this company are extremely easy to use and free of toxins.
The straightforward design of each paint bottle allows you to avoid annoyances and paint spills during the application. When using this paint, you will find that there is a mess-free brush included just under the lid, and it can be used without the need for help or professional advice.
- COLOR CHART - 12 Shades Available - Get your sample...
- KITCHEN + BATHROOM TOUCH UP - High-Gloss appliance +...
- ULTRA DURABLE - High-gloss formula can be used used to...
- EASY-TO-USE DESIGN - Easy to apply using included...
While this paint is specifically created for microwave touch-ups, it is also suitable to coat several other surfaces, including fiberglass, glazed surfaces, tiles, and sinks. Another characteristic worth noting is the fact that Soto products are free of toxins and only include low VOC levels.
This characteristic is extremely crucial when you decide to use this paint in your microwave. Indeed, this feature is what makes the paint safe for use near food and beverages.
Lastly, you might decide to opt for this product because of the unique range of colors on the market, one of the most extensive. With nine shades available for purchase online, Soto paint can be used on the majority of surfaces.
Best for: Non-toxic application in the majority of ovens. Perfect for smaller damages and scratches.
Pros
- Non-toxic
- Available in over nine shades
- Comes with a mess-free brush
- Fairly affordable
- Instructions and a free color chart are included in the package
- Quick-drying
- Soto paint is suitable for use on the majority of home interiors’ surfaces
Cons
- Not suitable for more extensive damages
4. Microwave Oven Mica Wave Guide Cover
These extremely thin sheets of silicone resin mica paper are suitable for replacing waveguide covers. They are extremely affordable, able to withstand heat, and reinforce insulating materials.
- Material:made of silicone resin mica paper,a kind of...
- Easy to Cut and Fit - renew your Microwave and have it...
- Large size so you may be able to have a spare
- Widely used for home appliances such as electric...
Unlike the paints and products that we have seen above, these sheets need to be cut and fit by yourself. So, it is worth checking your waveguide cover size before attempting to apply them to your microwave.
Best for: Affordable waveguide covers
Pros
- Suitable to replace a damaged waveguide cover
- Heat-resisting and suitable for usage near food and beverages
- Not suitable for repairing the oven’s paint, but excellent for replacing waveguide covers
- Extremely affordable
Cons
- Not suitable for all microwaves
- Can be challenging to cut and apply
Where to Buy Microwave-Safe Paint
Safe paint for microwave’s interiors can be found in most appliances and hardware shops. For the best type of microwave paint for your microwave, it is recommendable to consult a professional in the field.
Indeed, if you pick the wrong one, you might run the risk of fires and food contamination. Alternatively, if you are already confident in your DIY skills, you might opt to buy one of the products seen above online.
Yet it is crucial to make sure that the paint you have picked is specifically designed to paint and repair the interior cavity of the microwave – not the oven’s exterior. You might even decide to get in touch with the manufacturer to make sure.
How to Repaint a Microwave
Repainting and repairing a microwave can be challenging for which you might need all the right tools, materials, and skills. However, the hardest part is picking a non-toxic, heat-resistant paint, and specifically designed for repairing the microwave’s cavity.
Once you are ready with all the tools you need, you can get started with your project. Here is how.
Unplug Your Microwave
First off, you should not attempt to fix your microwave oven when the plug is still on, and even after you have completed all essential repairs, it is crucial to keep the plug off. Indeed, switching on the oven or using it when the paint is still fresh might cause severe damages and prevent the oven from working properly.
Clean Your Microwave
Especially if you are entirely repainting your microwave, you should clean it and ensure it is free of debris before applying the paint. It is recommendable to use a degreaser to get rid of all food scraps and oil that might have accumulated in an older microwave over time.
Then, using sandpaper, you should get rid of all rust and rusty parts in the microwave. Indeed, you should not just be painting on top of an entirely rusted surface. Once the microwave’s cavity looks clean and in order, you can proceed with the painting. Just ensure that all surfaces are lean and dry before the paint application.
Use the Paint by Following the Instructions
If you are ready to apply the paint, you should only do so following the manufacturer’s instructions. Indeed, each product might have different drying times and application steps to follow. Because you are currently painting the inside of the oven in which you will be cooking meals, it is essential to check that the product is properly applied.
Failing to do so could compromise its level of safety.
Allow the Oven’s Paint to Dry Before Using the Microwave
The last essential aspect you should pay attention to is the paint state before using the microwave. You should ensure that the products you have used are completely dry before using it again.
If, at any point, you wish to apply more coats of microwave paint, ensure it is dry each time before adding the next one.
Conclusion
Microwaves, just like the majority of kitchen appliances, are long-lasting and resistant to wear and tear. Yet it is not uncommon for microwaves to start showing signs of wear and tear after years of use.
While buying a new one will not significantly impact your finances, you can also decide to repair minor chips and scratches with brush-on and spray-on microwave cavity paint. When selecting such products, you should make sure that they are designed to withstand high temperatures, and they are safe when they enter in contact with food and drinks.
It is often recommendable to replace your microwave if you notice much rusting or arcing.
