Paint your microwave's interior - fix rust and peeling - Step-by-step

I did it, you can do it! All the steps to fix up and repaint your microwave's rusty, peeling insides. Make it pretty again.
Full instructions on my web page: www.greendept.com/maximpulse/t...
Amazon microwave paint: amzn.to/2TY0Y4N
Music credits: I am licensed by Apple, Inc. to use "Vintage News Short", "Tennessee Twister Short" and "Kids Cheering" which is provided in the Final Cut Pro X App from Apple, Inc.

[@tadepallirao3667]

where do you get this microwave paint ?

[@maximpulse]

I have links on my web page here: www.greendept.com/maximpulse/tools/repaint-microwave.html Here is a link directly to a product ordering page: amzn.to/2TY0Y4N

[@15dhing]

@@maximpulse where can I find the paint

[@maximpulse]

@@15dhing Go to my web site here and I have links to everything in the video. maximpulse.com/tools/repaint-microwave.html

[@rogerpalmer3522]

@@maximpulse The link takes you to a full case of the paint. I saw the $187 price tag and nearly fainted. A single can currently runs $17. Thanks for the video. I'm going to give it a try. 😀

[@maximpulse]

@@rogerpalmer3522 I hadn't looked at the spray paint sales page in a while. And yeah, a case of it is pretty dear!

[@dianecronin4583]

You gave all the details necessary and warned of pitfalls to avoid. My Panasonic is back to working great thanks to you. My profound thanks!

[@maximpulse]

Yay!

[@MBA-pz6tu]

I'm sanding inside the microwave now while I wait for the paint to be delivered. Awesome video. Thank you!

[@maximpulse]

Good for you! After a while the wheels wore through my beautiful paint again. I repainted it and then ut down a silicone mat and it has been bulletproof since then. Please read my page here about this: maximpulse.com/tools/repaint-microwave.html Go get 'em tiger!!!

[@gailremp8389]

I had to smile. When you have to help people figure out how to cut a piece of a paper bag to fit into an area. Oh my God. That's the least of my problems this is wonderful. I think you're going to help me save my microwave. I don't use it for much but you know what can I say ...

[@maximpulse]

I believe the microwave is the 21st century's version of a shrine.

[@gioyajo3]

Super helpful. Just found rust in my microwave so now I have a guide for my project 😊

[@maximpulse]

I'm so glad to help you find something to do!

[@chansusharon]

Good job 👏🏻

[@debracole3699]

I just did this to my microwave--just the bottom. It looks like new. I sanded until ALL the rust was gone. Made sure no residue was on it, then sprayed the whole bottom. I sprayed it twice. I hope my microwave lasts a lot longer. I have been babying it--leaving the door open to let it dry after using, making sure no water is underneath the clear plate. Thanks for the video, maximpulse!

[@maximpulse]

Good for you! Since making this video I have added one major improvement: putting a silicone mat under the wheels. This prevents the wheels from grinding off your new beautiful paint. You can see what I mean on my web page here: maximpulse.com/tools/repaint-microwave.html

[@yolondatyson1929]

“No friend of mine”😂 I absolutely love you. Indeed their not a good friend no one I’d want to to be around or be around me😅 God bless and (TFS) TNX for sharing

[@maximpulse]

Thanks for the positive thoughts!

[@franlum]

Aloha, every thing rusts here in Hawaii. I found using a wire brush on a drill worked great after scraping the scales off. Then a bit of sandpaper to smooth it down. I thought about using rust preventive but decided Rustoleum prevents rust so I used 1200 degree high heat white. Waited an hour after 1st coat to put the 2nd coat. Used green scrubber to clean the wheels on the ring. After 24 hours, I put a cup of water with 2 heaping tablespoons of baking soda and ran it for 3

[@maximpulse]

"…and ran it for 3…" what happened next????

[@franlum]

@@maximpulse minutes to remove any paint odor that may be there if you don't let it dry a full 24 hours

[@maximpulse]

@@franlum Thank you for coming back to satisfy my. curiosity! One more thing you might want to consider is adding a silicone mat under the carousel wheels. You can see what I mean here: maximpulse.com/tools/repaint-microwave.html

[@Eradifyerao]

This is awesome! I hadn't thought about the bottom just being paint - thanks!

[@maximpulse]

I felt the same way when I did the video.

[@julietabolzoni6130]

nicely done!! and the masking was so neat !!! i hope I can do that.. wish my husband had so much patience as you do! i think i will have to DIM! hahaha

[@maximpulse]

I like to say, "Just wait, you'll learn patience." I don't know what "DIM" is but I hope it doesn't hurt!

[@sbjwatson]

OK. I got the paint today and am going to try it. I will let you know. Thanks

[@maximpulse]

Great! I look forward to hearing your results. I really would like to try this again with a primer…if I only knew which kind to use.

[@menamitkar1709]

Thanx a lot for ur guidance.i fix the rust using ur technique and aerosol spray paint it works

[@maximpulse]

Good for you! It can be quite a job, but so much better than blowing $2000+ on a new one.

[@carguy4sp]

You did a nice job Thanks

[@maximpulse]

And thank you, too!

[@joeclarke9782]

Thanks for it all - including mistakes.

[@maximpulse]

You are most welcome! And of course, I didn't get where I am today by not making mistakes!!!

[@freed14760]

And she gave you a compliment?? Gold baby Gold!!

[@maximpulse]

As they say, "One man's trash is another man's treasure".

[@francov4768]

For some reason, I have a hankering for some Ben & Jerry’s Cherry Garcia😂

[@Gollammeister]

Always remember to do prop surface prep and cleaning

[@lone263]

WOW!!!!!

[@gailremp8389]

I love barkeepers friend. What a great product. But with the pandemic i'm just going crazy trying to make everything work with finances and sanity and being safe, I'm beginning to think bartenders friend could be extended to having a bloody Mary while you're trying to fix your microwave and make it work better. My bad. But I thought that would make you smile. Peace and blessings. Gail in Central Florida Friday, January 22, 2021.

[@maximpulse]

You're right. I should have mentioned such accessories in the video. Oh well, next time…

[@KingdomUploader]

Mine was way way worse than this and only on the bottom. I did the cell phone thing and it seems there's radiation leaking out - shame too cause it's only 2 years old! Don't think i'll be buying another hamilton beach brand. For now, i'm holding off buying another and i've started using my air fryer/toast oven to heat up my leftovers - it's way more hassle but works good enough.

[@CrowdPleeza]

Is it possible to place some type of covering on the bottom of the microwave to protect it from rusting?

[@maximpulse]

Yes! See the silicone mat I placed after painting: maximpulse.com/tools/repaint-microwave.html It has worked like a charm!!!

[@virginiareid5336]

Sir, the top of my microwave is peeling. Can I use my my small hand sander? The arthritis in my hands makes it difficult to do things of this nature for long periods. Also, could I do this out of doors? Thank you so much for this video.

[@maximpulse]

I don't see any reason why you couldn't use your small hand sander. And yes, if you can doo this outdoors, that is the best! There were dust and paint fumes. That's why I made the plastic shroud around the door opening.

[@virginiareid5336]

maximpulse Thank you for your kind reply

[@lothianmcadam1]

Appears to be a GE JTP86BF6BB built-in ya got there. Mine is the JT965SK2SS--nearly identical, including the issue with the flaking paint inside the microwave. I found that QB Products 98QBP0302 paint didn't hold up over time, in spite of my careful application. So I tried an automotive paint (non-metallic) a try on a whim. The results have outlasted the QB Products stuff... so far.

[@maximpulse]

Hi, thanks for your contributing your experiences. What is the automotive paint you tried? It's too bad there isn't any testing to tell us what paints are effective or "safe". I have no idea what makes QB declare their paint as being for microwaves. Sigh. I am finding the paint is holding up well except for where the wheels trace their circle. Come Spring I'll try doing this again but with a primer. QB claims one doesn't need a primer, but many folks have chastised me for not using one. We'll see! But I can't do that right now as it's -25° F so I can't have the windows open to ventilate. I am about to make one more video with another solution I thought up. It is pretty stupid to have this problem at all.

[@Fridelain]

You see, the funny thing is I have one that looks quite different on the outside, different brand too, but inside it's also painted white and the spinner wheel thingie and the plate/dish look IDENTICAL.

[@Fridelain]

I find a metal brush works wonders (wear a respirator, use a vacuum cleaner if you have it to pick up the dust).

[@maximpulse]

Sounds like a good idea for getting started. And then using progressively finer grits of sandpaper for a smooth edge.

[@ricke6854]

Can I use Krylon epoxy Appliance paint ?

[@maximpulse]

I don't know. All I know is there is only one paint that claims to be specifically for painting inside microwaves. I have instructions and links on my web page here: maximpulse.com/tools/repaint-microwave.html

[@plumkey197]

Greetings from Louisiana! So how did your repair job hold up for the long term? any recurrence at the original problem areas? The special paint is a little pricey and I just wanted to see if the effort is/was worth it. My problem is the back wall at the center/bottom aspect that started as a 2mmx2mm spot that I thought was food, but there was adjacent blistering of the paint. Now its 1 cm x 1.5 cm after scraping with my fingernail, and I'm sure there is more.Microwave is only 4 years old. May try Rust Cutter initially to change rust to a non rust surface first and then paint. Thanks for any light you can shed on the feasibility of this project. I just subscribed to your channel; you have loads of videos that look to give good advice!

[@maximpulse]

I have gotten some new rust, but only where the wheels of the turntable continually grind over the new paint. A new microwave is stunningly expensive so I am going to continue to nurse it along. And I intend to repaint, but until I find the time…I have another idea. I bought a silicone pad which I am going to experiment with…simply trimming the pad into a ring where I cut out a hole in the center and then trim off the edges that poke out so it lays flat and then see how that works. Here is the pad I bought if you want to try this: amzn.to/2Nkwpk0 Obviously this is only a potential fix if there is only ruse where the wheels run in a circle. Folks who have peeling paint elsewhere in the box would still be doomed to repaint. And using some preventative might help. And one would need to subsequently need to clean periodically under the silicone pad. But hopefully it will provide a barrier between the wheels and the paint. Let me know what you decide to do!

[@plumkey197]

maximpulse Thank you for your detailed reply. I’m getting gas and on my way to the house and will give a detailed reply when I get home. I want to be able to send you pics or a video to show you the spot. I haven’t scraped all of the bubbles in the paint yet but the area is likely to be twice as big by the time I do that. I was even toying with the idea of using Bondo body filler if the defect is too deep, but haven’t heard if anyone doing that yet. I’ll be in touch and thank you for taking the time to reply - I had no idea that microwaves actually had this problem until I discovered my spot and viewed your video. 👋

[@plumkey197]

The rust damage reminds me of the Chevy Vega from decades past. The rust is in layers and the actual steel panel is quite thin. And I’ve always had great luck with Emerson products - until now. My clock radio/alarm is 35 years old and it’s an Emerson with 9V battery backup. Always works.

[@maximpulse]

@@plumkey197 If you want send photos or chat at length, I have a link at the bottom of all my web pages for emailing me directly. You can see it at the bottom of my microwave painting page here: maximpulse.com/tools/repaint-microwave.html The trouble with Bondo is the metal box is what traps the microwaves in the box. Bondo is a sort of plastic so it will not block those waves. But a microwave has a double metal box, so you get to decide what to do. If I had actual holes through the interior metal box I would probably replace the whole microwave. But if the problem is superficial rust, then I believe one can repaint and carry on. I wish I had a microwave detector to tell what's really going on but…oh well.

[@pulagreen7351]

Mine used to look like video. Only now the other day I removed plate and now it's so much worse it rusted thru making holes. Wonder if I stir up some flour and water or cornstarch and water and fill hole with it if it will work. I can't walk and when I do get 8n chair it's to fund whatever messnkiss made only I didn't know they spilt liquid in microwave that it rusted the bottom out. Anyone have any home remedies for filling holes safely

[@maximpulse]

Hi Pula, here is my latest idea for a quick fix: buy a silicone mat and trim it to fit on the floor under the turntable. Here is the mat I am going to put in mine: amzn.to/2xm2bVG You would need to cut out a center circle and perhaps also trim the edges, but it should fit under and support the turning wheels. It is somewhat see-thru so you can remove the platter and 3-armed turner and then place the mat on the floor and use a magic marker to trace where you need to cut. You would still have to clean it periodically, but this might be an easy quick fix. I don't know of any material that would be guaranteed safe for repairing the shell. An epoxy filler like this: amzn.to/2JcWyi9 would fix any hole, but I can't say what would happen when it was microwaved. They also have a "high heat" version here: amzn.to/2X88MxC You may be able to find such products in local car parts stores.

[@mattijarvinen3966]

you can use hi heat epoxy

[@maximpulse]

@@mattijarvinen3966 Any particular product or brand? I saw a lot of reasonably priced high heat epoxy putties and very expensive resins. Any suggestions? Did you actually use high heat epoxy yourself?

[@rebeccalankford8573]

Paint it out doors Wear gloves with bar keepers. The paint appears chalky instead of glossy?

[@maximpulse]

I understand your suggestions, but there are reasons I did this the way I did. It's hard to take a $2000+ built-in wall oven/microwave outdoors…that's why I showed how to re-paint it without moving it. The paint is glossy when applied in several thin layers. It is good to practice outdoors on a piece of cardboard before doing the microwave itself. No need for gloves with Barkeeper's for me and everyone else I know but maybe some folks have sensitive skin.

[@debracole3699]

I painted my microwave in my kitchen. The paint really does have strong fumes. I left my door and window open and blew the fumes outside with a fan. Then I left the fan on until it dried. DO NOT breathe in the fumes!!! DO NOT DO THIS AROUND CIGARETTES or any other source of flame or high heat. PLUS----I just love Barkeepers Friend. I use it to clean a lot of stuff around the house. It removes rust really well. I even make a paste of it to remove rust on fabrics. ( My 2 cents today)

[@veenamanwah3031]

My microwave develop a hole while sandpapering it what should I do

[@maximpulse]

That's a hard one to answer. The metal box protects you from getting hit by microwaves so if there is a pinhole it probably won't matter, but anything larger could expose you. Here is a good article: www.everydayhealth.com/healthy-living/green-health/microwave-dangers-urban-myth-frightening-reality/ You can see in the window, if you look closely) that there is a metal screen in the window with tiny holes. They keep the microwaves in while allowing you to see the food cooking. I am not any sort of expert on microwaves so I can't tell you want to do or not to do. If it were me I would give up and get a new microwave. Sometimes there are two metal boxes, one inside the other, but again, I don't know if that would protect you.

[@debbieventer344]

How long did this repair last?

[@maximpulse]

During the past 5 years I have repainted it once. Plus I added a silicone mat between the floor and the wheels to prevent them grinding away my pretty paint. More info here: www.maximpulse.com/tools/repaint-microwave.html

[@karendyment8977]

I just checked out a guy repairing microwaves for a living and you should see the crappy job he did. I sent anyone who read my comment to your site.

[@maximpulse]

Thanks for the positive comment! The world is a nutty place.

[@elsiebuthelezi6431]

Can i use inamel spray paint

[@maximpulse]

I really don't know, so I play it safe and use the one paint that is labeled as being for microwaves: amzn.to/3WvubTO

[@user-kk4pm1mz8n]

What is the name of the Paint

[@maximpulse]

I have links on my web page here: www.greendept.com/maximpulse/tools/repaint-microwave.html Here is a link directly to a product ordering page: amzn.to/2TY0Y4N

[@donowhy4113]

Can we use acrylic paint.

[@maximpulse]

I don't know. There is little information about all this. And the paint I used, which has worked nicely, is the only spray paint I have found. If you try acrylic, let me know if it works for you. You could try painting something with the acrylic paint and then microwaving it to see what happens. Of course always put a cup of water in there, too, to give the oven something to absorb some of the microwaves.

[@donowhy4113]

@@maximpulse I have tried acrylic paint it worked for me is properly Selletelled at the floor of the microwave. Just wanted to share with you . Been 5-6 days no problem yet.

[@maximpulse]

@@donowhy4113 Thanks for sharing your experience. I'm curious how it will hold up in the long run. Below is a link to an interesting article about what plastics are suggested for microwaving and which are not. Apparently some plastics are "transparent" to the waves and do not heat up and melt. Others can heat up and melt. They specifically say "PET and polycarbonate should not be used for microwaving as they tend to absorb heat. Acrylic and polystyrene are also not recommended." www.usplastic.com/knowledgebase/article.aspx?contentkey=952

[@ladybirdmama805]

this is the 2nd microwave this has happened to us with. The older ones of yesteryears never had this problem.

[@maximpulse]

No kidding. This is weird problem, especially considering both the high price of these built in microwave/ovens AND how one can't replace just the microwave. The cost was what inspired me to go to the trouble of repairing ours and filming it.

[@pattisalvaggio7258]

Usually we buy the cheaper microwaves but I splurged about two years ago for a "slate" finish to match my fridge and dishwasher. You guessed it! The inside top is bubbling up and some areas around the top edges. I am going to maker certain I can find another microwave in stock before I attempt this!

[@Gollammeister]

Oh could've used m as ybe paint stripper chemical

[@elizabethshofstall4748]

You forgit to unplug it. The light is still on.

[@ramrod60th30]

If you clean it after something blows up in there you don't have to refurbish it I've had one for 12 years and it looks like brand new course it's a whirlpool not from the Walmart

[@maximpulse]

Various brands have had this problem. But this model seems to be especially bad. And the worst of it is it is built in with the oven and a replacement goes for over $2000. Ridiculous.

[@francov4768]

ramrod 60th I have a whirlpool and clean it regularly but still have some rust where the wheel makes contact, not rusted as bad as this shown here.

[@maximpulse]

@@francov4768 Hi Franco, I made the video about repainting my microwave. All the new paint is fine except where the wheels grind over the paint. It has rusted there again. I am going to make a new video with a new solution I came up with. Click the subscribe button under my video and I think you will get an alert when I put that new video up. Here's the link to the repainting video if you want to subscribe: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y5XEXqBqbMakZ68

[@theequalizer4justice879]

How did it last, I saw reviews that that particular paint is not a good product and does not last, how did it work for you, it's longevity is what really matters😉

[@maximpulse]

It has held up nicely, except where the wheels directly grind against the paint. I just repainted that narrow ring recently. It is a sturdy, hard, thick, enamel-type paint. I don't think any other paint will work any better so I came up with a "forever" repair by putting a silicone pad between the wheels and the painted floor. It is holding up perfectly. You can see a photo here: maximpulse.com/tools/repaint-microwave.html This is the silicone pad I used: amzn.to/2MeaqOP Installing the silicone pad is a simple procedure. I just placed the pad on the floor of the microwave and traced where the center hole of the roller is (the pad is semi-transparent). Then I cut out a center hole in the pad with a razor knife. I replaced the three-wheeled roller part, too. Probably not necessary, but considering the effort of painting and how expensive these built-in microwaves are, it just felt right. GE roller: amzn.to/3kdsYuR

[@theequalizer4justice879]

@@maximpulse Thanks for the advise🤗 Just wondering if you could place the silicone mat over the bottom and bypass the painting? Mine is also a built in unit/oven combo

[@maximpulse]

@@theequalizer4justice879 You could certainly try just using the mat. You can always paint later on if you need to. It seems to me there are two problems with these microwaves. 1. The wheels on the roller wear away the paint. The silicone mat solves that problem. 2. Exposed metal rusts because of all the steam and moisture in the enclosure. If you already have exposed metal under the silicone mat it may continue to rust and eventually eat holes through the metal floor. If you try just the mat without repainting, check back let me know how things go down the road.

[@maximpulse]

@@theequalizer4justice879 The truly crazy thing is these built-in microwave/ ovens costing over $2000. I think we got ours used but almost new 10 years ago for a couple hundred dollars…not something to easily repeat. Saving thousands is a powerful motivation.

[@theequalizer4justice879]

@@maximpulse Thanks, I ordered some mats, but I think you are right, the mats won't stop the rust because of the steam and the paint will continue to peel,. I do have exposed metal but rust for now doesn't seem to be an issue but I can see how it would be from the steam:((