Cover handles, control panels and manufacturer logos with painter’s tape, or remove them if it’s easy

Once the job is finished, you may want to cover electronic control panels on white appliances with a dark static-cling film to make them look more consistent with the stainless steel finish. You can buy the film yourself at a big-box store, but Liquid Stainless Steel also sells small pieces so you don’t have to buy a giant roll. The film is thin enough that the panel will still be sensitive to your touch.

Before

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Use thin coats

It takes three full coats to cover each appliance, and the first one may look scary-thin. Have faith and don’t glop on extra paint. You’ll use a roller to apply the paint and then drag a special foam brush through it to create the finish — vertically for refrigerators and horizontally for stoves and dishwashers. (Tools are included in the basic Liquid Stainless Steel kit.)

After

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Be patient for the sheen to develop

The finish will brighten as it dries and the water evaporates, leaving behind the metal flakes. A final clear topcoat will add gloss. Apply one, two or three coats depending on how shiny you want the final product to be.

Give your stove a day to set before using

Other appliances can be used within two hours of applying the last coat. Note: Over time, you’ll see bronzing on your stovetop when hot pans overhang the burner edges, but the same thing would happen with a regular stainless steel stove. It’s a sign of normal use.

For detailed instructions, visit Liquid Stainless Steel.