Can I recoat my dishwasher racks?

If the coating on your dishwasher racks is starting to wear off, causing rust or making dishes stick, you may be wondering if you can recoat them yourself instead of replacing the racks. The short answer is yes, you can recoat dishwasher racks at home as long as you use the right materials. Read on for more details on how to do it.

Why Does Dishwasher Rack Coating Wear Off?

Dishwasher rack coating wears off over time for a few reasons:

• Regular use – The constant pushing in and pulling out of dishes causes abrasion that wears down the coating.
• Detergent and water exposure – Being subjected to hot, sudsy water cycles breaks down the protective coating.
• Mineral deposits – Hard water can leave mineral deposits on racks that eat away at the coating.
• Corrosion – Small amounts of corrosion from food and water can cause the coating to deteriorate.

Steel racks are prone to rusting once their coating wears off. Even racks made of plastic or nylon can get cloudy, making dishes stick once the smooth coating deteriorates.

Can I Use Appliance Epoxy?

While appliance epoxy is great for repairing chips and cracks in dishwasher tubs, it’s not the right product for recoating racks. Here’s why:

• Not flexible enough – Rack coatings need to be flexible to withstand constant pulling and pushing.
• Difficult application – It’s challenging to get an even coat on wire racks with epoxy.
• Not food-safe – Appliance epoxy is not FDA-approved for food contact once cured.

When shopping for dishwasher rack paint, look for a flexible coating made specifically for dishwasher racks and labeled as food-safe once cured.

What Type of Paint Should I Use?

The best type of paint for recoating dishwasher racks is a flexible vinyl called plastisol. Here’s what makes plastisol ideal for racks:

• Heat-cured finish – Plastisol starts as a liquid and then sets to a flexible, protective coating when heat cured.
• Adheres to plastic and metal – It strongly bonds to steel, plastic, and nylon racks.
• BPA-free and FDA-approved – Once cured, it’s safe for contact with food and drinking water.
• Abrasion-resistant – The tough finish stands up to regular use and rack slides.
• Corrosion-resistant – It coats evenly and protects steel from rust.

Make sure any dishwasher rack paint you buy is plastisol-based and meets food-contact standards once cured. Some hardware stores carry small cans of plastisol rack paint near dishwasher parts and appliances.

How Do I Prepare Dishwasher Racks for Painting?

Proper preparation is crucial for getting great results from painting dishwasher racks. Follow these steps:

1. Wash the racks thoroughly with soap and water. Rinse well and let them dry completely.
2. Sand glossy plastic racks lightly to rough up the surface so paint can adhere. Use fine sandpaper.
3. Remove stubborn mineral deposits with white vinegar or lemon juice. Rinse thoroughly.
4. Clean steel racks to bare metal using naval jelly rust remover. Rinse completely.
5. Wipe racks down with rubbing alcohol to remove residue and grease.

Taking time to properly clean and degloss racks will help the paint stick and deliver maximum protection.

How Do I Apply Dishwasher Rack Paint?

Follow these steps for smooth, even coverage painting dishwasher racks:

1. Lay racks on cardboard or scrap wood while painting. This avoids drips.
2. Stir or shake paint thoroughly before and during application.
3. Use a high-density foam mini roller and nylon brush for smooth, controlled coating.
4. Apply a thin, even layer of paint to all rack surfaces, including wire shelves.
5. Let paint dry 20-30 minutes before a second coat.
6. Apply second coat, making sure paint covers evenly again.
7. Let racks dry completely before heat curing. Check label for cure times.
8. Heat cure according to directions, using an oven or grill.

Applying paint smoothly and heat curing properly ensures maximum durability and adhesion of the coating. Expect to use approximately 1 can of spray paint per rack.

How Long Does the Painted Coating Last?

When properly prepped, painted, and cured, plastisol coatings can last 3-5 years under regular dishwasher use. To maximize the lifespan of your DIY rack paint job:

• Avoid abrasive scrubbing of painted racks. Use soft sponges and cloths.
• Hand wash racks periodically using mild dish soap and water. Avoid harsh chemical cleaners.
• Reapply paint at first signs of wear, nicks, and fading.
• Consider removable rack protectors to reduce abrasion in high-wear spots.

With careful use and occasional touch-ups, you can get several years of service from painted racks before needing to recoat them.

Conclusion

Recoating worn dishwasher racks is an inexpensive alternative to replacing them. With proper preparation, use of plastisol vinyl paint, smooth application, and heat curing, DIY rack painting can restore protection and function. Just be sure to use food-safe, flexible coatings made for repeated dishwasher use. Follow application directions closely for durable, long-lasting results.