An old, outdated range hood can really make your kitchen look drab and worn out. But thankfully, there are lots of easy and affordable ways to give your range hood a quick facelift. With some simple cleaning, cosmetic upgrades, and minor repairs, you can have your range hood looking like new again.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through all the different options for revitalizing an outdated range hood. We’ll go over cleaning tips, how to tackle repairs, what paints work best, ideas for adding trim or panels, and when it makes more sense to just replace the range hood altogether.
Ready to give your range hood a whole new look? Let’s get started!
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Clean It Thoroughly
The first step in any range hood makeover is a deep clean. Grease, grime, and dust can make even the nicest range hood look old and dingy. Here are some cleaning tips:
– Remove the filters and wash them in hot, soapy water. Scrub off stuck-on grease deposits.
– Use a degreaser spray and scrub every interior surface. Pay close attention to the underside and hard to reach corners.
– Wipe down the exterior with a multi-surface cleaner. Buff dry with a soft cloth.
– For stainless steel hoods, use a stainless steel cleaner and polish to brighten the surface.
– Use a toothbrush dipped in cleaning solution to scrub gross gunk out of crevices, screws, and mesh screens.
– Clean off old splatters inside the hood’s lights with a dry brush. Wipe with a soft cloth.
Once you’ve tackled all the built up grease and grime, it will look enormously better. But don’t stop there! Keep reading for more upgrade ideas.
Fix Any Mechanical or Electrical Issues
While you have the range hood disassembled for cleaning, inspect it for any issues that need repairing. Little problems that get ignored can turn into bigger headaches down the road. Here are some key maintenance tasks:
– Test all the lights and replace any bulbs that are burnt out.
– Make sure the fan speeds work correctly. If not, you may need to replace the fan motor.
– Look for loose wiring connections and secure them. Tighten any loose screws.
– Check the condition of any mesh filters. Patch holes or tears with small pieces of mesh.
– If the hood has a damper, test that it opens and closes properly. Fix any hinge issues.
– Inspect the ducting and venting for leaks or blockages. Clear out built up grease deposits.
– For hoods that vent outside, seal any gaps around the ducting to prevent air leakage.
Taking care of minor repairs now will ensure your revamped range hood continues working properly for years to come.
Update with a Fresh Coat of Paint
Painting your old range hood is one of the easiest and most dramatic upgrades you can do. Just be sure to use high heat paint since appliances put off much more heat than a typical wall.
For stainless steel hoods, high heat spray paint works well for covering discoloration and scratches. Clean the surface thoroughly before painting. Lightly sand any damaged areas to help the paint adhere. Apply 2-3 thin coats, allowing each coat to fully dry in between.
For painted metal and wood hoods, scuff up the old paint before spraying on a fresh coat. Include the underside and interior areas too. After a couple coats of paint you’ll be amazed at the transformation!
Here are some popular range hood paint colors:
– Glossy white – clean, classic look
– Black – sophisticated and modern
– Metallic silver – industrial chic style
– Matte navy – rich accent color
– Poppy red – makes a bold statement
Be creative and choose a shade that matches your kitchen decor. The options are endless!
Attach New Panels or Trim
Another way to change the style of your current range hood is by adding new exterior panels or trimwork. This upgrades the look without having to fully replace the hood.
For example, you could attach beadboard panels to create a cottage style. Raising the hood to fit tall decorative corbels or brackets underneath gives it more presence. Adding crown molding along the top and sides contributes refined elegance.
Use panels, trim, or molding made from moisture-resistant materials like metal, hardwood, or exterior-grade MDF. Cut pieces to size and attach with panel adhesive or small finishing nails. Fill any gaps with silicone caulk rated for high heat.
Then paint or finish the new additions to match the rest of the hood. Custom panels allow you to match the range hood to your desired kitchen style – from modern to farmhouse.
Add Accent Hardware
Swapping out the existing screws, vents, and handle hardware for new complementary pieces gives your range hood a quick mini-makeover.
Look for hardware finishes that pop against the hood’s base color. For example, unlacquered brass or black metal hardware paired with a white hood. Or hammered copper accents on a black painted hood.
Make sure any new hardware can withstand high temperatures. Solid brass, copper, or black metal pieces are ideal choices. Stay away from plastic or coated metals.
Here are some easy hardware updates to consider:
– Sleek bar handle in place of an old dial knob
– Black mesh screens covering openings
– Angled brass hood vents
– Copper caps on chimney pipes
– Exposed copper screws along trim edges
Even just switching out a few small details makes a noticeable visual impact and brings everything together.
Add Under Hood Lighting
Task lighting added underneath the hood provides valuable extra illumination for cooking and adds style. There are many options, from simple DIY LED strip lights to customized fittings.
LED strip lights are inexpensive and easy to install using the peel-and-stick backing. Consider bright white lighting to reduce shadows or a colored strip to add accent lighting. Be sure to get high heat resistant LEDs.
For a more integrated look, install directional lights or a light rack. Narrow spotlights pointed at the cooktop or glass mini pendants hung from a rack attached under the hood focus light right where you need it. Use bulbs rated for damp locations.
Accent the new lighting installation with trim pieces like bars, rails, or a wooden frame. This dresses up the underside of the hood. Include a dimmer switch to control mood lighting when desired. Proper under hood lighting makes the whole space feel fresh.
Remove the Hood Completely
In some cases, it might make more sense to remove the old range hood altogether rather than trying to refurbish it. If the unit is dated or builder grade quality, upgrades can only do so much.
Removing the hood opens up the wall space above the stove and creates a cleaner look. This works especially well for kitchens with an open concept design. Make sure to plug up any unused ductwork.
Without an overhead hood, be sure there is adequate ventilation from kitchen windows or ceiling mounted fans. You’ll also need a new solution for task lighting over the cooktop. Consider installing recessed cans or track lighting.
Getting rid of the range hood can feel liberating! Just be prepared to adjust other kitchen elements to balance the open space.
Install a New Range Hood
When it comes time for a new range hood, today’s styles range from minimalist to ultra-modern. Key features to look for include:
– Powerful CFM airflow to quickly remove cooking odors, smoke, and grease
– Energy efficient LED lighting to brightly illuminate the cooktop
– Quiet operation so fan noise doesn’t drown out conversation
– Durable materials like stainless steel for strength and easy cleaning
– Stylish finish like sleek glass or colorful matte
Compare ducted and ductless range hoods to decide which works best for your kitchen’s configuration. Ducted vents smoke and odors outside while ductless models include filters to trap grease and recirculate air.
Professional installation is recommended to correctly position the hood and connect ductwork. But the dramatic end results will make it well worth it!
Conclusion
Breathing new life into an outdated range hood is easier than you think. With a good clean, fresh coat of paint, targeted repairs, stylish accessories, and new lighting, you can give your existing hood a complete facelift. When the old hood is beyond reviving, removing it or installing a replacement can totally transform the kitchen.
Hopefully these makeover ideas have inspired you to take action. Just think how great it will feel to have your kitchen range hood looking like new again without breaking the budget. Let us know if we can help with any other kitchen or home improvement projects!