Painting an old ugly yellow air conditioner

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Video tutorials:

2020 - https://www.instagram.com/reel/COYxHleBbx8/

2021 - https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cxl7LdyBLjC/

2025 - https://www.instagram.com/reel/DRlKnDuk6SV/

Additional step-by-step stories on Instagram in my ‘aircon’ highlight. 

Media feature:

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-9103971/amp/Australian-design-blogger-turns-yellowed-air-conditioner-sparkling-white-Bunnings-spray-paint.html

What I used:

1. Plastic suitable spray paint (Rustolrum 2x paint and primer in gloss white)
2. Sugar soap 
3. Light grit sandpaper 
4. Frog tape 
5. A blower
6. Brown Kraft Masking Paper (or old newspapers if you’re in a pinch)

How I did it:

1. Remove the grill and filters, wash them in water and allow to dry.

2. Lightly sand all the surfaces.

3. Use a blower to dust out the whole unit, ensure all dust is removed.

4. Clean with sugar soap. Allow to dry.

5. With the grill still removed, cover inside with newspaper. I taped underneath the swing blades and closed them. 

6. Tape up around the wall with frog tape then tape Kraft Paper or newspaper on the walls around the unit to catch overspray.

7. Put the grill back on for extra protection. 

8. Spray the whole unit according to paint can instructions (15-20cm away, light coat) but don’t worry about the grill while it’s on the wall.

9. Repeat according to paint can instructions until you achieve your desired coverage.

10. Once dry, remove the grill and spray it outside. Repeat according to paint can instructions until you achieve your desired coverage.

11. Once dry, remove all the newspaper and tape and put the filters and grill back on.