How do you paint a yellowed air conditioner?

[#1]

I would recommend turning off the unit and then cleaning it down with some sugar soap.

You can then prep the surfaces with Flood ESP Surface Prep Spray.

After the ESP has dried, I'd suggest coating the unit with White Knight Squirts Spray Paint.

You want to ensure no spray enters the unit. If possible, remove the grill and spray it separately. You should be fine to spray the rest of the chassis in situ as long as you cover the surrounding walls and floor. - MitchellMc

If you cannot remove the unit from the wall, the good news is that it's not necessary. What you do need to do is to mask the areas that you don't want the paint to go onto. This includes covering the sensitive internal parts of the head unit. Your goal is to remove as much of the plastic body as possible so that you can paint it away from the head unit.

However, if that proves too hard, just make sure that the only thing exposed to the paint is the outside body of the aircon head unit. Exhaust ports and infra-red receiver windows must be covered to prevent them from being covered in paint. The surrounding wall and furniture below the aircon must be covered to avoid being sprayed with paint.

My number one tip is to make sure to prep the plastic body as best you can with sugar soap before painting. - EricL

I can definitely recommend using Rust-Oleum spray paint for this job. I've used this product on a number of air conditioners and it works a treat!

Just make sure that you either remove the vent and spray outside or, if you have to paint it in situ, use painter's tape and plastic drop sheets to protect your wall/ceiling from overspray.

You'll be amazed at how well this paint works - your air-con will look like new!  If you're not used to spray painting, watch some Bunnings videos on how to hone your technique and have a bit of a practice before you actually attempt to spray paint. Less is definitely more; multiple light coats. - RenoRach1

[Nailbag]

The outer cover of the A?C unit is designed to come off quite easily as this is required to clean the filters and air veins. It will be a combination of Philips head screws and clips. The owners manual or online version will be able to assist. This will allow you to take clean it down and respray it as per the instructions @MitchellMc provided.

Regards, Nailbag

[RookyReno]

Hi Renorach,

Do you use anything as an undercoat before using the rust-oleum spray paint?

Thank you

Jaime

[EricL]

Hello @RookyReno 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. Its sensational to have you join us.

Let me tag @RenoRach1 to make them aware of your questions. If you were to use a primer on the plastic, my best suggest is to make sure that it is indicated on the container that it can be used on plastic. What plastic item are you planning to paint? Please remember to post an update, I'm sure our members will be keen to see your project.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[RenoRach1]

Hi @RookyReno 

No undercoat needed with this product!  Just give it a good clean, tape up any areas you don't want sprayed, give the can a REALLY good shake and carefully spray your item.  Don't position the can too close to the item and also move the can quite quickly as you spray, otherwise you will spray too much paint onto your item and the paint will drip (I know this from bitter experience!). If you do get some drips, wipe them off quickly, leave it a little while and do a respray.

Rust-Oleum spray paint is a fantastic product - I've used it on wrought iron security screens as well as all types of plastic items. All the best!  RR

[RookyReno]

Amazing! Thank you @RenoRach1 and @EricL I will post before and after.