It depends what it is made of. I would probably use some high quality 100 percent acrylic bonding primer.

Thanks. While I was out (and before I saw your reply), I went to Sherwin-Williams. They advised XIM primer and one of their paints that had "classic" in the name, so I went with it. I haven't had time to try it yet, but will probably start this afternoon or tomorrow. (pretty busy today)

I forgot to add they tinted the primer and color matched the paint to the cabinet, too.

This post was edited by gnancy on Thu, Oct 31, 13 at 10:03

XIM is fine. And the topcoat is Pro Classic most likely, which is also fine.

Good. I feel reassured. And, I have a mohair roller that they also recommended. Fortunately, everything was on sale.

I painted the dishwasher. When I went to pick up the paint, it was All Surface Enamel Latex Base in satin finish. (I suppose the guy decided it was the best choice or someone else advised him it was.)

Here's what I did: cleaned it with TSP, rinsed with water, lightly sanded, primed, lightly sanded, wiped it off with damp rag, and painted. Even though I used the mohair roller, I think it still looks textured. The clerk said that the mohair would give the smoothest finish when I asked about a foam roller.

It was a tiny roller. Maybe I should have used a bigger roller? I don't know if I should do a second coat using another kind of roller, or maybe a clear top coat with a satin finish. Maybe do both? What should I use to apply it? I bought the mohair roller that the sales clerk (not the one I talked to about the paint) recommended. I'm pretty sure I used a foam roller on my front door and it looks as good if not better (as far as smoothness) than the dishwasher. I'm stumped.

I usually prefer mohair to foam rollers as well, but it usually depends on the product. Some paints when you roll them, the stipple doesn't lay down....instead, it stays up and the finish looks textured. This could also happen from overworking the paint though.