Scratch and dent appliances are a great way to cut the cost of replacing your old appliances. Fortunately, the damage to these units is superficial – it can be fixed aesthetically and affordably – or you can just live with it as it is. Below, you'll find some tips to help you give that scratch and dent appliance the care it needs to look as good as new.

Dented Front Panels

Since most appliances are primarily seen only from the front, that's where you'll want to focus most of your care.

Some dents can be undone. Three methods of popping those dents include:

• Automotive Dent Pulling Kit – These kits can be picked up at your local automotive parts store and typically include suction cups and a pulling rig. The suction cup is stuck to the dent and you use the rig to pop it out.
• Cold and Heat – Rapidly changing the surface temperature of the dent can cause it to pop. Use a heat gun or hair dryer to heat the dent – be careful not to overheat painted surfaces. Once hot, spray the dent with a can of condensed air. The rapid change should cause a quick pop.
• Dry Ice – This one-step method is easiest, but most people don't have dry ice sitting around the house. Dry ice can be held against the dent until the dent pops. Just make sure that you are wearing protective gloves and eyewear as the dry ice will burn your skin.

The location of the dent may also make it easier to conceal, rather than repair. For example: If the dent is near eye-level on the front of the refrigerator, mount a cheap tablet computer to the front. You can use it to search for recipes, display pictures, create shopping lists or just doodle while you're on the phone with your mother-in-law.

Paint Flaws

If the appliance is scratched, don't wait to get the repairs made. Exposed metal will rust. To paint the appliance:

1. Sand the area smooth with fine-grit sandpaper
2. Use painter's tape to tape off all of the seals and hardware. You can remove these parts to give them a good cleaning if you'd like.
3. Apply at least one coat of appliance primer.
4. Apply at least two coats of appliance paint. Make sure to wait for the first coat to fully dry.

It doesn't take much to make those scratch and dent appliances look better than your old appliances – and they'll save you quite a bit compared to buying brand new, undamaged units.