Auto Parts Supply
Never heard of a Maytag set with the model number starting with WU for Harvest Wheat. I have a set in that color and the model numbers are HA408 and HDE606 made in 1976. I don't know what they called the color after they dropped the shading, but I don't think it was WU.
Anyway, I painted an Avocado Maytag washer with computer matched spray paint from an Auto Parts Store. The model number on the label said AA806. I pulled the lid off the washer, cleaned it, and took it with me to the Auto Parts Store. If you don't want to do that, you might be able to get away with taking the control panel cover off. What ever you think will give you the best match. They put the computer box on it and pressed the button and it gives them a number that closely matches color swatches on a great big ring. The swatch has a color on it with an oval window cut out of the center. They take that number swatch and lay it on the piece you bring in. If the color coming through the oval matches the surrounding color on the swatch, it's matched. If not, they select a couple of colors up or down from that number until they find the closest match. They should let you look at it to help pick a color. When they find the best color, they take that number to a chart and it tells them the correct pigments to mix together to match that color swatch, put it in a spray can and pressurize it. They write down the number on the can, so if you need another can later, they can make some more. It costs around seventeen to eighteen dollars a can. Kind of pricy, but it usually gives you a pretty close match and good finish if you're good with spray paint. If you're just doing a washer front, one or two cans should get you by. I did the front and both sides of my machine and it took four or five. A lot of money, but the machine was mechanically sound, so I decided it was worth it.
Mine was a solid color (non-shaded) machine, so it was easy. If you're trying to reproduce shading, that would be more tricky. Haven't tried it. Don't know if I could do it. Looks hard.
I laid my panels down horizontally to guard against runs. Rough up the old finish with a light sand paper and dust off all residue. Do a spot test to check for fish-eyes. Silicone residue from furniture polish will cause this. Paint from a short end and go up to help cover your over spray as you go. Do the edges first, then the front. Try to do one panel quickly enough to get the whole thing wet at once. Let dry according to directions and coat again. Place it in the warmest, driest place you can find to cure for a day or two. You'll have to be extra careful with the finish for a year or so, as it will scratch easily. It will never be as durable as the factory finish. For that you'd have to have a powder coat done. When I put the washer on a dolly I put wax paper under the straps to protect the paint. And of course, don't do it on a windy day. Hope this helps.
