Lately, Pinterest has been flooded with pictures of painted furniture, but don't think that you can only decorate chairs and tables with different colors and designs - you can also paint the fridge! Revamping the refrigerator is easier than you think, either with a roller to avoid splashes or with a spray paint to gain speed and convenience. But here's a warning: a nice fridge makes that midnight snack even more tempting!
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Preparing the Refrigerator for Painting
Step 1. Unplug the equipment from the wall outlet and move it away from other furniture and appliances
You need space and access to the sides and top of the refrigerator. Move it away from counters or other equipment to protect it from splashing paint.
- Never paint or clean the refrigerator with a liquid solution while it is plugged in, as you could get a shock.
- Get someone else's help if it's difficult to get them out of the room by yourself.
- Take items out of the refrigerator and freezer and place them in a cooler or other refrigerator. As yours will be off, food spoils.
Step 2. Place the equipment in a location with good ventilation if possible
Any type of paint releases toxic fumes, so do not use the product in a closed environment. The best option is outdoors, in the backyard or on the balcony.
- If you can't get him out of the kitchen, open all the windows and put a fan in the room to help air the room.
- Wear a mask to avoid inhaling most of the vapors.
- You will likely need help moving the refrigerator. Use a cargo cart to take it to the painting site.
Step 3. Place a large cloth under the refrigerator to protect the floor from dripping
Paint can make a lot of mess, and no one wants to spoil the floor or the grass. Put a cloth to protect the surfaces from stains.
- Any big old cloth will do, but you can also use several sheets of newspaper.
- Other options for replacing the cloth are a piece of canvas, large garbage bags, or an old sheet.
- Take care when lifting the refrigerator. Ask for help from another person or lift one corner at a time by yourself and go through the cloth underneath.
Step 4. Clean the outside of the refrigerator with warm, soapy water
If there is any kind of dust or dirt on the outside of the appliance, the paintwork will be unfinished and full of imperfections. Use a damp microfiber cloth to clean the front, sides and top.
- Wait for the refrigerator to dry on its own. Do not use another cloth as it can loosen lint that will also damage the paintwork.
- Use compressed air jets to dust off gaps and crevices, such as those on the door. Thus, you can also remove food particles.
- Mix one part white vinegar and one part water if you don't have soap or if you want a more natural option.
Step 5. Sand the refrigerator with a medium weight sandpaper to remove the finish
In this way, the paint is better able to adhere to the surface. Use a medium sandpaper (such as 180) gently, but be firm to remove the enamel without damaging the equipment itself.
- If your refrigerator is already painted, you don't need to remove all the paint. Just take off the enamel finish.
- Clean the surface with a damp cloth after sanding it if there is a lot of dust.
Step 6. Cover the areas you don't want to paint with masking tape
Think of the handle, the hinges, the rubber. Press the tape firmly covering the places you want to protect so that ink does not stick to them.
- Use a spoon or fingernail to smooth the tape and keep it firmly in place.
- Another option is to take out the handles or hinges with a screwdriver if you don't want to risk it. Store them in a safe and accessible place.
Method 2 of 3: Painting the Refrigerator with a Roller
Step 1. Buy a two-in-one paint that is primed and has the desired color
In addition to saving time by eliminating the need to apply the primer beforehand, this paint is usually thicker, preventing splashes and providing more coverage.
- If you can't find this product, you need to apply the primer first and then paint. All of these can be found at a paint or building supply store.
- Choose an oil-based primer to protect the refrigerator from rust. Apply one to two layers with a foam roller, leaving each layer to dry for four to six hours.
How to choose the right color and ink
If you want a customizable fridge, how about a blackboard paint? You can jot down the shopping list, the week's menu or make silly chalk drawings and then erase whenever you want.
For a retro look, paint the refrigerator a pastel shade such as baby pink or turquoise.
If you want an original design, use masking tape to create a special design. For example, to make a two-tone refrigerator, create a diagonal line with the masking tape on the door and paint the top one shade and the bottom another shade opposite.
For a dirt-proof cooler, avoid inks with an opaque or matte finish, which show each fingerprint. Prefer a satin or enamel finish.
Step 2. Mix the ink and place it in the tray
Use a piece of wood or a wooden spoon to mix the paint just before applying it. Then carefully fill the bottom of a tray, refilling it as needed during painting.
If you don't mix the paint, it gets too thin and runs off more
Step 3. Roll three thin layers with a foam roller, letting the paint dry between each layer
Make light and even movements with the roller, passing it across the entire surface of the refrigerator. It is better to make several thin layers than a single thick layer, which splinters and runs off more easily.
- Leave the roll well saturated when passing it in the tray. This way, the paint has a better finish and no marks.
- Wait four or six hours before making the next layer.
- If you don't let the paint dry completely before applying the other coat, it will just smudge and spoil the work you've done previously.
- Don't forget to paint the top of the appliance! In fact, it's better to start with it so as not to blur the sides when trying to reach it.
Step 4. Use a small beveled brush to paint hard-to-reach places
As small as the roll is, it is not possible to use it in the openings and creases of the refrigerator, for example. A beveled paint brush is perfect in small spaces like these.
In the absence of this type of brush, you can use a watercolor brush too
Step 5. Allow the paint to dry for at least 24 hours before plugging the refrigerator back in
Do not attempt to return the equipment to its original place if the ink has not completely dried. You can lose your work or smear other furniture with ink.
- Read the paint can instructions to see how long it takes to dry.
- Clean errors with a cloth or cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol. Rub the spot to remove the ink.
- If you want extra protection, apply a coat of acrylic sealant after the paint dries. Use a foam roller and allow the product to dry for 72 hours.
Method 3 of 3: Spray Painting the Refrigerator
Step 1. Apply an oil-based primer over the entire surface
Primer helps spray paint adhere better. Hold the can 20 cm away from the equipment, moving it from side to side without stopping to prevent the product from accumulating in just a few places.
- The oil-based primer also prevents rust.
- Shake the can for a minute before starting.
Step 2. Allow the primer to dry for at least an hour
Check the package instructions for drying time, which can vary between 30 minutes and three hours depending on the brand.
If you can, let it dry overnight for guarantee
Step 3. Choose one or two paint colors based on the rest of the kitchen
Because spray paint is more difficult to apply in small spaces, it's tricky to make smaller, multicolored designs. Choose one or two solid or complementary colors for your work to have a professional, not sloppy finish.
- For example, if your kitchen color scheme is navy, baby blue, and cream, paint the top baby blue and the bottom navy blue.
- Neutral colors like black, white, gray or chrome are nice options for a subtle effect.
- Avoid matte and matte finishes as they reveal every finger print.
Step 4. Apply the spray in thin layers and let each one dry well
Instead of applying the paint in a thick coat, apply several coats to prevent it from running. Hold the can 20 cm from the refrigerator, just like the primer. Wait for the layer to dry before moving on to the next.
- Shake the can for at least a minute before applying the paint. So it thickens.
- If you notice that the paint has run and the layer is already dry, use a fine sandpaper from 150 to 220 to gently remove the imperfection.
- Spray paint only takes one to two hours to dry.
- Wear latex gloves so you don't get ink on your hands.
Common questions
Why did the paint form pellets?
These annoying little dots usually appear when applying paint in a very cold or humid place.
Why does the ink run?
Chances are you are spraying too close to the surface, making very thick layers, or waiting too little time between layers. Also, some ink marks are thinner and run more.
Do I need to seal spray paint?
Not! However, a layer of sealant protects the paint from wear and tear with use.
Step 5. Allow the paint to dry for 24 hours before putting the refrigerator in place
If you take the appliance inside without letting it dry completely, it may smudge or chip the paint. Be patient and leave it in a warm, dry place.
- Ink takes longer to dry in very wet and cold climates.
- To prolong the beauty of the paint, apply a spray sealer when the paint dries. Apply a layer and let it dry for at least 72 hours.
- The sealant also prevents the refrigerator from rusting.