How to Paint a Refrigerator

If you have recently redecorated your kitchen, but do not have the available cash to purchase a refrigerator to better match your new look, your worries are over. It is possible to paint your old refrigerator and make it look like a brand new one. All it takes is a fresh coat of paint. Gloss enamel works wonders on an old appliance, and can give it a fresh new look with very little expense.

Things You'll Need

• Sponge paint roller
• Paint tray
• Gloss enamel paint for use on metal
• Painter’s tape
• Utility knife
• Spray cleaner
• Soft cloth

Instructions

1. Decide which color you would like to paint your refrigerator. If your goal is to cover scratches, choose a color that best matches what the color of the refrigerator is now. For a whole new look, find a color that complements your kitchen’s décor. Just be sure that the paint color is suitable for use on metal.

2. Clean the outside area of the refrigerator to remove any dirt or grime that may have accumulated over time. You can use any type of household cleaner that you have handy. Dry the refrigerator thoroughly using a soft cloth, before moving on to the next step.

3. Sand the entire exterior surface of the refrigerator with fine grit sandpaper. Continue sanding until all of the shine from the original paint is dulled. Following through on this step will give the new coat of paint a better surface to adhere to.

4. Mask off any areas on the refrigerator that you do not want affected by the new paint color. Using a painter’s tape will work best because it sticks well, yet it is still very easy to remove when your work is completed.

5. Pour some of the gloss enamel paint into the paint tray, and begin to roll on your first coat of paint with a sponge roller. Roll the paint onto the surface using even strokes, and allow the paint to dry thoroughly. Apply an additional coat if necessary.

6. Remove the tape from the refrigerator after the paint application has dried thoroughly. For best results, allow the paint to sit overnight, and remove the tape in the morning.

Tips & Warnings

• Using a utility knife will allow you to remove any painter’s tape overlay that may be in the way of areas that need to be painted. Just be sure that you are cutting no deeper than the thickness of the tape or you will scratch your refrigerator’s surface.

• Rustoleum gloss enamel paint works very well for this project, but there are also appliance paints that come in the form of aerosol sprays. These products work fine for projects that can be done outdoors, but the roller method may be a better choice for anyone who does not have a well ventilated area to work in.

• It is important to mention that most appliances can be painted in this way, but any that provide intense heat such as a stove top or oven, are not considered safe to paint with these products. They will require an enamel paint product that is heat safe.

• Avoid paint drips or bubbles when rolling on your paint. Rolling over these problem areas once again with the sponge roller, should solve the problem. For areas that are too tight for the roller, use a paintbrush.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• A variety of Rustoleum products and colors