How to Paint a Metal Freezer

Under-prepared metal will shed new paint.

Transform the appearance of your metal freezer by refinishing it with the right type of paint and by making sure to prepare the surfaces properly beforehand. Metallic surfaces are ill-suited for paint adhesion because they are nonporous. Metal is also too durable for the same friction-based abrasion methods used to prepare other nonporous surfaces, such as plastic, vinyl and fiberglass. Solve this problem by treating the freezer with a special acidic etching primer before you paint, or flaking will result.

Things You'll Need

• Water-based degreasing cleanser
• Coarse sponge
• Rags
• Towels
• Professional painter's tape
• Masking paper
• Drop cloths
• Galvanized metal etching primer
• Roller frame
• 3- to 4-inch polyester paintbrush
• Appliance epoxy paint

Instructions

1. Clean the metal freezer with a water-based degreasing cleanser, using a coarse sponge. Rinse the freezer with wet rags and dry it with towels.

2. Protect portions of the freezer you do not want painted by covering them with masking paper and painter's tape. Cover the floor with drop cloths.

3. Coat the metal freezer with galvanized metal etching primer, using a roller. For a professional-looking finish, smooth out the wet primer, using a 3- to 4-inch polyester paintbrush. Brush in a vertical motion and work quickly before the primer dries.

4. Wash the roller and polyester paintbrush with water.

5. Coat the primed freezer with appliance epoxy paint, using the clean roller. Smooth the wet paint just as you did the etching primer. Wait three hours for the finish to dry.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not paint an unprimed metal freezer, or the finish will peel.

• Do not use ordinary latex or oil primers on a metal freezer, or the finish will flake.

• Don't use ordinary latex or acrylic paint on a freezer, as it will not remain durable.