I Needed A New Fridge

Have An Old Fridge???

My husband and I moved in to our new house 7 months ago.  As most of you know, that event itself comes with all sorts of hidden expenses.  So when my grandpa offered us his old fridge we thought, great!  We would use it for just a bit and then get a new one.  My kitchen has all black appliances.  So when I saw that the fridge was a cream color, I wasn't totally stoked to put it in.  Where did I put the fridge instead?  You got it!  In the garage.  After 6 months I finally was tired of going in the garage every single time I needed something.  SO... I thought to see if anyone had every painted their fridge.  I thought it was a long stretch!  However, people had actually done it. So, with that determined, I enlisted the help of my husband:)

What You'll Need:

2- Appliance Paint (Comes in aerosol can) $6 at Home Depot

1- Painters Tape

1- Small craft paintbrush

1- 8oz can of appliance paint (non-aerosol) for touch ups

Jacob chose to use the Rust-Oleum brand which worked great!

 Here is a close up.  He used about 1 can and 1/2.

 This is what I used to touch up around the handles.

First thing to do is clean the outside of the fridge to make sure the paint stays properly.  Then Jacob and my dad taped off the chrome around the doors and water dispenser. Make sure this is as exact as you can make it, otherwise you will have lots of touch ups.  Expect to have some touch ups:)

After the taping is done you can start to spray.  Make sure you are spraying in a well ventilate area, preferably outside.  Jacob did ours in the garage with the door open and it still sort of stinks.  Advice from my husband:
-Do one panel of the fridge at a time (the side, then the right door, then the left, then the other side).  The order doesn't matter obviously, but he said it makes it so you don't see streaks.
-When you start one panel make sure to finish that one! Do not go half way down and move to another.  You will notice it later.
-When spraying, spray horizontally.  You will find your own technique that you feel is best.

He started painting this side then wrapped around to the front.  Let me just say...I was very surprised how well it was starting!

Part of the front done...

Once it was all painted it had to dry for 24 hours and then Jacob did a second coat. about 1 hour after the second coat was applied we removed the painters tape.  We let that coat dry another 24 hours as well before bringing it inside.  Below you can see the line that needs to be touched up.   

Here is what it looks like touched up.

TA DA!  The finished product. I now have a black fridge:) I just have to order the plate for the water/ice dispenser so it will be match accordingly.  Other than that, I love my fridge now!!  Is it totally perfect, no, but I didn't have to go spend $800 and I do like that.