How to paint an old refrigerator: we restore the appearance of the device. How to paint a refrigerator at home How to repaint an old refrigerator

If your refrigerator does its job perfectly, but already looks shabby and does not fit into the interior of the kitchen at all, it can be updated. Often it is the appearance of the device, or rather its damage, that is the main reason for the replacement. Old refrigerators are not thrown away, but sold or used in the country. Accordingly, having updated the color, you can not spend money on the purchase of expensive equipment, if the rest suits you.

Either self-adhesive film or paint is suitable for this purpose. The first option is difficult to implement, because it is difficult to paste over the surface of the refrigerator evenly and without wrinkles. In addition, the film is easy to scratch, it quickly fades under the influence of sunlight shining through the window. It is much easier to evenly repaint the refrigerator, and by choosing absolutely any color, and perhaps even create a pattern!

And now about everything in order, let's figure out how to paint a refrigerator at home, what kind of paint is suitable for this and what sequence of actions should be followed in order to cope on your own, without involving specialists.

Painting a refrigerator at home involves the use of special paint and tools. The surface of the technique cannot be attributed to simple or ordinary, respectively, not every coloring matter can be used. High demands are placed on the paint layer:

It must protect the facade from mechanical damage that occurs during operation.
It should give an updated look and diversify the interior.

Also, the paint should not “peel off” after a few months, that is, it must have high performance.

When choosing materials, consider the features of the use of the device. If the refrigerator is always in a dry and heated room, that is, in the kitchen, rust does not threaten. Another question is if the refrigerator is placed in a damp room, for example, in workshops or warehouses and other industrial areas with high humidity. In this case, it will be necessary to treat the surface with an anti-corrosion solution. For home use such a solution would be inappropriate, as well as a fire-fighting base or paint, because a refrigerator near a fire, in principle, cannot be connected.

In this case, a paint that can be mixed with other colors, held on a vertical surface, elastic in structure and resistant to detergents is preferred. Thus, to paint the refrigerator, you need paint for metal for internal works resistant to water.

There are several types of such paints, and the following types are ideal:

nitro enamel for painting cars - this type is well applied, has a high resistance, has a beautiful shiny shade. Paint is sold in aerosol cans, so application will not cause difficulties. Among the shortcomings, one can single out the high cost, toxicity (it should be used with open windows and in a respirator), the inability to control splashes. To organize the process, you will have to close walls, floors and furniture in order to exclude subsequent cleaning;
acrylic paint for metal - application is carried out with a roller or brush, it is distinguished by a variety of colors. The composition is characterized by safety, since it does not contain toxic substances;
polyurethane paint - of all types is more resistant to wear. Moreover, it can be used both for the external surface of the refrigerator, and for the internal one. It is not afraid of low temperatures, it is easy to apply, therefore, in cases where scratches need to be painted over, they use it.

What tool will you need

It is impossible to start painting immediately, the surface must always be prepared in advance. The refrigerator is located in the kitchen, where food is constantly prepared, so any hostess has traces of fat covered with dust on its surface. These may be tiny specks, but they are there. That is why, before starting work, it is necessary to wash the surface well so that the paint lies evenly and easily, eliminating cracks and chips in the future.

To organize work, including preliminary preparation and further painting, you will need the following tools and materials:

detergent to remove contaminants;
abrasive sponge;
rags (dry and wet);
sandpaper fine-grained paper;
acetone or kerosene for degreasing;
primer (for better bonding of the paint layer and the surface of the equipment);
masking tape, film, adhesive tape;
newspapers to cover the floors;
respirator;
gloves;
dye;
brush and roller.

After collecting the materials, you can get to work.

Preparation process

As already mentioned, painting in a different color should be carried out with the preparation of the surface of the refrigerator. Therefore, follow the proposed scheme of actions:

for safety reasons, disconnect the equipment from the power supply, also remove the internal shelves and partitions, especially if you will also paint inside;
using detergents and an abrasive sponge, thoroughly clean the surface and rinse off the applied solution. Just cleaning the refrigerator is not enough, you also need to thoroughly wash off the chemical compounds;
Sand the surface with sandpaper, partially removing the old coating. Rub most carefully in places where there are already cracks and chips - here the old layer of paint is already gradually moving away, so it is necessary to remove it so that in the future it does not cause damage to the new coating;
wipe the refrigerator first with rags soaked in water, then dry. So you remove the particles old paint, which also should not remain on the surface;
treat the refrigerator with a primer;
seal the handles and other accessories with tape or wrap with a film. Masking tape can cover the elastic on the door and other parts that should not be painted. Also, if you're going to stick with a geometric pattern, masking tape is perfect for that;
cover the floors with newspapers and, if necessary, the walls;
test paint on small area refrigerator. Evaluate if the color matches, how the paint lays down, etc.

Painting process

After completing preparatory work, the most important thing remains, paint the old refrigerator. If you have chosen paint cans for this purpose, you must follow the instructions for it. General recommendations for using this type of paint:

when applying, hold the balloon at a distance of 30 cm from the surface to be painted;
movements should be uniform, from left to right, not lingering for a long time at one point, otherwise this place will be noticeable later;
paint in 2-3 layers, but each of them must dry, and only then the next one is applied.

If your choice fell on paint in a jar, then you will need a brush or roller. Sharp color transitions either at the bottom or at the top will lead to an ugly result. Move steadily from left to right. Painting is done in 2-3 layers, each of which must also dry.

As you can see, there is nothing difficult in updating the appearance of a working refrigerator with your own hands; even a person who does not have the proper experience will cope with this task. The main thing is to follow the recommendations on the choice of materials and the sequence of actions, and then the result will please for many years!

A high-quality refrigerator without repair works for more than a decade. It is a pity to throw away a serviceable refrigerator, but it is very dissonant with the modern kitchen setting. Restoration will save, but first you need to choose paints, get acquainted with the technology of work, ensure safety for children and animals.

The industry offers compositions based on various film-forming substances. Not all of them are suitable for covering the outside of the refrigerator. Our task is to find suitable enamels - the most durable films.

The composition needs high adhesion - the paint must tightly grasp the base, otherwise the top layer will peel off with the first scratch. The film needs to be flexible, because the case is subject to thermal expansion. The painted surface is wiped with detergents, the composition must be resistant to aggressive liquids.

Choosing a waterproof paint for interior work on metal. These coatings include:

two-component primer-enamel on galvanized metal;
alkyd enamel;
heat-resistant silicone enamel;
nitrocellulose composition for metal and wood - automotive nitro enamel;
acrylic matte enamel for metal surfaces;
polyurethane or epoxy paint.

May be sprayed or applied by roller. What paint to paint the refrigerator, choose an exception.

We do not need paint on galvanized metal, there is no need to overpay for heat resistance - the refrigerator is located away from hot surfaces.

What paint to paint the refrigerator at home

The task of the master is to get a flat surface, akin to the factory one. The layer should be opaque, lie down evenly, not flow down. Use the material in an aerosol can or use a roller or brush - it does not matter. The main thing is that the applied composition should dry out, not have smudges. Then the next layer is applied.

The choice of the color of the refrigerator outside depends on the overall design of the room. You can create an accent spot or create a surface in harmony with the facade. The main thing is to use a suitable coating and do the job carefully. Automotive paint is the most durable of all. Acrylic is water-based, odorless, the film is resistant to destruction. Epoxy composition is most durable under the influence of dampness. What paint to paint the refrigerator outside, you decide.

Application for painting refrigerator slate paint

Having studied the paint and varnish market, we found several compositions that masters advise using for work at home. Do you want to make the walls of the refrigerator a corner of creativity? Then for painting should use slate paint. The presence of composite particles in the composition will give the coating a slight roughness. The composition is created on a latex basis, the film is durable. On a dark, matte surface, you can draw with chalk. Drawings are washed off with soap and water. As an independent, dark shade coating, it looks stylish.

The Finnish manufacturer Tikkurila is considered the best manufacturer of such compounds. Under this brand, you can buy Liitu black paint. Sibiria is a domestic brand of slate, magnetic and marker compositions. Some of them have antiseptic properties. Need a black refrigerator - buy a jar of Sibiria PRO or MagPaint from Holland.

Is it possible to paint the refrigerator with paint for batteries

What is the difference between batteries and a refrigerator? Only because they experience seasonal heating. That is, the film must be elastic, withstand thermal expansion, adhere tightly to the metal, be neutral to detergents and resistant to abrasion. The same requirements for the composition for refrigerators. Is it possible to paint a refrigerator and a battery with the same paint, creating a kitchen design? Which one to choose?

You need to find a product that does not change color under the influence of temperature, with good hiding power and a decorative effect. It is better if the paint is odorless. We suggest choosing:

alkyd enamel based on organic solvents has a white base element, the coloring pigment is added additionally, the smell is strong before drying;
water-based acrylic enamel is odorless, only titanium dioxide based paint is used, for refrigerator inside and outside;
organosilicon alkyd enamel, which contains special pigments that hide defects in uneven painting.

It is very important that all these compositions do not lose color over time, they can be decorated with a pearlescent additive.

Is it possible to paint the refrigerator compartment

If the refrigerator chamber was enameled, rust inevitably appeared at the joints of the panels and in the cracks, no cleaning will save you from yellow streaks. The inner surface is almost not ventilated, the air in the chamber is humid, it is difficult to choose a coloring composition. The smell of paint from the refrigerator is removed long time. Special absorbers based on activated carbon and silica gel are used.

Only water-based acrylate can be used. But before that, you need to remove rust, apply a special converter, degrease and prime the surface. It is almost impossible to remove the smell and harm from other paints from the refrigerator.

Refrigerator paint

In the son's apartment, the kitchen is so small that the refrigerator did not fit into it. I had to put it in the room, and it is literally like a thorn in the eye - it looks very alien. I offered him several ways to paint the refrigerator with your own hands or modify it in other ways.

In the meantime, I want to tell about them to those who have a similar problem or just want to update the old, but still working equipment.

All types of painting

If you need to get a solid plain surface, then painting the refrigerator with your own hands is, in fact, a trifling matter. We pick up a brush, roller or spray can and paint everything. Preparation can take much longer.

It includes the following steps:

Grinding. Only needed for an old refrigerator that has chips, scratches and rust on the surface. If they are not present, we skip this step. If there is, we take a sandpaper or a drill with a grinding nozzle in our hands and clean the damaged coating.

putty. Deep chips and dents need to be puttied, otherwise they will be visible under the paint, and under any other coating.
Degreasing. It is carried out using solvents or conventional detergents.
Hardware protection. Everything that is filmed, we film. The rest of the parts that should not get paint are sealed with masking tape.

This the instructions will be relevant for all other methods decorative design refrigerators and other equipment, which I will also talk about. You can watch the video at the end of the article in more detail and more clearly.

But for now, about how to paint the refrigerator.

Regular painting

Best of all, it will lie on the surface and paint on metal will hold well on it. It comes in jars and aerosol cans. Choose the one that is more convenient.

Painting with a brush or roller is longer and more difficult- it is difficult to achieve perfect uniformity of application. But you can do it right on the spot.

Spray paint applies quickly and evenly. But it needs more free space to work. There is a risk of staining the floor and walls, so everything around needs to be covered with a film. In addition, sprayed paint can be inhaled. Therefore, it is better to work not at home at all, but in the open air.

Instead of the usual, you can take slate paint, it also comes in different colors. With its help, you can not only update the old refrigerator, but also turn its walls into convenient writing boards. It can be recipes, a list of products, or just messages left by your family.

Painting with a simple pattern

If you do not like the monotonous surface, you can apply multi-colored stripes to the refrigerator, decorate it with geometric shapes or ornaments. And so that the transitions between different colors turned out clear, you need to use masking tape.

It is temporarily glued along pre-marked borders, and then carefully removed.

When one color is completely dry, the tape is limited to areas of another color. And so, depending on the number of selected shades.

Painting in a car service

If you don’t want to repaint the refrigerator at home, you can take it to a car body painting shop. This is exactly what my friends did not so long ago.

The advantages of this method:

No dirt and odor in the apartment;
Color fastness, since after coating it is dried in special chambers;
The ability to apply to the surface of any pattern with an airbrush. Of course, if this service is provided in the workshop.

In large cities there are specialized companies that deal specifically with airbrushing not only on cars, but also on furniture, household appliances and any other things.

And now about other ways of decorating:

Method 1 - painting

Do not think that refrigerator painting is available only to those who draw very well. Of course, it will be much easier for such people to decorate it by showing their imagination and coming up with a drawing that will best match the interior in terms of design and color.

For people without artistic abilities, other ways have been devised to update the refrigerator with your own hands. They are based on the use of stencils. You can take:

Finished stencil. It is fixed on the surface with adhesive tape, and the space inside the slots is filled with paint.

Homemade stencil. You can find a suitable pattern or ornament, print it on a printer and cut it out. And then use it for its intended purpose. If this is a single drawing, plain paper is used as the basis. If it is repetitive, then it is better to transfer the pattern to transparent plastic. For example, on a plastic office folder.

Anti-stencil. The pattern is obtained in the opposite way: the paint is sprayed over the stencil. And when it is removed, an unpainted drawing remains in its place.

As an anti-stencil, you can use tree leaves, lace napkins, flowers cut out of paper, etc.

Method 2 - decoupage

Don't want to paint? Can't draw? I propose another original way decor: do-it-yourself refrigerator decoupage. It is hardly necessary to explain what it is, but suddenly someone does not know?

In fact, this is an ordinary paper application, which is varnished for beauty and reliability. It does not allow the picture to get dirty and peel off when washing the surface.

Surfaces can be given a relief, cracks can be arranged on it, imitating antiquity, covered with gilding. But this is hardly appropriate in our case, because kitchen appliances need to be washed. Therefore, I do not advise you not to be smart.

Pictures on the refrigerator can be printed on a color printer, cut out from magazines, or drawn by yourself. But more often for this purpose they use decoupage cards sold in art stores or colored multilayer napkins. Because the thinner the paper, the more natural the decor looks.

This method can be combined with painting and painting elements. Here, for example, is how the refrigerator is decoupage with napkins:

Image	Description
	Step 1 Cut out the design from the napkin with sharp scissors.
	Step 2 Carefully peel off the top layer.
	Step 3 We leave a few pictures whole, and cut the rest, removing a few berries and changing the size and shape of the bunch. We will need a few separate leaves.
	Step 4 We glue the pictures on the refrigerator with PVA glue. We apply it with a soft brush directly on top of the picture, smoothing it from the center to the edges.
	Step 5 With a soft pencil draw twigs and antennae
	Step 6 We take acrylic paints and paint over the branches with brown. We circle the antennae in green.
	Step 7 We apply glare to the berries with white paint. And wait for the paint to dry.
	Step 8 We cover the entire refrigerator with acrylic varnish in two layers and admire the result.

This technique is good because it allows you to mask individual dents and scratches without repainting the entire unit. But if desired and if the composition requires it, you can first apply a layer of colored paint.

Method 3 - pasting with a film

Another way to decorate your refrigerator without using paint is to cover it with vinyl wrap. It is self-adhesive, so no other Supplies will not need.

The method of pasting depends on the purpose of the alteration. Namely: do you want to completely change the image of a “cold friend” or just embellish it.

Full pasting

In modern built-in kitchens, the refrigerator is often knocked out of a slender row of furniture, sharply differing from it in a different color. Or, as in our case, placed next to the furniture in the living room, it looks alien.

In such cases, the film on the refrigerator will help out. It is sold in rolls and pleases with an abundance of colors and patterns.

The range includes plain and multi-colored films, as well as with a variety of patterns, including those imitating natural materials.

It is not so easy to stick such a coating evenly, without wrinkles, folds and bubbles. Manufacturers recommend doing this by gradually removing the backing from the adhesive layer and smoothing the already glued part with a rubber spatula.

I like the other way better:

I completely remove the backing from the cut piece, laying it face down on the table.
Then I spray with water from the sprayer both the film and the surface to be glued.
As a result, the refrigerator film slides easily over the surface during gluing. It can be moved, achieving a given position and easily squeezing out air bubbles.
After a while, the water will evaporate and the coating will stick to the walls.

Partial pasting

We recall decoupage and act in the same way, cutting out individual fragments from the film. The only difference is that we do not need any glue or varnish. Because there is already an adhesive layer on the film, and she herself is not afraid of moisture.

Even easier - use stickers-stickers. They are sold in many supermarkets and stores selling household goods. The price is low, the range for every taste, and all the design work will take just a few minutes.

And finally, one more option: colored tape. Stick it with parallel stripes, criss-cross lines or any ornament, and the refrigerator will be unrecognizable.

Conclusion

In the video in this article detailed master class to update the refrigerator with self-adhesive. Pay attention to careful surface preparation. It is always necessary, no matter what you choose to decorate your technique: painting, painting or decoupage.

These methods themselves, as you can see, are quite simple to perform and are available for implementation at home. I look forward to your comments and will be happy to answer your questions!

The result when painting the refrigerator is much better than if you try to paste over the refrigerator with a film. In order for the film to lie flat on the surface of the refrigerator, you will have to work hard to prevent the formation of air bubbles or wrinkles. Staining allows for a more even surface.

The process of painting the refrigerator has some peculiarities, but with careful attention they are easily resolved. If desired, with the help of painting it is possible not only to give beautiful view old coating, but also lead new refrigerator in accordance with the interior of the kitchen.

How to paint a refrigerator

Enamel for painting cars in spray cans is far from being an option for painting a refrigerator, although it may seem so.

The refrigerator is most often painted in or, in rare cases, taken out to the balcony. If you use spray paint, its smallest particles will settle on furniture, walls and floors. In addition, even dust is impregnated with paint - after it settles on the floor, it can only be removed with a solvent. Cleaning with white spirit is not particularly pleasant, and if taking the refrigerator out into the open is not possible, it is better to use a roller for painting.

Of course, when painting with a roller, it will not be possible to achieve a smooth and uniform coating, as with aerosol spraying, but there will be much less cleaning. We must also remember that even a respirator will not save even a respirator from getting into the respiratory organs, so aerosols are only suitable for open space.

Still, if desired, you can use automotive enamel. But epoxy paint, some of the acrylic coloring compounds will do.

Coloring technology

To paint the refrigerator, you need to stock up in advance with paint and a roller, clean rags, film, newspapers, cook detergent, sponge, adhesive tape.

The surface of the refrigerator should be properly washed and dried. In order not to stain anything around, cover the interior items with a film, cover the floor with newspapers. Provide room ventilation.

It is best to first test the paint on an area of the surface that is not conspicuous - this will help make sure that the color and tone are chosen correctly. It is advisable to remove the accessories from the refrigerator or seal it with masking tape.

When painting with an aerosol, the can must be kept at a distance of 30 cm from the surface. It is necessary to apply paint in uniform movements, directing them from left to right.

The painted refrigerator is dried for about half an hour, then you can apply paint with another layer. If a roller is chosen for applying paint, it is better to choose a not very wide one.

Sooner or later appearance household appliances deteriorates, and we have to figure out how to paint the refrigerator at home. Of course, it will not look like new, but we will be able to radically change its design.

This opportunity should not be missed, therefore below we will describe the key stages in the process of restoring the appearance of the refrigerator.

Tools and materials

Paint selection

The first, and most relevant question - what paint can be used to paint the refrigerator?

Of course, there is no single correct answer to it, therefore, you will have to choose from several options:

Initially, refrigerators are painted with enamel paints, and therefore it is quite logical to use them to restore the appearance. Moreover, for work you can use both enamels in jars and car paints in aerosol cans.
Enamels have quite a few advantages: high-quality adhesion, durability, and pleasant. As for the disadvantages, they are associated with a fairly high toxicity of solvents.

Note!
Car enamels usually contain components that provide resistance to weathering.
For our purpose, these substances do not play a special role, so it is not worth overpaying for ultra-resistant paint.

Epoxy paints. By their own performance characteristics these pigments are almost identical to enamels, but the process of applying them is more complicated. In addition, the price of a quality epoxy composition is quite high.
Acrylic mixes. Since a fairly small amount of paint is needed for our purpose, choosing acrylic can be considered a budget solution. According to their characteristics, acrylic pigments are inferior to enamels, but for the operation of a refrigerator at home, their margin of safety and durability is quite sufficient.

Note!
Another plus of acrylic is a wide palette.
If you are planning to implement original decor, the issue of color matching can become quite acute, so acrylic will be a good solution.

When choosing which paint to paint the refrigerator, do not forget about restorative compounds. If the walls of the product are touched by rust, Zinga conductive paint or other materials containing zinc or aluminum granules will help prevent corrosion.

What will we paint?

Each option has both pros and cons:

longer, and the surface quality may be somewhat worse.
On the other hand, using a roller and brushes for subtle decorations will allow us to do the job more accurately, avoiding paint on the floor and walls.
it is desirable if it is possible either to take the refrigerator to a sufficiently large open space, or to completely protect the environment from pollution. The result of using the spray gun is a thin-layer uniform coating.
Even with the help of a spray gun, nitro paints are usually applied, but for small areas it can be replaced with an aerosol can.

Note!
Fire-retardant paints for metal Polistil and other similar products can also be sprayed with a spray gun.
True, using them to restore the refrigerator cannot be called justified, so it is better to use more suitable compounds.

If you plan to combine colors, then you need to use plastic wrap and masking tape to separate the sections. You should not use ordinary sticky tape: the glue leaves traces on which the paint then does not adhere well.

staining technique

Object preparation

Before repainting the refrigerator, it must be carefully prepared.

It is done like this:

We turn off the device and transfer it to where the painting will be performed. Naturally, all products from the chambers must be removed!
We remove all fittings, and if this is not provided for by the design, we close those parts that do not need to be painted with masking tape.
Thoroughly wash the surface of the refrigerator using an anti-grease product. After washing, dry the device.

Rusty areas and the place where the paint peels off the base, clean and grind. If necessary, we carry out alignment with a quick-hardening putty.
We process the refrigerator with a degreaser.

When the degreased surface is completely dry, you can start painting.

Refrigerator decoration

Painting instructions include the following items:

Before starting work, we protect the floor and walls from drops by laying newspapers and laying polyethylene.
We stick adhesive tape on the degreased surface, denoting the boundaries between the painted areas.
We spray the paint from a can or a spray gun in an even layer from a distance of about 30 cm. We move the nozzle from top to bottom so that there are no streaks left.
If a roller is used, then we collect a small amount of paint on it and move with vertical strokes.

Advice!
To find out how the paint will lay down, we start processing from the area that will be facing the wall.

After processing, dry the paint. The time depends on the composition: from a few minutes for nitro paints to two to three hours for acrylic paints.
We carefully examine the painted surfaces. If necessary, we carry out re-painting, eliminating all defects.

As for the decor, it can be applied in several ways:

The most common technology is surface finishing with vinyl stickers. They perfectly mask defects and can radically change the appearance of the entire kitchen.

You can also write front side refrigerator acrylic paints. True, in order to protect the drawing, it will need to be varnished.

Conclusion

Recommendations on how to paint the refrigerator with your own hands should be followed as accurately as possible, otherwise the applied paint will begin to peel off quite quickly and the work will have to be repeated. The video in this article will help you master the restoration technology, so we advise you to carefully study it before starting painting.