How to Paint a Refrigerator Stainless Steel

Kitchen Appliances Painted with Stainless Steel PaintTo most people, stainless steel appliances have the look of sophistication, quality and elegance. However, they come with a significantly higher price tag – especially refrigerators.

So, what if you could transform your white or black fridge into a modern and industrial-looking stainless steel appliance… simply by using paint? Well, you can!

I was actually surprised by how easy the project is, and how realistic the final result turns out. That said, you need to have patience. There are a few tricks of the trade that I recommend you follow below.

“Can You Paint Stainless Steel?”

Now hold on, I’m not talking about silver paint that’s cheap-looking and leaves your fridge looking worse than when you started. I’m talking about paint that actually has stainless steel in it. It is super durable, so it doesn’t chip or even show fingerprints. Some people even call it “liquid stainless steel”.

It’s pretty darn cool, if you ask me. Plus, it’s an easy way to update the look of your kitchen without spending thousands of dollars.

Cheap Stainless Steel RefrigeratorIn fact, you can even get a high-quality, easy-to-use kit that includes all of the special paint and brushes you need, including a clear top coat finish to give your fridge a new, finished look that doesn’t show fingerprints or chip. (Less than $100!)

Stainless steel paint does cost more that chalkboard paint, or other types for that matter. If you are looking for a super cheap way to renovate your fridge, this is not your best option.

That said, if you don’t want to spend over $1,000 on a new appliance, this is a nice option to have.

Note: Wondering if you can paint your dishwasher and oven to match? Wonder no longer – you can!

What else can you do?

  • Cabinet Handles
  • Sink Fixtures
  • Furniture Trim
  • Small Countertop Appliances like Toasters

Think of all the money you’ll save. Then, check out this short video below to see a real-life demo of how it’s done:


Transform Your Fridge for $80

By the way, if you like saving money by faux-finishing appliances, you may interested in countertop refinishing ideas. For example, you can get faux stone re-finishing kits for countertops or spray paint a counter or wall to look like concrete.

How to Make a Chalkboard Table

Chalkboard tables are super easy and inexpensive to make. Virtually any table can be converted to a chalkboard with chalkboard paint – or you can build a table from scratch.

My chalkboard table does double-duty as a coffee table and a to-do list. I work from home, so this is a great way to organize my projects and keep me focused. I can also doodle if I feel like it.

Chalkboard tables are also great for kids and families. You can write messages on them, play games or bring out your inner artist. They can be used as coffee tables, sawhorse tables or desks, craft areas or even your kitchen dining table.

How to Make a Sawhorse Chalkboard Desk

Saw Horse Desk: How to Make a Chalkboard TableAs far as large tables go, a sawhorse table is about the easiest and most versatile table you can make. The reason is that you can take it apart and move it around easily (with a hollow core door).

All you need is a door and a pair of sawhorses. Alternatively, you can make your own sawhorses with a set of sawhorse brackets and 2×4’s. Making your own sawhorses of course takes more time and effort, but there is an added benefit….

You can change out your sawhorse legs to make your table different heights. For example, standard table height, standing desk/bar table height and coffee table height. You only need one door, but you can switch out the legs when you need tables for different purposes without having to make an entirely new table.

And if that wasn’t enough, you can add a couple of 2×4’s underneath one length of the door to create a tilt in the desk surface.

Buy or Make Sawhorse Table Legs

There are several options when it comes to sawhorses. You can go with metal, wood or heavy duty plastic. Most are designed to carry a heavy load, so your choice really comes down to how much you want to spend and the look you want to create with your table.

My special, super-secret technique for sawhorse legs:

I make my sawhorse legs with 2×4’s and brackets. I cut the 2×4’s to size, do a light sanding and seal with either a clear varnish or stain. Not much to it.

The height measurements I use:

– For a standing desk I cut 2×4’s to 36″, which gives me a table height of about 40″
– For a standard table I cut 2×4’s to 26″, which gives me a table height of about 30″



Stanley 060864R Folding Sawhorse (2-Pack)


Fulton D300 Sawhorse Bracket


Stanley 60622 Folding Adjustable Sawhorse (2-Pack)

Chalkboard Painting Tips

I made the mistake of painting my homemade chalkboard table when it was cold. I then proceeded to paint with a roller instead of a brush. The result was thick, clumpy paint and a very textured door. Not ideal for drawing on.

The solution was fixable, but time consuming. I had to sand down the entire door and re-paint with a brush. My chalkboard table is still not entirely smooth, but it works.

By the way, I painted the reverse side of my door table and the door edges with regular black spray paint. I used gloss because that’s what I had, but I think flat paint would work just fine.

My suggestions are to:

– Not paint on a cold day
– Paint with a brush
– Make sure your painting surface is clean and smooth.
– Chalkboard Art – How to Do It

…Or Buy a Chalkboard Table

OK. I get it. You want a chalkboard table, but you don’t want to make it yourself. I’m fine with that. It takes time, and your first try may not look as good as the one you can buy at the store. Here is a cool one that you can buy – and it doesn’t cost a lot of money either. =)

Chalkboard Table Plans:


TIP: Did you know that you can actually make your own chalkboard paint using regular latex paint and powdered, non-sanded tile grout? Get more information here.

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