Cameron Clark at Chalkboard Fridge

How to Paint a Refrigerator Stainless Steel

To 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.

In 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 Wall Without Paint 1-2-3

What if you want to draw on your wall, but you don’t want to start a chalkboard painting project? Here’s how to make a chalkboard wall without paint – the easy way!

First, you’ll need extra-large chalkboard decals. They typically come in long narrow rolls, so they are simpler to work with.

These wall panels don’t cost a lot, and they’re actually easier to apply than standard wallpaper. Plus, you can simply cut them to size (with a knife or scissors) to custom-fit your space or even a door.

If you have a large wall, for example, you can buy multiple rolls and install them side-by side. Lay them against the wall from top to bottom and flatten them as you go.

Second, you’ll probably wall to have 2 people for the installation. In addition, there are a few supplies you want to have on hand (that you probably already have laying around the house).

Note: These panels have a flat, matte finish, so they make your wall look like an authentic blackboard.

Plus, they work with liquid chalk markers (some chalkboard-painted surfaces don’t work with the markers).

How to Apply a Chalkboard Wall Decal:

Just like other wall decals (and some wallpaper), you simply remove the backing and stick the vinyl chalkboard decal to the wall. That said, I’ve included some tips from the manufacturer.

First of all, you want to clean the wall surface of any dust or dirt. In addition, you want the surface to be flat rather than textured.

For example, this chalkboard sticker will work on glass, tile, metal, wood, smooth plastic and painted walls.

On the other hand, it will not work well on textured wallpaper or heavily-textured paint.

Second, slowly peel the back sheet off and lay the decal on the wall starting at a top corner. (By the way, two people will have an easier time hanging the chalkboard decal than one.)

Press the sticker onto the wall and smooth out any bubbles as you go (demonstrated in the video below). I suggest using something like a smoother, a plastic putty knife or even a hard kitchen spatula.

Note: To maximize the stickiness of the wall decal, unroll it and lay it flat for a day before application. Not to mention, it also makes the product easier to work with.

Steps for How to Make a Chalkboard Wall Without Paint:

The video below explains the supplies you’ll need and steps to take for best results:

How to Clean a Chalkboard Wall:

You can simply use a damp cloth to wipe down your chalkboard. However, the manufacturer recommends using detergent-based wet wipes. They work the best at removing all chalk residue and dust. Not to mention, they’re ultra convenient.

Where Should You Put Your Chalkboard Wall?

I love chalkboard walls because they inspire kids (as well as adults) to get creative. For instance, you can use them for drawing, playing games, doodling, brainstorming or leaving messages.

Plus, these easy-to-install, durable wall panels double as one-of-a-kind decoration for your home. In other words, they can enhance virtually any room of your home (they’re waterproof!)

Think playroom, kitchen, hallway, mudroom, entryway, dining room, closet, living room or home office! With the sophisticated, clean matte black finish, you can make your chalkboard walls look as professional or as playful as you want.

Specs for Vinyl Chalkboard Decals:

Dimensions: 9 Feet Long x 17.8″ Wide
Thickness: 120 Microns (upgraded thickness)
Weight: 8 ounces
Material: PVC Vinyl (Non-Toxic)
Waterproof
Self-Adhesive
Color: Matte Black
Includes Free Chalk
Model #: LX-1R
Brand: MMFB Arts & Crafts
Get the Chalkboard Wall Decal Here

How to Clean a Chalkboard Fridge (3 Easy Ways…)

Yes, you can use an eraser or a damp cloth to wipe away chalk marks on your fridge. However, after long-term use, a chalkboard surface can get a little, well, “chalky” looking.

Personally, I like my chalkboard surface looking clean and bright, so I use a chalkboard cleaning kit. It just looks more impressive. Plus, a darker surface helps chalk stand out more.

The refrigerator does take up a significant amount of visible space in the kitchen. Therefore, it makes sense that you would want it to look somewhat presentable.

Over time, you might want to get rid of that chalky look and start off with a clean slate (pardon the pun). That said, why not have it looking clean and fresh everyday, right? It doesn’t take much effort at all.

Note: This also gives you the option of having a plain black fridge without any chalk on it for a while. (We’ll see how long that lasts…)

3 Ways: How to Clean a Chalkboard

1. VersaChalk Chalkboard Cleaning Kit or Chalkola Cleaning Kit

This versatile chalkboard cleaning kit actually cleans blackboards and whiteboards. In addition, it can remove chalk pen and dry erase marker ink from other surfaces.

The kit includes Magic Erasers (amazing for removing pretty much any scuffs or marks anywhere) plus a microfiber cloth. The spray itself contains only natural ingredients, yet it quickly and effectively cleans chalk off a board, better than you might think.

Note: Microfiber works really well at magnetically attracting dust off the surface of your chalkboard. Even if you don’t use this kit, I highly recommend getting microfiber clothes to get your chalkboards really clean.

2. ZenErase Chalkboard Cleaner

Another option you can use is a spray cleaner. You spray the solution on your chalkboard surface and then wipe it off with a clean cloth.

Get chalk residue off your fridge, along with smudges and fingerprints too.

Tip: The key is to use a small amount of cleaner – a little goes a long way here.

3. Microfiber Chalkboard Erasers

As I mentioned above, microfiber fabric works well at removing chalk dust (due to its magnetizing factor). That said, towels can sometimes be cumbersome and messy to use.

Many people prefer something with a handle that you can easily grab and push around the board. Plus, this method conveniently keeps chalk dust off of your hands.

I like microfiber chalkboard erasers because you can remove the pads and wash them. Therefore, you can use them over and over, so they last longer.

Interestingly, you can use them in other areas of your home, such as cleaning countertops, windows, fingerprints from appliances, etc.. If you’ll use them more often, I suggest getting a larger multi-pack to save money.

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