Can You Really Paint a Fridge
with Chalkboard Paint?
Most people don’t ever think about painting their fridge. However, it is not a difficult DIY project, and it can completely transform the look of an old refrigerator.
Basically, we can get a new-looking, stylish refrigerator for the fraction of the price of buying one new.
We also have the ability to customize by color to either match or contrast the rest of our existing kitchen (yes, chalkboard paint can be tinted!).
Can I Use Chalkboard Paint?
Yes, you can paint a fridge with chalkboard paint, and the finished look is pretty impressive. It does not take long to do, but you do want to take your time to achieve a more polished look.
You just need a few supplies:
- Chalkboard paint
- A foam paint roller or painting kit
- A fine or angled paintbrush
- Painter’s tape
- Fine grit sandpaper
- A screwdriver (for removing the door handle if necessary)
- A rag or cloth
Doing the work yourself is a very inexpensive way to get a unique, custom look that can freshen up your entire kitchen. Besides being functional and stylish – a chalkboard painted fridge is functional and fun.
Tips on Refrigerator Paint:
Although you can use a paintbrush, using a sponge roller will help you avoid brush marks when. Chalkboard paint also comes in a spray can, which can also help you avoid brush marks, but this will cost you more.
If you want your fridge to be magnetic, purchase a magnetic primer to apply underneath the chalkboard paint. This can be a nice feature, but it will make your project more expensive. Magnetic primer actually costs more than the chalkboard paint itself. Just a heads up.
Be prepared to apply 2 coats of paint, and some professionals recommend applying 3 coats. This may seem simple – just make sure you get enough paint
In the book Pro Painting Tips by the editors of The Family Handyman, they recommend keeping a “wet edge” when using a roller to avoid unwanted lines and stripes. This means that you only want to paint over wet paint as your are moving the roller back and forth. Don’t wait for the paint to dry, as this can result in strips or lines.
Steps for Painting a Fridge
- Remove the door handle and unplug the fridge.
- Lightly sand the surface of the refrigerator with a fine grit sandpaper. This will help the paint adhere to the surface. You don’t need to sand the original paint completely off.
- Wipe down the surface with a clean damp rag, let dry.
- Tape off any exposed edges.
- Paint the first coat. The paint may look different than you expect, but don’t worry. It’s normal.
- Wait for the first coat to dry completely before adding the second coat.
Thoughts & Ideas from Experienced Painters…
Let’s say the original fridge color is white. The appliance is likely to have a white handle. This is not a problem with a chalkboard refrigerator because the white chalk makes the white handle fit right in. See what I mean here.
If your fridge has plastic vent parts that you want to paint, don’t use the chalkboard paint. Instead, use a matching (or not, it’s up to) paint designed to be used on plastic surfaces. This way it will not chip easily. You can usually find it in the spray paint can section.
There is not a “fridge Paint” per say. Epoxy paint is designed for use on appliances, but chalkboard paint on a refrigerator works when you lightly sand the surface and use multiple coats.
Check out how great a finished chalkboard fridge looks…
Get Chalkboard Paint for $10 or Get the Complete Kit