One of the most expensive aspects of a kitchen renovation can often be replaced just so all of your appliances match, which often seems like a waste.
If there is nothing wrong with the functionality of your appliances and you are not intending to replace them with more efficient units, there is little point in switching them out every time you want a new look. Instead, hold on to your old appliances and match them to your ideal décor with one of these simple refinishing techniques:
- Appliance Spray Paint:
Available at many home improvement and hardware stores, appliance paint is fairly inexpensive and available in the most common colors including stainless steel, white, black, and even almond. It will take a few hours to paint your entire fridge and you will need to follow safety precautions such as wearing protective equipment and working in a well-ventilated area, but this is still one of the easiest ways to change the look of your fridge. Simply sand the surface to prepare it and spray the paint on evenly. You do not need to remove the door, although it may make the process somewhat easier. Be sure to cover any surfaces you do not wish to paint with painter’s tape before beginning.
- Auto Body Shop:
The easiest way to get a fancy fridge is to take it to people who are well experienced in painting large metal items. Whether you want a simple all-over color or something fancy like pinstripes or plaid, your local auto body shop can probably do it and it won’t cost as much as a new fridge!
- Waxing:
If you don’t want to change the color of your fridge but simply want to make it look newer, giving it a good clean and a wax can do a lot to rehabilitate your older fridge so it matches your brand new kitchen designing. In many cases, fridges lose their appeal because tiny pits of rust form on the surface and give it the appearance of being dirty. Wash your fridge carefully with soapy water and a soft sponge on flat surfaces and a dish scrubber on textured or pebbled ones. Allow the surface to dry completely and then apply carnauba car wax and buff the surface to a high shine.
- Contact Paper and Film:
Inexpensive and available in a wide variety of colors, styles, patterns, and themes, these low maintenance methods can be used to dress up your fridge with no fumes or mess. They are great for people with small spaces who cannot easily remove their fridge to a well-ventilated area for painting. Appliance film is also available in elegant finishes and fake metals to help you create a wide variety of styles.
- Change the Paneling:
Some makes and models of fridge may allow for panels to be removed and replaced with ones made of other materials or in other colors. Contact your fridge manufacturer to find out if your fridge can be altered in this way. There are also some dedicated companies who can switch out panels for you in order to better match your new décor.
Author Bio:
Gina Brewton has been in the home improvement industry for the past 7 years. She is a mom of 2 kids. She is also a part time interior designer. She has her interests in cooking, photography, craft and painting. Follow her on twitter@ginabrewton.