Today I have a quick and easy DIY for you, the best kind right? I love how this project came out. I have to tell you though, if you think this is frivolous my husband would agree. He was just shaking his head when he realized what I was up to, regardless of his lack of interest I think that our kitchen looks much better now!
Every time I looked into our kitchen all I could see was that massive black side to our refrigerator. I felt like it took over the room! I thought of some options to change it but they all seemed kind of complicated, like building in a white enclosure to match the cabinets or buying a new fridge (which was a bad idea because this fridge is new–it came with the house–and works great). One day I decided to google to see if there was a solution, I was thinking some sort of gray paint, but instead I found this ready-made paint kit.
This seemed relatively low-risk. I just wanted something that would help the side of the fridge blend in with the whiter and lighter tones in our kitchen and at about $25 was definitely cheaper and easier than my other two ideas. Here is the kit I used and it was plenty (note this kit is larger to do a whole fridge) of product for what I needed to do.
See the big black rectangle? It always seemed to dominate any picture of the kitchen like a black hole. I definitely would recommend this for any appliance you want to change the color of like a range hood, microwave, dishwasher panel, even a washing machine, it gives anything a stainless steel look.
To begin, I gave the side of the fridge a good cleaning with glass cleaner (per the instructions) and then mixed the product very well.
I started brushing on the first coat of paint. I used a foam brush but in hindsight, I think a small foam roller would have been better. Here’s how it looked when it first went on.
After one coat, while it didn’t look finished the room immediately became brighter without the big black square to dominate the space.
Several more coats in it really started looking like I hoped. This project took four coats of the base layer paint before I was happy with the coverage. You first paint strokes on horizontally, then vertically, but with a relatively small area it only took a few minutes to add another coat and then it only had to dry for about an hour. I was pleased to find there were crazy fumes and the product cleaned up just with water.
I finished it off with a very thin coat of the top coat, which gives it the shine you associate with stainless steel. Since this is just the side of a fridge I didn’t want too much shine, just a thin layer to help reflect the light. Done and done!
If you look closely you might be able to tell this isn’t the factory finish, but I can’t believe anyone would be scrutinizing the side of our fridge!?Immediately when I walked into the room the space felt more cohesive and restful.
While someday we hope to replace the busy granite countertop, without the big black hole I think it looks much better in here.
One more quick project to share. I picked up this menu at Staples not too long ago since my kids ask me what is for dinner pretty much when they eat breakfast, and this helps prepare them for what is to come, like it or not!
I just hung it with some heavy duty velcro (so useful for attaching things to walls and surfaces without adding a hook), this way I can pull it down to write on it each week when I do my weekly meal planning.
My next thought is to replace the square chrome knobs that came with the house with something in a brass finish for more warmth but I can’t settle on what style I want. There is always a “next” on the to-do list right? That is the fun of it!
Here is an “easy to pin” image so you can save this project!
Just a reminder how easy this project was. My husband still thinks it was unnecessary but I see a difference so I consider it well worth it 🙂
XO,
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The post on painting appliances is so comical to me..Years ago my Mom redid her kitchen in black and white and had a copper refrigerator .So she painted it flat black to match.Of course it was not the thing to do then. And Dad was in shock to see it.A great memory was visited thanks to your post.
That’s funny! I am sure we’ll all look back on stainless appliances as we do the avocado green of the 1970’s! I think I would have liked your mom–she was ahead of her time! XO, Amy
Amy, Amy, Amy!! I so relate to what you’ve done! ha When living in our first home the appliances were gold. At some point they had to go though hubby was not receptive buying replacements, because after all these worked! It’s best not to leave me alone at home when I’m wanting to get something done…..one day when he left for work, and I was home, I painted the electric stove (quartz top) and the dishwasher front and was so happy with the results. What a difference!! Finally convinced hubby to be rid of the refrigerator because it was OLD! Based on comments your hubby said this is why I NEVER do these projects when my hubby is home because he will inquire WHY? and what are you doing? does this really need to be done? Based on his retirement involvement as a volunteer in forest restoration, he’s gone a lot and yours truly always has some project in mind for when he’s gone………and can’t wait for him to leave so I can begin! lol
LOVE what you have done!! And between you and Christy you both make me more fearless than I already am……. lol
Haha–I didn’t do it intentionally (I just get more done with fewer people around) but my husband did *happen* to be traveling with my oldest son on a college visit when I did this project. I waited to see if he noticed it when he got home 🙂 again, he sort of did an eyeroll and moved on LOL. You are SO right they should not leave us at home for long alone–we’ll for sure find something to paint!
XO,
Amy
It looks great. I have some of that paint, but never used it. Right after I bought it, we ended up getting a new fridge. Maybe I will try it on my white washer and dryer.
This is something I would do, too! I have plenty of projects that cause my husband to shake his head…current example being spray painting all of our old 90s shiny brass door knobs and replacing the hinges. Things like this just make a space look more upscale and “done,” so I totally get it! Looks great!
I think it would be OK–but check the package to see what it says about heat. The paint seems really durable to me, but if it gets too hot surrounding the burners that might be a problem. I just wouldn’t want to promise you it would be OK since I haven’t tried it. If you do, please let me know! XO, Amy
This is such a great idea! We just bought a new house and it has this exact same “issue”. My husband also thinks I’m ridiculous but this is such a great simple solution! Can’t wait to try it. Thanks!
Sharing this on the weekened edit this saturday! thank you! Love the look! laura
Thank you so much! XO, Amy
This is amazing. What a fabulous transformation. Love it.
Thanks Marty, I do think it made a big difference in the overall look of the room… have a great day! XO, Amy
The post on painting appliances is so comical to me..Years ago my Mom redid her kitchen in black and white and had a copper refrigerator .So she painted it flat black to match.Of course it was not the thing to do then. And Dad was in shock to see it.A great memory was visited thanks to your post.
That’s funny! I am sure we’ll all look back on stainless appliances as we do the avocado green of the 1970’s! I think I would have liked your mom–she was ahead of her time! XO, Amy
Great job, Amy! Inspiring!
Thank you so much! I appreciate it 🙂 XO, Amy
Amy, Amy, Amy!! I so relate to what you’ve done! ha When living in our first home the appliances were gold. At some point they had to go though hubby was not receptive buying replacements, because after all these worked! It’s best not to leave me alone at home when I’m wanting to get something done…..one day when he left for work, and I was home, I painted the electric stove (quartz top) and the dishwasher front and was so happy with the results. What a difference!! Finally convinced hubby to be rid of the refrigerator because it was OLD! Based on comments your hubby said this is why I NEVER do these projects when my hubby is home because he will inquire WHY? and what are you doing? does this really need to be done? Based on his retirement involvement as a volunteer in forest restoration, he’s gone a lot and yours truly always has some project in mind for when he’s gone………and can’t wait for him to leave so I can begin! lol
LOVE what you have done!! And between you and Christy you both make me more fearless than I already am……. lol
I had to laugh. I have done the same thing. My husband used to travel on his job some, and when he would leave town, I would start on a new project.
Haha–I didn’t do it intentionally (I just get more done with fewer people around) but my husband did *happen* to be traveling with my oldest son on a college visit when I did this project. I waited to see if he noticed it when he got home 🙂 again, he sort of did an eyeroll and moved on LOL. You are SO right they should not leave us at home for long alone–we’ll for sure find something to paint!
XO,
Amy
It looks great. I have some of that paint, but never used it. Right after I bought it, we ended up getting a new fridge. Maybe I will try it on my white washer and dryer.
Let me know if you do! XO, Amy
This is something I would do, too! I have plenty of projects that cause my husband to shake his head…current example being spray painting all of our old 90s shiny brass door knobs and replacing the hinges. Things like this just make a space look more upscale and “done,” so I totally get it! Looks great!
Thank you so much! XO, Amy
This looks great! Do you know if I could use it on my rv stovetop? Obviously not the burners… just the stove top areas around them. 😁
I think it would be OK–but check the package to see what it says about heat. The paint seems really durable to me, but if it gets too hot surrounding the burners that might be a problem. I just wouldn’t want to promise you it would be OK since I haven’t tried it. If you do, please let me know! XO, Amy
This is such a great idea! We just bought a new house and it has this exact same “issue”. My husband also thinks I’m ridiculous but this is such a great simple solution! Can’t wait to try it. Thanks!
I am so glad you found it helpful! Enjoy your new home 🙂 XO, Amy
Hi! I love this project and have the exact same issue! How has the paint held up over the past few months?
It has held up great! No issues. Definitely do it!
XO,
Amy