Appliance Painting

[geextrarinse]

Ok Guys - I'm very excited to have been offered a really great 1940's model Westinghouse Refrigerator. Granted I have no home to put it in yet, it will remain in storage until such a time. My question is for all of you guys who have had appliances painted to give them a face lift. This Fridge is white or used to be and I'd probably like to paint it Pink. Yeah I know... but its just perfect for it! - Its in great shape and has been in the basement of an old farmhouse my aunt has been living in - I had no idea it was there and its such a beast that no one has wanted to move it - but I refuse to let it go to waste as they are selling the house. Aside from a good paint job its in perfect condition! So this is my latest project to consider - any info you guys have would be great! I'd like to know about how to get the right color, who to ask, and how much does it actually cost?

Thanks!
Matthew

Pics to come...

 

[sudsmaster]

Hey, I have a 40's GE fridge that only needs a paint job too. (And a new door gasket, of course).

I have considered several different possibilities:

1) Spray painting with handheld cans of appliance paint purchased at appliance parts store.

2) Spray painting with good quality enamel using compressed air sprayer.

3) Spray painting with automotive catalyzed urethane (requires spray booth and respirator).

4) Powder coating (not sure that is practical, as I understand it must be baked on, which could damage the refrigeration components).

Of all of these, I woudl prefer #3, but access to the proper spray paint booth can be an issue. I already have the spraying equipment and respirator.

The interior of the fridge is in great shape, and it's nice to see something that's all metal and glass with no plastic (except for the flat inner door panel, which appears to be some sort of plastic). The previous owner was a neighbor who gave this fridge to me when he sold his home and retired up north. He had it working in his garage and said it works just fine.

I'll also try to post a photo, but I don't want to steal your thunder... so you first!

 

[rickr]

Refinishing vintage appliances

Hi Matthew,
Congratulations on your Westinghouse fridge. My parents had one of those old Westinghouse fridges in the basement years ago. Dad had it painted yellow. Loved the rounded corners.

If you really want it to look right,the refinishing job must be done by a professional painter,with experiance in refinishing metals. I have a friend that works as the painter at an auto body shop,so that is who does my stuff. He uses single stage automotive grade paint,which is great for appliances. Automotive grade paint is made to take the punishment of the outdoor elements. So it really is the way to go.
I cannot tell you what the costs would be. My friend only charges me for paint and materials. The cost of p&m for these 58 Maytags was $75.00 Some body shops do paint appliances,so call around to get a general idea of the costs. It should not be more than $150.00,if the fridge is not dented anywhere.
You will need to take something to the body shop that is the color and shade of what you want your fridge to be. Even if you just take a photo of a pink appliance,it will help the painter to match the color. The pink porcelain tops of these Maytags were ok,so my friend used that color to choose the shade for the rest of the cabinets. He used a Mary Kay Cadillac pink,and "doctored" it up,to match the porcelain tops,then painted the cabinets. They turned out perfect.

 

[rickr]

65 Kenmores

My friend used a "doctored up" Mazda blue on these,and created the turquoise color for these.

If you use spray cans,roller,brush,or anything else,it will cause more work (and $$$) to remove,to do the job correctly. So if you want it to look spectacular,wait and have it done by a professional.

 

[tomturbomatic]

Matthew, Congratulations on your find. What is the condition of the door gasket? You might as well start with a basic need to make or keep the box operational. If the box needs a new gasket, see what your gasket-supply situation is. The problem with most repainted refrigerators is what happens to the new paint on the front edge of the box where the door gasket closes against it. Over time, the paint begins to be pulled off the front edge of the box by the door gasket. It has to do with pressure and chemicals in the vinyl that soften the paint. Maybe there are new ways to prevent the paint from coming off the area where the gasket seals against the box, but it is something that needs to be discussed with a paint professional. Some appliance painters just leave that area unpainted since it is not very visible when the door is closed. I am happy that you found this family treasure. I hope that you are able to enjoy it for a long time by taking care of basics to keep it looking and operating like a dream.
Tom

 

[mayken4now]

See also Gansky1 for painting tips.

He posted on super sometime ago about painting.

Personally, I'd go with rickr.

Professional!

Steve

 

[goatfarmer]

I've painted a few fridges over the years.Last couple were done with a $59.00 spraygun,a good compressor,and Rustoleum enamel.Repainted a 66 Frigidaire white,and repainted an almond Whirlpool.They came out looking good,no runs or anything.Having a place to do it is important,as well as surface prep.

kennyGF

 

[Maytagmom]

Painting appliances

I have to agree with the majority...

Automotive painting is what I used on the 1935 NorthStar Refrigerator. Just so happens my brother does this, and had the spray guns and compressor. I got lucky.

It was about 1986, and we used some sort of Ford Cream color, he used on an old Toyota Celica I had at the time, and it turned out great.

Fast forward to 2001...it was in dire need of another paint job because of the numerous moves, etc.

Being strapped for money at the time, I got several cans of some white paint from WallyWorld. Came out ok, but lacks that shine. I don't recommend spray can paint...you get what you pay for.

Will wait for another move before I do another restoration on it.

Good luck and be sure to post pics.

 

[Maytagmom]

One more thing....

Powder coating is awesome, but good only for ALL metal parts.

Did a couple of Antique Iron beds in this, a few Harleys,(Tanks/frames/fenders) and the paint is virtually impossible to chip and scatch.