Not really an appliance but a paint question

[tudor]

Well, I have just had my ugly old kitchen rehabbed, but I didn't quite have the money for a new stove and fridge yet. Besides, the old ones still run pretty good. But they look bad next to all the new stuff. Is there some kind of metallic paint that looks like stainless steel that I could use on them while I save up for new ones? I'd prefer something that goes on with a roller or brush if possible. Or: has anyone had experience with so-called appliance foil--soft metal foil with adhesive backing? Thanks.

[Dan O.]

Caution on cooktop

"Paint" will not usually be able to use on the cooktop of a range. Due to the high heats usually found there, paint will usually discolor in a short time and end up looking worse than before. The original surface is porcelain coated to withstand the heat.

Other surfaces of the appliance *might* be able to be painted (around the vent area of a range might also be a problem though). The only such paint product I've heard of was called Liquid Stainless Steel. I have not had any experience with it myself, only regular appliance paints. I have also never personally seen nor had any experience with faux stainless steel films.

An alternative for the fridge might be a stainless steel panel kit although it would likely be considerably more expensive than any paint or film product but likely considerably less than a whole new stainless steel fridge.

JMO

Dan O.
www.Appliance411.com
The Appliance Information Site
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[tudor]

Thanks! I had some reservations about using paint on high temperature surfaces too (especially on top of the old-style electric stove). But might try the Liquid Stainless Steel on the fridge, which will probably be the last to go. There are a lot of chrome finish products for cars and bikes but they all seem to be for spray applications.

[Dan O.]

might try the Liquid Stainless Steel on the fridge

At least if it didn't do a good job, it could be covered up afterwards with a panel kit if worse came to worse. That wouldn't usually be possible if you ruined the stove top finish.

If you try it, let us know how it turns out.

Dan O.
www.Appliance411.com
The Appliance Information Site
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[tudor]

the finished product



At long last, here is what the fridge looks like after the Liquid Stainless Steel treatment. I'm pretty satisfied with it overall. It's much better than the old two-tone white fridge with beige door at least. If I were a more fastidious painter it would be even better but I missed a few spots. Drips can be sanded and retouched later, or so the literature says.

The main issue is that the process is time-consuming (like a lot of other things I guess). You paint, then wait an hour, do a second paint coat, then wait 2 hours. Then you apply finish (once for flat finish, then wait an hour and do a second coat if you want a glossy finish).

[Dan O.]

Glad to hear you're satified with it. Thanks for letting us know how it turned out.

Dan O.
www.Appliance411.com
The Appliance Information Site
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