Rust really never sleeps...
March 20, 2011 3:55 PM Subscribe
How to cover rust on a refrigerator?
I live in a humid tropical area. Everything rusts. Refrigerators really rust. Any idea how we can cover the rust? I have tried scraping/priming/painting, but the rust comes back. The entire outside is pretty much covered in rust pimples. I donʻt want to replace the fridge, since it works fine and the inside is very pristine.
My husband suggests we cover it with cloth. How can we do that?
I think contact paper would look really bad after a while, so that is not a good option.
Any ideas on what we can use to cover the appliance?
I live in a humid tropical area. Everything rusts. Refrigerators really rust. Any idea how we can cover the rust? I have tried scraping/priming/painting, but the rust comes back. The entire outside is pretty much covered in rust pimples. I donʻt want to replace the fridge, since it works fine and the inside is very pristine.
My husband suggests we cover it with cloth. How can we do that?
I think contact paper would look really bad after a while, so that is not a good option.
Any ideas on what we can use to cover the appliance?
Shucks! I meant Schucks.
posted by mingo_clambake at 4:06 PM on March 20, 2011
posted by mingo_clambake at 4:06 PM on March 20, 2011
It's called "appliance paint", and is generally available in colors associated with a brand name (e.g. "Westinghouse White", etc.). Before you paint, use a small wire brush to clean away the rust. (Steel wool might work, but you need to get into the pits.)
posted by dhartung at 4:16 PM on March 20, 2011
posted by dhartung at 4:16 PM on March 20, 2011
Best answer: Fridges are constructed of an ungalvanized sheet metal. Anti rust paints aren't going to be as effective as they normally are because the rust can come from the inside surface.
It would be unusual however many a rusty car roof has been hidden with a vinyl roof. It'll look as good five years after application as the day you put it on.
If it was me I'd clad it with some stainless sheet. A sheet metal shop could bend an angle down one side so that you could wrap it around the front edge and could bend you pans that can slip over the outside of your doors. You could hold it on with some construction adhesive. Might cost more than the fridge is worth though. Or you could use something like barker board which is a 100% water proof manufactured panelling which is available in several finishes (including a brushed stainless look).
posted by Mitheral at 4:56 PM on March 20, 2011
It would be unusual however many a rusty car roof has been hidden with a vinyl roof. It'll look as good five years after application as the day you put it on.
If it was me I'd clad it with some stainless sheet. A sheet metal shop could bend an angle down one side so that you could wrap it around the front edge and could bend you pans that can slip over the outside of your doors. You could hold it on with some construction adhesive. Might cost more than the fridge is worth though. Or you could use something like barker board which is a 100% water proof manufactured panelling which is available in several finishes (including a brushed stainless look).
posted by Mitheral at 4:56 PM on March 20, 2011
COVER THAT THING IN MAGNETS!
Seriously though, hundreds of magnets. It could be so pretty! Red rust isn't magnetic though, so you'd have to be picky about placement.
posted by thsmchnekllsfascists at 7:24 PM on March 20, 2011 [1 favorite]
Seriously though, hundreds of magnets. It could be so pretty! Red rust isn't magnetic though, so you'd have to be picky about placement.
posted by thsmchnekllsfascists at 7:24 PM on March 20, 2011 [1 favorite]
First, sand as much of the rust as you can off. Then spray it with an industrial rust-inhibiting primer (go to a paint store like Sherwin-Williams for this, not a Home-Depot or anything like that...) Finally, spray a few coats of "appliance epoxy" on it.. This is paint that's specifically made for painting appliances, so it will have a really really smooth texture, and will look like a top-notch professional job!
posted by Glendale at 7:46 PM on March 20, 2011
posted by Glendale at 7:46 PM on March 20, 2011
There is a two part stainless steel paint that is designed for appliance make-overs. (Warning link leads to advertising video.
posted by Gungho at 5:52 AM on March 21, 2011
posted by Gungho at 5:52 AM on March 21, 2011
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posted by mingo_clambake at 4:05 PM on March 20, 2011