How To Paint A Fridge With Chalkboard Paint? Easy Step-by-step Guide

Perhaps you’ve wondered, “How do I paint a fridge with chalkboard paint?” Whenever we hear the word “chalkboard,” our minds immediately go to schools and educators who make use of this classic teaching tool. Who knew, though, that a refrigerator could also be used as a chalkboard? Since you’ll be painting on metal, this do-it-yourself job can be tricky.

You’ll need good quality chalk paint and a brush, but you should also bring lots of patience because drying takes forever. However, by painting your old refrigerator with chalkboard paint, you can not only improve its aesthetic value but also have a lot of fun using it much like an actual chalkboard.

If your youngster has a penchant for drawing on the walls, this will prevent damage to your expensive wallpaper while encouraging his or her artistic development. Now that we’ve established that you’re serious about this, let’s get into the specifics of how to chalk paint your refrigerator. Continue reading!

Steps On Painting A Fridge With Chalkboard Paint

Is it possible to use chalkboard paint on a refrigerator? Before we get into it, though, I just want to reassure you that chalkboard paint will work beautifully on your refrigerator, despite the fact that the surface is metal and polished.

Don’t fret, though; this plan is totally doable for pretty much any freezer out there. In my opinion, you are now prepared to learn how to paint a refrigerator using chalkboard paint. Of course, there are some things you’ll need before you can get started, and they are:

• Cloth or rag
• Toweling or other piece of cloth
• Can be used as an angle or detail brush.
• A painting kit, or a foam roller, might be used to apply the paint.
• To pry open the refrigerator door, a screwdriver
• Sandpaper
• And chalkboard paint, of course

Here are the next measures to be taken:

Step #1. Prepare the unit

First, check to see that the plug has been removed from the wall. Don’t forget that you’re dealing with a potentially dangerous electronic device. Now, if you can, detach the refrigerator’s door handle to expose more of the unit’s surface for painting.

Step#2. Sand the surface of your fridge

If you are familiar with painting metallic surfaces, when prepping the surface, the one who will paint would make sure that the surface is smooth so that there will be no bumps appearing and ensure that the paint will stick on the metallic surface. Furthermore, metal surfaces are typically shiny and slippery, making painting them challenging. That’s why sandpaper is required to provide a uniform finish. However, you can avoid removing all of the paint from your refrigerator by using a different color.

If you have any experience with painting metallic surfaces, you know that the surface must be smoothed down before painting can begin. This is done to prevent paint from chipping off and to ensure that the paint will adhere to the metal. It is also challenging to paint on metal because of its glossy, slippery surface. To get a smooth finish, sandpaper will be required. However, you should not have to completely remove the paint from your refrigerator.

Step #3. Wipe off excess paint to clean the surface

Here, grab a clean towel or rag and wipe the tabletop down. If you want a smooth finish when painting on the chalkboard paint, you must remove all traces of dry paint. After you’ve finished cleaning the fridge, set it aside to dry.

Step #4. Paint the first coat

This is the exciting part: painting the refrigerator chalkboard style! But before you start painting, cover any exposed edges that you don’t want to touch with tape. After that, start painting on the surface. Don’t worry if it looks light. Just leave it to dry.

Here comes the exciting part: covering the refrigerator in blackboard paint! But first, cover the edges you don’t want to paint with tape. The next step is to begin painting directly onto the surface. If it seems flimsy, that’s okay. Simply wait for it to dry.

Also, when the initial coat has dried, a second coat can be applied to make the detail stand out. Once you’ve done that, you’re finished! Let me guess: you painted a chalkboard on your fridge and found the experience enjoyable. Even so, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Use a sponge roller to paint the fridge for convenience. Because it does not leave brush marks, it is also preferable to using a paintbrush.
• Apply magnetic primer to the fridge before applying chalkboard paint so that the paint won’t remove the magnetism.
• For optimal results, three coats of chalkboard paint are recommended.

In any case, that’s all there is to it! If you want a more professional result, check this post on painting a refrigerator with chalkboard paint for more ideas and tricks.

What to Consider When Choosing the Best Chalkboard Paint

Choosing a chalkboard paint for your next project requires careful consideration of several factors, including the following. The size of the area you plan to paint is important. Which method, spraying or brushing, do you prefer? Do you worry about how the components may affect the environment? If you’re looking to add some flair to your home using chalkboard paint, here are some things to keep in mind before you go shopping.

Ingredients

Just like any other paint, chalkboard paints can either be extremely chemically intensive or far more user- and environmentally-friendly. Paints having strong, overpowering scents are typically filled with toxic compounds. Health and safety concerns about the paint’s composition are mitigated when no young children will be present in the room after it has been painted.

If you want to let your kids’ imaginations run wild on a wall painted with chalkboard paint, you must pick paint that is safe for youngsters. Look for paint containers labeled as “nontoxic” or “low VOC,” and then verify those claims by reading the list of chemicals. Whoever will be utilizing your new chalkboard space, if you care about the environment, you should seek for the term “eco-friendly” on the label.

Drying Time

Although some chalkboard paints dry in as little as an hour, it’s best to wait at least 24 hours before using the painted surface. The paint will need another 24 hours to set, after which you can apply a second coat if necessary. Chalkboard paints often need to be conditioned as a last step before use.

You can restore the paint’s original sheen by conditioning it with chalk, which is done by rubbing the side of a piece of chalk over the entire surface and then erasing it using either a dry eraser or a damp sponge or rag, as directed by the manufacturer. As soon as the painted surface has been conditioned, writing can begin with minimal ghosting after erasure.

Application

It is possible to use either a paintbrush or a paint sprayer to apply chalkboard paint that comes in a bucket or plastic pot. Spray nozzles on other types of chalkboard paint allow you to apply the paint straight to a wall or other surface. Chalkboard paint applied with a paintbrush can leave ugly brush strokes on the completed surface, while spray paint gives you less control over where the paint is sprayed.

Where you plan to use the blackboard paint, the size of the surface or object you’re painting, and your personal preference for a brush or spray gun will all determine which application method is most appropriate. Some brands of blackboard paint just require one layer to be effective, while others recommend using two or even three coats for a more durable end result. Priming and sanding the surface to be painted beforehand is essential for a nice paint job and a smooth finish.

The Best Chalkboard Paints for Your Projects

Several well-known brands of chalkboard paint were investigated, and the ones that stood out in terms of drying time, application ease, ingredient quality, and other criteria are presented here.

Krylon Chalkboard Paint Special Purpose Brush-On

Create a new chalkboard surface or refresh an old one with this paint, which features a slate-like finish for the authentic look of an antique blackboard. Due to its greater thickness, this paint may only require one coat to provide complete coverage when used on walls. Note that while a paintbrush works best for applying this color, a smaller-sized spray solution is also available. The item is intended solely for in-house consumption.

Rainbow Chalk Markers Chalkboard Blackboard Paint

Since it is nontoxic, this color can be used in children’s bedrooms without worry. It can be applied with either a brush or a roller. You can cover up to 100 square feet with a single application, but if you plan on using the chalkboard outdoors, it’s best to apply multiple coats. Usually, drying time is less than 15 minutes.

Rust-Oleum Chalkboard Spray Paint Black

After 20 minutes, the paint should be touch dry, but it needs at least 24 hours to fully cure. After 24 hours, condition the final product by erasing the board with the side of your chalk to make it last longer. The clear version of this solution is ideal for use with chalk on previously painted surfaces.

American Crafts DIY Shop Chalkboard Paint 16.2 ounces

This chalkboard paint may be used with both liquid chalk markers and conventional chalk, and it is nontoxic, so it is appropriate for kids to use in their creative projects. Since the mini bottle is airtight, you can save it for future use.

FolkArt Chalkboard Paint in Assorted Colors (8-Ounce)

This paint is nontoxic, so kids can use it without worry. The jar’s mouth is wide enough to dip in a paintbrush or sponge, which makes cleanup a snap. One drawback of FolkArt’s water-based formula is that you must use a dry eraser, not a wet sponge or rag, to erase chalk from its painted surface.

FAQs About Chalkboard Paint

Q. Is there a difference between chalk paint and chalkboard paint?

Because it is safe for them to use, children can freely experiment with this paint. The convenience of being able to dip a paintbrush or sponge into the jar makes cleanup a breeze. Because it is water-based, FolkArt’s method has one drawback: erasing chalk from the painted surface requires a dry eraser rather than a damp sponge or towel.

Q. What is the best way to apply chalkboard paint?

Applying a primer beforehand can help the chalkboard paint last longer and stay put. Use the paint as directed on the bottle, whether that be with a sponge, brush, spray gun, or another method.

Q. Do you need to seal chalkboard paint?

The best chalkboard paints don’t require a sealant; they just need time to dry (usually between 24 hours and a few days) before you can start using them.

Q. Do you have to put a top coat on chalkboard paint?

No. However, conditioning the finished product is highly recommended if you plan to write on it frequently. In accordance with manufacturer instructions, you can do this by rubbing the side of a piece of chalk all over the fresh board and then wiping it off with a dry eraser or a damp rag.

Q. Is chalkboard paint washable?

Yes. However, several chalkboard paint producers insist that a damp sponge or rag is all that’s needed to remove chalk from their products.

Conclusion

The article, “How to Paint a Fridge with Chalkboard Paint?,” comes to a close. When you take on a do-it-yourself project, you save money in two ways: on the one hand, you get to choose the supplies you use; and on the other, you avoid paying someone else to do the labor. If you want to give your kitchen a fun and original look, paint your refrigerator with chalkboard paint.

And with all those scribbled notes and doodlings, you may make whatever you want and wipe it away afterwards. That’s a great way to have some fun in the kitchen other than really preparing and eating food! Are you interested in reading more content? Lastly, we come to the issue of how to secure the refrigerator door.