Over time, a refrigerator door may become marred by nicks and stains. While some people may opt to purchase a new appliance for aesthetic reasons, if your refrigerator runs effectively, you may wish to rejuvenate its appearance by adding a new finish. Whether the door is vinyl or metallic, it is not suited for new finishes. Before you apply anything, clean the appliance door, or finish failure may occur. Make sure you prepare each surface a certain way based on its composition, or the finish won’t last.
Step One
Scrub the refrigerator door with a degreaser, using a nylon pad. Rinse the door with wet shop rags. Dry the appliance with towels.
Step Two
Abrade vinyl refrigerator doors to create a rougher surface suited for primer adhesion. Sand these doors until they feel coarse. Don't sand metal doors.
Step Three
Wipe the door with a shop rag dampened with mineral spirits. Wait 15 minutes for the spirits to evaporate.
Step Four
Cover the refrigerator door handle with painter's tape. Slide a canvas drop cloth under the door.
Step Five
Coat the vinyl refrigerator doors with acrylic primer, using a roller. Smooth the primed door, using a polyester brush. Act quickly before the primer base begins to dry. Let the appliance door dry for two hours.
Step Six
Carry your painting tools to the bathtub. Wash them under the faucet.
Step Seven
Paint the refrigerator door as you primed it. Apply either appliance epoxy paint or acrylic enamel.