So yeah… our fridge is white now.
It isn’t a brand-new appliance — it’s our old almond-colored refrigerator refreshed with appliance epoxy to blend better with our white cabinets. After many readers raved about using appliance paint, we decided to give it a try.
I admit I was skeptical at first, but the positive feedback we read convinced us it was worth a shot. Ideally, the update would help the fridge blend in until we can replace it during Phase 2 of our kitchen renovation. Worst case, we could share the results so others wouldn’t repeat any mistakes.
After reading reviews, we chose a Specialty Appliance Epoxy from Home Depot — a $15 can in gloss white, which was exactly the color we needed. We passed on chalkboard paint despite one suggestion, mainly because the chalk dust made us uneasy around food and because a white fridge would be easier to sell later if we decide to do that.
The refinishing itself was straightforward; the prep was the hard part. We moved the fridge outside so the fumes wouldn’t linger inside (the epoxy smells like rubber cement and recommends good ventilation and a mask). After disconnecting the water line, my dad helped get the fridge to the sunroom on a dolly — until we realized the handles made it too wide to pass through the doorway.
We removed the handles (and one door, long story) to squeeze it outside. We left most of the food inside, removing only heavy or breakable items to avoid extra work. Surprisingly, that worked fine.
We moved it out Friday night so it would be ready Saturday morning when temperatures climbed into the range recommended on the can (the epoxy needs 50°F+). We kept it plugged in on the porch so the food stayed cold — fetching milk outdoors for breakfast was a new experience.
Saturday afternoon, once it warmed up enough, we started work. I reattached the door we’d removed to keep food cold, but Sherry removed both handles for a cleaner paint job. They simply pop off after removing small covers and unscrewing fasteners.
Following the can’s instructions, we lightly sanded the whole exterior to dull the gloss. A power sander felt like overkill, so we used 150-grit sanding blocks to roughen the surface.
I sanded the front doors and Sherry did the sides. You can see the contrast between a sanded door and one not yet worked on in the photo below.
We wiped down the whole surface with a damp cloth to remove sanding dust, then dried it thoroughly.
I applied the epoxy with a foam roller while wearing a mask, per the instructions, and Sherry and the kids stayed inside. The epoxy has a paint-like consistency, applies a bit bubbly at first, and then levels out. I used a brush for tight spots like around the ice dispenser and door trim to ensure full coverage and a seamless look.
We painted over the ice dispenser trim and the brand logo for a cleaner front appearance. The epoxy doesn’t contact the water or ice mechanisms, so there’s no risk of contaminating anything that touches food.
I painted three sides and the top, leaving the back alone because of cords, tubing, and vents that made it unnecessary. I painted the top mainly because it was visible to anyone taller than me and I wanted the finish to look complete.
Sherry set the removed parts — handles, hinge covers, grille — on cardboard so I could paint them separately. Painting these pieces apart reduced the chance of drips on the main body.
The can suggested recoating after an hour at 70°F, but because Saturday was only around 55°F, we waited overnight. On Sunday morning, with better weather, I applied a second coat and let it cure in the warm sun.
We rolled it back inside Sunday evening. The finish blends much better with the cabinetry; it’s not a perfect match, but it’s only a shade off instead of glaringly cream. The gloss white tone that appliance epoxy creates is similar to many factory-finished appliances, which makes the room feel more updated than before.
Compared to how that corner used to look, it’s a big improvement.
The epoxy finished smooth and hard, and it maintains the subtle marbled reflection of the original surface. Up close, the gloss and texture look convincing — like a factory finish — and I doubt most people would realize the fridge was painted.
We’ll report back on durability, but reviews suggest appliance epoxy can last five years or more. Since this was a low-cost update ($15) to tide us over until we replace the fridge, we’re comfortable with some wear and tear, and we’re hopeful it proves to be a simple, effective refresh.
Has anyone else tried appliance paint? We’ve heard stoves need high-heat paint, usually available as a spray. We considered painting the handles an accent color but ultimately kept them white so the fridge would recede and the room’s better features — like our succulent art, rope chandelier, and rough-wood dining table — could stand out.