With pastel paint and a few decorative moldings, you can transform old refrigerator into a real art object. The advantage of this project is that sloppy painting will not only spoil appearance, but will only add charm to the overall design.
2. Mirror surface
An original mirror attached to the door is a simple way that will completely change the appearance of not only the refrigerator, but the entire kitchen.
3. Camouflage
An old, shabby refrigerator can be transformed with wood paneling.
4. Safe
Chalk paint, decals, and a safe lock can make a big difference in the appearance of an old refrigerator.
5. Wallpaper
A refrigerator covered with colored wallpaper looks interesting and fresh. In addition, this design can be easily changed at least every month.
6. Built-in refrigerator
A homemade wooden shell in a vintage style will help hide an unsightly refrigerator.
7. Slate board
Self-adhesive slate paper is the simplest, but no less stylish way to transform your refrigerator.
8. New color
It is better to paint refrigerators with rounded doors as it is very difficult to apply self-adhesive to smooth lines. For a new design, choose any bright color and apply a thin, even layer of paint to the lightly sanded surface of the refrigerator.
9. Unique design
Use matte paint, decorative moldings and one bright vinyl decal to transform a white mismatch into a sophisticated piece of art.
10. Kaleidoscope of Memories
Print out all your favorite photos and lavishly decorate your old refrigerator with them.
11. Decoupage
In addition to visual transformation, an old, unsightly refrigerator, thanks to the decoupage technique, acquires improved thermal insulation properties. Since this decor involves covering the surface with several layers of varnish.
12. Wardrobe
Amazing refrigerator transformation that can be realized using wood panels, moldings and painting.
13. Funny pictures
Painting and shiny stickers with funny inscriptions will help make the refrigerator interesting and modern.
16. Creative project
Paint the surface of the refrigerator yourself. These do not have to be highly artistic masterpieces; primitive images of flowers, leaves and feathers are also suitable.
Sometimes you want to refresh your design and bring something new and modern into your interior. There are different ways to do this.
Many people are interested in the question of how to cover a refrigerator with self-adhesive film and not overpay for a new unit. It is important to know which film to choose and how to apply it correctly.
Which film to choose
A refrigerator is an indispensable item in the kitchen. But it can also become a decoration. Magnets no longer surprise anyone. There are many new ways to update. You can always find a solution that suits you.
There are colored refrigerators on sale. They are very expensive. You can independently give the unit modern look and cover the refrigerator with film. Try to make it fit into the design of your kitchen. You can update an old Soviet refrigerator and a modern unit.
First you need to measure all parts of the refrigerator in order to buy the right amount of film. Vinyl films are often sold in rolls with widths of 36cm, 45cm, 67cm and 90cm.
Currently, the choice of self-adhesive films is very large. It is better to cover it with high-quality vinyl film. It is more expensive, but will look much more impressive. Cheap adhesive film can dry out over time and come apart in the corners.
The kitchen is a place with fairly high humidity, so protective film must be water-repellent. Choose well-known manufacturers, then the coating will last longer.
A wide variety of products are sold vinyl film on the refrigerator. Your refrigerator may become shiny or mirror-like. In one kitchen, an adhesive coating in the form of leather will look good, in another - in the form of wood, velvet, marble, etc. You can cover it with a plain film, or you can have it with an ornament.
Films with some kind of panorama, as in the photo, look original. It could be a city at night, some landscape, street or sea...
Vinyl film will help make a refrigerator bright accent and a stylish addition to the kitchen. It transforms ordinary things and makes the design exclusive. This is a self-adhesive film with different patterns. Due to this, you can get an almost new surface. How to cover with vinyl film is shown in the video.
There is also a large selection of vinyl stickers. Black stickers are often used. It is easy to paste such a picture. Remove the bottom lining and apply it to the surface.
Usually on protective film The size is indicated in pixels. To avoid mistakes, know that there are 38 pixels in 1 cm. For example, in order to cover a refrigerator 1 m 80 cm high and 55 cm wide, you need 6800 by 2090 pixels.
What do you need for work?
In order to cover the refrigerator, we will need:
- self-adhesive film,
- scissors,
- water sprayer,
- putty knife,
- dishwashing detergent or alcohol,
- - soft dry cloth.
If all this is at hand, you can get to work. Try to do everything carefully and take your time.
Surface preparation
Self-adhesive film for refrigerator requires preliminary preparation surfaces. Before pasting, empty the refrigerator of all products and defrost it. The unit must be clean and dry.
Be sure to remove the fittings, doors and seal. This will help to stick the film without wrinkles at the corners and joints.
When gluing the door, it is better to remove the handles from it so that there are no unnecessary cuts. The surface of the refrigerator must be degreased. Any dishwashing liquid or alcohol will work for this. We wipe the unit, remove foam and remove excess moisture.
Sand any existing scratches or imperfections, otherwise they will appear under the film.
How to remove old film
If there is already a protective film on the refrigerator, and you want to remove it, then there are several ways to do this. You must try not to damage the surface of the unit. You can try moistening the film hot water and after a few minutes separate it using a sharp object. This should be done carefully.
If you can’t remove it this way, try heating the adhesive film with a hairdryer or fan. When it becomes softer, pry up the corner and pull the film towards you.
Remove particles of glue remaining on the surface with solvent or alcohol. Now you can paste the refrigerator over again.
We glue the film correctly
Self-adhesive film is applied to the refrigerator using the dry and wet method. It is more convenient to glue the unit together. But if necessary, one person can do it.
Dry pasting method:
- Degrease and dry the surface. There should be no small specks, hairs, etc. on it.
- We try on the film, making reserves for the hems.
- Bend the upper left corner and remove the base in this place.
- Smooth the corner down and to the sides with a dry cloth or glove.
- Very slowly and carefully remove the base, moving down and to the sides. We try to make the pasting without bubbles and folds.
The edges on the door will hide under the rubber band. We remove the sections into the cracks with a thin spatula. Remove excess film using a utility knife.
The wet method of pasting is carried out almost in the same way as the dry one. This method is recommended for beginners. If you are limited in cash, then you can buy an inexpensive self-adhesive film that sticks very quickly. You can cover it with designer film, which is much more expensive.
Spray soapy water from a spray bottle over the surface. During pasting, we expel the liquid to the edges. Unlike the first method of pasting, the film can be folded back and glued again to prevent bubbles and folds from forming.
Irregularities and seams can ruin the whole job. It will look artisanal. Therefore, you should try.
You can apply the film in two layers. The first solid layer will serve as the background, and the second will be decorative, with the selected shape.
Wait about 3 hours for the vinyl film to dry and begin attaching the fittings.
Well, everything is ready, look at the photo. Now your refrigerator has become a bright piece of art in the kitchen. It will add a new atmosphere and bring joy to the whole family, and guests will admire and envy.
The refrigerator is one of the household appliances that must be present in any kitchen. But those days when housewives were quite satisfied with the presence of a “boring white box” are gone. Now most of them are trying to decorate it somehow. Today, almost all major manufacturers have a line of “colored” models in their assortment, but, unfortunately, their choice is not so large, and they are more expensive. Therefore, you often have to decorate the refrigerator yourself. This can be done using both “magnets” and elite designer airbrush. We suggest you cover the refrigerator with self-adhesive film. This method allows you to apply almost any image without feeling strong blow according to the family budget.
Which self-adhesive film to choose
Films can be either white or colored
Since the refrigerator is usually located in the kitchen, that is, in a room with a high level of humidity, then, naturally, the film for decoration should have water-repellent properties.
The most popular self-adhesive film, also suitable for decorating a refrigerator, is ORACAL film. It withstands adverse weather conditions such as rain and snow, so high humidity indoors will not be a problem for her.
You can also use Dutch film AVERYDennison, German Orafol or Italian Ritrama. Besides, in Lately An inexpensive product from the Chinese company PromoFilm has appeared on the market. True, unlike analogues, it is available only in white. It is designed for subsequent printing.
In addition to film, you can use rolled self-adhesive paper to decorate the refrigerator. But given that the latter requires mandatory lamination after printing on it, this option will be more expensive.
Select a pattern
Thanks to the film, you can turn your ‘boring’ refrigerator into a real ‘art object’
One of the main advantages of decorating a refrigerator with film is that you are free to use almost any image as a design. However, when choosing a design, you need to ensure that it meets a number of requirements.
Image Size
To ensure that the image does not lose its quality when printed, it should be approximately the same size as the area you are going to decorate. Please note that the size of a picture on the Internet is in most cases indicated in pixels. They will have to be converted into the units of measurement familiar to you. One centimeter is equal to approximately 38 pixels, so if your refrigerator is, for example, 180 centimeters high and 55 centimeters wide, then minimum size The image should be 6800 by 2090 pixels.
Finding large-sized images on the Internet for free can be problematic. Therefore, it is more logical to choose a suitable picture from the company from which you will order printing on film. Often a design for printing is done free of charge.
Aspect Ratio
Since the height of the refrigerator is greater than its width, the image must have appropriate proportions. To make it easier for you to find a suitable picture, you need to select vertical or portrait orientation of the picture in the search parameters.
Abstract backgrounds are perfect for refrigerators of any size
Panoramic images, for example, with views of nature or a night city, abstract patterns, photos of people in full height, and, of course, collages developed by designers specifically for these purposes.
Printing method and quality
Today a large number of Printing companies and advertising agencies offer large format printing services.
The quality of printing on film is no different from the quality of photos in glossy magazines
To decorate a refrigerator with your own hands, it is recommended to use so-called interior printing. It is distinguished by a large number of dots per unit area, which allows you to make the image almost indistinguishable from professional photography in glossy magazine. Of course, this printing method is not cheap, but considering that the image printed on the refrigerator will be viewed from a fairly close distance, it is not worth saving on this. Otherwise, every time you approach the refrigerator, you will see not the picture you chose, but a set of dots of different colors.
Preparing the refrigerator
When the image you have chosen is transferred to film, you need to prepare the refrigerator for pasting.
Dismantling of fittings
Before gluing the film to the surface of the refrigerator, it is necessary to dismantle all the fittings. The process may differ radically depending on its model, so it is recommended that you carefully study the instructions supplied with the refrigerator before starting work.
If you have experience in gluing film, then you don’t have to remove the refrigerator doors. If not, we recommend doing this, since it is easier to work with a horizontal surface. And considering the fact that the film with the image printed on it is not cheap, it is better to spend a little time than spoil the image.
Surface washing
The surface on which the film will be glued must be thoroughly washed and degreased (for this you can use a regular dishwashing detergent). After this, it should be dried. Make sure there are no small specks stuck to it.
Any speck or paint defect will become very noticeable after gluing the film.
How to glue film
There are two ways to apply self-adhesive film: dry and wet. If you have experience in gluing, then you can easily use the dry method. If not, then you shouldn’t even try, especially since we are talking about film with an image, the cost of which is quite high. Therefore, let's move straight to the wet method.
In addition to the film itself, for work you will need:
- scissors;
- a water spray bottle (the one that is used to wet clothes when ironing is perfect);
- squeegee - a special spatula made of plastic or hard rubber.
If there is no special squeegee, you can use a plastic or rubber spatula.
If there is no special squeegee, you can use a plastic or rubber spatula
- The first step is to prepare a weak soap solution. To do this, add a little to ordinary water detergent for dishes. After mixing, the solution is poured into a spray bottle. It is from this that we will wet the surface of the refrigerator.
- Now we place the film with the image on flat surface(if there is no table the right size, you can use the floor by first spreading a piece of clean cloth or polyethylene on it, image down.
- Separate a small (2–3 cm) strip of base from the top edge. Holding the edge, cut it along its entire length using scissors.
- Carefully turn the film over and apply the part with the adhesive base to the upper edge of the door (or wall) of the refrigerator. Do not wet the surface yet! Using a clean, dry cloth, smooth the edge of the film, ensuring it adheres over the entire area.
- If air bubbles have formed on the glued strip, you can try to “drive them out” using a squeegee. If this fails, you can simply pierce the bubble with a regular pin or needle, and then smooth it out with the same squeegee or dry cloth. Even if a small mark remains, it will be hidden by the fittings after installation.
- Roll the film into a roll with the image facing inward.
- We wet the surface of the door with spray from the place where the glued part of the film ends.
- Gradually tearing off the base, smooth the film to the surface, carefully leveling it with a squeegee.
- When all the film is pasted, we check the surface again for the absence of bubbles; if any are found, we “drive” them towards the nearest edge.
- Let the film dry and then install the fittings. The gluing is finished.
If small bubbles remain, don't worry - thanks to soap solution the film does not stick much and such “flaws” will be removed without problems. Although, naturally, it is better to try to paste it so that no bubbles form.
You can also decorate your refrigerator using carbon film. The technology for its application is identical to that discussed above.
How to glue film using the wet method (video)
Pasting the pattern
Using film, you can apply not only a solid image to the refrigerator, but also an applique
Modern technologies make it possible not only to print on self-adhesive film image, but also cut out almost any pattern from it. Updating the refrigerator in this way is easier and cheaper, since you don’t have to dismantle the doors and fittings, and even the most intricate film pattern costs less.
In addition to the film cut on a plotter (this is the name of the device with which film is cut), you will need additional editing equipment. It is glued on top front side pattern. The rest of the gluing process is no different from that described above.
The image is transferred to the surface using ‘mounting’ film
Photo gallery: how to cover a refrigerator
'Wooden' refrigerator with country style image
On this moment It cannot be said that there is a shortage of equipment in stores. But all of it is mostly monotonous and doesn’t look very interesting. Therefore, DIY refrigerator decor is more relevant than ever.
Let's consider the options...
How to decorate a refrigerator without breaking the bank? Beautiful magnets or photo frames with a magnetized base will help to emphasize his individuality.
You can buy magnets at any office supply store! But, if possible, it is better to make them yourself.
To make magnets, you can use salty dough. The figures can be made in the form of fruits, flowers, animals, geometric shapes. Then the future magnets are painted and a magnetic plate is glued to them with super glue.
Airbrush
How to decorate a refrigerator to make it look impressive? Use an airbrush! Using it you can create drawings of any complexity.
Everyone chooses their own topic. If you are not confident in your abilities, you should contact the designers!
Using stickers
The most inexpensive way to decorate an old refrigerator is to glue ready-made vinyl stickers or self-adhesive film. In the second case, the design of the device will change completely. The refrigerator can become “stone”, “leopard” and even “wooden”. Stickers will make the product more attractive.
Most popular images:
- Marine life;
- flowers;
- cats;
- birds;
- butterflies.
In addition to stickers, you can apply sparkles, rhinestones or ribbons to the refrigerator. You can outline the drawing with paints or a marker.
2 in 1: Refrigerator and organizer
This option is perfect for business people. All you need to do is purchase a video magnet and install it on the refrigerator. The gadget not only looks beautiful, but is also suitable for storing video recordings that will remind you that it’s time to pay bills or go shopping.
The video magnet is an electronic organizer: you can store notes about tasks in it, mark the time for preparing dishes and be notified when they are ready.
The device has a speaker, microphone, video camera and LCD screen. A special indicator signals that there is a message.
Decoupage technique
Decoupage is a decorating technique that involves cutting out various images from paper. These images are pasted directly onto the refrigerator.
Decoupage makes it possible to create a unique image of equipment that will suit your interior!
Techniques such as gilding or aging can also be used. Volumetric decoupage involves the use of model mass.
Where can I get pictures? The first option is to purchase beautiful multi-layer napkins. In this case, you will need to separate the first layer with the picture, cut it out and stick it on the refrigerator using PVA. After the glue has dried, varnish is applied to the image in several layers.
The second option is to print the image you like on a printer. Regular office paper will do. Then the following steps are performed:
- Apply varnish to the print several times.
- Wait until it dries.
- Place the leaf in a bowl of water.
- Lay a towel on the table and place a wet picture on it, the image should face down.
- Roll the layers with your hands paper base.
- There should be a thin film of acrylic with the image left - this is glued to the refrigerator.
Separating the paper base is a complex process. Therefore, it is recommended to prepare two printouts. You can practice on one of them.
Decoupage on the refrigerator “Grapes”
Will be required standard materials, used for decoupage and napkins with a “Grapes” pattern.
Instructions:
- Cut out the design. Important! To prevent the grapes from looking monotonous, remove a couple of grapes or leaves from several branches.
- Think over the design and arrangement of all elements. Then start gluing.
- Once the decoupage is complete and all the grapes are glued, draw the tendrils and vine connecting the grapes.
- Don't forget to paint the highlights with white paint.
Decoupage is finished. After the work has dried, the refrigerator is varnished twice.
Magnetic board for notes
A chalkboard is a great way to decorate your refrigerator. It costs only 400-800 rubles. Also, anyone can make such a board on their own. All you need is magnetic paint and an MDF sheet. The board is cut directly from MDF sheet.
Then you have to process the edges and apply several layers of magnetic paint to the product. All you have to do is wait until the board dries and you can use it!
You can also purchase ready product. A magnetic board can be a marker board or a slate board (for drawing with chalk).
The slate board is distinguished by a black canvas. Drawings made with chalk are erased with a damp sponge. The stand for sponges and crayons is also attached to the refrigerator with a magnet.
Marker board - more modern version. It comes with a special sponge and markers.
The new product offered by stores is multi-colored marker board. It will make any refrigerator bright and attractive.
Refrigerator painting
You can decorate the refrigerator with painting. For this purpose they are used different kinds colors:
- stained glass;
- oil;
- acrylic.
Compared to a technique such as decoupage, painting requires a certain skill. If you are not confident in your abilities, use templates. Popular are both images on an abstract topic - abstraction, copies of famous paintings, and images of kitchen utensils.
So, there are many ways to turn a plain, plain refrigerator into a real work of art. However, most decorating techniques can be learned on your own.
