The Cafe refrigerator is one of the hottest topics in luxury kitchen appliances right now. People love it for its modern aesthetics and the huge statement it makes in the kitchen. But what if your current refrigerator needs a makeover, and you don’t want to spend big bucks on buying a Cafe refrigerator?
Source: Homeonarborpointe/TikTok
That’s where DIY makeovers come in! Many people have tried restyling their refrigerators by mimicking Cafe refrigerators’ sleek design. In this post, TikTok and design expert @Homeonatborpointe shows us how she redesigned her refrigerator to look just like a Cafe refrigerator.
Gather the Materials You Need
Some of the materials required for this makeover include an appliance paint of your choice. Your preferred color may be white in this case.
Source: Pinterest
Other materials you’d need are the rub ‘n buff wax metallic finish, sandpaper, painter brush, etc.
Clean the Outside of the Refrigerator Thoroughly
Carefully clean the outside of the refrigerator by using vinegar and water.
Source: Homeonarborpointe/TikTok
Doing this helps you remove the tone of old grime that may have been buried into the little grooves of the refrigerator.
Remove the Door Handles
To achieve the Cafe refrigerator lookalike, you’ll most likely need another handle. So, remove the current door handles. Different types of door handles require different tools, including a wrench or screwdriver.
Source: Pinterest
To loosen, you’ll see a small hole in the door handle. Use an Allen wrench to loosen the screws, and the handles will come right off. If your refrigerator has a glued-on logo on the front, we suggest taking it off with a flat-head screwdriver.
Cover Areas You Don’t Want to Paint With Tape
Some of the areas you may want to cover include rubber seals, handles, or hinges. So place the tape around the areas firmly to protect it from seeping underneath.
Source: Pinterest
You can use your fingernails or spoon to smooth down the tape securely. Taping specific areas allows you to focus on the right places and do a meticulous job.
Sand the refrigerator
Use medium-grit sandpaper to eliminate the gloss on the refrigerator. This helps the paint stick smoothly to the refrigerator’s surface. Next, scrub gently to strip away the gloss.
Source: Pinterest
You can clean the refrigerator with a damp cloth after sanding to clean any dust buildup.
Stir The Paint and Pour into a Tray
Open the paint, pour some quantity into a paint tray, and mix with a spoon. Stir the paint to stop it from running and causing drips in your coats.
Source: Pinterest
It gets very stinky, so we suggest wearing a respirator if you don’t want to take your refrigerator outside.
Add One Coat of Primer
A coat of primer will help you seal and smooth the surface of the refrigerator before painting.
Source: Homeonarborpointe/TikTok
So, add one coat of primer and let it dry.
Add Three Coats of Paint
Roll the paint on the surface of the refrigerator using slow and even strokes. Remember that applying the paint in multiple thin layers is better than one thick layer to prevent chipping or dripping. If you want the refrigerator to match other appliances in the kitchen, use the same color to paint the refrigerator.
Source: Homeonarborpointe/TikTok
In addition, if you don’t let the paint dry completely before applying the next coat, you may smear and ruin the previous coat. It’s also best to start from the top of the refrigerator so you don’t smear the sides while trying to paint it later.
Use an Angled Brush to Paint Hard-To-Reach Areas
A roller cannot reach the handle or hinges, but an angled brush can paint these areas.
Source: Pinterest
If you don’t have an angled brush, you can use a watercolor brush to target the parts of the refrigerator that are difficult to reach.
Build a Platform
If your refrigerator is lower than the average Cafe refrigerator, you may want to build a platform and place your refrigerator on it.
Source: Homeonarborpointe/TikTok
This will make it look taller to give the illusion of a cafe refrigerator.
Use Towel Racks as Handles
Add affordable towel racks so they look just like the Cafe refrigerator. Follow the instructions that came with the towel bar to install them.
Source: Pinterest
Towel racks come in different shapes and sizes. So opt for the one you prefer and install them to get the exact look you desire!
And voila! You’ve just made yourself a cafe refrigerator without breaking the bank. You can thank us later.
