In our garage we have a 1950 Hotpoint refrigerator that has been in continual use since my parents purchased it. Over the years it has moved around a lot but it keeps working. First it was in the kitchen (when it was pretty and new) then we moved it next to the bar in the basement. When we moved, in 1984, it found a home in the garage where it has been ever since. It was painted by my father once but that was more than 30 years ago and I just noticed, the other day, that it was looking a little old. I guess it was time for a fresh coat of paint. It was the least I could do after 54 years of faithful service.

Shopping for Paint
The first place I looked for paint, to do the job, was at our local Home Depot. I went to the paint department and looked around until I found someone who looked like they worked there and might have some painting experience. When I explained my task, the first paint he recommended was Rust-Oleum 12 Oz. Gloss White Appliance Spray Paint Enamel. He said that Rust-Oleum was the best product on the market, for the job I wanted to do, and that I wouldn't be disappointed with the result.

I purchased two (2) cans of Rust-Oleum 12 Oz. Gloss White Appliance Spray Paint Enamel and went home to begin the project.

Preparation
The first thing I did was to wash the exterior of the refrigerator. I actually did this prior to going to purchase the paint so it would be dry when I got home and I could finish the job the same day. After giving a quick look at the directions on the can, I noticed that they recommended sanding down any rust spots before applying paint. I got out the fine grit sandpaper and went to work. I couldn't believe that it took almost two hours to get all the spots smooth but at last I was ready to paint.

A Fresh Coat of Paint
By now I was ready to apply the paint. It actually took me 3 hours to prepare the surface for the paint (not including the wash drying time). I first applied a little paint to the bottom corner of one of the refrigerator's sides, where it wouldn't show. I let it dry a few minutes and it looked wonderful. Now I started in earnest. I began at the top using short strokes keeping the spray nozzle 10-12 inches from the surface. First one side then the front and then the other side. I worked my way from the top down to the bottom and before too long the job was finished and so was I. Don't make the mistake of getting too close when spraying paint because you could get some runs which you'll have to repair.

I use a technique of spraying back and forth with each sweep covering half the last stroke. I find this gives me better coverage consistency than other methods. In a about 1 hour the painting portion of the project was finished. I did find a couple of paint runs but they were on one of the sides and were hard to see so repair wasn't necessary. I was very happy with Rust-Oleum Gloss White Appliance Spray Paint Enamel and would not hesitate to use it again.

Pointers and Tips
Read all of the directions on the can. Everyone has applied spray paint before, including myself, but I would never have sanded the rust spots if I hadn't read the can. Also there are some precautions including warnings on vapors and ventilation, first aid if you get any in your eyes, how to cleanup afterward, the temperature to apply at (above 50 degrees), drying time (at 70 degrees, 1 hour), re-coat time (same as drying time), and how to clean a clogged spray head. There's even a phone number for health type questions.

Your finger can get tired spraying the paint for a short time. When spraying you should always use short strokes. I found a great little attachment that actually attaches a pistol grip to the can and allows you to use your entire hand while painting. I used two cans of paint and my hands never got tired.

Overall
Rust-Oleum 12 Oz. Gloss White Appliance Spray Paint Enamel really did the job. After the refrigerator had dried a couple of hours I showed my mother (who is visiting) and she said it looked almost like new. That was good enough for me. After all, she remembered what it looked like back in 1950 I surely didn't because I was 1 year old. If my mother recommends that's good enough for me and it should be good enough for everyone.

Recommended: Yes