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Inspiring Idea: A Brand New Finish

by | Oct 13, 2008 | Creative Before & After, Decorating Inspiration, Details

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Inspiring Idea: A Brand New Finish

When we moved into our “as is” 1930s house, we had a couple of dozen large old fashioned heat registers on the walls that were showing their age from layers of multi-colored flaky paint. Paint wasn’t going to be enough to restore them to their former beauty. The very first home improvement project we did was to take those horrid registers down to a powder coating shop. We were so excited when they came back all shiny and new! I wish I had taken photos, but this was before my blogging days and it didn’t cross my mind to take as many before photos.

You can renew all sort of metals and everyday objects. Bed frames, outdoor tables, file cabinets, appliances, sinks and bathtubs…the options are endless. Powder coating creates a really nice hard surface that is much tougher than conventional paint. Powder coating is available in a variety of colors and finishes and is a great way to refresh something that is past its prime (disclaimer: do not try this on humans). I’ve also redone old bathtubs with powder coatings (using a professional, of course–I don’t attempt projects like this myself!) and have been pleased with the results.

The refrigerator above (from Country Living) was given a fresh coating and is now pretty in pink! If you have appliances or bathtubs that are in good shape but aren’t the right color or finish or are showing signs of age, check with a local powder coating specialist! You might be surprised how good they can look for much less than a replacement!

photo: Country Living

44 Comments

  1. Sher's Creative Expressions

    Hmmmm, sure it won’t work on humans?? I could use a new fresh “skin.” LOL

    Thanks for the powder coating tip ~ I’ll store that away for future ideas.

    Blessings,

    Sher

    Reply
  2. My First Kitchen

    What a great idea! I never knew such a thing existed. And that’s your kitchen? So beautiful. Next time, can you open the fridge door? I want to know what you’re eating. :)

    My First Kitchens last blog post..Lemon Sugar Cookies at the Zoo

    Reply
  3. gina

    I’ve heard of this finish but never thought of using it to customize a refrigerator- love the pink!

    Reply
  4. Amy from Texas

    I love that photo! Wow!

    I have some vintage metal patio chairs that are now bright sky blue. So cute!

    Reply
  5. Lisa

    I’ve never heard of powder coating before. I learn something new everytime I stop by.

    Also, I love all those wonderful doors and entries in your previous post. You’re fab girl!

    Lisas last blog post..A Few of My Favorite Things

    Reply
  6. Joy of Frugal Living

    Thanks for the reminder about this. What a lovely photo. I’ll try to keep it in mind for the future – it could be a great way to make an old item new again, and save a bunch of money.

    Jennifer

    Reply
  7. Deb

    Wow! How did you talk hubby into a pink frig? Love it!

    Debs last blog post..Fun at the Dentist’s Office?

    Reply
  8. kathie

    Enjoyed stopping by today and hope to visit again.
    Blessings from Costa Rica

    kathies last blog post..An Eight-Colored Afghan

    Reply
  9. Lorrie

    Another great idea. I love the photos you choose – that’s a beautiful kitchen…but I don’t know that I’d want to actually cook in it!

    Lorrie

    Reply
  10. anne

    Yes another great idea,…Love the fridge :-)

    Reply
  11. Maven

    I would never have thought of this. What a great idea! Would I ever love to have a pink fridge!!

    The next big renovation we’re doing is new countertops. I’m just trying to decide what I want.

    Mavens last blog post..It’s a CanadianThanksgiving Extravaganza!!!!

    Reply
  12. Maven

    I would never have thought of this. What a great idea! Would I ever love to have a pink fridge!!

    The next big renovation we’re doing is new countertops. I’m just trying to decide what I want.

    Reply
  13. Bonnie Matton

    Melissa, this is a great article. Love the pink frig in this kitchen. How fun! I also love how you link back on every comment. That is great!

    Reply
  14. Rita

    I love it! I think I now know what to do with my 1970’s brown over and stove-top. And thank you for the disclaimer of not trying this on humans.

    Ritas last blog post..A New Arbor

    Reply
  15. Miss Sandy

    Great idea! I have to say a friend and I tackled a do it yourself product sold in most home improvement stores and put a new coating on her vintage claw foot bathtub and it worked like a dream. It restored the finish like new. The product is self leveling and easy to apply. I agree that if you are not comfortable with the process one should consult a professional.

    Miss Sandys last blog post..What’s on the Work Table…..

    Reply
  16. A-M

    oh so much to catch up on. i am so behind in keeping up with my blog lovelies. i just noticed winston, the dog. does it get any cuter that that????
    is he yours? can he be mine? a-m xx

    A-Ms last blog post..Pretty

    Reply
  17. Liz

    What a fabulous idea! And I bet it’s lot cheaper than buying a coloured kitchen appliance if you don’t need a new one.

    Reply
  18. Dena

    Oh you have me looking around at what I could paint! Lovely idea :)

    Denas last blog post..Cherish Family

    Reply
  19. Tracie

    Ooh, thanks for sharing! I’d know Robin’s kitchen anywhere ~ such a beautiful sense of style.

    Reply
  20. Tara

    I want that refrigerator, perhaps not in pink, but I have always fancied an old refrigerator like that or one made to look old! I love your blog, added it to my favorites so many fresh ideas and thanks for keeping me “inspired”!

    Cheers,
    Tara

    Reply
  21. Tabitha Blue

    Great ideas. We moved into a 1060’s as is house. Been there 5 years and still remodeling. Sometimes we love it and sometimes hate it. I like getting ideas from you! Thanks. :)

    Tabitha Blues last blog post..days of fall:: 16

    Reply
  22. MyBrownBaby

    Brilliant! Love, love, LOVE the pink refrigerator. I once had some old blue tiles painted white and finished with some kind of seal that made it so that they wouldn’t flake; it came out pretty nice. But this process is new to me. My deck chairs are totally due for an update. Great post!

    Reply
  23. teresa

    Oh man, I need to put that on my list of great ideas! I know it will come in handy someday-
    Thanks
    Have a great day-
    Teresa

    Reply
  24. Angela (Cottage Magpie)

    You know, I knew about powder-coating, but I didn’t know you could take something in and have it done. Very cool! Thanks for the tip!
    ~Angela :-)

    Angela (Cottage Magpie)s last blog post..What’s Blooming: July 2008

    Reply
  25. Spanish Princess

    OMG! That is so beautiful. My mother and her siblings all had a variety of 30’s, 40’s and 50’s appliances and when my aunt bought her new house they all donated them to her with the theory of better to use than hide in storage. It’s where we spend most of our holidays now and inspires a lot of stories.

    Spanish Princesss last blog post..Childhood Treasures Found

    Reply
  26. Niesz Vintage Home

    Great idea! A lot of the old appliances and fixtures are work horses, run forever, and have nice details. A little “face lift” is all some of them need.
    Love the pink fridge!

    Kimberly :)

    Niesz Vintage Homes last blog post..Child’s Play ~ Vintage Juvenile Fabrics

    Reply
  27. Lori

    Oh my gosh !!! I love the pink fridge ~ I want a whole pink appliance kitchen ~
    thank you for telling us about painting them ~

    xoxo,
    Lori

    Reply
  28. Pumpkin Pink Cottage

    I love that fridge and kitchen so chic.. we did that with a tub but did it here in our house,,,not a powder finishing but a face lift non the less and what a job…hugs, lisa

    Pumpkin Pink Cottages last blog post..Now and Later "Give Away"

    Reply
  29. Laura Ingalls Gunn

    Laughing at the “Don’t try this on humans.” :)

    I am celebrating my 100th post. Please stop by and enter my giveaway.

    Laura Ingalls Gunns last blog post..One Hundreth Post

    Reply
  30. londoncalling

    Looks like Robin “Magnolia Pearls” house. Or guest house. She is so talented.

    londoncallings last blog post..Mix and Match

    Reply
  31. Daisy

    Love this photo! I am dying to have a big chill fridge but don’t know what color exactly. Have a nice day! Daisy~

    Daisys last blog post..~Light and Bright~

    Reply

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