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
Great idea. I have an old bathtub that is so much larger (inside) than the new ones. I am going to look into having this done as opposed to purchasing a new tub.
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Never heard of it!
Another thank you is due to you!!!
Miss Mari-Nanci
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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
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. :)
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I’ve heard of this finish but never thought of using it to customize a refrigerator- love the pink!
I love that photo! Wow!
I have some vintage metal patio chairs that are now bright sky blue. So cute!
is this done at auto body shops? Sue in Atlanta
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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!
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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
Wow! How did you talk hubby into a pink frig? Love it!
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Enjoyed stopping by today and hope to visit again.
Blessings from Costa Rica
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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
Yes another great idea,…Love the fridge :-)
Very interesting! Never heard of that.
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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.
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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.
what a fabulous idea – never heard of that. :-)
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Love your blog! Very inspiring.
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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!
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.
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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.
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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
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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.
so what is a heat register …. I do love your work …. cheers le
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Oh you have me looking around at what I could paint! Lovely idea :)
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Ooh, thanks for sharing! I’d know Robin’s kitchen anywhere ~ such a beautiful sense of style.
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
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. :)
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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!
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
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 :-)
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Is that actually your kitchen? If so, how FUN to have period pieces!
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….loving this kitchen! so dang cute melissa!
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I love your resourcefulness Melissa. How gorgeous is that pink against the duck egg blue of the stove!
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Hello! I LOVE the new LOOK! FABULOUS!
Sandra
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.
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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 :)
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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
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
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fabulous…again!
♥Jen
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Laughing at the “Don’t try this on humans.” :)
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Looks like Robin “Magnolia Pearls” house. Or guest house. She is so talented.
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Love this photo! I am dying to have a big chill fridge but don’t know what color exactly. Have a nice day! Daisy~
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Who would have ever thought of a pink fridge? But I love it!
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