What Kind of Paint to Use Inside the Deep Freezer?

A deep freezer can be a great addition to your home if you have extra space. It helps you save money by allowing you to buy groceries in bulk and store them for more extended periods of time.

A deep freezer at home can also be helpful if you have a large family or are often entertained, as it offers quick and easy access to frozen foods for guests.

Just be sure to keep it clean and organized so that you easily find what you need when you need it. Once in a while, also give it a deep clean and spray paint the inside to keep it looking its best. That way, you can be sure to get the most use out of it for years to come.

Painting the Inside of the Deep Freezer

No matter what color you choose for your freezer makeover project – white, black, or stainless steel – it’s important to select a high-quality appliance paint.

We recommend using epoxy-based appliance spray paint that comes in aerosol cans for the best results.

This type of paint is designed to withstand high temperatures, resist chipping, and is highly durable, so it’s perfect for painting the inside of a deep freezer.

Once you have got your paint, here are the steps you need to follow to clean and refinish your deep freezer:

Step 1. Clean

To successfully paint your freezer, begin by unplugging it and laying down a drop cloth or masking paper on the floor around it. Remove all the food from the freezer, and thoroughly clean the inside and outside surfaces using a mild soap and water solution.

If you haven’t used your old fridge for a while, grime, and debris may have accumulated on its surface and are difficult to remove. To clean this, use some trisodium phosphate soap. Be sure to rinse well and let the freezer dry completely before proceeding.

Step 2. Sand the inside surfaces

Once the freezer is clean and dry, use medium-grit sandpaper to remove any rust spots and peeling paint you notice. Also, roughen up the surface of the freezer that needs to be painted. This will help the new paint to adhere better.

Just in case you notice any holes or dents, use a putty knife to fill them up with a high-quality metal bonding putty. Allow the putty to dry completely, then sand it smooth again.

Finally, wipe away all the sanded dust with a damp cloth when you’re done.

Step 3. Prime the freezer’s inside

This step is crucial because it will allow the paint to stick better and give you a smoother finish.

Use a high-quality acrylic spray primer for vinyl and plastic parts. Spray it evenly inside the freezer, following the manufacturer’s instructions.

For metallic interiors, an appliance primer or an etching spray primer should be a good option. Moreover, if the rust is too severe, you might need to use a rust-inhibiting primer to protect rusty areas.

If you don’t want to use different primers, you can use an all-in-one primer that’s suitable on both metallic and plastic surfaces. After applying it evenly with a brush, let the primer dry completely before you proceed to the next step.

Step 4. Paint the inside of the deep freezer

Once the primer is dry, it’s time to paint the inside of the freezer.

Again, use high-quality appliance spray paint in the color of your choice.

Try to maintain at least 8 inches between the fridge interior and the sprayer nozzle as you spray your glossy epoxy paint evenly on the surface using light coats.

It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when painting the freezer – most likely, you will need to apply 2-3 coats of paint for the best results. Do not forget to let the paint dry between each coat.

Leave the door open for about 3-4 hours to allow the final coat of paint to dry completely before plugging in the freezer and adding your food back inside.

Tips and Warnings

• Do not use latex paint on a freezer interior since the finish may not last.
• Do not paint a freezer interior without applying the primer, or the finish will flake off.
• Never prime an unabraded vinyl or plastic freezer interior, or flaking will result.
• Also, apply the primer only after lightly abrading the vinyl or plastic surfaces of the freezer interior. If you don’t, the result will be unsightly.
• Get a 6-inch mini-roller to coat large flat surfaces and cut in areas using a tapered paintbrush where the roller doesn’t reach.

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What Causes Rust Inside the Refrigerator?

The most common cause of rust inside the refrigerator is excess moisture.

When frozen food is stored inside the fridge, it often emits water vapor. If this moisture isn’t able to escape, it condenses on the surfaces and eventually leads to rust formation inside as well as on the back of the refrigerator.

Another possible cause of rust inside the fridge is leakage. If there are any leaks in the fridge, water can accumulate on the surfaces and eventually cause rust.

• To prevent rust formation, clean your fridge regularly and check for leaks.
• If you notice any rust spots, sand them off and repaint the affected areas.
• You can also try using a rust converter to treat the rust and prevent it from spreading.

You may also remove the rust and its most unsightly components with lemon juice and salt paste. All you need is to apply the paste to the rust using a towel and rub gently. The salt helps to loosen the rust, while the acidity in the lemon removes it.

How Do You Get Frozen Blood Out of a Freezer Floor?

For meat lovers, having a little bit of blood in the freezer is inevitable.

But, if you find yourself with a lot of it (maybe due to the package of meat that has leaked), don’t worry – here’s how you can get it out before painting your freezer.

1. Mix one part of water with two parts of white vinegar.
2. Pour the solution onto the bloodstain and let it sit for a few minutes.
3. Then, use a scrub brush to scrub the area gently.
4. Vinegar will help to break down the blood and make it easier to remove.
5. Once you’ve removed as much blood as possible, rinse the area with clean water and dry it thoroughly using a towel.

If you have an old walk-in cooler or a freezer installed in your truck or RV (rather than at home), you can also use a power washer to remove the blood stains. Just be sure to wear protective clothing and safety glasses when using a power washer, as the high-pressure water can be dangerous.

Depending on the severity of the stain, you may also need to sand the areas before painting. So, be prepared with the necessary materials before you start.

Related FAQs

What is the standard size of a deep freezer?

The standard size of a deep freezer is about 16 cubic feet. However, many different sizes are available on the market, so you can choose one that best suits your needs.

If you have a lot of space, you may want to consider a larger freezer (17+ cubic feet). But a smaller freezer (3 to 10 cubic feet) may be a better option for tighter areas.

How often should you defrost a deep freezer?

Most experts recommend that you defrost your freezer at least once a year. However, if your freezer accumulates a lot of ice, you may need to defrost it more frequently.

To defrost your freezer, unplug it and remove all of the food. Then, use a hairdryer or a kettle of boiling water to melt the ice. Once the ice is melted, wipe the freezer’s interior with a clean cloth to dry it completely before adding any food back in.

Chest freezer vs. deep freezer – what’s the difference?

Deep freezers typically come in two designs upright and chest freezers.

An upright deep freezer is a type of freezer that is taller than it is wide and typically has a capacity of 10 cubic feet or more. The upright freezer door opens from the front, and the shelves are typically adjustable.

A chest freezer, on the other hand, is a type of freezer that is wider than it is tall and typically has a capacity of 5 cubic feet or more. Its door opens from the top (much like a chest), and the shelves are typically not adjustable. But it makes it easier to access the food inside.

While both are great for storing large amounts of food, chest freezers tend to be more energy-efficient. When deciding which type of freezer is right for you, consider your needs and available space.

The Bottom Line

Deep freezers and coolers are great for storing large amounts of food but can be painful to clean – especially if stained with rust or blood. Fortunately, with some elbow grease (and the right cleaning supplies), you can get your freezer looking new in no time.

Painting the inside and outside of your refurbished deep freezer is a great way to give it a new life and update its look. Just be sure to do your prep work and use a top-quality epoxy-based appliance spray paint to keep it looking its best.