Anyone can decoupage the refrigerator with their own hands (photo 1). This technique of decorating objects originated about 2 centuries ago. This decoration method, which can be quite successfully done with your own hands, consists of gluing pre-selected designs onto a particular item. After this, the image is varnished.
An item decorated in this way looks elegant, interesting and unusual. Very often, decoupage is called the “napkin” technique, since the material for applications is the most common napkins. However, it is possible to use other methods of decorating, for example, a refrigerator at home.
What you need to have for decoration
First, you need to have an idea. Sticking randomly flowers on, this, you know, is not ice. It will look like transfer stickers in Soviet times. And the effect of transforming the refrigerator with your own hands will be sad.
Therefore, think through the composition inside and out. It should be in harmony with the rest of the furniture and interior items. Moreover, we draw your attention to the fact that you should not combine the design of the refrigerator with curtains, tablecloths, chair covers and other short-lived items. You change them, but the refrigerator will remain...
If you have already come up with everything and are ready to get started, then you need to purchase the following things:
- Napkins for decoupage (four-layer)
- PVA glue
- Scissors
- Fine abrasive “skin”
- Acrylic lacquer
- Craquelure paint (optional)
- Gilding paint (optional)
- Acrylic paints
- Glue brush
- Paint brush
- Foam roller for smoothing
Now you can get down to business.
This work is painstaking and requires patience. The volume is still considerable. Don’t rush, it’s better not to do it in one day, slowly, but in such a way that the guests will simply gasp! See also -
How to defrost a refrigerator correctly: expert advice
Decoupage in Provence style
The refrigerator decoupage master class recommends creating an artistic masterpiece on a refrigerator in Provence style. This solution is especially appropriate in a kitchen decorated in this style. For DIY work you will need:
- Paper glue.
- Napkins with beautiful patterns that will become the basis for creative decoration of the refrigerator.
- Acrylic based varnish.
- Sharp scissors, a knife and a set of brushes.
Decoupage in Provence style
An important point in this case is the choice of pattern on the napkins. Think about what theme you would like to see on your refrigerator. Designers recommend choosing napkins with the following designs:
- Fruits and vegetables.
- Original curls.
- Interesting characters from your favorite cartoons.
- Animal images.
Decoupage in Provence style
Since decoupling a refrigerator with napkins is not a difficult job, you can involve children in it. The main thing is to be careful and consistent in gluing the individual elements.
Refrigerator with decoupage in Provence style
Preparing the surface for decoupage and drawing a picture
The refrigerator must be thoroughly washed and wiped dry. Then, wipe with alcohol the places where you plan to glue the applique. There is no point in degreasing with acetone; there is no need to sand the surface either.
There is no risk that the application will “come off”. And, it will be better for you if you leave yourself the chance of reversing. You never know, it won't work out? Or, after a certain number of years, you will want to sell it, but with decoupage no one will take it, that’s a fact.
After this, cut out your design with scissors without separating the layers of the napkin. After the part is cut out, you can separate the very top part from the bottom.
Then, apply a thin layer of PVA glue on it and attach the design to the surface. After 20 seconds, roll the roller in different directions, carefully expelling the air and smoothing out wrinkles.
Stencils for refrigerator decoupage
We were quite interested in the renovation, we want to say: if you don’t know how to draw, use a stencil. Try searching here creative-handmade.org/trafaretu.html. There are many other resources where you can download interesting motifs for free. Then the stencil needs to be printed.
Please note that when scaling, the picture format can exceed A4. In a special program or Paint, split the drawing into files. The pieces are made identical; when printing, you cannot select the Stretch to entire sheet property.
The result is a set of paper. The excess is cut off, and the future drawing is assembled on the floor.
- Cover the area of the future stencil (separately on sheets) with wide tape.
- Carefully cut out the desired design along the lines.
- Mark the refrigerator with a pencil under the sheets.
- Attach a border of paper 7–10 cm wide to the sheet so that the paint from the sprayer does not go beyond the required limits.
- Number each sheet, and carefully mark the order on the refrigerator with a pencil.
Get started. Buy car paints at the store or just good paints in cans. Apply the stream from a distance, a little at a time, so that drips do not form (the job will go down the drain). While working, the sheets should be secured with magnets.
Attention! Do not smear the previous work with the borders of adjacent sheets. Wait until the layer dries. For car paint – just a few minutes.
If a number of colors are selected, and the details are located close, it’s not scary. It's time for readers to learn that you can copy a drawing of any complexity from a children's coloring book, with patience. Even closely spaced details will not interfere with creating a composition.
- First, scan the drawing. Place parallel or perpendicular so as not to align later.
- Print as many copies of the template as there are colors available. The required part is cut out of the workpiece to be painted.
- Label the sheet you took and what color it belongs to. The numbering is retained.
- Use the templates sequentially, patiently waiting until the already applied layer dries.
The work is varnished. To create a colorful background, we offer options:
- Today it is easy to buy self-adhesive film in the store. The paint will apply easily.
- The background can be printed on thin paper and then glued to the refrigerator. Or use an inkjet printer right away.
Refrigerator made using decoupage technique
- Refrigerator decoupage is done, for example, with canvas. Take it to the art school and take it back with the desired drawing. If you stick the fabric on the refrigerator, the result will be interesting. It is not recommended to coat the canvas with varnish (although it is possible).
- Can you cut well? Remember the experience of Europe in the 15th century. Buy thin veneer and get to work. Show the West where true architects live, then cover it with varnish to preserve it for centuries.
- It is possible to use a rug, giving the refrigerator the appearance of a sofa from the Thousand and One Nights.
It is important to understand that with the modern choice of materials, you do not need to pay through the nose for primers, use a grinder to clean out old paint, or have an airbrush at home. The master will solve the problem in his own way, according to the situation and financial capabilities. Otherwise, just hire a professional to do the work.
Applique design styles
There are exactly as many styles as there are styles of interior design. We are not talking about what styles there are. We are sure that you are aware of this without us. I just wanted to remind you that if you have a “Provence” style, then you shouldn’t decorate in the “ethnic” style.
Everything should be in harmony so that the refrigerator looks like a single ensemble with the rest of the furniture. Sometimes it looks very good if the refrigerator is decorated in such a way that it is practically invisible, it takes on the appearance of a cabinet in a given style.
Sometimes it’s the other way around. Your kitchen is white, in high-tech style, for example. And often, a very good solution turns out to be to highlight the refrigerator with a bright spot that contrasts with the rest of the decor.
Let's take a closer look at some of the “powerful” ideas. Perhaps you will take something into account.
Refrigerator decoupage “Phone Booth”
This is a very cool design. The refrigerator looks like a classic red phone booth, of which there are so many on the streets of London. But you can’t do it with napkins alone to implement it. Here you will need paints and a fairly high level of skill.
To begin, draw a drawing on the refrigerator so that you know exactly how and where to glue the parts. The windows in the booth will need to be framed with wooden frames to give the composition volume and a natural look. Some details will need to be drawn, not forgetting about the shadows.
Such refrigerators look good in almost any kitchen, with the exception of the obvious “Country” and the notorious “Provence”. There they will be completely inappropriate, since this is a more strict style.
Refrigerator decoupage “Antique cabinet”
But this is clearly for “Provence” and others like it. You can depict the wardrobe absolutely any way you want; you don’t have to try to make it match the main furniture. Moreover, it is even undesirable, since it will still be different, and the appearance will be rough.
It’s better if you make a completely different cabinet, simply, in a given style. And, yes, this is also not a level for a beginner. And here you will also need paints, craquelure, aging effects, etc., etc....
Decoupage refrigerator “Patchwork”
A very interesting idea. Patchwork is a classic patchwork quilt, as you know. Absolutely anyone can do this design.
There are napkins with a ready-made patchwork pattern, and with the effect of stitching with threads. There are simple plain napkins that you can choose to suit your taste and “sew” the patches yourself. In this case, the divisions will need to be painted over, simulating machine stitching.
But, please note that this is a catchy and bright design. It will “play” if the kitchen itself is not bright. If your walls are painted, or your furniture is of different colors, then it is better to abandon this idea.
Decoupage of refrigerator “Front door”
Also, great solution. By the way, decoupage can be done not only with napkins, but also with photo wallpaper, for example. And, indeed, there are a lot of motives for such a plan.
Refrigerator decoupage “Flowers” and “Grapes”
In this case, everything is quite simple. Find good options for flowers or grapes and glue them on. But, do not forget that you need to paint the branches. If you don’t do this, the look will look rather sparse.
Decoupage of the refrigerator “Peas”
A funny design, but at the same time a rather bold decision. The refrigerator looks like a piece of cotton fabric. Unpretentious and very cute.
You can choose absolutely any colors, but the polka dots should be monochromatic and not very large, otherwise the fabric effect will not work.
Why do you need refrigerator decoupage?
People often look at refrigerator decoupage from an aesthetic point of view, but we unwittingly look for advantages from a technical perspective. It is known that the white color was given to the refrigerator to minimize the exchange of energy with the external environment. What if you stick a wooden ornament on top to match the kitchen set and cover it with 30 - 40 layers of varnish?
The thermal insulation properties of polyurethane foam or glass wool (in older refrigerator models) are enhanced by additional layers. Heat leaks will be reduced, and the compressor will have to work less to reach the set mode.
The decorative qualities of refrigerators depend on craftsmanship. By the way, remember that decoupling the refrigerator yourself automatically voids the right to warranty service.
It is often difficult for people to quickly master the art of masterfully manipulating an airbrush to decoupage a refrigerator. Let's take a brief look at how the pros do it, and then try to decoupage the refrigerator yourself!
- The surface is prepared. Selected couturiers simply sand the powder paint of the refrigerator, then get to work. Others completely remove the layer down to the metal, degrease it with special compounds, and then prime it. This requires knowledge of the housing material. The soil is different in each case. A primer, for example white, is applied on top.
- An airbrush is a pneumatic sprayer with a narrow nozzle. It is possible to blow paint or air out. In the first case, colored strokes are obtained, in the second, the wet paint is pushed to the sides, the soil is exposed. With two techniques, a skilled artist quickly creates a beautiful picture. A picky master works much longer, but the fact remains: a beginner cannot do such work.
Stencil for refrigerator decoupage
Napkins for refrigerator decoupage
Today this is a mass phenomenon, we decided to talk separately about decoupage with napkins. This is a relatively new type of application. The meaning of the work: a beautiful drawing is applied to the translation. By peeling off the anti-adhesive film and applying a special composition, anyone can decorate their own refrigerator, there are two methods!
Napkins for decoupage
- The composition for hot decoupage is applied immediately under the sticker. Then you will need to iron it through wax paper with a hot iron (between the second and third modes). It is not a fact that the technique is suitable for a metal surface that removes heat.
- The second method is a little more complicated from our point of view. The application, devoid of anti-adhesive film, will need to be placed face down on a paper folder (preferably transparent). Then the wrong side is generously watered to form a small puddle. It’s easy to check whether there is enough water: take a wide brush, apply it at a slight angle and pull the application to the side. The pattern should move smoothly on the plastic. Next, attach the applique to the desired location. Then, using a brush, the pattern is smoothed over the plastic. In a new step, remove the folder. Gently pull the corner parallel to the surface. When it moves a little, take it off. Now on the other side. First, tearing off the corner, then pulling it out at a distance of a centimeter, parallel to the surface. The main thing remains - before the napkin is dry, spread it with glue. Through the wet material, the composition reaches the base. Do it smoothly, with a brush applied at a slight angle.
