How to wallpaper your fridge

Hi everyone, thanks for your interest in my fridge. It's soooo bright and happy, I just love it. Here is a tutorial on how I did it.

1. Order your wallpaper (the most fun part!) Typically, Designers Guild, Cole and Sons etc. require at least a double roll to purchase. Sometimes you can order a single roll at your local design center and be charged a cutting fee. Here are some resources for buying a single roll:

• Graham and Brown
• Ebay
• Wallpaper from the Seventies - I used this excellent company for the foyer in Casapinka 1 - see here.
• Next Home
• Cath Kidston
• Anthropologie
• Ferm Living
• Secondhand Rose
• Johnny-Tapete

Supplies:

• Wallpaper
• Small foam roller
• Wallpaper paste
• Self-erasing board
• Craft knife or X-acto blade
• Long straight edge ruler
• Primer and roller or brush (if going to prime)
• Paint for the handles if needed
• Soft, dry cloth (for smoothing bubbles)
• Damp cloth (for wiping off glue)
• Mod Podge
• Music
• A BABYSITTER

2. If your fridge has rust on it (as mine did) prime it so it doesn't leech through. I also primed the handles because they were nasty.

Measure your wallpaper as precisely as possible. Starting with the side of the fridge, measure from the very top of your fridge to slightly past the bottom ( 2mm is good.) I didn't wrap mine around the top or bottom but you could if desired. Using a craft knife, self-erasing mat and a long straight edge (a lifesaver- can't overemphasize this enough) cut the length you need. I recommend starting with the side of your fridge because if you err here, as I did, it isn't noticeable.

Note that the second strip for the sides and the front was much narrower so I had to cut length and width. Make sure the narrow piece (especially on the front) is going to fall where you want it.

I used wallpaper paste from Home Depot ( around $4 for a quart.) and a foam roller. The instructions on my paper said to paste the wall (i.e. fridge) rather than the paper. This is in contrast to the dresser  I recently did, where I was instructed to coat the paper with the paste. Follow the instructions that come with your wallpaper.

Spread the glue out on the fridge like you're painting a wall and pay careful attention to the edges - you don't want the edges of your wallpaper peeling up. Sometimes you'll have to recoat a bit - don't worry, it doesn't affect the texture of the paper. 

With someone holding the bottom of the wallpaper taut and not touching the fridge, press it on at the top, matching it exactly to the horizontal top edge of the fridge and smooth out the bubbles with a soft cloth. Gradually work your way down to let the lower portions adhere. If it is uneven, just lift it up a bit and press it down again. Smooth the bubbles from the middle to sides going from top to bottom. If glue gets on the paper (and it will) use a damp dishcloth to wipe it clean as you go. Also, when glue gets on your hands, wash them right away.

Wallpaper has repeating patterns which make it easy to match up. When doing the second strip next to the first one, I laid it down right against the edge of the first one rather than overlapping them. the seams don't really show but this is why a nice, long straight edge is so important. Don't let any of the fridge show through or you will see the seams. 

The reality was, I had small children running in and out while doing this and I ended up locking them in the pantry letting them help. I should have prepared for this and had a sitter or asked a friend to watch them!

I then painted the handles with two coast of white semi gloss that I had on hand. I finished with two coats of mat Mod Podge, using the foam roller.  Just pour it into a small paint tray and roll it on. I'm considering a coat of polyurethane to further protect it but I'll see how the non-toxic way holds up.

If you have any questions, feel free to email me and I'll help you if I can. This took about three hours with two people working and many diaper change/snack/bathing stuffed dog in toilet while flushing it/Stop Pulling the Cat's Tail type interruptions. In other words, if I can do it, anyone can!

Comments

[victoria]

Hello!

I rent my apartment. Now if I wallpaper my fridge, will it be easy to take off and clean when I move?

(luve this idea! my kitchen so needs a retro organic punch too!)

Thanks!
Victoria from
sugadaily.blogspot.com

[annechovie]

Stunning, Pink! I love it! P.S. thanks for including my quote poster in your Etsy faves - just spotted it! Have a terrific weekend.

[Joan]

THANK YOU!

this is beautiful!

[casapinka]

victoria, i, too, have a rental and didn't ask my landlord. it's not easily removable. someone suggested doing this on large magnets, though. i just love it so much i figure when we buy a place i'll grab another fridge off craigslist if they have a prob and replace it!

annechovie, i've always been a big fan so you are welcome.

thanks, joan!

[Little Lovables]

What a fun print! Great job

[Oreo Fairy]

This is such a great idea! I also have smaller children and am wondering how well it is holding up with your kids? Is it easily cleaned also? Thank you so much for taking the time to put up a tutorial it is very helpful and I cannot wait to surprise my husband with a "new" fridge. Thanks!

[Daisy]

Looks great!! I have an incredibly tiny kitchen; the big print wouldn't work as well. But there are many that would!

[Alli]

From the moment I saw this I've wanted to do it. I am finally getting around to it and am about to order paper, but am wondering how yours is holding up.,,

[casapinka]

Alli, it's holding up very well. I think the two coats of matte Mod Podge that I put on it have saved it. I can just wipe ketchup handprints off with a moist towel. I think I'm definitely a good person to test this kind of thing with two spirited kiddos around!

[twitter.com/peacheydesign]

This looks fantastic! The kitchen is my next project and methinks wallpapering the fridge will be at the top of the list.

[elyse]

how did i not realize this?

SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO ICE COLD COOL!

xo
elyse