Refinishing Old Refrigerator Wire Shelves
If the wire shelves in your refrigerator are tarnished or rusty, breathe new life into them by applying a brand new finish. Unfortunately, wire shelves don't accept new finishes easily. A metal-etching base primer can combat this problem and promote a durable finish that will last and last. If the shelves are rusted, an ordinary etching primer will allow a recurrence. For best results, choose an etching-base equipped with rust-inhibiting properties.
Instructions
1
Remove the shelves from the refrigerator and take them outdoors.
2
Wash the old wire refrigerator shelves. Grease, oil and food particles will inhibit adhesion. Thoroughly scrub the wire shelves with a coarse steel wool pad.
3
Rinse the shelves with a garden hose. Place them flat on a canvas drop cloth and let them dry under the sun for two hours.
4
Coat the wire refrigerator shelves with etching primer. Be sure the primer has rust-inhibiting qualities. Maintain 8 inches between the wire and spray tip to prevent runs and sags.
5
Let the shelves dry for on hour. Flip them over and prime the other side. Let the final coat of etching primer dry for two hours.
6
Finish the wire refrigerator shelves as you primed them. For lasting, attractive results, apply an appliance epoxy. Let the shelves dry for two hours before returning them to the refrigerator.
