Here it is in all it’s rusty glory!
Ok, I blogged about this great find earlier last week. We drove up to Lincoln to get this and planned to clean it all up and turn it into a wine cabinet or tea cabinet. The first step you must complete when dealing with old appliances is to strip it down to bare metal.
Click on images to enlarge:
- The best tools for stripping an appliance when doing it yourself is a paint brush, scraper, and steel wool to loosen stubborn paint.
AARRRGGGGGHHH! I am finally done stripping this thing!
- After the stripping was complete I wiped down all the surfaces with a wet cloth to remove any surface debris. Here it is after the primer was applied.
Here it is all painted and with the newly refinished feet attached.
As you can see I painted the doors and laid them out to dry in the sun.
I applied the refinished hardware after the paint dried.
So after 4 days of scraping, cleaning and degreasing this appliance it is done. I think it turned out great!
I hope you think it looks good too! On to the next piece.
Hepcats Haven 
It looks stunning – of course! Question….did you use a chemical to help strip it? And, how did you restore the old hardware? Did you use regular primer on the entire piece or a special one for metal? Great job kiddo, as usual! It was so good to see you & the adorable Mz. Kitty today if only for a short time. I worked on getting the space with the cabinet looking great – till 4 o’clock! It is such a stunning piece & was already getting a LOT of attention. I’m so glad to have it back in the store. It’s a show stopper for sure!
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Thanks Vic.
I used a chemical stripper sold at Lowes. The hardware refinish was accomplished by grinding off any corrosion and then painting them a rich antique gold color. I used primer approved for all metals. It was really great seeing the both of you today as well. I am glad you are satisfied having the hutch back. I will blog about our new hutch tomorrow.
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Great job…..as always !!!!
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Thanks Frank I really appreciate it!
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Hepcat – Your restoration skills are incredible! Would love to see a post that discusses how you obtained the skills/knowledge to do this work…or is it just a hobby during your free time? Regardless, your talent for this is amazing.
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Thanks Frugale_Femme. I just posted a response to your question on the main page. Thanks so much for the support and taking an interest.
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I almost sold my ice box at my yard sale this weekend! Glad I didn’t because after stumbling upon your site I have decided to bring it back to life!!!
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I am soo glad I inspired you to restore it. These usually turn out nice and can be used for almost anything. Best of luck on your resto!
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THank you! I will do taking before/after pictures!
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I just purchased an old icebox that looks similar to this one. I don’t see a manufacturer on it–the only thing is on the back a stamp that says 522 and GREEN AND IVORY–and then there’s a handwritten number which looks like G-31. Do you have any resources that you’re willing to share on where to research these–I’m trying to determine it’s age and worth prior to having it refinished. I paid 85.00 for it. Thank you!
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Hi Wendy, I just refinished an icebox identical to hepcats. It also has GREEN AND IVORY stenciled on the back. There are other stencils, but I cannot make them out. Also no manufacturer. I have been trying to get more info also. Have you come up with any?
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Excellent job, just found this 2012 post about restoring old ice box. Do you know where to find the rubber seals to replace brittle door seals? I am working on an ice box almost identical to the one you worked on. Thanks!
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I had to buy generic foam seals from Lowe’s or Home Depot.
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Looks awesome. I just picked up an identical ice box. I am planning on restoring, but it is missing one hinge. I cannot find one online. Any ideas on where to find one? Thanks!
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Try looking for a cheap donor unit that has the same hinge, or you can replace all hinges.
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Did you use enamel can spray paint to paint your ice box?
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Hi Randy-yes I did..
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I love the restoration on your ice box. I’m doing one right now. What kind of paint did you use?
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Thanks. I used Valspar spray paint from Lowe’s.
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Wow. You got a great finish just using consumer-grade spray paint! I thought I’d have to take my icebox to an auto body shop to have it painted. I prefer to do it myself. The red is so glossy. Did you do anything to it after applying the paint? And how many coats? Thanks. Very nice work.
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Thanks. I didn’t do anything after painting it. I paint thouroughly, I do it in coats.
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I realize this is an older post, but I just wanted to say that this looks awesome! I was just given an ice box, and was wondering what paint I should use. Your post has helped a lot. Great job!
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Hepcat, so glad I found you!! We have come across my husband great grandmothers 1902 ice king ice box. It looks exactly like this one you have. However, it has been in a barn for at least 40years and the rust on the doors and feet is really bad! I have cleaned it with tap and tried Steele wool but I’m not sure if I can get the rust smoothed out! Would you have any suggestions for me?? Thanks!
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Hi! May I stick you in my pocket please? =D
My gosh! This piece is STUNNING. I too realize this is an older post (right on Kim!), but I’m planning on changing this gentleman’s cupboard for a song from Ashley into something like this for a pantry in my industrial/farmhouse vibe I got going right now! And I’m crossing every finger, eye, and toe I got that it’ll come out looking anything like this! I’m kind of going with that antique white/walnut (or mahogany) brown mix, so I’m planning to take these all white drawers I have and chalk paint them (since it’s already been painted) with the brown, while I do the frame and the door in antique white. It’s already white, so I’m hoping it works! This is definitely inspiration. =D
All the best! Wishing you health in this uncertain time! – J
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I have the exact same icebox and its almost in the same condition as your before pictures. Would you be open to sharing with more details on how you went about restoring it and possibly advising on the best type of professional to assist us?
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Looks amazing, excellent work. I have the exact icebox but the hinges were lost when first attempt to restore, can you tell me where I may find hinges?? Thank you.
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Unfortunately I do not. Your best option is to probably look for a donor icebox that you can take the hinges off.
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