Convert old fridge for paint storage etc.

[duke]

Tired of hauling paint to the house in winter. Figure I could mount an incandescent bulb or a low watt heat lamp. Fridge is in garage 10 steps from the shop. Anyone done this, any thoughts?

 

[Myfordman]

Put two similar power lamps in series. Each will produce 25% of it’s rated power but they will last forever.
I used to use that technique to keep a tool cupboard free from rust.

 

[duke]

Installed a fixture attached to ceiling of the fridge. Using a flood light at present, measured the temp. before turning the lamp on. Will check temp. in an hour.

 

[duke]

Temperature check one hour later. I will install a thermostat.

 

[Sachakins]

I would add some ventilation too.
Gives a chance for any moisture build up to escape rather than cause mold and fester.

 

[duke]

Yes thought this also, the first top hole I drilled could work for ventilation.

 

[duke]

And for venting any gassing off of paints, glues etc. You did get me thinking ! Thanks Sachakins.

 

[JoeS]

Have you had paint freeze before? What does it do to the paint in the longterm?

 

[HamsterJam]

Have you had paint freeze before? What does it do to the paint in the longterm?

I guess it depends on the type of paint.
In my limited experience with household paint (gloss/emulsion) it either separates and never recombines no matter how much it’s stirred or it doesn’t dry properly and stays tacky.

 

[duke]

Have you had paint freeze before? What does it do to the paint in the longterm?

Yes, latex paint all the time oil based paint can withstand the freezing to a point.
Latex (water based paint) never is for me usable after freezing.

 

[GuitardoctorW7]

Just a question? Would a heavily insulated box do a similar thing?

 

[Cobbs]

Just a question? Would a heavily insulated box do a similar thing?

Yes - and you wouldn't have to worry about those nasty greenhouse gasses escaping in a few years, when the gubbins at the back rust away...

 

[duke]

Just a question? Would a heavily insulated box do a similar thing?

Not where I live, in London sure, our winter temps can reach -40C weeks on end and averaging out around -20C.

 

[trvlr]

Not where I live, in London sure, our winter temps can reach -40C weeks on end and averaging out around -20C.

Ah yes... The winters in Ontario can be a little coole than in the UK. I've lived in rura parts in the past and it really gets cold there, as well in the city... And not just Ontario...

 

[trvlr]

Yes - and you wouldn't have to worry about those nasty greenhouse gasses escaping in a few years, when the gubbins at the back rust away...

Great use for an olde fridge/freezer...The wooden box idea sounds a good one. and the inclusion of a thermostat too as per the olde fridge would be essential. Will consider making such a "box"

 

[duke]

Installed a thermostat.

 

[duke]

Yes - and you wouldn't have to worry about those nasty greenhouse gasses escaping in a few years, when the gubbins at the back rust away...

The refrigerant coolant was removed properly!