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Step 2Paint The Fridge
Wash the surface of the fridge first. Once dry, use masking tape to mark off the borders of the grid (display area) and the power traces going to it. Get some newspaper and with more masking tape, cover up all the areas you do not want to get paint on.
Apply one even coat of the base paint. I used this base coat to cover any existing scratches on the surface of the fridge and also to help ensure that the conductive paint will not peel off.
Once the base coat is touch dry start applying the 1/4" masking tape (Quilter's tape) to form two seperate traces that will power the grid, and then apply all the traces in the grid itself. I used a marker to mark out the vertical spacing between the horizontal lines, then followed the dots as I placed the tape by hand.
The grid should basically look like two interlocked combs. One power line will go to the left side and make "teeth" going back to the right, and the other power line will start at the right side, making teeth go to the left. Neither of the two power lines should ever touch at any point. The grid is basically an open circuit and closed only when the magnetic LEDs will be placed upon it - one magnet of the LED touching one power line and the other magnet touching the other.
As soon as the masking tape is applied, start painting with the conductive paint. This stuff is nasty - you want to make sure that the area is well ventilated. Open all windows, doors and turn on the vent over the stove.
Keep applying more layers until the can is nearly empty. You may want to save a little bit just in case you ever need to touch up the conductive traces. If you are painting a larger surface area, you may consider using more than one can.
Apply one even coat of the base paint. I used this base coat to cover any existing scratches on the surface of the fridge and also to help ensure that the conductive paint will not peel off.
Once the base coat is touch dry start applying the 1/4" masking tape (Quilter's tape) to form two seperate traces that will power the grid, and then apply all the traces in the grid itself. I used a marker to mark out the vertical spacing between the horizontal lines, then followed the dots as I placed the tape by hand.
The grid should basically look like two interlocked combs. One power line will go to the left side and make "teeth" going back to the right, and the other power line will start at the right side, making teeth go to the left. Neither of the two power lines should ever touch at any point. The grid is basically an open circuit and closed only when the magnetic LEDs will be placed upon it - one magnet of the LED touching one power line and the other magnet touching the other.
As soon as the masking tape is applied, start painting with the conductive paint. This stuff is nasty - you want to make sure that the area is well ventilated. Open all windows, doors and turn on the vent over the stove.
Keep applying more layers until the can is nearly empty. You may want to save a little bit just in case you ever need to touch up the conductive traces. If you are painting a larger surface area, you may consider using more than one can.
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