Hey, y'all! My name is Isabella, and I’m a college student learning how to navigate adulthood right alongside you!! Today, I will give you my step-by-step guide on how to paint a cooler for a fraternity formal!
Not sure where to start with making a frat cooler? Are you not creative and unsure how to paint a design on a frat cooler? No problem! Today, I will tell you exactly how I made my cooler for my boyfriend's fraternity formal last year.
Why Make a frat cooler?
But first, I want to talk a little bit about why girls even paint a cooler in the first place. This is because your date will pay for their trip to New Orleans and yours, usually a couple of thousand dollars. It is pretty much just intended to be a thank-you gift.
However, your date will not even be taking it to their formal! Mindblowing...I know, right? I was so confused about this, and I didn't even know that until the last minute, but there would simply not be enough room on these tour buses that take everyone to formal. So, it will just be a personalized thank-you gift. The good thing is that your date can keep it forever!
Supplies
- A Cooler
- Painters Tape
- Spackling
- A Putty Knife (For the spackling)
- Sander/Sander paper
- Primer Spray Paint
- Acrylic Paint
- Paint brushes
- Paint pens (Optional but a lifesaver)
- Modge Podge
- A Pencil
- Sharpies (Fine point & Regular)
- A piece of paper
- Optional: A blow dryer (To speed up the process & dry the designs)
STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE
step 1 - Pick a cooler
This is a pretty obvious first step, but there is a specific cooler that is easiest to paint on a cooler with the fewest grooves, ridges, divots, etc. You want the cooler to be as flat and smooth as possible on every side.
I have linked a Coleman and Igloo cooler below, which are affordable and have limited ridges.
I used an old Igloo cooler my parents were literally about to throw away, so I got lucky!
Here are some cooler options from Amazon! Walmart, Academy, and Facebook marketplace are other places to shop for coolers.
Step 2 - spackle the cooler
Spackling, aka putty, is used to fill in holes, logos, ridges, lines, etc., to make the painting process easier and give you an even area to paint on.
Please wait for it to dry fully before continuing with work on the cooler. With the spackling I linked, you will know it is fully dry when it turns from bright pink to solid white.
I have linked the brand of spackling I used for my cooler. It's only $8! I also linked some putty knife tools to use with the spackling. They're only $4!
Step 3 - sand the cooler
Sand it! Don't ask, "Do I have to sand the cooler?" Because yes, you do! This helps the paint stay on so that all your hard work doesn't go to waste, resulting in it peeling or flaking off.
If you aren't sure what a sander does, it will strip off the glossy coat that covers the entire cooler. Therefore, you need to sand over any area you plan on painting.
You can use an electric sander, a sanding sponge, or sanding paper. I found a sanding sponge to be the cheapest and most effective option.
I linked a sanding sponge similar to what I used below! It's only $6
Step 4 - prime & prep
After you've sanded, thoroughly wipe off your cooler with a wet cloth to clean it.
I took the handles and lid off mine just to make it easier. They all unscrewed from the hinges so I could paint my cooler more easily. If this is not an option for your cooler, you can use painter's tape to tape off any areas you don't want to be painted.
Now, you are ready to prime your cooler! Just grab a primer in a spray can like the one I have linked below (it costs only $6) and apply a few coats according to the primer's directions.
Step 5 - Pick your design
Draw out your WHOLE design on a piece of paper, every side and every corner. Planning it out now will save you time.
Then, you will be able to ensure you have all the paint colors and supplies you need.
Scroll Pinterest for ideas! Maybe even ask your date for ideas or their opinion if you want. Here are a few of my designs! Feel free to copy 🙂
Step 6 - Trace out your design
First, I recommend painting your background colors on each side before tracing anything out. This will give you a solid base from which to start.
Then, sketch out your design on each side of your cooler in pencil or chalk!
I recommend chalk if you use a black background like in the image linked below of the Jack Daniels logo I painted. Chalk is very easy to wipe away if needed.
STep 7 - paint
Now, finally, for the most fun part! It's time to get painting.
Be sure to use acrylic paint for this project.
Get creative with it, and have fun! The cooler I made for my boyfriend was so far from perfect, but I tried my best and had fun along the way, and he loved it.
Add a few coats of paint to make your designs vibrant and colorful.
Step 8 - add finishing touches
I got my dad to help me drill a bottle opener into the top of the lid on the inside. This was definitely one of my best ideas and most practical additions.
Be sure to go back over all of your designs and ensure the lines are clean. It doesn't need to be perfect, but this is an excellent job to fix with Sharpies or paint pens!
step 9 - seal the cooler
This step is essential so your paint doesn't chip, peel, or flake off.
I used Mod Podge just since I had it, but you can also use a spray sealant, which would be quicker. Be sure to add a few coats regardless of which one you use.
I linked the Glossy Mod Podge I used and a spray sealant option below!
If you liked this post on how to make a cooler for fraternity formal I bet you would love this post about how to make the perfect big/little basket!
I bet you know exactly what you're doing now and you can go make a showstopping cooler for your formal date! Have fun & stay safe 🙂
With Love,
Isabella XO
