How to Paint Your Baseboard Heaters

Author: Kent Building Supplies

What you will need:

Safety goggles and gloves

Drop cloths or plastic sheets

Painter's tape

Wire brush or sandpaper

TSP (Trisodium Phosphate) cleaner or a mild detergent

Water and a bucket

Rust-inhibiting primer

High-heat paint (specifically designed for metal surfaces)

Paintbrush or spray paint equipment

Respirator mask

Safety First:

Put on safety goggles and gloves to protect your eyes and skin. Ensure the area is well-ventilated, especially if you're using spray paint. Lay down drop cloths or plastic sheets to protect the floor and surrounding area from paint splatter. Before you start, turn off the baseboard heater and allow it to cool completely.

Safety goggles, gloves, and respirator mask.

Clean the Surface:

Remove any dust, dirt, or grease from the surface of the heater. Use a wire brush or sandpaper to remove loose paint and rust. If there's significant rust, you may need to use a rust converter before proceeding. Mix a solution of TSP cleaner or mild detergent with water in a bucket. Use a sponge or cloth to wash the heater's surface. Rinse it thoroughly and allow it to dry completely.

Person with brown pants and a long white shirt cleaning baseboards.

Primer & Paint:

Use painter's tape to mask any areas you don't want to paint, such as the wall or floor adjacent to the baseboard heater. Apply a rust-inhibiting primer designed for metal surfaces. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding drying times. Typically, you'll need to apply one or two coats of primer, allowing each coat to dry thoroughly. Once the primer is dry, apply a high-heat paint specifically designed for metal surfaces. You can use a brush or spray paint for this step. Ensure even coverage, and apply multiple thin coats if necessary, allowing each coat to dry before the next.

Opened can of white paint. On the top lip, a black tipped paint brush that has been dipped in the paint.

Drying Time:

Allow the final coat of paint to dry completely. Refer to the paint manufacturer's instructions for recommended drying times. Once the paint is dry, remove the painter's tape and reassemble any components of the baseboard heater that were removed during the process.

Pair of hands taking off blue painters tape from baseboards.

Cleanup:

Dispose of used materials properly, clean your brushes or spray equipment, and remove the drop cloths or plastic sheets. Turn the baseboard heater back on and ensure it's working correctly.

Remember to keep your baseboards looking new by regularly cleaning them and make sure to choose high-heat paint that can withstand the temperatures the heater generates. Good luck and have fun bringing a touch of color to your home with your newly painted baseboard heaters.

Need help with your project? Our Project Centre team is ready to answer all your questions, no matter how big or small your project is. Consult our Project Centre today to find the perfect solutions in your dream colour and budget!