Can You Paint Baseboard Heaters?

If you are considering painting every room in your home, it is important to consider elements like trim and baseboard heaters in addition to your walls. If you have an old baseboard heater in your home, you have likely wondered if you can safely rejuvenate it with a fresh coat of paint. While you can paint baseboard heaters, there are several steps that should be completed to ensure that the job is done right. That is why the interior painting experts at Dunbar Painting have put together some information to help you refresh the appearance of your baseboard heaters and minimize the risk of mistakes.

Read our tips for painting a brick fireplace.

4 Steps to Paint a Baseboard Heater

If your baseboard heater is free of major damage, it can be repainted by completing the following steps:

1. Turn the Heater off

First and foremost, you will need to ensure that the heater is turned off. While this may seem obvious, it is a step that can be easily missed. If your heater powers on while you are painting, this can cause damage to the paint and potentially to the unit itself. To minimize the risk of damage, be sure that the heater is completely powered off and cool before starting any work.

2. Prep the Area

After your heater has been powered down, you will need to prep the area by performing all required masking and surface protection. Apply painter’s tape around the heater to minimize the risk of getting primer or paint on your wall or floor. It is also a good idea to cover the opening of the heater to minimize the chance of getting paint inside it.

3. Use Primer That is Suitable for Metal

Once the area has been prepped, you will need to apply primer to the surface of the heater. To ensure optimal results, it is best to choose a primer that is designed for metal. These products are designed to stick to metal and help to protect against rust, making them well worth the investment. Slowly apply primer to the exterior of the baseboard heater and let it dry before applying paint.

4. Apply 2 coats of Trim Paint

With the primer applied and dry, it is now time to apply the paint. While you may be tempted to use standard paint for this job, it is best to choose trim paint for baseboard heaters as it will provide a glossy and high-quality finish. Apply the paint slowly and carefully, taking care to avoid getting it in the interior of the heater.

To learn more about our painting and staining solutions or to discuss the details of your project, get in touch with the team at Dunbar Painting. We can be reached through our online contact form and will be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding your project.