
Instructions
- First lightly sand/clean your baseboards to make sure they are ready for primer. I actually just used steel wool to give it a little rub down.
- Apply 2 coats of Rustoleum Clean Metal Primer to Heater. I used a foam brush for this step. ...
- When dry apply 1-2 coats of Benjamin Moore Ultra Spec 500 Paint.
- Step back and admire your new heater!
Full Answer
How to make a baseboard heater cover?
How to Make a Baseboard Heater Cover
- Measure the Baseboard Heater. Measure the height, depth, and width of the baseboard heater to determine the plywood size you will need with a measuring tape.
- Draw Up a Plan. After you have the measurements of the baseboard heater, draw out a plan of what you want the cover to look like.
- Purchase the Materials. ...
- Cut the 2x2’s to Construct the Frame. ...
Can you paint a baseboard heater?
Yes, it’s safe to paint the baseboard heater. But if you’re painting an electric one, don’t forget to disconnect the electric power supply from the fuse box. Is it cheaper to paint baseboards or replace them? Of course, painting is way too cheaper than replacing the entire baseboard heater. The tools and materials will cost around $300 only.
How to replace baseboard heater covers safely?
How to Replace Baseboard Heater Covers Step by Step. Slide wood shims behind the back plate of the baseboard heater. Use reciprocating saw to cut nails or screws holding back plate to wall. Pull the adjustable damper from the hangers, and discard. Prop up heating element, then use slotted screwdriver to pry the back plate from the hangers.
How to paint a baseboard heater?
Proper Prep and Paint for Baseboard Heaters
- Preparation. Any rust must be removed with a scraper, wire brush, and sandpaper. ...
- Primer. The role of a primer is twofold: to protect the metal substrate while providing a good adhesive surface for the topcoat to stick to.
- Paint. ...
- Direct to Metal (DTM) Paint. ...

Can baseboard heater covers be painted?
Apply a layer of rust-inhibiting primer to your cover and leave it to dry before applying a second coat. Once your primer is dry, you can finally paint your baseboard cover. Just like the primer, you should apply two full coats of paint.
What kind of paint do you use for baseboard heaters?
What kind of paint should I use? A: If you are referring to baseboard radiator systems for boilers, they don't get very hot and, after a coat of metal primer, can take any kind of paint. Experts advise using an oil-based alkyd paint.
How do you refinish baseboard covers?
0:1711:03Update Your Baseboard Heater Cover | How to Paint a Radiator in PlaceYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBring them outside clean them sand them prime them. And then hand paint them or spray paint. Them.MoreBring them outside clean them sand them prime them. And then hand paint them or spray paint. Them.
What color should baseboard heaters be?
We know that most architects and interior designers have consistently specified white as the color for baseboard trim and casing details for most of the past 50 years. We know that white matches all other colors.
Can you use regular spray paint on baseboard heaters?
Bottomline, regular paint should do just fine on your baseboard heaters.
How do you remove rust from baseboard heater covers?
How to Get Rust Off Baseboard HeatersTurn off the circuit at the service panel that powers the heater. ... Remove the heating element cover from the baseboard heater by lifting up at an angle. ... Sand the rust spots with the emery cloth or sandpaper until the rust is completely scrubbed off and the bare metal is exposed.More items...
How do you clean old baseboard heaters?
0:161:08How to Clean Baseboard Heaters - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou to clean the fins use a vacuum with a brush nozzle removing any dirt and dust gathered inMoreYou to clean the fins use a vacuum with a brush nozzle removing any dirt and dust gathered in between the fins. Straighten any fins that are bent.
Can you paint radiator covers?
0:461:35Paint a Radiator | Benjamin Moore - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAlthough you can use a high heat coating to paint radiators it will limit your color choice. NowMoreAlthough you can use a high heat coating to paint radiators it will limit your color choice. Now most premium quality interior latex paint will withstand temperature up to 180 degrees Fahrenheit.
How do you remove paint from a baseboard heater?
Gently brush a piece of fine-grain steel wool or sandpaper over the baseboard heater covers, using short back-and-forth strokes as needed until all paint is stripped off of the covers.
Should baseboard heaters be painted same color as walls?
So if your baseboards are nearly as tall or taller than the radiators, paint the radiator covers the same color as the surrounding baseboards. And if you have shorter baseboards (or no baseboards at all), paint the radiators to match the walls.
How do you paint baseboards?
2:316:22How To Paint Baseboards- The Easiest Way to Professional Results!!!YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBut most of the time there won't be much dust depending on the repairs. So take an old brush. Or aMoreBut most of the time there won't be much dust depending on the repairs. So take an old brush. Or a rag. And just give the baseboards a white ball. Onto the painting.
How do you replace a baseboard heater cover?
0:361:40Installing Baseboarders DIY Baseboard Heater Covers - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd a baseboard coupler installation requires a four step process remove. The existing end caps.MoreAnd a baseboard coupler installation requires a four step process remove. The existing end caps. Next remove the front cover then install the new baseboard cover and push down to secure it in place.
How do you paint baseboards?
2:316:22How To Paint Baseboards- The Easiest Way to Professional Results!!!YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBut most of the time there won't be much dust depending on the repairs. So take an old brush. Or aMoreBut most of the time there won't be much dust depending on the repairs. So take an old brush. Or a rag. And just give the baseboards a white ball. Onto the painting.
How do you clean old baseboard heaters?
0:161:08How to Clean Baseboard Heaters - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou to clean the fins use a vacuum with a brush nozzle removing any dirt and dust gathered inMoreYou to clean the fins use a vacuum with a brush nozzle removing any dirt and dust gathered in between the fins. Straighten any fins that are bent.
Can you paint electric wall heaters?
You can paint an electric heater. Many older homes and buildings have baseboard heat, which can be more efficient than radiators. If yours is starting to show its age, fear not because you can paint electric baseboard heaters as long as you use the right kind of primer and paint.
How do you paint radiator heaters?
0:101:55How to Paint Radiators & Metal | House Painting - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe best way to paint these is with spray paint why go through all the trouble of trying to brush itMoreThe best way to paint these is with spray paint why go through all the trouble of trying to brush it in go to the store and get yourself spray paint all the modern spray paints are enamel.
How long does it take to paint a baseboard heater?
This will look much better so will your home. The entire procedure will take around 2 hours.
Why Should You Paint a Baseboard Heater?
You must know how a painted baseboard can make a difference. This will encourage you to do your job wisely and significantly.
What kind of Paint Should You Use on Baseboard Heaters?
According to the expert suggestions, you should always go for oil-based paints. These are equally good and heat resistant for both forced and electric heaters. The type of heater you’re holding will make a significant impact on the color type.
What to wear when sanding a surface?
While you are sanding the surface, don’t forget to wear hand gloves and masks. This will keep you safer.
What kind of paint should I use on metal?
Although the regular metal paints can work well if you know how much to apply according to the surface type, if you’re ready to spend some extra bucks, you can go for semi-gloss/ high gloss paint.
Can you paint baseboards as the wall?
Experts suggest that you should match the heating baseboard color with the wall. But you should not really paint the baseboard as the wall. This will make it baseboard blended in with the wall. Although some suggest if your baseboards are at the same height as radiators, try to paint them in the same color.
Do baseboard heaters have a fuse box?
If you have no idea about the baseboard heater type, check on their power supplying system. The electric one would include a fuse box. At the same time, the forced one would consist of an oil or gas-fired boiler. However, these days, people mostly install the electric baseboard heater for better performance.
Why use water based paint?
Just as with the use of a water-based primer, the use of water-based paints has also become quite popular due to their lack of toxic emissions. Furthermore, a high-quality water-based topcoat can last as much as two to four times longer than similar oil-based paint. Also, water-based paints have been formulated for decreased drying time versus oil. This allows for the quick application of a second coat, leading to faster completion of the task.
How long does a water based top coat last?
Furthermore, a high-quality water-based topcoat can last as much as two to four times longer than similar oil-based paint. Also, water-based paints have been formulated for decreased drying time versus oil. This allows for the quick application of a second coat, leading to faster completion of the task.
Can you paint baseboard heaters?
Dust mask. Baseboard heaters can be painted along with the rest of a room, or with an accent color to give some character to the border where your walls and floor meet. The challenge is that the heater covers, unlike other paintable surfaces in your room, are made of metal.
Can you use oil based primer on baseboards?
The result is a range of products that not only inhibit corrosion but work as powerful binding agents for topcoat layers as well. These hydrophobic formulated primers can either match or exceed their solvent-based counterparts , so they have become the wise—and healthy—choice for baseboard heater cover painting.
How to clean rusty radiator cover?
4. Scrub each piece of the radiator cover using the wire brush to remove rusty patches. 5. Use a fine-grit sandpaper or sanding sponge to sand out the outward sides of your radiator covers. 6. Get your soapy water in a bucket and scrub down every inch of the radiator cover parts.
How to paint a saw horse?
1. To paint horizontally and to ensure a smoother finish, disassemble the covers and paint on saw horses. Start by removing the corner metal pieces or caps. Label the back of each cover as you remove them. 2.
Why do baseboards get ugly?
It reaches a time when the baseboard heating covers get ugly due to rust,accumulated scuff and scraping. If you want to give them a facelift, painting them to match the color of the wall is your best bet. Here’s how to paint your baseboard heating covers;
How long does it take for a radiator cover to dry?
Remember also to prime the top radiator cover attached to the wall. While it should be dry within an hour or so of applying the primer, let it rest until next day. 8.
Can you paint a rusted radiator cover?
Your choice of the paint will depend on the type of heating system you have and the nature of the rust. Use an oil-based primer if you have painted but slightly rusted radiator covers. Heating resistant paint is not necessary if you own a forced water system. Consider heat resistant paint if your system is electric.
Can you paint baseboards with electric?
Here’s how to paint your baseboard heating covers; Baseboard radiators are of two types – electric and forced hot water. It’s a forced hot water if you have a gas or oil boiler in your basement. Otherwise, it’s electrical if you have a separate circuit for radiators or heaters in your home breaker panel or fuse box.
How long does it take to paint a baseboard heater cover?
Painting your covers take time, but brand-new covers can be installed in 5-10 minutes. If you're pressed for time, a replacement baseboard radiator cover is the way to go. EZSnap™ Covers makes a 5 minute solution for replacement baseboard heater covers made from sturdy, modern-looking galvanized steel. Check out or inventory, or feel free ...
Why paint baseboard covers?
Reasons To Paint Your Covers. The main reason most people have for painting their baseboard covers is rust. Rusty, old baseboard heaters are unsightly, so it's no wonder you'd be looking to cover them up. Hiding rust and other imperfections with paint is an easy solution to improving the appearance of your baseboard heaters.
How to remove rust from a painted wall?
With the parts placed on a flat, sturdy surface, take a wire brush and remove any rust or flaking from its exterior. Sand the surface with fine-grit sandpaper, and then remove any sanding dust using a clean cloth and degreasing cleaner. Before you start painting, you'll need to let the cover dry. Next, you'll want to mask the wall and around ...
How to remove rust from a car cover?
It's finally time to paint. Apply a layer of rust-inhibiting primer to your cover and leave it to dry before applying a second coat.
What is a galvanized heater cover?
Covers made from galvanized steel are sturdy, long-lasting, and resistant to rust. Furthermore, they're not only functional but fashionable, too. They can give your outdated heater a modern, stylish appearance that’ll blend in seamlessly with the rest of your interior design.
Can you paint over rust on baseboard heater?
Hiding rust and other imperfections with paint is an easy solution to improving the appearance of your baseboard heaters. Keep in mind, you cannot just paint over the rust, as rust never stops unless you stop it and seal the steel.
How to remove rust from a car cover?
Sand the covers with a fine-grit sandpaper to remove all of the rust. Use the sandpaper to rough up any paint that did not have rust on it too. Wipe off the sanding dust with a rag.
Can you paint rusty baseboard heater covers?
Little ones crawling on the floor can put their hands on them and get cut or transfer the rust to their mouths. And the longer you don't repair them, the harder it will be when you do.
What color heaters are behind the teak and tweed chair?
Remember when I showed you photographs of the framed enamel art ? You could see the beige heaters behind the teak and tweed chair.
Can you spray paint baseboard heaters?
Our baseboard heater covers were incredibly difficult to remove and some parts were fixed so I opted to paint them in place with a brush instead of using spray paint. I had to be careful about painting the parts we flip open when they are in use and this took some extra time and fussing. With heaters that are easily removed, a metal spray paint could make light work of this job.
How long between coats of paint?
You are probably looking at 30 minutes between coats. You don’t have to wait too long, just make sure the paint is dry before applying the next coat. #8, after all the coats are applied and you are happy with the results, wait for everything to dry and them reassemble.
Do baseboard heater covers get rusty?
Do you have a nasty baseboard heater cover? Whether it is electric heat or hydronic heat, the metal heater covers can get nicked up and rusty . Especially in the bathroom! All that excess water vapor (and, ahem, poor aim) can really make those covers unsightly. So, what to do? Most people just live with it… for most people buying new covers or a complete new unit is too expensive for the small upgrade, and for others painting the covers seems like a fool’s errand that will look terrible at the end of the project.
