
- Turn off the central heating. Allow the duct to cool to room temperature.
- Run a wire brush over the surface of the ductwork until all loose particles of paint, rust and dirt are removed from its surface.
- Put on chemical resistant gloves. Dampen a rag with denatured alcohol. Wipe the roughened surface of the duct with the dampened rag.
- Pour the resin of a two-part epoxy paint system in a plastic painting pail. Add the specified amount of hardener to the resin.
- Apply a thin coat of paint to the surface of the duct with a 4-inch paintbrush. Dispose of the paintbrush.
- Allow the final coat of paint to dry for 24 hours before restarting the heating system.
How do you paint the inside of a ductwork?
Stir the two-part paint with a stir stick for two to three minutes. Don't mix more paint than can be applied to the duct in 45 to 60 minutes. Apply a thin coat of paint to the surface of the duct with a 4-inch paintbrush. Dispose of the paintbrush. Allow the paint to dry for four to six hours.
What kind of paint do you use on air ducts?
It's best to use latex paint, and because ducts are located in out-of-the-way places, you can usually get away with using a paintbrush. If the ducts are prominent, though, you may want to spray paint them.
Can you spray paint metal ducts?
If your ducts are located in an out-of-the-way area, it’s probably okay to use a paintbrush. However, if your ducts are in a prominent area, spray paint will look better on your duct system. It’s also important to prime the metal with an acrylic latex metal primer when using latex paint.
How can I Make my ductwork look better?
If your ceiling is made of brick or raw wood consider bringing home some paint chips or swatches to try and match the most dominant shade to make that ductwork visually disappear. Another option for those who want to highlight their ductwork would be to paint the exposed hardware a bright color.

How do you clean ductwork before painting?
Moisten a rag with mineral spirits or denatured alcohol. Wipe the ducts you plan to paint with the moistened rag. Either solvent will remove any greasy or oily deposits that could interfere with paint adhesion.
How do I prepare a spiral duct for painting?
Upon receipt, remove all dirt, grease, and manufacturing lubricant, with a non- hydrocarbon cleaner such as Simple Green. Wipe the duct dry with a clean dry cloth before painting. Cleaning is always required. The duct does not arrive at the jobsite “ready to paint” in most cases.
Can you paint ventilation ducts?
Ducts can be painted to match the background wall or ceiling or to contrast in a striking way, so if it is starting to look tatty, re-coating is a great option and is much cheaper than replacing it.
How do you prepare HVAC ducts?
0:374:46How machines cut, shape, and fabricate duct work - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThis is what's called a coil line this machine it takes five foot six inch wide coils that way aboutMoreThis is what's called a coil line this machine it takes five foot six inch wide coils that way about 10,000 pounds and one end and after it goes for all the series of roll formers.
How do you paint metal ductwork?
Oil-based paint that is rated for use on metal works best on furnace ducts. Avoid latex or regular paint because it will not adhere properly, even on top of a coat of primer. Use a paint roller in visible spots for a smooth finish and a paintbrush for other areas.
How do you clean exposed ductwork?
0:592:59How to Clean Your Air Ducts Yourself - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd you have an option of trying to blow them out a little bit leaf blower the returned and supplyMoreAnd you have an option of trying to blow them out a little bit leaf blower the returned and supply vents dust them and clean with water and a brush don't try to use your hands.
How do you remove rust from ductwork?
How do I remove rust from ducts? If rust remains visible, spray the area with a rust remover. Allow the rust remover to stand according to the manufacturer's instructions. Wipe off the rust remover and rust residue with thin steel wool.
What color should I paint my air vents?
They Should Match Your air vents should match your wall color. Otherwise, they will become focal points in the room because of the color contrast. Most air vents unscrew easily, and are small enough to paint quickly.
What primer should I use on galvanized metal?
What is the best primer for galvanized metal? Use a rust-preventing primer for improved corrosion resistance and to ensure the paint adheres to the metal.
How do you make transition metal sheets?
8:1123:32How to Make a Sheet Metal Transition - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd we put an S drive all the way around the bottom. One on each side now we have an FF drivesMoreAnd we put an S drive all the way around the bottom. One on each side now we have an FF drives leader down to go all the way around the bottom and that eventual one all the way around top.
What is sheet metal used for in HVAC?
For an HVAC unit to run efficiently, fabricated sheet metal would be utilized to run around the obstacles for a more direct path from the heating/cooling system to the air vents.
What gauge metal is ductwork?
Low Pressure Fittings for Residential and Light Commercial HVAC ApplicationsLargest Duct Dimension (width or height)Steel GaugeAluminum GaugeThru 12″2624 (.020)13″ – 18″2422 (.025)19″ – 30″2422 (.025)31″ – 42″2220 (.032)1 more row•Jul 6, 2016
What color is paint grip?
dull greyBonderized steel, also referred to as paint grip steel, is galvanized steel that has been put through a phosphate bath and a chromate dry. This process produces the dull grey color characteristic of paint grip galvanized steel which provides an excellent "primer" for painting applications.
What is Paintlock?
A. Paintlok* is electrogalvanized + phosphatized sheet steel. The coating is very thin, withstands most forming operations, has a dull gray matte appearance and is intended to be painted.
Step 1
Moisten a rag with mineral spirits or denatured alcohol. Wipe the ducts you plan to paint with the moistened rag. Either solvent will remove any greasy or oily deposits that could interfere with paint adhesion.
Step 2
Wipe the ducts a second time, this time using a rag moistened with white vinegar. Vinegar is a mild acid that etches the zinc coating and makes it more receptive to paint. Let the vinegar dry completely before you proceed.
Step 3
Prime the metal with an acrylic latex metal primer. Brush the primer with a synthetic bristle paintbrush or, if you want to avoid brush marks, spray it using aerosol cans or air spray equipment. If the ducts will get hot, use a primer with a high heat resistance.
Step 4
Allow the primer to dry for two hours or more, and then paint the ducts with acrylic latex paint. Use a product that can withstand moderately high heat if the ducts get hot. Apply the paint with a paintbrush, or spray it.
Step 5
Let the first coat of paint dry. Then apply a second coat. You shouldn't have to sand between coats.
Paint Them the Color of the Ceiling
If the ceiling’s white, give the ducts a matching coat, as shown in the example above. Same goes for any other shade (or if the ducts mostly overlap a wall, paint them that color). If the ceiling is raw wood or brick, bring some paint chips home and try to match a dominant shade. The idea here is to make the ductwork disappear, visually.
Paint Them an Eye-Catching Color
Treat the exposed hardware like an accessory for your room, and give them a colorful coat of paint that matches something else in the room–or doesn’t. This helps to camouflage their industrial side without totally making the ducts disappear.
Leave Them Au Natural
Last but not least: Leaving ducts and pipes bare is the most common thing to do–and also the easiest. Just do… nothing. Leave your ductwork just as it comes and enjoy a space that has a raw, industrial vibe.
