Can You Paint a Baseboard Heater?

Give your baseboard heaters a hot new look while keeping rust out in the cold

Woman choosing the right color
Photo: AleksandarNakic / E+ / Getty Images
Woman choosing the right color
Photo: AleksandarNakic / E+ / Getty Images
Michelle Nati
Written by Michelle Nati
Contributing Writer
Updated Sep 13, 2024
SKILL LEVEL
Simple
COMPLETION TIME
4 hours
COST
$0-$50
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What you'll need:
TOOLS
  • Damp rags or a microfiber cloth
  • Drop cloth
  • Dust mask
  • Medium 180- to 220-grit sandpaper or steel wool
  • Paint sprayer (optional)
SUPPLIES
  • Paint
  • Primer
  • Painter's tape
  • Soapy lukewarm water

Painting a baseboard heater is indeed possible—it is an effective way to refresh a room's appearance and protect the metal cover from rust. This DIY process involves surface preparation and using the right materials, so consider hiring a local baseboard or paint specialist for help. With attention to detail, the result is a baseboard heater that’s both durable and visually appealing.

Is It Safe to Paint a Baseboard Heater?

Yes, you can safely paint a baseboard heater, as long as you follow a few safety precautions. Check off these prep steps before getting out your paintbrushes.

  • Turn off the heater: Ensure the baseboard heating system is completely off and cool before painting. Open windows for proper ventilation.

  • Clean the cover: Wipe off the baseboard heater cover to remove dirt and debris.

  • Don protective gear: You should wear protective eyewear and make sure to wear a dust mask for protection against paint fumes and sanding dust.

Preparing to Paint Baseboard Heater

Now that the safety steps are complete, move onto the final preparations. Prepare the area by using drop cloths and painter’s tape to cover the surrounding areas to prevent a mess.

Depending on the model, baseboard heaters have covers that you can easily pop off. Consult your product’s instruction manual and look for a panel that opens and lifts. If you’re still unsure, look for the heater’s name and model number and search online for instructions on how to remove the cover. If you don’t remove the covers, tape off the walls nearest to the baseboard heater so that they are protected.

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How to Paint a Baseboard Heater

Painting baseboard heaters involves a few key steps to ensure a smooth and lasting finish. Use the following tips to paint your heaters effectively.

  1. Clean and Sand the Baseboard Heater

    Baseboard heater close up
    Photo: Douglas Rissing / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images

    Clean the covers with lukewarm, soapy water and a damp rag and remove any residue with the microfiber cloth. Allow the heater to dry fully. Once the covers are clean and dry, you’ll need to sand rusted or peeling paint for a smooth surface. Afterward, vacuum up any dust or debris and, with a damp rag or a microfiber cloth. wipe the baseboard heater down and let it dry.

  2. Prime the Baseboard Heater

    White paint brush and can
    Photo: Miljan Živković / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images

    If you have metal baseboard heater covers, you should use a primer before you paint to lengthen its lifespan. If your covers aren’t rusted, use a regular metal primer. However, if your baseboard heaters have rust, make sure the primer you use is rust-specific primer. With a small brush or roller, apply an even coat of primer and allow it to dry.

  3. Paint the Baseboard Heater

    Most regular paints can withstand up to 300 degrees, so you do not need to purchase a heat-tolerant paint. The best choices are latex paint (water based), which is easy to clean and fast drying, and enamel paint, which is oil-based. Using a roller or paint brush, apply the paint. You can also use a paint sprayer to save time.

  4. Apply a Second Coat

    Woman holding a brush
    Photo: Aleksandr Zubkov / Moment / Getty Images

    After waiting for the first coat to dry, apply an even second coat of paint. Make sure it’s completely dry before putting the heater covers back on and turning on the heat. Once your heaters are repainted, the new paint will last as long as the original paint. To maintain the appearance of your baseboard covers, repaint them every two to three years.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

While painting your baseboard heaters is a doable DIY project, you can ensure high-quality and long-lasting results by hiring a professional to tackle the job. Consult a local baseboard specialist who has experience with painting these heating systems. Before they start painting, you can request an inspection of the heaters to ensure everything is in working order.

Frequently Asked Questions

Baseboard heater colors are subjective to the person painting them. Typically, baseboard heaters and trim are white, but it’s not to everyone’s taste. Lighter shades like gray and beige also work and offer contrast. If you want to hide them, paint your baseboard heater covers to match the walls so they simply blend in.

If your baseboard heater covers are damaged, dented, more than 15 to 20 years old, or they are outdated, you can replace them. There are two options for new baseboard covers—slip-on covers or a complete baseboard heater replacement. You can place slip-on covers over the existing backplate and it doesn’t involve tools. However, a complete replacement is a more involved process and may require installation by a professional.

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Learn more about our contributor
Michelle Nati
Written by Michelle Nati
Contributing Writer
Michelle Nati is a content creator specializing in home improvement, real estate, interior design, gardening, finance, and law. Her work can be found on a variety of sites, including Hunker, Weekand, HomeLight, and The Farmers’ Almanac.

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