How to Brighten up Old Baseboard Heating Vents

Heating vents are often overlooked when redecorating a room. Older perhaps even rusty vents are so unattractive, but it doesn't take a plumber or contactor to make them look like new. You can repaint them yourself in just a few hours. Then keep them maintained by weekly vacuuming out the dust, pet hair, and lint that accumulates.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Vacuum
• Sandpaper block-sponge (fine grit)
• Paper Towels
• Old Newspapers
• Painters Tape
• Spray Paint Primer(with rust inhibitor)
• Spray Paint (with rust inhibitor)
• Well Ventilated Area to Work in

1. Vacuum thoroughly under and around the vent. You won't need to remove the part screwed into your wall. Just place newspaper along the wall and attach with painters tape to keep the spray paint from reaching the wall and floor areas.

2. Remove all other loose pieces such as the front slat, vent flap, and end caps carefully watching how they come apart so you can put them back at the end.

3. Sand down any areas that show signs of rust, scratches, or blemishes removing all glossy surfaces. This will help the new paint stick and dry evenly. Wipe thoroughly with DRY paper towels.

4. In a well ventilated area, lay down news papers. Lay flat all pieces to be painted in a way that will allow you not to touch them while spraying on the primer or paint.

5. Spray primer in short even strokes back and forth along the vent pieces until it is thinly but thoroughly coated. Allow plenty of drying time.(check paint can for recommended time)

6. Once the primer is dry, repeat with the spray paint in the color you chose to match your new decor. (be creative, it doesn't have to be white) Again allow sufficient time for drying.

7. Once the paint is dry, place all the pieces back in place. Maintain by dusting and vacuuming inside regularly.

Tips & Warnings

• Choose a color to match your new decor, white is nice but colors are fun!
• The more time you spend sanding, the smoother the finish will be.
• Use spray paint specifically made for painting metal surfaces.
• Allow enough time for drying so you don't leave marks in the paint when you touch it.
• If you have rust spots, sand down completely and wipe thoroughly before attempting to paint.