Things You'll Need
Screwdriver
Water-based degreaser
Rags
Towels
Masking paper
Galvanized metal etching spray primer
High temperature spray paint
Respirator
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You can enhance the appearance of your drab or mismatched heat registers by giving them a fresh coat of paint--as long as it's the appropriate type of paint. Before you begin, you should consider some important factors. Because heat registers are metallic, they are ill-suited for adhesion. You must apply a special coating that will abrade the register to provide a tooth for the paint to latch onto. In addition, you must choose a particular type of paint, capable of withstanding high temperatures, or the finish will ultimately bubble and peel.
Step 1
Turn off the heater and allow the register to cool for four to six hours.
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Step 2
Unscrew the screws on the register and remove it from the wall, ceiling or floor.
Step 3
Clean the register with a water-based degreaser. Rinse the register with wet rags. Dry the register with towels.
Step 4
Coat the heat register with a galvanized-metal-etching spray primer. Hold the can 8 inches from the register as you apply it. Wait 4 hours for the primed register to dry.
Step 5
Coat the primed heat register with a high-temperature spray paint. Hold the can 8 inches from the register as you apply it. Wait 6 hours before replacing the register to the wall, floor or ceiling.
Tip
Wear a respirator if you are working in a poorly ventilated area.
Warning
Do not paint over a bare heat register, or the paint will peel. Do not use a plain latex or oil-based primer on a heat register, or the finish will fail. Do not use a plain latex or oil-based paint on a heat register, or the finish may ultimately peel.
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