Easy Cheap Fix/look for Old Air Duct Vent

2 Materials

10 Minutes

Easy

We have a air vent in the floor right by the door going to the garage. It is 19 yrs old And looking rusty and gross. Now I know you can buy a new one, but why spend more money than you need to right?

The biggest issue with this vent is placement. It gathers all the dirt, water, etc... as we have snow/sun seasons. It's the only air vent on our hardwood floors.

My solution and cheap... spray paint.

easy cheap fix look for old air duct vent

The before picture.

Took it to the laundry room tub...

Washed it and scrubbed with a scrub pad

After cleaning...

Did a light sanding on it with a light sanding block.

Picked the color of spray paint out of ones I had here at home from other projects...

One layer done...

Let it dry overnight in basement... too cold here in Minnesota to do in the garage.

Finished product put in place. Love the look and color. More subtle than the white. The ones I see at hardware stores come in white, cream and wood. Would not be able to get this color.

3 of 4 questions

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Lonnie
on Jan 29, 2018
What about the opening and closing portion of the vent? My concern would be that the spray paint would prevent it from working - either painting it open or shut, depending upon how you had it set when painting.
3
Answer this
- Greg
  on Feb 7, 2018
  You can put grease or Vaseline on the areas the move pivot points before painting this will prevent the paint from building up in them and keep them moving freely
  8
  Reply
Kelli Cook
on Jan 29, 2018
judy Ellison....do you have a picture of your painted light and outllet covers? Love this idea.
0
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Mary Mechler
on Oct 14, 2018
How many coats of paint did you spray?
1
Answer this
- Knelso18
  on Oct 14, 2018
  2 coats
  1
  Reply

2 of 30 comments

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Cam23995085
on Feb 11, 2018
Nice job, thanks for sharing.
2
Reply
Heje
on Aug 27, 2018
Spraying the vents is a good idea as it allows you to match your floors or carpets.
2
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