How do I clean return air vents before painting?
by
Debi
+1
mine is paint chipped and just a mess. How do I clean it before I paint it?
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Sand to remove and smooth out the chipped paint. Use Rustoleum 2X spray paint. Several light coats will give you a smooth finish.
I agree with William. You need to sand it smooth. Always remember: Paint looks only as good as the preparation.
I soaked mine in tsp which is a powder cleaner you mix with water then rinsed and air dried before painting them
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YVupDH0txHg
Definitely you need to sand it well. Do use eye protection while sanding.
I'm usually a fan of redoing rather than replacing. BUT you say "mine is just a mess.." If you have only one that's really bad and it's not an unusual size or design and it isn't an "historic" object you might want to just replace it. Vent covers are usually cheap.