$5 DIY Floor Vent Cover Update

2 Materials
$5
5 Minutes
Easy

Not all upgrades need to break the bank. Updating your floor or wall based heat registers can make a major difference in the look of your space.



Why? Well, these registers are an eyesore.



When we were going through the spring One Room Challenge, Kitchen Remodel, I looked into getting wooden ones made that matched the floors. They were going to cost us a few hundred dollars which just didn’t seem like money well spent at the time.


(Check out this post for more detailed instructions and a few tips to make this even easier!)


Not only is it doable but you can do it yourself in roughly 5 minutes for $5!


The process is simple and quick.


Step 1: Get the grates and get them washed. Mine were gross, covered in dust and grime.


Step 2: Let the grates dry or towel dry them. I opted to make myself a coffee and let the sun do the work.


Step 3: I used Rust-Oleum Ultra Cover in Dark Walnut which is roughly the same color we stained the floors. Put a clean and dry grate in an empty cardboard box. This will keep the paint container. Paint away!


Step 4: Replace the grates into the floor and admire your handy work!


That really was easy, am I right?! The grates are a functional part of your home but they don’t have to be fully replaced at a high cost nor stick out like a sore thumb.

Ta-da!

Resources for this project:
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Jenn Salsich
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
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Frequently asked questions
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  3 questions
  • Zella Morris Zella Morris on Jun 26, 2020

    Can this be done on wall register that cannot be removed?

  • Mary Mary on Jun 27, 2020

    If I put the grate into a box to spray paint it, after spraying the front & letting it dry, then doing the same to the back, what about the dial that is used to open and close the vents? Won't the paint prevent that from turning the vents open and closed?

  • Juls Juls on Aug 23, 2022

    Just a quick question, is it safe for heat. Shouldn’t you use a paint that is not effected by heat?

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2 of 22 comments
  • Jenn Salsich Jenn Salsich on Jul 16, 2020

    That’s awesome! I love this quick and easy DIY that makes a serious statement

  • Michelle Michelle on May 02, 2021

    I did the same thing after trying to find new covers that would fit. Our home is 70 + years old. The vents were shiny steel and rusting a little. Just cleaned them up and spray painted them. Looks like new and saved me from trying to order and or search for new ones

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