Painting electric heaters

Question

I just bought a small cottage.  The electric heaters along the base boards are a little dates and slightly rusty.  Can I paint them?  Will the heat affect the paint?

Joni Yuhas Fecher · Answer

buy appliance paint

Elena S · Answer

I painted mine the same paint as the walls last summer. They are still in the good shape with no sings of wear or piling. I primed them before painting. Yours are rusty so you should probably use rust stop before painting. I also dusted and washed them very well before priming. I used roller for most flat parts and little bit of brush for hard to reach places. I unscrewed the heater from the wall, but it was still attached to the main electrical wire. I put thermostat on off.

KMS Woodworks · Answer

I would sand them first to remove the rust pitting, then use a spray enamel. You can take advantage of the summer weather and remove them for this (painting outdoors to reduce the effects of the smelly paint) With proper prep and some careful spraying these could look brand new again.

The Paint Wagon · Answer

Use a 'High Heat' Rustoleum spray.

Junk Gypsee · Answer

Everyone is right!!! xoxo

Vikki · Answer

I just did mine in the new 'old' house we bought. Former owners brush painted them at least twice over last 50 years. looked horrid. we were redoingwhole room so before wall paint and floors we sanded and spray painted them rustoleum

Vikki · Answer

(continued) white glossy paint. looked brand new and did not have to worry about mess. just opened all windows and used simple masks. when time to paint walls just taped off. overall looks great!

Trish Ross · Answer

I painted mine with the same paint as the wall...I used a latex satin finished paint and it did very well. I lived there for seven years and they still looked good when I moved out.

NataLee Callahan · Answer

I just did mine and used high heat spray paint. Looked exactly like yours before. Look great now!

Marianne F · Answer

I painted all mine with the same paint I painted the walls. Worked great. Still look good. And yes cleaned them well before painting. I wanted mine to blend in and not be a stand out feature in the room. Because lets face it, they are pretty ugly, although very necessary, functional not decorative, lol!

Rich · Answer

I have to agree with most of the post. I would have used a metal paint, after I had sanded out the rust and primed them. But most good indoor or outdoor paints will work. I like Rustoleum for most things that are not wood, but I understand that it can now be used on wood too. The heaters are easy to remove from the wall. Just lift up on the front panel and pull the bottom out a little and then unscrew the rest from the wall. And while you are at it, may be a good time to clean the vanes and straighten out the bent ones with a pair of needle nose pliers.

Matawanakee · Answer

Paint them the same color as the wall so they will not stand out. First sand and make sure you prime with a rust proof paint. Water base paint is fine. You are not looking forever here, just good enough. I was really lazy and just painted over everything. I have to touch up every couple of years. If you use latex then you cane touch up. Mine look great and blend into the wall. I hate ugly radiators. I never have a problem with the heat. They don't get that hot. Just the quickly point of view.

Gail Salminen · Answer

@Sugar and Spice may be too late for this response based on the date of the post, not sure where in Canada you are, but if you are in a climate like eastern Ontario, I would highly recommend that you use a metal paint that can withstand heat. Heaters in this area are on quite a bit in the winter, especially with the cold weather we have been having this year! 
 If you are in a warmer climate or don't use the cottage in the winter you may be able to get away with the other suggestions, but would still recommend a metal paint. 
 Do let us know what you do - maybe update with a pic, we all love that. Thanks for posting.

Dana Stewart · Answer

sand obvious rust and spray paint where possible,Rustoleoum :-)

Painting electric heaters

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