Painting Hydronic Baseboard Heaters

Hydronic baseboard heaters run along the side of certain walls in your home to provide heat from the boiler. However, the heaters themselves are plain and unsightly, especially if the heaters are older. Painting over the heaters makes them less conspicuous, allowing them to blend in better with your decor. When painting metal be sure to use an oil-based paint and not latex as the latex could peal when the heaters get hot. Use the same color of paint as your wall or trim to make the heaters blend better.

150-grit sandpaper
Vacuum
Cloth
Drop cloth
Tape
Paintbrush
Primer
Oil-based paint

Instructions

- 1
  Turn the heaters off and allow them to cool.
- 2
  Sand any remaining paint or rust from the hydronic baseboard heaters. Vacuum up the rust and paint and wipe down the heater with a cloth.
- 3
  Lay a drop cloth under the heater and place tape on the wall around the heater to avoid paint messes. Open any windows in the room for ventilation.
- 4
  Apply a primer to the baseboard heater with the paintbrush. Coat the entire heater and allow it to dry for 24 hours.
- 5
  Dip the paintbrush into the paint and apply a layer of paint to the baseboard heaters. Get into every nook and cranny on the heaters tubes to cover it with paint. Allow the paint to dry for 24 hours. Apply a second layer after the first layer of paint is dry.
- 6
  Allow the paint to dry for 24 hours before using the heater.

What Paint Can Go on Over a Paintable Wall Paper?

Color Combinations for Wall Trim

Paint & Wallpaper