How to Paint a Track Light

Shut the power off for the room that you are working in. Locate the circuit breaker for the room and turn it to the "Off" position. Run an extension cord from an adjacent room into the room you're working in and connect it to a portable light source to light the room while you are working on it.

Scrub the track light frame with an abrasive pad and warm soap and water. Remove dirt, grime and debris. Dry the track lights with a towel and allow them to completely dry before painting them.

Tape the surrounding areas around the track light with blue painter's tape. Tape the interior of the track lights as well to prevent paint from getting on the metal contact railing. Another option is the roll up newspaper and place it inside the railing and then tape over it. Track light systems come in different shapes and sizes, so select the method that works best for your system.

Apply a light coat of primer. Use an aerosol primer. Hold the nozzle six to eight inches from the track lights. Apply the primer in smooth, even motions. Applying a light coat prevents runs, drips and heavy edges. Allow the primer to dry. Apply a second coat if necessary.

Paint the track lights with an aerosol spray paint. Spray paint provides a smoother finish on metal surfaces. Paint brushes tend to leave brush marks and the lights from the track light may make the brush marks more visible. Apply the paint in light coats holding the nozzle six to eight inches away from the track lights. Apply one coat of paint. Apply the second coat after the first one is dry.

Carefully remove the blue painter's tape. It is possible to damage the paint if the tape is removed too quickly. Slowly peel the tape and make sure that it is not pulling the paint off as well.