Q I would like to refinish my metal baseboard heating units. What kind of paint should I use?
A If you are referring to baseboard radiator systems for boilers, they don't get very hot and, after a coat of metal primer, can take any kind of paint. Experts, however, advise using an oil-based alkyd paint.
If you are referring to heating units that are individually controlled and often hard-wired into the wall, that's a different matter. You will need to use a special heat-resistant paint and specific techniques. Leon Freshette, author of asktooltalk.com, offers the following suggestions.
Disconnect the unit: Turn off the breakers or remove the fuses that power each unit. Locate the front side panels that conceal the power source and remove both panels to expose the wiring. Disconnect the ground, white and black wires and take care that the black and white wires don't touch. Use a voltage tester to check that the black and white wires are not hot.
Remove the front faceplate to expose and remove the screws (hopefully, not nails) that hold the unit to the wall. Once the unit is free, return to the power source and look for a metal or plastic connector that connects the power source through the back of the unit. If it's metal, loosen the screws or remove the lock nut inside the unit. If it's plastic, remove the plastic wedge that was forced down into the connector and up against the wire. In either case, when you're done, remove the power source from the unit and attach wire nuts to the exposed white and black wires.
Prepare to paint: Lay the heater across a pair of sawhorses and remove the end caps, if they are removable. Clean all the metal pieces to be painted with an all-purpose cleaner and make sure they are thoroughly dried. Working outside on a sunny, nonwindy day would be ideal. Sand any scratched areas using a rubber hand-held sanding block with 320 grit sanding paper. Blend any ragged edges into the surface.
Prime and paint: Apply an aerosol automobile primer to the heater. In damaged areas, you may have to apply a few coats, sanding between coats, to achieve a flat surface. To make painting easier, place smaller pieces on an upside-down cardboard box or try hanging them on a clothesline using a thin wire, such as baling wire.
Even though the epoxy/polyester powder-coat paint used originally on the heater's component pieces will accept most interior paint, spray the pieces with one of the following types of paint: appliance epoxy, heat-resistant (limited in color), lacquer (dries fast), automobile or premium enamel to eliminate brush strokes. Before painting the main case, cover the heater element so no paint or overspray gets on the fins. Take care not to damage the fins. Apply two finish coats and lightly sand between coats to smooth out any imperfections. Don't forget to paint the area inside the main case between the underside of the case and the top of the front panel as it can be seen from a distance.
