Can You Paint Air Return Vents

The problem with this method is that the paint tends to ooze through the holes which leads to a partial blockage.

Can you paint air return vents.

Do you have some vent covers who could need some updating. So in essence its no worse to paint the inside of that return as it is to paint the house. So if you are looking to do some simple upgrades clean off those vent covers and give them a coat of spray paint. Carefully wash the vents and rough them with steel wool or a scotch brite so your paint will adhere.

Paint will off gas and that does bother certain people and in reality isnt good for anyone. Spray the vent in a well ventilated area. I agree with painting them. If you are inside open windows before spraying and wear a paint mask to keep from inhaling paint particles and fumes.

This is a great upgrade project to do if you are planning on selling your home too to make it more appealing to buyers. Give the spray paint can a good shake then use even strokes to apply the paint. I would just clean them really well and then look for the spray paint that s meant for plastic to be sure it will really stick. Air return grilles are metallic a characteristic that leaves them less suited for paint than porous drywall.

Spray the vent with a metal primer. Brush paint the vents after they air dry when the paint has dried reinstall. This is the best design decision. Painting your air vents to match your wall color makes them blend in with the wall leaving your furniture or artwork as the focal point of the room.

Let dry then add another coat or two until you ve achieved solid coverage. Remove them from the wall to paint the wall. Once the return grilles are primed they will accept paint. Probably will require 2 coats.

You could definitely paint plastic vents. Or have you ever spray painted your vent covers. Be sure to turn the vent cover over so you can paint both sides. Finish the grilles using the appropriate application technique or the paint may sag.

Condition the grilles with a special etching primer formulated with an acid base. In most homes what seems to be typical is to paint the vent with a regular paint brush. But if you think about it the hallway you painted those fumes get pulled through that return anyway. It will really make your vents look so clean and fresh instantly.

Any time the vents are blocked or restricted in some way your furnace has to work that much harder to pull in the cool air from the room.