How to Paint a Gas Heater with Heat-Resistant Paint

  • 2-4 hours
  • Intermediate
  • 50-75
What You'll Need
Degreasing cleanser
Wire brush or coarse sponge
White rags
80- to 120-grit sandpaper
Tinfoil
Old rags or newspaper
Etching spray primer
Heat resistant spray paint
What You'll Need
Degreasing cleanser
Wire brush or coarse sponge
White rags
80- to 120-grit sandpaper
Tinfoil
Old rags or newspaper
Etching spray primer
Heat resistant spray paint

Applying a new coat of heat-resistant paint to your gas heater will revive it to its original state. You definitely need to apply the appropriate type of paint as otherwise you end up creating a hazard in your home.

Consequently, since gas heaters are subject to heat and fire, preparation is imperative to prevent peeling and flaking of the paint. High quality sanding to your gas heater will promote a professional finish.

Step 1 - Preparation of the Gas Heater

Ensure the gas heater is cool. Turn off the gas valve, unplug the pipe retaining the gas heater and remove from its place. Move the heater in a well-ventilated area, using a trolley to enable you to rotate, clean and paint comfortably.

Start by washing the surface of the stove, using a degreasing cleanser. Scrub the surface area with a wire brush or a coarse sponge with plenty of water and cleanser. When done, wash again using clean water only. Now using white rags, wipe off the water. Use only white rags as otherwise, colored rags will bleed dye the surface to be painted.

Step 2 – Abrading the Heater

Prior to abrading the heater, cover the burner with tinfoil, or you might end with pigments of paint entering the tiny holes of the burner, making it difficult to start once you reinstall the heater in its original place. To promote adequate paint adhesion, abrade the surface with sandpaper. Start with a coarse grit, say 80, and clean the area. Abrade again using a finer grade of sandpaper until you are satisfied that the surface is smooth enough to apply paint.

Step 3 - Apply the Primer

Protect the floor by laying old fabric or newspaper to capture any over spray. Position the heater on newspaper and cover any areas that you do not intend to spray with masking tape. Ensure that the heater is clean and free of dust and grease and apply one coat of etching spray primer. Do not overspray leaving to dry for one day.

Step 4 - Applying the Heat Resistant Paint

When it comes to applying the heat resistant paint, shake the can thoroughly for approximately 1 minute, listening well for the rattle of the mixing ball. This is important as the ball mixes the paint, ensuring a smooth finish. Hold the can about 12 inches away from the surface while spraying and move the can from left to right, holding parallel to the surface at all times. Several coats are always better than one heavy coat. Hence, allow 4 hours and re-spray a second coat. Leave the spray to dry and cure for 1 day.

Step 5 - Reinstalling the Gas Heater

When you are sure the paint has dried, put the heater in its original place and attach the gas pipe. When you light the heater for the first time, the paint may release some steam and a bad odor. As the paint and the surface start to heat up, visible ring will develop ensuring that the heat resistant paint has reached its curing temperature indicating that you have completed a job well done.

Tip: When you light up the heater for the first time, be sure to ventilate the room and clear it of children and anyone with breathing problems.