Painting rusted baseboards requires preparation.
When you hear the term baseboards, you may think of the metal or plastic molding that fits along the bottom of a wall. However, metal baseboards are used with baseboard heaters, which are often found in older homes that do not have a central heating system or furnace. On the inside of the metal baseboards are elements allowing you to heat your home. Rusted baseboards can be a hazard because children can get cut or put the rusted material in their mouths. Rust forms on the metal baseboard when it is exposed to oxygen, water or humidity. Over time, the exposure weakens the baseboard.
Removal
Remove the baseboards to clean the rust off the metal. Most baseboards attach to the wall with a hook on the top and bottom of the metal cover. Lift the baseboard, and pull out on the top of the baseboard, releasing it from the top hook. Push down, and slip the bottom lip of the baseboard off the bottom hook. Then place the metal baseboards on a saw horse for surface preparation.
Scraping
You can use fine-grit sandpaper to remove light rust spots, but steel wool or a wire brush is needed to remove heavily rusted areas on the baseboard. Clean rust off the baseboards in a ventilated area, and use safety equipment, such as goggles and a face mask. Make sure all the rust is removed from the surface of the baseboard before applying paint, because any rust remnants can prematurely deteriorate the new paint. Any area of the baseboard that has remnants of old paint must be sanded to ensure the new paint sticks to the surface.
Clean
After removing all the rust from the surface of the baseboard, wash the baseboards with a degreaser, such as Ultra HD or Power Plus. Scrub the baseboard with a soft-bristled brush, and rinse thoroughly to remove the degreaser. Dry with a soft cloth and let the baseboards air-dry. The baseboards must be completely dry before applying any primer or paint.
Primer
Apply a rust-inhibiting primer, such as the clean metal primer manufactured by Rust-Oleum. Apply the primer with a brush, instead of a spray primer. The brush allows you to get into all the cracks and crevices of the baseboard, which spraying can miss. Once the primer is dry, inspect the surface of the baseboard to ensure the surface is completely covered. The primer must be completely dry before applying additional paint.
Paint
Choose your color of paint and apply. Make sure you use a rust-inhibiting paint, similar to the primer. You can use a spray or brush to apply this paint. Purchasing a spray is more expensive then the brush-on paint. If you apply the paint with a brush, back-brush to ensure that you level the coat. It is recommended that you apply two coats of paint, but allow the first coat to dry before applying the second coat. Reinstall the baseboards after the painting.
Related Posts:
Painting Rusted Baseboard Heaters
Paint can help refresh the look of old baseboard heaters.Metal baseboard heaters have covers that hide the cables and various heating elements inside. Even if the heaters work perfectly, the cover...
Refinish Rusted Metal
When certain metals, such as iron or steel, are exposed to natural elements, like rain or humidity, the metal may begin to rust. While most objects made with metals that can rust, such as vehicles...
Paint Rusted Baseboard Radiator Covers
Paint Rusted Baseboard Radiator CoversRusty baseboard heater covers are unsightly and dangerous. Little ones crawling on the floor can put their hands on them and get cut or transfer the rust to t...
Paint For White Hot Water Baseboards
Hydronic hot water baseboards use heated water from a boiler to raise the temperature inside a home. While useful, many consider these units to be eyesores within their homes. Help your hot water...
Painting Tips For A Baseboard
Clean up drips and mistakes on baseboards right away or face more work after you paint.Painting a baseboard seems simple, but it can turn into a balancing act without proper preparation. Spending...
