How much does it cost to have a painter strip and repaint old radiator covers and baseboard heater units throughout a house in NB?

Stripping and repainting radiator covers and baseboard heater units typically costs $75-150 per unit for professional work in New Brunswick, with most homes requiring 8-15 units for a total project cost of $800-2,000.

The wide price range reflects the significant prep work involved. Old radiator covers and baseboard heater units in NB homes often have multiple layers of paint built up over decades, and many were originally painted with oil-based or even lead-based paints (especially in homes built before 1978). Professional stripping is almost always necessary because these units get hot during operation, which causes paint to cure extra-hard and become difficult to sand off.

The process involves several time-intensive steps. First, the units must be removed from the wall and disconnected (adding electrical work if hardwired). Then comes chemical stripping or heat stripping to remove old paint layers, followed by thorough cleaning, priming with a high-heat primer, and applying two coats of high-temperature paint. The units then need to be reinstalled and reconnected. A typical baseboard heater unit takes 2-3 hours of labour, while larger radiator covers can take 3-4 hours each.

Heat-resistant paint is essential for this application. Regular wall paint will yellow, crack, and peel when exposed to the heat cycling of baseboard heaters and radiators. You'll need a high-temperature alkyd or specialty acrylic paint rated for at least 200°F, which costs $60-80 per gallon. Popular options in NB include Benjamin Moore Ultra Spec HP or Sherwin-Williams Heat Flex.

For DIY considerations, this is a challenging project that most homeowners underestimate. Chemical paint strippers require proper ventilation, respiratory protection, and careful disposal of waste (especially important if lead paint is present). The units are heavy, awkward to handle, and the electrical connections require care. However, if you have a well-ventilated workspace and are comfortable with the prep work, you could potentially save $40-60 per unit in labour costs.

Timing matters in NB's climate. Plan this work for late spring through early fall when you can open windows for ventilation during stripping and painting. Winter work is possible but requires extra attention to ventilation since chemical strippers and high-temp paints have stronger odours than regular interior paints.

Consider hiring a professional if your home was built before 1978, as radiator covers and heating units commonly have lead paint that requires safe removal practices. Also, if you have more than 6-8 units, the time savings and consistent finish quality of professional work often justify the cost.

Need help finding a professional painter experienced with heating unit refinishing? New Brunswick Painting can match you with contractors who specialize in this type of detailed prep work.

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Looking for experienced contractors? The New Brunswick Construction Network connects homeowners with qualified professionals:

• Expressions Painting
• M And M Painting
• Gionetterenovations
• moose luxury painting
• Worry No More Handyman Services