How to Paint a Range Hood

A range hood is an enclosed fan that absorbs heat, grease and odors located directly over a stove. A range hood protects the air in your home by venting pollutants and dispersing these impurities outside of your home. Painting your range hood is a cost-effective way to update your decor. A variety of paint colors are available to fit your needs, but note that, to paint a range hood, heat-resistant appliance paint must be used.

Before you begin painting your range hood, be sure that you follow safety precautions. The unit should not be connected to power at any point during the painting process. You may need to turn off the power at the breaker if you cannot access the outlet without removing the range hood.

In addition, be sure that there is adequate ventilation wherever you plan to paint. This could mean opening a door or window or using a large fan.

Once you have turned off the power to the range hood at the circuit breaker and disconnected it from the outlet whenever possible, you will need to clean the range hood. Clean the range hood thoroughly with a degreaser to remove dirt, dust, and grease. This will enable paint to adhere properly.

Cover the stove with plastic or newspaper to protect the surface of the stove. Cover all of the areas that you do not wish to paint, such as the ceiling and kitchen cabinets, with plastic and painter's tape.

Sand the range hood with 150-grit sandpaper to prepare the surface for the paint and to remove any rust spots that have developed over time. Clean the hood range with a tack cloth to remove sanding particles. Ensure all of the particles are removed.

Apply metal primer to the range hood with smooth, even strokes. Hold the can 12 to 16 inches away from the surface. Apply two to three thin coats. Allow the primer to dry for 15 minutes between each coat of primer. Apply additional coats, if necessary, until the previous color cannot be seen.

Sand the primer, lightly, with 220-grit sandpaper to prepare the surface for optimal paint adhesion. Rough up the surface but do not remove the primer. Remove the sanding particles with a tack cloth.

Apply spray paint to the range hood with even, side-to-side strokes. Hold the paint can 12 to 16 inches from the surface. Spray the paint in thin coats to avoid paint drips. Apply two to three coats or more, as needed. Allow the paint to dry for 15 minutes between each coat of paint.

Note that you should avoid painting inside of the range hood itself, as this could clog the vents and ductwork and prohibit proper use. Gumming up the grating might make your range hood work too hard, since it would be unable to actually vent, causing it to overheat or blow out its motor.

There are other choices for the type of paint for a stove hood, but spray paint is a popular choice. You should always use heat-resistance appliance paint that is rated for your particular project during any sort of kitchen remodel.

When you are all done painting your range hood, you will need to clean up the area. Remove painter's tape and plastic from the area.

When cleanup is completed, turn on the power to your range hood at the circuit breaker. Allow the paint to dry for at least 24 to 48 hours before use. You should also avoid cooking during this time, in case steam interferes with the paint's ability to dry or splatter damages your hard work.