How Do You Painted Wood Burning Stove?

Randy Charles
Professional Painter

Randy Charles is the owner of PaintCentric.com, a website dedicated to providing information, tips, tricks, and news about all things paint. With over 10 years...Read more

So, your wood burning stove is not looking attractive as it was when it was new? Well, you are not alone. Wood stoves tend to wear off after long use and lose their touch. Peeling paint, scratches, and rust can keep your stove from not looking good anymore. If this is the case, you may be wondering, what next? You want to restore the inviting and pleasant look of your stove. The best way you can do this is to paint the stove. A painted wood burning stove is certain to return that fresh look and add some years to it.

We have explained everything you need to know about painting a wood stove below.

Key takeaways:

  • Any wood-burning stove can be painted to give it a fresh look. But keep in mind that only a heat-resistant paint can do the job!
  • If, in case, the stove is exposed to rust, then the recommended option is to first remove the rust and then paint it.
  • Painting a wood-burning stove need not always be restored. It can also be done to complement the aesthetic beauty of the living room, or any place that your stove resides on!
  • After you have successfully painted your stove, heat the stove to a temperature of 250 degrees for up to 20 minutes or up to 8 hours on slow heat. This in turn will ensure the exterior surfaces are heated completely and the paint hardened.

Can A Wood Burning Stove Be Painted?

Wood stoves usually come with one layer of high-temperature painting applied to them depending on the manufacturers standards. However, after using the stove for some time, the surface starts wearing off and the paint peels off.

Can A Wood Burning Stove Be Painted

Fortunately, the wood stove can be restored after wearing off. That leaves many people wondering, can a wood burning stove be painted?

Yes, most wood stoves can be painted, but keep in mind that you will need to use a high-temperature heat-resistant paint for the best and most durable results. Only heat-proof paint can be able to withstand the elevated temperatures produced by the stove.

Besides, you also need to assess what is wrong with the woodstove. For instance, if it is a light scratch or faded paint, then a single coating of paint will do. However, if the stove has rust, then you will need to remove the rust first then do a proper respray to achieve the wanted results.

Why Should You Paint Your Wood Burning Stove?

Why Should You Paint Your Wood Burning Stove

There are several reasons why you should paint your wood stove as you will see below:

  • Your wood stove has lost its glaze: A wood stove that has worn off is not appealing to the eyes. So, if the painting has worn off, then adding another coat can make it look good.
  • For aesthetic purposes. If the woodstove is in the living room, then you want it is certainly the centerpiece. Thus, you need to paint the stove in a color of your choice that can match the room or your lifestyle.
  • It will be easy to resell a painted wood burning stove: If you are planning to sell your old wood stove, then painting it will make it attractive to the customers.
  • Painting the wood stove will protect the wood from bugs like termites and moisture that may want to eat or damage it. This is helpful especially if you live in areas where moisture and bugs are a problem.
  • Protecting your wood stove from rust and corrosion. Painting your wood stove is certain to keep your stove from rusting especially if you are living in damp or humid areas.
  • If you feel that your stove is not looking great anymore, then painting with a nice color can make it lively.
  • You are not limited to adding colors or paint to the stove. This means that you can add additional features to the wood stove such as mural or other designs to make it stand out.
  • Paint cannot only be good for aesthetics, but for safety reasons as well.
  • Once the repaint fades off, then it is time to add some new coats.

What Kind of Paint Do You Use on A Burning Stove?

You will need high-temperature paint that will cope with the elevated temperatures. There are plenty of brands available in the market such as Krylon, Rust-O-Oleum, and Stove-Bright.

Just make sure to choose a heat-resistant paint that will suit your needs and is safe to use around kids or pets if you have any. Also, ensure that the paint is safe for indoor use since you do not want a toxic smell inside your home.

How Do You Paint a Wood Burning Stove?

How Do You Paint A Wood Burning Stove

What you need:

  • Gloves
  • Eye protection
  • Sandpaper
  • Newspaper or cardboard
  • Spray can
  • Clean rug

Step 1: Prepare the Wood Stove

The first step is to disconnect the woodstove from the chimney. You should paint the stove outside the home since the paint fumes are not safe to breathe. Besides, you also do not want any paint on the floor or the smell in your home. So, moving out will be much better for not only painting but also for the burn afterward.

Consider cleaning the chimney first before disconnecting the stove. This will save you from cleaning any dirt or dust that may fall out from the chimney when removing the stove. Next, remove the chimney pipe. Make sure to disconnect other accessories including the power for blowers or gas. Remove the doors, ash pan, and other removable accessories. If you can safely remove and mount them back, then take them out. This will take off excess weight making it easier to move the wood burning stove.

Find a safe place where you can paint the stove such as the garage or open space. Moving the stove may be overwhelming and will need muscle power and a moving cart.

Step 2: Clean the Stove

Put on your gloves and eye protection for this part. Remove dirt or oil from the surface of the stove. Use a clean rag with a small amount of trisodium phosphate to wipe the stoves surface.

Note that you may need to wipe the stove using different items depending on the type of debris. For example, for heavier debris or rust, a wire brush will do the work perfectly. If there is excess oil, then a lacquer thinner will be the best option rather than trisodium phosphate.

Once you are done cleaning, use another clean white rug to wipe it down. Next, use sandpaper to remove stubborn chipped paint that cannot be removed easily with the rug. Sand the surface of the stove lightly until smooth.

Step 3: Paint the Wood Stove

There are a lot of stove paint options in the market just ensure to pick one that is heat resistant. If you are using the paint can start by shaking the can vigorously for a few minutes to allow the paint to distribute evenly. Test the paint by spraying on a newspaper or cardboard first before proceeding to your stove. If the paint and stream are coming out perfectly, the paint is ready.

Put on your eye protection and gloves. Additionally, open the windows and doors if you are painting the stove inside. Mask the stove glass, handles, air control knobs, among other areas that do not require painting.

Hold the spray paint 30.5cm away from the surface of the stove and paint. Spray the stove using continual strokes and move from side to side. Remember to keep on spraying continuously to avoid any runs. Moreover, do not put too much paint and do not use a circular motion as this will cause the paint to be distributed unevenly.

Leave the first coat to dry for a few minutes or according to the manufacturers specifications, then paint again the second coat. Do not be tempted to add too many coats as they might all peel off. Two coats are just okay.

It is always recommended to leave the painted wood burning stove to dry completely within 24 hours before applying another one. But this will also depend on the temperature, air movement, and humidity in your area. You can also sand the stove after the first coat to remove any rough spots.

Step 4: Cure the Paint

You should burn the wood burning stove after the paint has dried off outside of your home. This process will allow the paint to harden enough.

Keep in mind that the curing process will emit a strong smell of the paint and can be toxic. So, keep the doors and windows opened or do the process outside in the open air.

Heat the stove to a temperature of 250 degrees for up to 20 minutes or up to 8 hours on slow heat. This in turn will ensure the exterior surfaces are heated completely and the paint hardened.

Step 5: Assemble the Stove

Assemble the stove once again after it has cooled off. This will also be a good time to clean the glass before taking the stove back indoors. Return the stove back to its appropriate location. Take your time to ensure that everything is back as it was before.

Confirm that you have connected the chimney pipe correctly. Improper installation could lead to smoke leaking into your home. Also, it can cause drip wet creosote to fall from the pipe, which is something you do not want on your floor as it can be hard to clean.

Assemble all other parts of the stoves that you removed. Finally, test the stove on low heat to ensure that everything is working out perfectly.

Tips For Painting A Wood Stove

  1. Always consult a professional if you have no idea how to paint your stove. The professional will help you go through every step without too much hassle.
  2. Avoid any paints with heavy metals as they may cause rust spots later.
  3. Remove all dust first before painting to avoid any streaks or marks after the paint has dried.
  4. Be patient when painting the stove. Do not rush or you will have uneven and unpleasant results.
  5. Take time to remove any rust stains on the metal parts of the stove.
  6. Always read the labels before buying paint. Note that some paints can be toxic and harmful to kids or pets. So instead of risking them, then choose a safer alternative.

Conclusion

A wood burning stove will always require a facelift to improve its look. The best way that you can do this is to paint it. You can choose from the many colors and designs to ensure the stove matches with your living space. If you are looking for much more than enhancing its looks, then enamel paints will do. They will protect the stove from rust and wear off. A painted wood burning stove is sure to prolong the life of the stove and so much more.

Have A Look:How to Paint Wooden Letters?

Randy CharlesProfessional Painter

Randy Charles is the owner of PaintCentric.com, a website dedicated to providing information, tips, tricks, and news about all things paint. With over 10 years of experience in the painting industry, Randy has become an expert in the field and is passionate about helping others learn more about painting. He has written numerous articles on the subject and is committed to providing accurate and up-to-date information to his readers.

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