Painting white flourescent fixtures...

[blueman]

I would like to paint over the standard "white" metal trim on flourescent utility lights.

I was thinking of using fine sand paper to scuff up the surface and then cover with several coats of the same eggshell finish and color latex Benjamin Moore paint that we are using on the walls.

Is scuffing the surface sufficient preparation or do I need to use a metal primer and/or another type of paint?

Thanks

[PVR]

It is usually a good idea to scuff up the paint surface. It increases the surface area to provide better adhesion. ICI/Glidden has a product called 'Gripper' which will stick to most things. For the topcoat use an Acrylic based coating. Check at the store if they have an exterior grade of the color(s) you want. Some fluorescent tubes emit low levels of UV and this can cause the coating to loose gloss if it is not exterior grade.

Good luck.

Peter.

[Terry]

Electric baseboard heaters can get 'grungy' after some 30 years! Similar to your question; I have refinished several metal baseboard heaters with spray cans of appropriate colour. Rubbing down first, gently with fine sandpaper or maybe steel wool to achieve a matt surface? Avoid any heavy scratching of the metal. Then use use a few light sprays to avoid drips/runs. They look brand new; we did change the colour finish slightly to match the wall paint. Have also rebuilt/refinished several four tube fluorescent fixtures that were found dumped in a gravel pit, in a similar manner! They were complete but damp and rusty (Even two remaining fluorescent tubes that had not been smashed by the dumping worked fine). But surface wise they are rougher, with scratches and slight rust mottling etc. They are now fully functional again with some new parts. They have been resprayed white. But the surface condition is such that they will only be presentable enough for say, workshop use, unless installed recessed into a ceiling. I'd say go for it. Terry.