If you are inside open windows before spraying and wear a paint mask to keep from inhaling paint particles and fumes.
Can you paint air return vents.
Once the return grilles are primed they will accept paint.
Spray the vent with a metal primer.
Head outside to your driveway or garage door open and pop the vent covers in a cardboard box to contain the over spray.
Finish the grilles using the appropriate application technique or the paint may sag.
Brush paint the vents after they air dry when the paint has dried reinstall.
Be sure to turn the vent cover over so you can paint both sides.
This is the best design decision.
So in essence its no worse to paint the inside of that return as it is to paint the house.
In most homes what seems to be typical is to paint the vent with a regular paint brush.
But if you think about it the hallway you painted those fumes get pulled through that return anyway.
However you can also purchase a decorative air vent that matches the design aesthetic of the room.
I agree with painting them.
I would just clean them really well and then look for the spray paint that s meant for plastic to be sure it will really stick.
Do you have some vent covers who could need some updating.
So if you are looking to do some simple upgrades clean off those vent covers and give them a coat of spray paint.
Condition the grilles with a special etching primer formulated with an acid base.
Paint will off gas and that does bother certain people and in reality isnt good for anyone.
The problem with this method is that the paint tends to ooze through the holes which leads to a partial blockage.
Air return grilles are metallic a characteristic that leaves them less suited for paint than porous drywall.
Let dry then add another coat or two until you ve achieved solid coverage.
It will really make your vents look so clean and fresh instantly.
Carefully wash the vents and rough them with steel wool or a scotch brite so your paint will adhere.
Give the spray paint can a good shake then use even strokes to apply the paint.
You could definitely paint plastic vents.
This is a great upgrade project to do if you are planning on selling your home too to make it more appealing to buyers.
Or have you ever spray painted your vent covers.
Spray the vent in a well ventilated area.
Any time the vents are blocked or restricted in some way your furnace has to work that much harder to pull in the cool air from the room.
Remove them from the wall to paint the wall.