Decorating
Renovating
A Beginner’s Guide to Painting a Radiator
It’s easy to revive old radiators with a lick of paint – simply follow these expert tips for a professional result
Your radiators may have seen better days, but there’s no need to replace them. A coat of paint could rescue them and save you the cost and hassle of putting in new ones. Just make sure you follow these expert tips before and during the project.
Professional advice from: Eva Byrne of Houseology; Graeme Semple of Trim Decorating
Professional advice from: Eva Byrne of Houseology; Graeme Semple of Trim Decorating
Does the radiator need to be turned off?
Yes. Before you start, check the radiator you’re painting is completely cold. Paint can’t stick properly to a warm radiator, so painting it will be a thankless task.
A cold radiator also helps you to keep a ‘wet edge’, which you need so that when you paint each section, you can blend the ‘join’ with the previous section and keep the thickness of the paint layer consistent across the radiator. This stops the paint drying unevenly, which in turn prevents streaks.
Another side-effect of the paint drying too quickly is wrinkling, so don’t turn the radiator on until the paint is completely dry.
If your radiators are beyond rescue, read these smart tips on how to disguise them instead
Yes. Before you start, check the radiator you’re painting is completely cold. Paint can’t stick properly to a warm radiator, so painting it will be a thankless task.
A cold radiator also helps you to keep a ‘wet edge’, which you need so that when you paint each section, you can blend the ‘join’ with the previous section and keep the thickness of the paint layer consistent across the radiator. This stops the paint drying unevenly, which in turn prevents streaks.
Another side-effect of the paint drying too quickly is wrinkling, so don’t turn the radiator on until the paint is completely dry.
If your radiators are beyond rescue, read these smart tips on how to disguise them instead
Do I have to paint behind the radiator?
It’s best to remove a radiator for painting so you can give it a consistent coat all over. You’ll then be able to paint the wall behind it at the same time.
However, ultimately what matters is whether the wall behind the radiator can be seen. Traditional cast iron radiators, for instance, have a more open design, which usually means the wall is visible and almost certainly needs to be painted.
“Radiator paint brushes [with angled heads] and 4in rollers attached to long arms can be used to paint behind a radiator if it’s not possible to remove it,” says Graeme Semple of Trim Decorating.
It’s best to remove a radiator for painting so you can give it a consistent coat all over. You’ll then be able to paint the wall behind it at the same time.
However, ultimately what matters is whether the wall behind the radiator can be seen. Traditional cast iron radiators, for instance, have a more open design, which usually means the wall is visible and almost certainly needs to be painted.
“Radiator paint brushes [with angled heads] and 4in rollers attached to long arms can be used to paint behind a radiator if it’s not possible to remove it,” says Graeme Semple of Trim Decorating.
How do I prepare the radiator?
Wipe it down to remove dust and grease. Then dry it off and rub it down with fine- or medium-grade sandpaper to create a slightly rough or “keyed” surface. “This provides grip for the paint to bond to,” explains Semple. “Paint will slip, or slump, from a perfectly shiny surface lacking a key.”
Once the radiator is sanded, wipe it down again to remove any residual material.
The next step is to prepare the surface of your radiator with a specialist primer for radiators or metal. This will give your paint a proper surface to bond to and its anti-corrosive properties will prevent rust.
If you want to save time, Semple recommends using Easy Surface Prep (ESP), a clear solution that primes and prepares any shiny surface for painting, eliminating the need for sanding. ESP can be wiped on and off with a lint-free cloth.
Wipe it down to remove dust and grease. Then dry it off and rub it down with fine- or medium-grade sandpaper to create a slightly rough or “keyed” surface. “This provides grip for the paint to bond to,” explains Semple. “Paint will slip, or slump, from a perfectly shiny surface lacking a key.”
Once the radiator is sanded, wipe it down again to remove any residual material.
The next step is to prepare the surface of your radiator with a specialist primer for radiators or metal. This will give your paint a proper surface to bond to and its anti-corrosive properties will prevent rust.
If you want to save time, Semple recommends using Easy Surface Prep (ESP), a clear solution that primes and prepares any shiny surface for painting, eliminating the need for sanding. ESP can be wiped on and off with a lint-free cloth.
What paint can I use?
If you’re painting your radiators white or off-white, always use a specialist radiator paint: a standard emulsion will yellow from the heat. Even if you want to add a dash of colour, it’s best to use a heat-resistant radiator paint, although they tend to come in a limited range of colours.
If you have your heart set on a particular colour that only comes in standard emulsion, you can still use it, but always protect it with a clear radiator overcoat; there are several types on the market.
If you’re painting your radiators white or off-white, always use a specialist radiator paint: a standard emulsion will yellow from the heat. Even if you want to add a dash of colour, it’s best to use a heat-resistant radiator paint, although they tend to come in a limited range of colours.
If you have your heart set on a particular colour that only comes in standard emulsion, you can still use it, but always protect it with a clear radiator overcoat; there are several types on the market.
Can I use spray paint?
Yes. There are a number of spray paints specially formulated for radiators. Semple suggests using an enamel spray, as these harden to a durable finish.
“Patience is the key when spraying,” Semple explains. “Don’t over-apply, as the paint will simply run. Give it time to settle and apply multiple coats at a distance of 300mm.”
What tips do you have for painting a radiator? Share them in the Comments section.
Yes. There are a number of spray paints specially formulated for radiators. Semple suggests using an enamel spray, as these harden to a durable finish.
“Patience is the key when spraying,” Semple explains. “Don’t over-apply, as the paint will simply run. Give it time to settle and apply multiple coats at a distance of 300mm.”
What tips do you have for painting a radiator? Share them in the Comments section.
“Painting a radiator the same colour as the wall can be a useful way to take attention away from it if it’s ugly or badly located,” advises Eva Byrne of Houseology. “It can also make a small room feel bigger, as the radiator will be less distracting.
“A contrasting colour will highlight a radiator that’s pleasing to the eye, such as an old cast iron design. It can also form part of a colour scheme that’s a little zany!”
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