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Tips for Painting a Radiator
Tips for Painting a Radiator
Radiators are a functional part of any room, but they can look unsightly if they’re rusty or yellowing. So, should you paint radiators to upgrade your interior and prepare your home for winter? Painting your radiators will instantly refresh any space, and it’s cheaper than installing a new radiator. We’re here to guide you through the process with information on what paint and tools to use and advice from trade experts.
What type of paint to use on radiators
At Dulux Decorator Centre, we offer specialist radiator paint which can withstand high temperatures and has anti-corrosion properties to prevent rust. Try Hammerite Radiator Paint Satin or Hammerite Radiator Enamel Gloss Aerosol. If your radiator has rusted, opt for Hammerite Direct to Rust Metal Paint Smooth Finish to reduce prep time.
While these specialist formulas are the best radiator paint, there are several other paint types you can use below, from emulsion to gloss.
Can you paint radiators with emulsion?
Some interior emulsion paints are suitable for painting metal, but always check the label before purchasing. For example, Dulux Trade Quick Dry Satinwood is a versatile water-based paint that provides a durable satin finish on interior metal trim, including radiators. We recommend using a primer first, like Dulux Trade All Purpose Primer, to achieve long-lasting results on your radiator paintwork.
Can you paint radiators with gloss?
Gloss paint is a popular choice for interior trim and can often be used on radiators to create a high-shine finish. However, you should check the manufacturer’s label for guidance – if it’s suitable for interior metal trim, then it’s fine to use on radiators. In most cases, you’ll need to prime the surface first – browse our range of metal primers to find the best option for your project. Then, apply Dulux Trade Quick Dry Gloss for a durable finish.The best paint colour for radiators
We surveyed 81 professionals from the property and construction industry to find out what the best paint colour for radiators is. 83.95% said white, while 16.05% said black, suggesting neutrals are the top choice. Not only will this give your decor longevity, but these shades will complement almost any colour scheme should you decide to redecorate in the future.
How to paint a radiator
There are several ways to paint a radiator, but the following preparation steps are always the same:
Turn off the radiator. Let your radiator cool down completely before you start painting, as heat can affect paint adhesion and finish.
Sand the radiator. Lightly buff the surface with sandpaper to help the paint adhere. If your radiator has previously been painted, you might need to strip the existing layers away to create a smooth base, then sand.
Clean the radiator. Since radiators have many crevices, dirt and debris can quickly accumulate. Use a damp cloth to wipe down the surface.
Protect surrounding surfaces. Apply masking tape to walls, pipes and radiator valves, and lay down dust sheets to prevent paint splashes.
Now that your radiator is ready for painting, you’ll need to decide which tools to use. When asked what the easiest way to paint a radiator is, 46.91% of survey respondents said with paint brushes, 41.98% suggested using a spray gun, and 24.69% preferred a roller. Ultimately, it depends on your preference, so find out more about painting a radiator with each tool below.
Using paint brushes
We asked our Academy expert Mark Rigby, about the benefits of using paint brushes to paint radiators:
“Paint brushes give you the most precise application. They’re ideal for painting towel rails and column radiators, which have narrow components. They can also be useful when painting horizontal and vertical radiators so you can get in between the grooves along the front panel. You may need to use a couple of different brushes – a larger one to cover the majority of the surface and a smaller one for intricate areas.”
Learn more about the different brush types in our guide to find the best size and configuration for your project.
Using rollers
Mark Rigby highlighted the benefits of using rollers to paint radiators:
“Paint rollers help you cover a large surface area quickly. They’re a great choice for flat-panel radiators but won’t be as efficient for grooved panels or towel rails, as you will need to use a small paintbrush for the intricate areas.”
Explore our guide to choosing the right paint roller for more advice.
Using a spray machine
Wondering how to spray paint a radiator using a spray machine? Mark Rigby explains:
“Spray guns are the quickest way to paint and guarantee a smooth, even coverage.”
Learn more about the benefits of spray painting in our guide.
How to paint radiator pipes
Radiator pipes can be painted with a specialist radiator paint or a suitable metal paint. If you’re not sure what your radiator pipes are made from, Hammerite Radiator Paint is ideal for painting radiator panels and pipes, giving you a two-in-one solution. Plus, you can ensure a consistent colour and finish when using the same product to paint the entire radiator.
To paint radiator pipes, follow the same steps outlined for radiators. You may prefer using a small brush to paint the pipes, as they can be hard to reach with a roller.
Important things to remember when painting radiators
We asked our survey respondents to outline the most important things to remember when painting radiators or pipes. The top answers were:
Use a clean roller
Turn off the radiator and let it cool down completely before painting
In addition to these tips, you should also remember the following:
Leave each coat to dry for at least 6 hours before recoating (or as per the manufacturer's instructions)
Allow the radiator to dry fully before switching the heating on
How to remove paint from a radiator
Sanding is one of the quickest ways to remove paint from a radiator, whether using an electric sander or sandpaper. However, you may need to apply a paint stripper to stubborn paintwork or hard-to-reach areas, like grooved panels and pipes.
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using paint stripping products, and work in a well-ventilated space. Learn more about how to strip paint in our guide.
For more decorating tips, check out these related articles on our blog: