How to Paint a Radiator

If you’re attached to your current radiator but fancy a change, why not try painting your radiator?

Does painting your radiator make it less efficient?

A layer of paint, no matter how thin, will affect the heat output of your radiator. Paint will act as another layer of insulation; however, as it is a thin layer, the effect will be minimal.

Can you paint your radiator with regular paint?

The short answer is no. Regular paint will not be used to the heat fluctuations that your radiator has regularly, causing it to expand and contract, leading to cracks in the paint.

How do you paint a radiator?

Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

  • Radiator paint
  • Dust mask
  • Safety goggles
  • Protective gloves
  • Flat paint brush
  • Sandpaper
  • Protective sheets
  • Cloths

1. Turn off the heating and ventilate the room

Open the windows and turn off the heating, ensuring that the radiator is stone cold before beginning to paint. If the radiator is too hot, then it can cause the paint to run and become uneven.

2. Clean the area around the radiator

Protect the walls and floors around the radiator with sheets, as you’re likely to get paint splashes everywhere (no matter how careful you are!) Vacuum the area and clear away any dust or dirt that could stick to the paint.

3. Clean and sand the radiator

Using a damp cloth, clean the surface of the radiator from any dirt or dust, and use sandpaper to remove any lumps of paint or rust to ensure that your coats of paint are even.

4. Prime the radiator

Create a fresh surface for your radiator paint to bond to, ensuring you get the best results possible. Priming your radiator can also help to prevent rust problems with its anti-corrosive properties.

5. Paint the radiator

Once the primer has dried, start painting the radiator with your desired paint. Your strokes should be going in the same direction as the grooves on the radiator, and avoid being too heavy-handed with the paint – you can always apply another layer if necessary!

Above, Athens Anthracite Double Column Vertical Traditional Radiator 1500x380mm