Painting a radiator can be a simple and effective way to update your space. Whether you’re refreshing old, chipped radiators or changing the color to match your furniture, painting your radiator can improve its appearance and blend it seamlessly with your room decor. With a variety of paint options available, both old and modern radiators can be transformed. However, to ensure a smooth and durable finish, it’s important to follow the right steps. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of painting your radiator, from preparation to selecting the right paint, ensuring you get the best results.
How to Paint a Radiator
You can easily refresh old, chipped radiators or paint white radiators to match your furniture. Both old and modern radiator types can be painted, and there are many suitable paint options available.
Before you start, keep these points in mind: Turn off the radiator before painting and make sure it’s completely cool to prevent the paint from bubbling. Ensure the radiator is clean and dry before painting.
Most radiators have a glossy, smooth surface that can make it difficult for new paint to adhere. To avoid this issue, lightly sand the surface with 220- or 240-grit sandpaper or apply a primer before painting. These steps will help the paint bond better to the radiator and improve durability. Otherwise, the paint may not hold up well against friction.
What Kind of Paint do You Use on Radiators?
- Radiator paint is the best option for painting radiators. It adheres well to metal and existing paint, is resistant to rust, and offers long-lasting durability. It also doesn’t require a primer.
- Acrylic Paint: Acrylic paint can be used on radiators, but it’s best to choose an all-purpose acrylic paint. Lightly sanding the radiator or applying an acrylic primer before painting will improve adhesion.
- Spray Paints: All-purpose spray paints are suitable for radiators. However, keep in mind that spray paint can produce strong odors that may linger indoors. There’s also a risk of drips and uneven coverage when using spray paint.
- Oil-Based Paint: Oil-based paints adhere well to many surfaces, making them a good choice for radiators. However, they take longer to dry and may produce a strong odor for several weeks. If using oil-based paint, allow a full day between coats. Due to its strong adhesion, oil-based paint typically does not require a primer. “Related post: Difference between water based paint and oil based paint“
- Latex Wall Paint: If you want your radiator to match your walls, you can use wall paint. However, since wall paint is designed for absorbent surfaces, it may not adhere well to metal. Before applying wall paint, lightly sand the existing radiator paint or use a bonding primer for better adhesion. “Related article: Which paint is best for interior walls“
Supplies Checklist
- 2-4 inch brush and a small roller with short nap.
- 220-240 grit sandpaper.
- Radiator paint.
- Painter’s tape.
- Primer paint.
- Drop cloth.
How do You Paint a Radiator?
Placing a drop cloth under the radiator before you start painting will help prevent paint drips on the floor. If the radiator has grooves, use a brush; if it has a flat surface, a small roller will be more suitable.
Before you begin, make sure the radiator is turned off and completely cool. Use painter’s tape to cover any areas you don’t want to paint, such as the pipe connections.
If the old paint is peeling, sand the surface to create a smooth base. If you plan to use acrylic or wall paint, lightly sanding the radiator will also help with adhesion.
Applying a primer is essential regardless of the paint type, as it improves adhesion and can eliminate the need for sanding, especially on glossy surfaces. Allow the primer to dry for at least four hours before painting.
When applying paint, follow the appropriate drying times between coats: at least four hours for latex or acrylic paint, 30 minutes for spray paint, and 24 hours for oil-based paint. Do not turn the radiator on before the paint is completely dry. Otherwise, the paint may peel off or form bubbles.
Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve answered some frequently asked questions about radiator painting below. Feel free to use the comment section for any other questions.
Is Painting a Radiator a Good Idea?
You can refresh a radiator with peeling and worn-out paint by painting it. Additionally, painting the radiator may be a good option to match it with the other furniture in your home.
Do You Need to Sand a Radiator Before Painting?
Sanding the old glossy and smooth paint on the radiator will help the new paint adhere better.
Should You Paint Radiators with a Brush or Roller?
If your radiator has dents and grooves, using a brush is a good option. However, for radiators with a flat surface, using a roller will speed up the painting process.
Can You Paint Straight onto a Radiator?
Do not apply paint directly to the radiator’s surface, as its glossy and smooth finish may weaken the new paint’s adhesion.
Should Radiator Paint be Gloss or Matt?
You can choose the paint sheen for your radiator based on your furniture. If your furniture and decor are glossy, you can opt for a glossy paint on the radiator. If they are matte, a matte paint would be a better choice.
Can Old Radiators be Painted?
Old radiators can be painted. However, sanding off the peeling paint and applying a primer is a good precaution.
What is an Alternative to Radiator Paint?
As an alternative to radiator paint, you can use all-purpose acrylic paints and oil-based paints.
Can I Put Heating on After Painting Radiator?
If you painted the radiator with a water-based paint, wait one day before turning it on. If you used an oil-based paint, wait two days before turning it on.
Can You use Normal Metal Paint on Radiators?
You can paint the radiator with any non-cellulosic metal paint.
Is it Better to Spray or Paint a Radiator?
Spray paint adheres to the radiator, but since it is applied vertically, it may drip or form uneven layers. For this reason, we do not recommend painting the radiator with spray paint.
Can I Paint a Radiator Without Sanding?
You can paint the radiator without sanding it by using a primer. However, make sure not to use the same type of primer as your paint.
What is the Best Radiator Paint?
The best paint to use for painting a radiator is special radiator paint. It adheres well to the radiator and generally does not require primer or sanding.
How many Coats of Paint on a Radiator?
Paint the radiator with at least two coats. However, if you are changing the color and the old color isn’t fully covered, you can apply additional coats while adhering to the drying time between layers. “Related post: Can you paint over dark colors without primer“
