Radiator Painting: How to Paint a Radiator

If you’re looking to refresh the look of your heating system, radiator painting is a great option. But how do you paint a radiator, and what kind of paint do you use on radiators to ensure long-lasting results? In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about radiator painting, from choosing the right paint to the step-by-step process.

Things to Consider When Painting a Radiator

• Before painting a radiator, turn it off and make sure it is not still hot.
• If you’re planning to use spray paint on your radiator, always wear a mask and ensure the room is well-ventilated after painting.
• For modern radiators, clean the surface with a damp cloth before painting. If the old paint is peeling or the surface is very dirty, lightly sand the radiator with 220 or 240-grit sandpaper. Then, wipe it again with a damp cloth before starting to paint.
• Applying a primer before painting helps the paint adhere better to the radiator. This is especially important for greasy or heavily soiled radiators.
• After painting the radiator, wait one day if you used water-based paint or two days if you used oil-based paint before turning it back on. It’s normal for the paint to emit an odor for a few days.

After painting radiators, it’s important to use a heat-resistant paint to avoid brush marks. Additionally, you may want the color of the radiator to complement the color of your walls. Here are all the other details you need to know about radiator painting:

What Kind of Paint do You Use on Radiators?

The heating process of the radiator makes it essential to choose heat-resistant paints. It’s also wise to opt for paints that adhere well to metal and make the painting process easier. In fact, there are many paint options available for painting radiators, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Choosing the right paint for your radiator is crucial. Here are the types of paints you can use for radiators and their features.

1-Radiator Paint

Radiator paint is the best option for painting radiators. It adheres well to metal and the old paint on the radiator. It is rust-resistant, durable, and long-lasting.

2-Heat-Resistant Paints

You can use any heat-resistant paint, except for cellulosic paints, for painting radiators. Heat-resistant brush-applied paints and heat-resistant spray paints are both suitable for radiator painting.

3-Standard Spray Paints

Acrylic and synthetic spray paints are suitable for painting radiators. However, cellulosic spray paints are not recommended. Keep in mind that using spray paint may release unpleasant odors inside your home, which can linger for a long time. Additionally, there is a risk of drips and uneven paint layers when using spray paint.

4-Acrylic Paint

Acrylic paint can be used for radiators, but it’s better to choose general-purpose or chalk paint acrylics. Before painting, it’s a good idea to lightly sand the radiator or apply one coat of acrylic primer.

5-Oil-Based Paint

Oil-based paints adhere well to many surfaces, making them suitable for radiator painting. However, they take longer to dry, and the paint may emit an odor for several weeks. If using oil-based paint, you should wait one day between coats. Due to its strong adhesion, oil-based paint often doesn’t require a primer. “Related: difference between water based paint and oil based paint“

6-Wall Paint

You can also use wall paint to paint radiators if you want them to match the color of your walls. However, since wall paint is designed for absorbent surfaces, it can be harder to apply on a radiator. It’s recommended to lightly roughen the old paint on the radiator or use a primer before applying wall paint. You can use glossy surface primer, transition primer, or acrylic primer for better results. “Related: which paint is best for interior walls“

Supplies Checklist

• 2-4 inch brush and a small roller with short nap
• 220 or 240-grit sandpaper
• Radiator paint
• Painter’s tape
• Primer paint
• Damp cloth

How to Paint Radiator

1. Make sure the radiator is turned off and completely cool before starting.
2. Use painter’s tape to cover areas you don’t want to paint, such as the parts where the radiator connects to pipes.
3. If the old radiator paint is peeling, sand it. We also recommend lightly sanding the radiator if you’re using acrylic or wall paint.
4. Apply a primer. Regardless of the type of paint you use for the radiator, it’s recommended to apply one coat of primer. Using primer can save you from sanding and ensures better adhesion of the new paint to the old surface. This is especially important when painting radiators with a glossy finish.
5. Paint the radiator. When painting a radiator, it’s important to follow the recommended waiting times between coats. If you’re using water-based, acrylic, chalk paint, or latex paint, wait at least 4 hours between coats. For spray paint, wait at least 30 minutes, and for oil-based paint, wait at least 24 hours between coats.

Tips

• Do not turn the radiator on before the paint is completely dry. Otherwise, the paint may peel off or form bubbles.
• If your home was built in the 1970s, there is a possibility that your radiator paint contains lead. Remember, lead is harmful to health. If you’re unsure whether your radiator’s old paint contains lead, you can test it using a lead paint test kit. “Related: stripping lead paint“

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.