Can and should you paint radiators? Hear the answers from the experts

Picture this: it’s getting chilly, the nights are drawing in and your hands are itching to pick up a paint can and brush to freshen up your interiors just in time for the holidays. With daylight hours running low, one of the easiest ways to inject a sense of colour and cheer is to start with the small details. So, let’s talk about turning up the heat in your home decor! Can you paint radiators, or should we stick to the ‘boilerplate’ basics?

A colourful conundrum: can you paint radiators?

You might be hesitant to paint your radiators, given that they can reach temperatures of up to 80℃ on the surface, but we’re here to let you know that when it comes to paint there’s a whole world of possibilities.

With the event of modern décor and advances in technology, we’ve waved goodbye to traditional decorating norms, opening up endless possibilities for personal expression in your home. Nowadays, you have the freedom to create any aesthetic you desire.

Whether you’re aiming to rejuvenate worn-out radiators or embark on a complete colour transformation, splat’s friendly professionals have pulled together this guide to painting radiators to set you off on the right foot. (Spoilers: it’s all in the paint and the prep.)

To paint or not to paint: should you paint radiators?

Painting radiators so they match the overall colour scheme or even create a dynamic contrast has become part of the parcel of a well-thought-out and trendy interior concept. At its most basic, this design choice can create a sense of neatness, brightness and harmony, and at its most complex, it can facilitate an avant-garde statement as the radiators stand out from a receding background.

Besides this, there are many other reasons why you might want to and, in our opinion, should paint your radiators or at the very least consider incorporating them into your decorating plans:

• Enhanced aesthetics: Take an already impressive décor to new heights.
• Personalisation: Use your radiators as an opportunity to infuse your personality into the space by splashing them with colours that resonate with your character.
• Camouflage or accent: Allow your radiators to take up as much real estate as you wish, blending them into the surroundings or letting them pop.
• Visual illusions: Painting a radiator can be seriously transformative, casting the illusion of a brighter space in a dark room if incorporated into a clever scheme.
• Renewed appearance: Get rid of that tired-looking vibe and allow your room to rejuvenate.
• Protection: Painting can act as a protective layer, guarding radiators against rust and corrosion.
• Cost-effective upgrade: A cost-effective way to refresh a room and increase property value without major renovations – words to property sellers’ ears!

What is the best paint for radiators?

When it comes to choosing paint for your radiators, it’s usually a 3-step decision starting with the paint brand or type, finish and then the colour. Each are important considerations to the project, so please take the time to ponder them over before you launch yourself into the work.

Paint type

First up: paint type. Water-based paint is probably your best shot when you’re refreshing your radiators as, unlike oil-based alternatives, it won’t yellow with the heat. Water-based paints are also a step up in terms of environmental impact as they are water-soluble, non-toxic and lacking those nasty VOCs.

For paint brands that can withstand high temperatures, we suggest opting for an interior paint from Zinsser, Bradite or Dulux if you’re looking for a trade paint. There are also more high-end options, for instance, Little Greene’s paints in Intelligent Eggshell and Intelligent Satinwood finishes are both well-equipped to give those radiators a sophisticated makeover.

Paint finish

Choosing the right paint finish for radiators depends on your preferences, the look you want to achieve, and the practical considerations.

• A Satin or Eggshell Finish: Offers a subtle sheen, easy to clean, and provides a smooth finish, but might not hide surface imperfections as well as matte finishes
• Matte Finish: Provides a non-reflective, velvety appearance, hides imperfections well, but tends to be less durable and harder to clean compared to glossier finishes.
• Gloss Finish: Reflective and durable, easy to clean, enhances colour vibrancy, but may highlight surface imperfections.

Paint colour

The fun bit! Consider the environment when selecting a colour for your radiator. While whites or off-whites may seem like natural choices, be cautious with them as they can end up looking stark or small against tall walls and ceilings.

To diminish the visibility of a radiator, opt for the same colour as the walls. Alternatively, make a bold statement by choosing a contrasting or complementary colour. Whatever style preference you lean towards, know that there is a swatch for any décor.

Getting to grips with the preparation

You might be tempted to think painting a radiator is a simple one-step gig, right? Well, surprise! It’s a bit more intricate than that. Sure, wanting to give your radiator a facelift or blend it with your decor is understandable, but the actual act of painting isn’t as straightforward as you’d imagine.

It’s not just about throwing on a couple of coats – in fact, that might do more harm than good. There’s a whole process behind it, and it’s a bit more complex than your average paint job.

How to strip radiator paint

If you’re dealing with a previously painted radiator, you need to listen up. Get some medium-grade sandpaper to gently even out the surface, creating a slightly textured base for the paint to adhere to effectively. In cases where there’s thick, unattractive paint or lingering drip marks from a previous painting job, consider employing a paint stripper for a smoother finish.

How to clean your radiator

After the sanding process, meticulously clean the radiator surface. Employ a sponge with sugar soap or a mixture of warm water and mild detergent, followed by a thorough rinse and allowing it to air dry. This cleaning routine is crucial to eliminate any accumulated dirt, dust, or fluff. Ensuring a spotless surface is essential, as any debris concealed beneath the fresh coat of paint will be glaringly noticeable. Investing the effort in a thorough cleaning is well worth it for a polished result.

How to prime your radiator

Now, onto the final part of the preparation – priming. Your radiator’s surface needs a good priming to shield its structure and ensure the paint goes on like a dream. It might sound like a lot, but trust us, skipping these steps can mess with both the appearance and performance of your radiator. The only excuse is if you’re using a self-priming paint that does the priming and painting in one.

If you’re dead set on giving it a new hue, be ready to invest the time, money, and effort into these essential – albeit a bit time-consuming – preparations. It’s the key to a job well done.

How to paint a radiator for a stunning finish

We’ve covered the ins and outs of radiator paint and the preparation process, but can you paint radiators to get a beautiful finish? Well, let us explain…

1. Cool it down! Switch off your radiator and give it the night off to chill before you get into painting. Hot radiators and paint don’t mix well – it could get messy.
2. Now prep your battlefield. Lay down those massive plastic sheets to shield your floor and the surrounding spots from any accidental paint splatters.
3. Show your radiator some love. Go through the four-step routine: clean it up, strip away the old stuff, give it a good sanding, and prime it professionally. (Refer back to our breakdown of the preparation above.)
4. Before you give your radiator a fresh, beautiful coat of paint, make sure to lay down a metal primer or a specific radiator primer. This step is crucial to safeguard any exposed or corroded areas of the radiator, creating a sturdy base for the rest of the paint to adhere to.
5. Carefully apply two coats of paint nice and evenly, but here’s the trick: ensure that you paint in the same direction as the grooves. It’s the key to the smoothest, most flawless finish.
6. After you’ve finished painting your radiator, it’s advisable to wait a minimum of 24 hours before switching it back on. Patience is key here, as hurrying the process might lead to the paint becoming sticky when heated, resulting in an unpolished, tacky finish.
7. While you’re waiting, clean up everything from your paintbrushes to your overalls and put away all your dustsheets and coverings. Then grab a cuppa and sit down for a well earned rest.

Painting radiators vs radiator covers

As we’ve mentioned, painting the surfaces of your radiators amounts to a lot of prep work and consideration. But what if we told you there was a shortcut to Instagram-worthy radiator décor?

If you don’t feel up to the job of giving your radiators a good lick of paint or you’d rather start with a slightly easier project than painting directly onto your radiator a happy medium is getting your hands on some trendy radiator cover in wood or metal.

Again, make sure you find a suitable paint that will endure the heat of the radiator and prepare the surface accordingly. If you want to skip out the lengthy prep, here’s a tip: you can actually buy unfinished, ready-to-paint covers from major retailers. These you can start painting right away.

If not, make sure you fully clean and sand down the surface, so there is no residual debris, and you are working from a completely smooth and level canvas.

Heat things up with your decorating abilities

There we have it: the most comprehensive answer to the question “can you paint radiators?” you could have ever asked for. Take our advice as an invitation to that your paint and decorating to the next level – we want to see your colourful creations, so don’t forget to tag us on social media.

Looking for your next DIY fix? Check out our handy home improvement blog.