Use long, smooth strokes in one direction to avoid visible brush marks. Paint thin, even coats rather than thick layers. Allow each coat to dry fully before applying the next. Two to three coats are usually enough for good coverage.
Paintbrushes are better for getting into the grooves of radiators, whereas rollers are useful for painting broad flat sections. Turn your radiator off and let it cool down completely. Sugar soap is fantastic at cutting through everyday dirt, grime and grease.
The advice we give on our website says: Radiators can be finished with cellulose paint or acrylic car spray paint. There is no need to use expensive specialist radiator paints - car paint is designed to cope with extremes of temperature and be tough enough to withstand relatively intense wear and tear.
For radiators that are being painted in place, you can either leave the back unpainted or use an angled radiator brush to carefully apply paint to the other side. Depending on the paint you use, you may need to apply a second or third coat. Make sure the first coat is completely dry to ensure a smooth finish.
Sand. You'll need to lightly sand your radiator to scuff it up to allow for better adhesion to the paint. I used 120 grit sandpaper as that was what I had to hand. If your rad is flaking, you'll need to give it a better sand to get all those flakes off and get the areas smooth.
Using a mini-roller will ensure you get the best possible finish on the metal as brushes can be susceptible to brush marks.
When painting a radiator, it's important to use a heat-resistant paint that can withstand high temperatures. Obviously, radiators can get quite hot, so regular paints are likely blister, peel, or discolour when exposed to the heat.
Overall, radiator spray painting is faster, more efficient, and more durable option compared to traditional painting methods whilst also achieving a more even and professional looking finish.
British-born brand Lick is on a mission to make painting and decorating more enjoyable and sustainable. Lick paints are water-based, low VOC, and benefit from a high pigment content, meaning they cover walls and surfaces brilliantly with a rich and vibrant colour.
Due to its durable nature and shiny finish, gloss paint is suitable for painting on radiators. Gloss paint is commonly used on several pieces in the home such as woodwork, skirting boards, door frames and most importantly, radiators.
4. Sand Your Radiator. Use a variety of sandpaper grit grades to get rid of rust spots and make the surface a little rougher so that it takes the paint better. Start with a 40- or 60-grit course and then move on to a finer, 80- to 120-grit sandpaper.
A top-tier solution for revamping and protecting your radiators. Its ultra-durable, smooth finish not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of your radiators but also provides a robust protective layer.
Angled Raditor Brush Long Wooden Handle 38mm is the perfect addition to the painting kit and tool box with this Long Paint Brush being perfect to get those hard to reach places like behind radiators, gutters and drain pipes etc.
Coloured rads finished with paint will tend to produce a 25% or so higher heat output. Strictly speaking in scientific terms, matt black is the very most efficient colour choice. However, the difference in heat output between this style and a white radiator, for instance, would only be around 1%.
Dip your paint brush into a radiator paint or multi-purpose paint in the colour of your choice, and lightly brush up and down the surface. Make sure to paint in one direction to avoid streaky lines. We recommend you paint the pipes too so you end up with a cohesive, nicely finished look.
Painting your radiator can affect its heat output
Whilst there are studies that show that darker colours can increase your radiator's efficiency, this is only by an extremely small amount (we're talking around 1%). The real factor to consider is the kind of radiator paint you use.
Paint the radiator
You will usually need to apply two full paint coats over the primer for a professional finish. Leave at least 4 hours between coats for a water-based paint, or leave to dry overnight for oil-based paint. You should allow the paint to dry fully for 48 hours before turning on the radiator.
Good quality satinwood paint is probably the best choice when you're painting a radiator. It has a nice finish and it is best suited to constant changes in temperature. Stir the paint well before use and make sure you paint in the same direction as the grooves in the radiator.
You're an independent spirit, so if you're set upon using normal paint then just apply a 'clear radiator overcoat' to be able to use standard emulsion.
However, painting behind a radiator is recommended if you're adding a new, contrasting colour, and to do this you can either use a specialist brush or roller, or remove the radiator to paint it. Here we give you some pro tips and advice on how to get the job done.
There are a few ways to fix paint brush strokes. You can use a thinner to make the paint flow more smoothly. Use a liner brush and clean up the edges of your stroke. Also, you can use a dry brush or another type of brush with a smaller tip to blend in your strokes.
Sand over the drip with medium (100-grit) sandpaper on a sanding block in a circular motion until you can no longer feel the paint ridge or any surface unevenness. Switch to fine (220-grit) sandpaper and sand over the same area to remove any scratches from the previous step.
Key Takeaways: Sanding between paint coats helps create a smooth and even surface for the next coat of paint to adhere to. The purpose of sanding is to remove imperfections, bumps, drips, and drips on the painted surface. Sanding also helps to improve adhesion and durability of the paint job.