Paint usually peels off a radiator because of trapped moisture, poor surface preparation before painting, or the use of non-heat-resistant paint. The constant expansion and contraction of the metal from heating and cooling makes the paint vulnerable if it hasn't bonded correctly.
Start by scraping off the excess dried paint then rub down your area with a low grade 100 sandpaper to ensure a flat surface. We recommend you then apply a layer of filler like Toupret wood filler to fill the peeled spot. Add a coat of Zinsser Peelstop to help seal the peel and paint 2 coats of your chosen topcoat.
You should use heat-resistant paint behind radiators. Specifically, look for paints labelled as “radiator paint” or “high-temperature paint”. These paints are formulated to withstand the heat radiated from the unit without peeling, cracking, or discolouring.
Standard heating and car radiators typically last between 10 to 20 years, depending on their build and how well the system is maintained. Proper care can help maximize their lifespan, whether you are dealing with a vehicle or home heating system.
4 Signs You Need a Radiator Repair
It takes time for your home to warm up and cool down. If you're not sure how long it takes, try turning the heating on about 30 minutes before you need it. You should turn it off 30 minutes before you'll stop needing it.
As the radiator needs to be turned off for you to safely paint it, we suggest you take this during the summer when you're not likely to need it. The warmer weather will also help to speed up the drying time.
Spraying paint is the most efficient way to paint a radiator. You'll either need specialty heat resistant paint that comes in a spray can, like INSL-X® Decorative & Specialty Spray Paint, or a paint sprayer, available at your local Benjamin Moore retailer.
Paint the radiator
You will usually need to apply two full paint coats over the primer for a professional finish. Leave at least four 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.
Painting over loose paint can cause the new paint to peel or bubble. Removes dirt - Radiators can accumulate dust, dirt, grease, and other contaminants over time. Sanding the surface helps remove these impurities, ensuring a clean and smooth surface for the paint to adhere to.
WD-40 is highly effective at removing paint transfer from car surfaces, such as scuffs from poles or other cars, without damaging the original clear coat. It works by breaking down the adhesive bond of the foreign paint, allowing it to be wiped away easily.
Peel Stop® is the ideal solution for peeling and flaking paint in bathrooms and other areas of high humidity such as kitchens and laundry rooms. It bonds to old paint and problem areas, forming a sound surface that's ready for repainting.
Clean the radiator with warm water to remove as much dust and debris as possible from the surface. Don't use any cleaners or chemicals in this step but make sure you get into all the nooks and crannies with a soft cloth and wire brush if needed. Next, strip the paint using a good quality paint stripper.
If the paint on your radiator begins to bubble, peel, or lift, it is often a sign that moisture has become trapped beneath the surface. This can be caused by leaks, condensation, or prolonged exposure to damp conditions.
Fixing peeling paint requires removing all loose flakes, properly sealing the surface, patching any imperfections, and repainting. If the damage is caused by moisture (common in bathrooms or near pipes), the underlying leak or humidity issue must be resolved first.
Perfect for both new and old radiators, Rust-Oleum radiator paint is an essential addition to your painting and decorating toolkit. Upgrade your home's aesthetic while ensuring your heating system remains effective and stylish with Rust-Oleum from B&Q today.
You'll need a paint suitable for metal, such as Dulux Quick Dry Satinwood. Then it's making sure you pick the right paint brush, a natural bristle brush is best for this painting technique. Find out why, here. And remember, you don't have to stick with white when painting a radiator.
Paint the radiator
We recommend using Intelligent Eggshell as an easy-to-use, quick-drying radiator paint. (Note: This type of paint can be thinned as applied as a spray paint if desired.
Black, blue, and green: Darker shades like navy blue and hunter green feature intense pigments that can resist coverage, particularly by lighter colors. (If you've ever tried adding white paint over dark paint, you know how many coats you need for a solid finish!)
Since radiator surfaces get hot, it's best to use a heat tolerant spray paint which can sustain up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit of continuous heat. However, there are limited colors to choose from. If you're not using a spray paint, choose a direct-to-metal enamel which is heat resistant and rust inhibitive.
Standard heating and car radiators typically last between 10 to 20 years, depending on their build and how well the system is maintained. Proper care can help maximize their lifespan, whether you are dealing with a vehicle or home heating system.
Heating and energy expert Stephen Hankinson said that one "big energy cost saver" is to make sure you have your heating off when you're not at home. For instance, if you typically arrive home from work at around 6pm on weekdays, you could set your heating to activate just as you walk through the door.
For most customers, we recommend turning on your furnace when the weather is consistently below 18° Celsius, which usually happens to be around the end of September, or early October. Some homeowners try to put off turning on their furnace as long as they can to save money, which is okay if you're healthy adults.
Here are the most significant home electricity users: