If you are on this side of the net, the chances are that you are in a love-hate relationship with your exposed radiator. It warms up the house quickly, which you’re likely grateful for during those freezing cold days.
On the flip side, an exposed radiator may be considered an unsightly feature in the home, especially if it’s old or rusting. It is difficult to love or even ignore how it sticks out like a sore thumb.
Luckily, painting an exposed radiator is an incredible way to improve its aesthetic. In fact, when it is the same color as the walls, it blends in, and the eyes are drawn away from it by other beautiful decor and fixtures around the home.
So, what is the best paint for radiators? The best paint for radiators is durable and can withstand constant temperature fluxes on both extremes of hot and cold. Therefore, it’s best to choose radiator paint that was specifically designed for radiators.
Keep on reading as we explore the best types of paint to use on radiators. We’ll also guide you on how to paint your radiator correctly to maintain efficiency as well as beauty.
Is It Safe To Paint A Radiator?
It is typical of homeowners to paint radiators. It could be because it looks shabby and beaten after many years of service.
And well, replacement with the newer, fancier version is a huge financial responsibility. Painting seems to be the easy way out.
But before we delve any further into giving the radiator a makeover, is this easy way out safe? Is it safe to paint radiators?
Although there are valid reasons not to DIY paint heating equipment -like the possibility of disrupting the heating mechanism, radiators are absolutely safe to paint as long as you’re using the right heat-resistant paint.
The Best Types Of Paint For Radiators
One of the most frequently asked questions by DIY painters about radiators is, can you use regular paint for a radiator? The answer is no. It would be best not to use ordinary paint on a radiator.
A radiator goes through episodes of extreme heating and cooling while running and when turned off.
Your everyday paint cannot adapt to these temperature shifts as it is not designed to be elastic. With the constant baking, it will start cracking and flaking prematurely.
The only time you can use regular paint to paint a radiator is if it is not operational and you’re just keeping it as a refurbished statement piece.
Therefore, what is the best paint to use on radiators? The best paint to use on radiators is specialty radiator paint.
This is a paint specifically designed for use on radiators. It is built to withstand high heat and is flexible enough to expand and shrink with the metal during cooling.
If you can’t find special radiator paint, go for a good quality interior enamel paint for metals. Enamel paint works just as great at providing robust protection.
It should be resistant to rusting and able to tolerate high heat.
Colors and Finishes
In addition to the type of paint, you also have to choose color and finish. Often many individuals ask, can you paint a radiator with gloss paint?
Yes, you may paint your radiator with a glossy finish if that is what your heart desires. Or perhaps you have leftover paint in your store. Then there’s really no need to spend extra on something different.
Glossy paint has a high level of shine that gives surfaces a glassy appearance which people find very attractive. Well, humans have always been inherently attracted to shiny reflective objects.
Nonetheless, this mirror-like beauty also amplifies imprints and flaws present on the radiator. In addition to that, light colors of glossy paint tend to yellow faster.
These reasons may lead you to consider otherwise and opt for satin paint. Satin paint has a slight sheen but is not quite flat. Moving on, you must also select a color for your radiator. What is the best color to paint a radiator?
If you’ve done a little digging to determine if there’s a color preference for radiators, you must already be confused. Some people suggest white, while others argue that black is the heat-efficient color.
So, Is there a special color for radiators? Not really. Color is purely up to preference. White, however, is the traditional color of radiators. And even though black paint is scientifically the more energy-efficient color, the difference is too small.
Therefore, you can choose any color you want for your radiator. If you like to keep it classic, then go with white.
To make the radiator visually disappear, paint it the same color as the wall behind it. However, if the goal is to make it really pop, go with a contrasting color like a sleek black.
There are also stylish metallic colors, for example, chrome and vintage options like bronze.
How To Paint A Radiator
Once you have the correct paint selected, it’s time to paint your radiator. You can choose to detach it from the wall and mount it back after painting.
Trust us; it will make your life much easier to paint a radiator off the wall as you have full access to the back. As long as you possess the tools and can put it back correctly, we highly recommend it.
However, if you are not the handyman type, you can paint the front and leave the back. Alternatively, you can purchase a specialty radiator brush that reaches the back of the radiator even when it is still attached to the wall.
Things you need:
- Paint and primer
- Synthetic brushes in assorted sizes
- Water, soap, and sponge
- 120 grit sandpapers
- Drop cloth, cardboards, or newspaper
- Painters tape
- Protective wear
How to do it:
- Turn the radiator off if it is operational and allow it to cool down. There’s a valve at the back or side for that.
- Never paint a running radiator or one that is still hot to touch. The heat will interfere with paint adhesion and minimize longevity.
- Clean the radiator well by first dusting off accumulated dirt, followed by a wash using warm soapy water and a sponge. Rinse and let dry.
- Use medium-grit sandpaper to sand the entire radiator. Like any other metal surface, radiators are slippery, and sanding helps give the surface some tooth. You can also sand off rusty spots.
- Vacuum all the dirt and dust around the radiator before giving it a final wipe down using a clean damp cloth.
- Protect the floor underneath using a drop cloth, old newspaper, or cardboard. Painters tape will help secure them in one place.
- If spray painting, you can protect the surrounding wall and any furniture or fixtures nearby. Most importantly, seal the valve with painter’s tape as it will get jammed when the paint dries on it.
- Wear protective clothing such as an apron, if you aren’t already in your paintwork clothes. A mask is also essential as paints emit toxic fumes you don’t want to inhale. It is advisable to open a window or two for proper ventilation.
- Apply primer to the radiator. Primer provides a suitable base for the topcoat to adhere. Specialty radiator primers are available, but you can also use any good primer for metal. Skip this part if you chose a 2-in-1 paint + primer.
- Paint the radiator. How you tackle it depends on whether you are using spray or brush-on paint.
- For aerosol paint, hold the can about two feet away and, moving the entire arm, spray with a sweeping motion. Choose one direction and stick to it.
- If painting by brushing, begin with the edges first. Carefully go around corners and any other parts along the edges, such as where the pipes attach.
- After finishing the edges, you can proceed to the face. Paint the face using vertical brush strokes or in an up and down direction, moving from left to right or vice versa.
- The face is commonly molded into ridges. Therefore, a medium sash angled brush will give you better results when it comes to getting paint in there.
- You can now finish with the back of the radiator if you choose to paint it. Depending on the type of radiator, the back may have pipes or rods, so you need a suitable brush to go around them.
- A small round brush comes in handy for painting around rails and will do an amazing job on this part of the radiator too.
- Once the first coat is dry, or after waiting as per manufacturer instructions, re-coat the radiation. You can turn the radiator on 24 hours after the second coat is fully cured.
And that’s the complete guide to painting your radiator, be it fresh from the factory or restoring your old drab-looking one. With the correct information on what paint to use on radiators and how to do it, you are sure to do a commendable job.
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