How Do I Paint A Radiator?

1. Turn Your Heating off and Ventilate the Room

So obvious that it's easy to forget. Wait until it's stone cold so your paint doesn't get drippy (which can happen even if the room is too hot, so if your radiator is warm then it's a problem). And also ensure your room is well-ventilated when you begin to paint.

2. Clean Around the Radiator

Hoover up around the radiator to clear away loose dust, hair, and anything that might get disturbed and become stick in the paint.

3. Clean the Radiator & Sand Down Lumps of Paint and Rust

Clean your radiator using Tikkurila's cleaning agent and then sand it down using sandpaper. The goal is to remove any lumps of paint, rust, and anything that will make your coats of paint uneven.

4. Prime Your Radiator

Prime your radiator with an even coat. This will create a fresh surface for your paint to bond to. It's a quick thing to do that will ensure you get the best results possible. It will also stop and prior rust spots with anti-corrosive properties and protect against future rust problems. If your radiator is bare, or your pipes are bare, then this is an absolute must.

Otex Akva or;
Rostex Super Metal Primer (where subject to corrosion)
Rostex Super Akva

5. Paint the Radiator

Apply your paint now, taking care to ensure a nice even coat all over. Make sure to paint in the same direction as any grooves and avoid 'overloading' your paint brush, which just means having too much paint on it; which results in dripping and lumps.

Everal Aqua 10, Everal Aqua 40 or Everal Aqua 80, depending on sheen level required
Helmi 10, Helmi 30 or Helmi 80, depending on sheen level required
Helmi Radiator Paint (Helmi Radiator Paint is specially formulated for radiators but is only available in one off white shade). The aforementioned products are available in a much wider colour range and are also recommended.

6. Wait, Apply Another Coat if Necessary

Relax and wait until the paint is dry. It's possible your radiator might need another coat of paint once dry.

If you require more advice on painting radiators, give our technical team a call on 0131 334 4999 or send them a message here