How to paint a radiator

Match your radiators to your wall colours with our easy-to-follow guide … .

Level of difficulty

Level 2: Intermediate

What you need

• Dust sheet
• Radiator brush
• Paintbrush
• Paint
• Metal primer

The steps to follow

1. Make sure your radiator is turned off.
2. Cover the area where you'll be working with a dust sheet.
3. If your radiator has been painted previously, strip off the old paint on the radiator.
4. Next, apply a coat of metal primer to the front and back of the radiator.

Note:

• Metal primer prevents corrosion and also allows paint to adhere better.
• Use a regular paintbrush to paint the front of the radiator.
• Use a radiator paintbrush when applying primer or paint to the back of the radiator.

5. Let the primer dry before applying paint.
6. Start by brushing a coat of paint on the flutes of the radiator.
7. Then finish off by painting the top and bottom section of the radiator.
8. Let the paint dry before applying a second coat of paint.
9. Next paint the back of the radiator with a radiator brush.
10. Again let the paint dry before applying a second coat to the back of the radiator.
11. Allow the paint to dry thoroughly before turning on the radiator.

Note:

• Do not use latex paint.
• Be extremely careful not to paint over any valves and clog them up.
  
• Avoid painting the radiator's fins as this reduces its level of heat transfer.