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How can I paint over a radiator which has been painted in toxic gloss

Posted by Pauline Palmer, on
I have recently had a new heating system installed and the radiators are hotter than they used to be. A strong smell is now coming from the radiator and I think it has been painted with very toxic paint. Can you suggest how I might seal the radiator and what type of paint can I use .Thank you
Paul Long

Paul Long

Hi Pauline take any defective paint of and do Them with a enamel B&Q do a spray type For £8 is good prob do about 3 radiators Hope that helps Regards Paul a PDL decs
Tony Priestley

Tony Priestley

Hi, an enamel paint should be used on rads, large build up of gloss can smell and make the radiators not so efficient.
Anthony Edmunds / Kalveena Griffiths

Anthony Edmunds / Kalveena Griffiths

Your new heating system is more efficient so is heating the paint to a higher temperature but it s unlikely to be toxic. If the radiators are new they will have been factory prepared and sealed and do smell for a while. If they are existing radiators then reducing the temperature of the boiler a little for a few days to allow the paint to adjust to being heated up by the hotter metal may help and the smell should eventually go. Too many coats of paint on a radiator reduces the efficiency of the radiator. Removing paint from a radiator and re-applying is a long and messy job and it is sometimes more cost effective to replace an older radiator.
David Rodgers

David Rodgers

Hi Pauline, you will get a strong smell for a while after being painted or sprayed. If you choose to paint be sure to use an oil-based paint but a good quality enamel is the best option. David Rodgers & Son

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