The best paint to use on an old radiator will depend on the material it’s made of. Most are made of steel. Some are plastic, copper, aluminum, or brass.
Stumped on which type to use on your radiator? Here are our recommendations:
1. Emulsion
You can do no wrong with normal emulsion paint, although gloss or satinwood would do nicely. For one thing, emulsion ones are water-based. It means it’s less toxic than most products available out there.
More importantly, emulsion ones are ideal because they can be used on any surface. It’s not to mention that they work particularly well on radiators. The emulsion is thick and durable enough not to be affected by heat without reducing the heat given off by your radiator. Is it any wonder why it’s often recommended for use in bathrooms and kitchens where it can often get steamy? It is easy to apply and dries for as little as two hours to top it off.
Suppose you want to give your old radiator a sophisticated look. In that case, there’s no shortage of high-quality emulsion options that provide a well-defined, glossy finish. In other words, emulsion products give you high value for your money!
| Brands | What to know |
| Ecotex | They have a lot of options on Amazon |
| Rust-Oleum | It’s a trusted brand. |
| Insl-X | They make products for many surfaces. |
2. High-gloss, interior
One big advantage high-gloss interior paint has over other types is its durability. It provides sufficient protection against excessive heat. High-gloss also gives it a nice sheen, making it look brand new despite its old age. This is even better if the room the radiator is located lets in light from the outside, making it look even more vivid and bright.
3. Satinwood
If you want yours to have a mid-sheen finish, satinwood is the way to go. When it comes to retaining color depth, it’s just as good as gloss paint. It’s not faring badly in the durability department as well.
4. Eggshell
Eggshell is another popular choice for giving radiators new life, mostly because of its added luster. If you want something that looks vivid but not too shiny, you can’t go wrong with eggshell paint. Moreover, eggshell is highly resistant to rust. It makes them perfect for steel surfaces.
Here are some brands to consider:
- Kilz
- Zinsser
- Boomerang
- Prestige
Can I use normal paint?
Sure, why not? But if you insist on using the normal stuff on a steel or cast iron radiator, don’t forget to apply a clear overcoat. Using an overcoat not only makes the surface adhere easier, but it also has anti-corrosive properties that make it resistant to rust buildup. Moreover, applying overcoating ensures that the surface can withstand high temperatures. It’s not to mention scuffs and bumps.
Here are things you’ll need for the painting part alone.
| Things you’ll need | Why |
| High-heat paint | Radiators are exposed to more heat than walls are. You’ll want the coat to be protective for a long time. |
| Radiator paint brush | It makes it easier to get the job done. |
| Primer | It ensures the paint sticks |
Mistakes to Avoid
There’s nothing like a fresh coat to spruce up an old radiator. Considering how delicate the job is, even professionals are bound to commit a few missteps. Awareness of the best practices is key. Without further ado, here are some common mistakes you need to avoid.
1. Using the wrong brush
Ideally, you want to use water-based paint for this type of work. Unlike oil-based products, they won’t turn into a yellowish color in time. As such, you’re better off using synthetic brushes. Why? Unlike natural-bristle brushes, synthetic brushes don’t absorb water. It prevents the bristles from getting limp and thus making it easy for you to apply paint on the surface.
2. Forgetting to apply a primer
This has already been mentioned earlier. It bears repeating. Don’t forget to use a primer when working on a radiator. It applies to any fixture, for that matter. If you skip the primer, not only will it look bland after the work is done. It’s also going to be more prone to rust.
Forgetting to use a primer can also be disastrous if your radiator is made of wood. Wood contains tannins, which can cause staining and discolorations when mixed with liquid. Priming is integral to prep work because most primers are resistant to tannin.
3. Skipping the sanding process
Sanding removes loose parts and creates the right friction needed to make it easy for the paint to adhere to its surface. If you skip this step, you will find it difficult to apply anything evenly. It will much less give the surface more color depth.
4. Dipping the brush too far
Some people have a knack for plunging the brush in when carrying out a project. In truth, submerging the brush a third of the way is more than enough to do the job. Soaking the innermost bristles of the brush is a waste of paint because there’s not enough heft on the handle for them to be of any use.
5. Skipping prep work
Skipping prep time is a prelude to disaster. Suppose you want to carry out a paint job that will exceed your expectations. Scraping off loose parts from the surface and applying a primer is important. It’s also important to clean the surface. You’re creating the ideal conditions, thus allowing for more professional results.
Ready to give it a nice makeover?
Painting an old radiator makes it attractive enough to add more flair and style to your home’s interior. It is not impossible if you know the right way to do it. Follow the tips and tricks mentioned in this comprehensive guide, and you’re well on your way! Good luck!
