It’s always nice when you find a way to take something that doesn’t look so great and make it a gorgeous piece of your decor. This is something that you primarily only see in those who have the magic touch.
Painting a radiator can be a wonderful way for anyone to feel like they have that magic touch. Especially if it’s an old radiator that has been an eyesore for quite some time. Check out how you can transform it today.
Can You Paint A Radiator?
The short answer is that, yes, you can paint a radiator. Almost all radiators can be painted with indoor metal paint that is heat-resistant. There are a few different radiator materials that may take different paints.
Cast Iron
This type of radiator was very common in the 1800s, but today, they simply don’t work as well as other radiators. They do look pretty cool if you like cast iron but this is the only reason you’d really want to get one.
Cast iron radiators heat slowly and they are extremely heavy. So not only are they not as efficient as other radiators but they are also difficult to work with. Their only plus is that they heat even after they are turned off.
Stainless Steel
Steel radiators look good, are versatile, and they work extremely well. Oh yes, and they are affordable because they are made of steel. Choose stainless steel to prevent rust build-up and have a better radiator all-around.
The steel radiators, stainless or not, will need to be cleaned and maintained. But it’s still the most popular choice in modern-day radiators. So if you don’t know which way to go then stick with steel.
Aluminum
Aluminum radiators are even better than steel radiators. They heat fast and disperse the heat fast as well. The problem is that they are more expensive than stainless steel radiators so they are still less popular.
Not only are they more expensive but they are also more difficult to take care of. They are the opposite of cast iron when it comes to taking care of them. They need maintenance and you need to be careful not to scratch or dent them.
Copper And Brass
Copper and brass radiators are not common anymore but they were one of the first radiators ever to exist. The copper itself heats very quickly and works very well, however, these radiators are not all copper.
The radiator made from copper and brass does not have a long life expectancy and it has been found out over time that the list of cons are longer than the list of pros. So these are nearly non-existent today.
How To Paint A Radiator
Painting a radiator is easy as long as you prep correctly. You will need to clean it and tape off anything that shouldn’t be painted, just as if you’re painting anything else. But here are the steps you should go through.
Step 1: Pick Your Paint
Both primer and paint are important when painting your radiator. You should choose an oil-based aerosol primer but you can choose either an oil or water-based paint as long as it is made for interior metal surfaces.
They should both be rust-resistant and heat-resistant. The color doesn’t matter and should be based on your preference. However, choose the right type of paint before you choose the right paint color.
Step 2: Get Radiator Ready
Turn the control valve clockwise to “off” or fully closed and then let the radiator cool completely. Use masking tape to tape off the control valve and the radiator bleed valve. This should be near the top or end.
You don’t want to paint these areas and you don’t want to paint any vents. SO make sure that you tape anything like this because you do not want it painted over unless the radiator is non-operational.
Step 3: Get Area Ready
Use masking tape around the radiator wall to protect the wall from paint. Then lay out drop cloths on the floor below the radiator to protect the floor. Cloth drop cloths work better and are safer than plastic ones.
Finally, put on a mask and open a window as you will be using aerosol primer. This is dangerous to use indoors unless it is well-ventilated. Put a fan blowing out to help circulate the air and get rid of the fumes.
Step 4: Sand The Radiator
Sand the radiator lightly with coarse sandpaper. This will get rid of any built-up chunks. Then go over the whole thing with fine sandpaper. If you find paint peeling off, then stop what you’re doing.
You need to test the paint for lead. Lead paint can cause serious problems to your health. So test any paint that is older than a few decades. You can get at-home kits or send samples to the lab for testing.
Step 5: Clean Radiator
To clean the radiator, get a barely damp cloth and wipe it down. This is primarily to get rid of the sanding dust Then let the radiator completely dry. Only then can you begin priming and painting the radiator.
Step 6: Spray Paint With Primer
Hold the primer around one foot from the radiator and spray an even coat over the entire thing. Prime everything visible at least and the top of the back of the radiator even if this is rarely seen unless up close.
Step 7: Paint Radiator
Paint the radiator just like you primed it. You can add coats around every fifteen minutes or however long the can says to wait between each coat. Make sure you wait as long as it says, but you can wait longer.
Step 8: Finish Up
Finish up by removing any tape left behind and by folding up the cloth carefully. Then you can wait another half day after it dries and then turn the heat back on to the radiator. It should be ready to use!
Radiator Painting FAQs
We all have questions about everything we do in life, and painting a radiator is no exception, especially if you’re new to doing so. Here are some of the most-gnawing questions about painting radiators answered.
What If The Paint Has Lead?
If the radiator paint does indeed have lead, then stay away from it and keep your kids and pets away from it especially. Then call a professional and have them take a look. They can have the paint removed safely.
Trying to remove lead paint alone is not a good idea. You can inhale lead without even knowing it or leave residue behind that can harm your pets and children. So always hire someone to remove it for you.
Can I Paint Non-Operating Radiator?
Yes. In fact, painting a non-operating radiator is a great idea. You can cover up that old thing and make it a statement piece. Think of a fun way to transform it into something else like fruit or an animal.
You don’t even have to tape a radiator that doesn’t work, the rules are much more forgiving. You can simply paint the radiator like you’re painting anything else that isn’t electronic or gas, which is even easier.
What Is A Good Radiator Paint?
There are many good radiator paints. You can use Rust-Oleum if you’re not sure which one to choose, but any paint that is heat-resistant after it dries is good as long as it works indoors and on metals.
If you have cast iron, make sure that the paint can be used on cast iron. Stainless steel sometimes needs sanded in-between coats so that the paint sticks. Steel can be very slick so be careful with drips.
Do I Need Primer?
Yes. You do need primer. Primer will help you get good coverage and protect your radiator as well. So always use primer even if it costs more because it will pay off in the end and ensure you only need one coat of paint.
Primer is not like paint. It is used underneath the paint and is thicker. It is almost always necessary when painting but especially if you’re painting something operating or something that is a dark color.
Does Painting A Radiator Affect Its Capabilities?
No. This is a myth that was busted way back in the 1930s and many times after that. Painting a radiator does not make it work any better or any worse. So you can paint the radiator regardless of any rumors you’ve heard.
The type of paint you use is important but painting it is okay. While it doesn’t make it work better, it doesn’t make it worse either. So there’s no reason not to paint your radiator if you want it painted.
Are Certain Colors Better?
Not really. It has been said that dark colors absorb a lot more heat than lighter ones, which is true. But when it comes to radiators, the output of heat isn’t affected by the color of the paint used on the radiator.
This can be true for what you’re wearing, however. Darker colors may make you feel warmer than lighter colors. So start there if you’re trying to decide how colors affect the heating capabilities in your home.
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