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How to: paint the radiator yourself


How do you paint an old radiator yourself? What paint can you use for radiators? Can you also paint them with ordinary paint? Is there any water-based paint for radiators? Is it best to use a roller or a brush, or is it better to spray? What to do with old paint, or rust?

In short, how do you get your radiator looking like new again? To answer that question and all of the above, we have yet another handy how-to guide for you. Here, you'll find all the products you need and all kinds of tips on how to paint your radiator yourself.


Step 1: preparation

When the radiator is still in good condition

Before you start painting the radiator, it is important to make the right preparations. Firstly, you should turn off the heating in time to ensure that the radiator has cooled down completely.
Next, you need to degrease and clean the radiator. It is also advisable to lightly sand the radiator with fine sandpaper. This is to help the paint adhere better.
In addition, it is important to properly prepare the surroundings. Use masking tape and masking film to protect any surrounding surfaces from paint splatter. Make sure you cover adequately, especially if you choose to spray the radiator.

When the radiator is no longer in good shape

If the radiator is no longer in good shape, it is necessary to remove the old paint and any rust before you start painting. 

There are several methods to remove old paint, including sanding. Of course, you can also use paint stripper. Highly effective, but it could get messy at times. 

Depending on the condition of the radiator, you may also need to deal with rust. To do so, you can use a special rust converter, or you can de-rust by sanding. Next, always apply a special anti-rust primer before painting.

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Progold Sandpaper
Variants from €1.15 
From €1.25 
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3M Golden Masking Tape
Size: 24 mm | Quantity: 1 piece
Variants from €6.95 
From €8.95 
View product
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Progold Cover Foil
From €2.05 
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Hammerite Roestomvormer
From €27.95 

Product to transform rust to a solid surface for further finishing with Hammerite Metallic paints and other most common paints.

Product to transform rust to a solid surface for further finishing with Hammerite Metallic paints and other most common paints.

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Hammerite Nr. 1 Antiroest Primer
From €11.95 

Highly effective, protective primer for untreated and rusted metal indoors and outdoors.

Highly effective, protective primer for untreated and rusted metal indoors and outdoors.

Step 2: painting

Roller, brush or spray?

You can choose between a roller, brush or spray to paint the radiator. If you use a roller or brush, it is important not to apply too much paint at once. This will prevent drips, which could otherwise quickly occur on the vertical surface. Roll out the paint from top to bottom and use a brush for the hard-to-reach edges. 

If you paint the radiator with a spray, you can easily cover the surface of the radiator evenly, especially in hard-to-reach areas. Make sure you shake the spray can well beforehand and apply several thin coats. Extra tip: turn the spray can upside down and then spray briefly to clean the nozzle after use.

Regardless of the chosen method, it is always best to check the drying time of the paint. When the paint is thoroughly dry, preferably also wait at least 24 hours before resuming use of the radiator.

How many layers?

Generally, two to three coats of paint are recommended for good coverage and durability, but it also depends a bit on what kind of paint you're using.

For example, if you use Hammerite's radiator paint on a radiator that is still in good condition, then one coat may be enough. If you had a lot of work refurbishing the heater, then a second coat will probably be more of a necessity than an option. 

If you're working with a special primer and a water-based paint, you need at least one coat of each anyway. Finally, with a spray can, you should always spray several thin layers. It is best to check the degree of coverage after each layer you apply. 

In any case, be sure to always allow sufficient drying time before applying the next coat.

New
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Sikkens Redox BL Metal Protect Satin
Select your colour: Mix colours | Content: 1 l
Variants from €37.95 
From €45.45 
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Trimetal Permacryl XR Brillant
Select your colour: White | Content: 1 l
From €49.95 
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Trimetal Permacryl XR Satin
Select your colour: White | Content: 0,5 l
From €22.95 
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Trimetal Permacryl XR Mat
Select your colour: White | Content: 1 l
From €49.95 
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Our pick
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Sigma Tigron Aqua Satin
Select your colour: Mix colours | Content: 2,5 l
Variants from €22.45 
From €115.95 
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Sigma Tigron Aqua Spray
Gloss level: Matt | Select your colour: White | Content: 2,5 l
Variants from €82.95 
From €83.45 
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Sigma Tigron Aqua Spray Primer
Select your colour: White | Content: 2,5 l
From €97.45 
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Sigma Multiprimer
Select your colour: Mix colours | Content: 2,5 l
Variants from €39.45 
From €114.45 
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Sigma Multiprimer Aqua
Select your colour: White | Content: 0,5 l
From €20.45 
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♻️ 2nd Chance - Sigma Multiprimer
Available colour(s): RAL 9001 | Content: 1 l
From €38.45 
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Hammerite Verdunner en borstelreininger
Content: 250 ml
From €10.45 
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Hammerite Metaalontvetter
Content: 0,5 l
From €29.45 
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Hammerite Menie
Content: 0,5 l
From €16.95 
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Hammerite Nr. 1 Antiroest Primer
Content: 250 ml
From €11.95 
View product
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Hammerite Radiatorlak - RAL 9001
Colour (Hammerite metaallak): RAL 9001 | Content: 750 ml
Variants from €13.95 
From €36.45 
View product

ℹ️ Which paint to use?

Choosing the right paint is essential when painting a radiator. It is important not to use an ordinary wall paint as it cannot withstand high temperatures. Wall paints are certainly not scratch-resistant enough to be used on a radiator either. That is, if they would adhere enough to stay on it at all. 

Instead, you can use a special radiator paint, such as Hammerite radiator paint or the Levis radiator paint "Expert Ferro Radiator". Other heat-resistant paints are also an excellent choice. 

Another alternative are water-based lacquers, which offer more colour options and finishes. These lacquers do not have a strong odour and do not yellow, making them ideal for light colours. If you choose a water-based lacquer, it is very important to use a suitable primer for adhesion.

Step 3: around the radiator (optional)


You may need to freshen up around the radiator's surface as well. Unsightly heating pipes might spoil your beautiful, freshly painted radiator a bit. 

If necessary, you can then choose to paint the radiator pipes as well. Make sure you use the right paint, i.e. paint suitable for the hot pipes. 

Perhaps you also want to paint the wall behind the radiator. For example, you could include your radiator in an accent wall by painting the wall and the radiator the same colour. In that case, take a look at our step-by-step plan for painting walls.

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Motip Effect High Temp
From €11.95 

High-quality and high-quality heat-resistant lacquer spray for treating treated and untreated substrates subjected to very high temperatures.

High-quality and high-quality heat-resistant lacquer spray for treating treated and untreated substrates subjected to very high temperatures.

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Motip Heat Resistant
From €14.75 

Heat-resistant lacquer for treating treated and untreated substrates exposed to very high temperatures.

Heat-resistant lacquer for treating treated and untreated substrates exposed to very high temperatures.

Bestseller
Sigma Perfect Matt - 10 L - Tintrio
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Sigma Perfect Matt
From €22.45 
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Sikkens Alphacryl Morpha
From €23.95 
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Trimetal Magnacryl Prestige Velours
From €24.95 
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Sigma Pearl Clean Semi-Matt
From €28.95 

Checklist

  • Degrease and clean well

  • Sand the radiator

  • Apply the right primer

  • Paint your radiator

  • Optionally paint the surroundings

Useful tools

Bestseller
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Progold Paint Roller Felt
From €1.75