How to paint a radiator successfully – 3 easy tips

Radiators are often overlooked in interior design, even though repainting them is a super easy way to brighten up the look of your home.

By painting your radiators the same shade as your walls, you can make them blend in with your interior and create a finished, polished look. Or you can create a striking detail by choosing a bold color for your radiators.

Follow these tips and you will get a professional result easily and effortlessly.

1. Consider the type of radiator before painting

First, you should find out what type of radiator you have in your home, as different models require different working methods. If the radiator has a heated towel rail or complex corners, for example, you will need precision and care. When painting the edges, it is best to go around the entire radiator at once, especially if it is a more complex design. Straight, flat radiators are easier to paint. Look at the radiator to see if you need masking tape or if a narrow roller with a long handle is a handy help for painting the back of the radiator and the background of the pipes.

Chrome or towel radiators are more challenging, but not impossible to paint. Good pre-treatment is especially important for them. Remember to always paint a completely cold radiator, and make sure that the radiator does not need to be used for at least 48 hours after painting, so that the paint has time to dry properly. It is ideal to paint radiators in the warmer months, outside the heating season.

2. Choose the right paint and color for the radiator

To paint radiators, you need a durable, heat-resistant paint. Regular wall paint is not suitable because it cracks easily in the heat. An excellent alternative for radiators are Frenchic paints, such as the Al Fresco or Trim Paint series , which do not require a primer. Al Fresco gives a beautiful matte finish, while Trim Paint offers an elegant semi-gloss, satin finish.

Then comes the most fun part – choosing the color. For example, Salt of The Earth creates a harmonious, uniform color surface because you can use it on walls from the Wall Paint series , on furniture from the Furniture Paint series, and on moldings, doors and frames, as well as radiators from the Trim Paint series. If you want a striking detail, the dark and striking Blackjack Al Fresco shade is an excellent choice. Here you can conveniently see all the Frenchic shades from different series.

3. Tips for successful brush strokes and drying

Clean the radiator thoroughly before painting with a detergent such as Frenchic Sugar Soap . Rusty and flaking areas should be sanded smooth so that the new paint adheres well. After sanding, wipe the surface with a damp cloth and let it dry completely.

You can achieve a professional finish with long, even brush strokes, starting from the top and working your way down. Do not overwork the paint, but follow the recommended number of coats and allow the coats to dry properly. If brush marks are visible after drying, a light sanding with 320–400 grit sandpaper will help to achieve a flawless finish. However, note that if you painted a warm radiator, the paint will dry too quickly and the result will almost certainly be impressive brush marks. For this reason, schedule your painting project outside the heating season or turn off the radiator well in advance, at least 24 hours before painting.

You can easily paint difficult areas with a special, long-handled radiator roller or an oval brush . A homemade solution also works for painting towel radiators and round radiators: a sock covered in a plastic glove. An XS-sized oval brush is especially suitable for treating small areas.

Recommended accessories:

• Radiator roller

• Oval brush

• Sugar Soap

• Border tape

Would you like to read more about painting radiators or a stove?