How to Paint a Radiator

Radiators will experience wear and tear over time and can bring down the look of your home if they become chipped or discoloured. Hammerite radiator paint is the ideal choice when you need to refresh your radiators, ensuring a premium, long-lasting finish. Explore our guide to learn how to paint a radiator, find answers to FAQs about painting radiators and discover the best products for the job.

Can you paint radiators?

You can paint radiators, but it’s important to use specialist radiator paint to achieve a professional finish. Whether you’re painting electric radiators or plumbed models, we have aerosols and standard liquid radiator paints to suit your needs at Hammerite.

Can you paint towel rails?

Towel rails can also be painted using radiator paint. This is a great way to freshen up your bathroom design and provides a matt finish on metal towel rails. You may want to paint over a metal towel rail to achieve a coherent look throughout your bathroom, for example, if you have gold or brass fixings and the towel rail is silver or chrome.

Why paint radiators?

'Painting radiators enhances their aesthetic appeal and is more cost-effective than replacing an old, tired radiator. It can also improve their heat output. If your radiator or towel rail is unpainted and has a shiny surface, like chrome, it will reflect heat, reducing the overall energy efficiency. Use a matt radiator paint to improve the heat output and energy efficiency of your radiator or towel rail.

What’s the best paint for radiators?

'Wondering what paint to use on radiators? While it may be tempting to use any old tin of paint you have lying around, specialist radiator paint is the best choice, as it is formulated to withstand heat and reduce discolouration over time.

The best way to paint a radiator

Follow these steps to ensure a professional finish and long-lasting results when painting radiators:

If the radiator has recently been on, ensure it has cooled entirely before painting.
To get the best finish, rub down the radiator with sandpaper and remove all dust and debris afterwards with a damp cloth.
If you are painting a bare radiator, use an anti-rust primer on the metal to protect the surface.
Depending on your preference, the radiator can be painted on or off the wall. If it is being painted when mounted to the wall, ensure that the wall and floor are covered to prevent paint splashes.
Take care not to paint over any valves or knobs on the radiator in case you accidentally seal them with the paint.
Once you have applied the paint with a high-quality brush, leave it to dry thoroughly for a few days before turning the radiator on to harden the surface.

Painting radiator pipes

Radiator pipes can be painted in the same shade as your radiator to achieve a clean, seamless look. You’ll need to use specialist radiator paint when painting radiator pipes, as they are durable enough to withstand extreme heat.

Hammerite radiator enamel aerosols and standard liquid paints are suitable for hot water pipes and radiators, offering a two-in-one solution. Follow the steps outlined above to ensure the best finish on your radiator pipes.

'Hammerite offers radiator paint in several finishes and formulas, so you can find the right product for any job. When it comes to colour, white radiator paint provides a timeless and clean look, while black radiator paint gives a bold, modern appearance.

Choose an aerosol paint for fast drying times and easy application. We stock enamel gloss and enamel satin aerosols so you can achieve the desired finish on your radiators. If you prefer a standard liquid radiator paint applied with a brush, choose from gloss and satin finishes.

Looking for specialist paint for interior metal surfaces? Explore the range at Hammerite to find paints suitable for bed frames, metal stairs, fire surrounds and more.