Repainting A Radiator: A Simple Task The Effect Of Which Will Strike You

Essential for our thermal comfort and well-being at home, radiators tend to age quickly and ugly. Chipping paint and any small (or large) flaws that appear over time only spoil the design of your home. Difficult to resign yourself to it! Faced with the constraint of replacing your radiator at great expense, consider the possibility of giving it a makeover instead. Believe it or not, repainting a radiator is a task accessible to all and especially inexpensive.

Is it possible to repaint a radiator?

Whether it's cast iron or steel, the badly aged radiator is easy to revamp with a little paint. Instead of hiding it, we can quite simply transform it by making the fault a real decorative element. You can use a single shade or a combination of colors to get the look you want. Repainting a radiator by playing on contrasts is also a great idea to consider. It is about choosing a color that contrasts with the mural and with the decor in the room in general. So you will end up creating a new focal point. As an alternative, you can proceed in the opposite way, namely to choose a color identical to that of the adjacent wall. It's up to you to decide according to your taste and your desires.

Which radiator paint to choose?

The most important thing for the success of your project is the choice of paint. The right materials and products will help you repaint the radiator correctly without wasting too much time. For the paint to set and hold, it must be adapted to its support. Today there are paints designed especially for modern radiators (convectors and pipes), as well as paints for cast iron and steel radiators. Make the choice according to your support. Do a thorough research to find a paint suitable for the porous and rough surfaces of old radiators. Ideally, it should prevent dust from collecting while retaining its color over the years. The most important thing is the paint's ability to withstand temperature variations.

It is still possible to use an aerosol. This type of paint is even easier to apply and guarantees a much finer finish. The main downside is that it is very likely to stain the adjacent wall. However, a few boxes and tarpaulins will suffice to prevent a mess. As a preventive measure, it is advisable to put tape around the feet and ties.

The use of wall paint is not recommended. This will create a film under which a kind of condensation will form, causing the appearance of scales, rust etc. In addition, the colors will rub off quickly.

The different steps to repaint a radiator

1. Before you begin, protect the walls and floors around the radiator by covering them with plastic wrap for protection. Secure it with adhesive tape.

2. Cover all valves and purge valves with tape.

3. Clean the radiator with a damp cloth to remove any dust or dirt.

4. Scrape off scales with a wire brush and sand the surface with sandpaper of the correct grain for your project.

5. Stir the paint before use.

6. When the surface is ready, apply the first coat evenly using a synthetic brush. Leave to dry.

7. Two coats should be sufficient. It is very important to wait until the first coat of paint is completely dry before applying the second.

8. The painted radiator, it is necessary to wait between 24 and 48 hours before turning it on again.



Let yourself be inspired by our decoration ideas

No need to hide the radiator which has lost its shine by fitting it in a radiator cover. You can give yours a makeover with ease and therefore highlight it with a little color. Breathe a touch of fantasy into your interior with an artistic radiator, freshly repainted and revamped! Best of all, you can choose any color that best suits your decor.

Photo credit: Hestser Van Overbeek

Let your imagination run wild and personalize the radiator in your child's room with a little paint and a lot of creativity. Arm yourself with a few brushes and draw an artistic and playful landscape. Choose the colors according to the decor in the nursery. Pastel hues are a great choice for creating a piece that will blend seamlessly into the space. This idea is also suitable for the playroom. Children will be delighted to be able to have fun in a place designed especially for them.

Also in the child's room, the radiator can afford a multicolored and unusual set. A little more daring, such a decoration is more suitable for the bedroom of a teenager. Have fun creating a pretty shades of pink or any color you want. It is even possible to use several colors at the same time. The cool effect is guaranteed!

Dare to paint for golden radiator to ennoble your decor

Add a touch of freshness to the bedroom with the radiator painted in bright pink

Go for a modern paint color like sea green