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Tips for Painting an Old Radiator
Sam Lutz • Jan 23, 2018
An old, peeling radiator can be an eyesore in your home or apartment. Repainting is a common way that people dress up their radiator and make it more attractive. Using the right type of paint is important, as is cleaning and preparing the surface for paint. These tips will help you make your radiator less of a blemish in your home and more of a functional part of the decor.
Gather Your Materials
Before you can get started with your project, it’s important to gather the proper materials.
- Tarp
- Paint scraper
- Wire brush
- Sponge
- Bucket
- Mild detergent (or degreaser if necessary)
- High-heat enamel (aerosol or non-aerosol)
- Blue painter’s tape
- Paintbrushes (if using non-aerosol paint)
Prepare the Surface
Prepping the surface is essential and helps ensure that your paint job will last a long time. To start, turn off the radiator. Scrape off the old paint and get the surface clean. Lay down a tarp beneath the radiator to catch paint chips and drops of wet paint that fall on the floor.
Use a paint scraper to remove some of the biggest flakes of paint, then use a wire brush to scrape off paint that is peeling from the surface of the radiator.
Once the paint has been thoroughly removed, use a damp, soapy sponge to wipe down the radiator. If the radiator is positioned in a kitchen, chances are that it is covered in grease and oils. If this is the case, use a degreaser to wipe away old layers of scum off the surface of the radiator so your paint sticks properly when the project is completed.
Paint the Radiator
Once the paint has been removed, and the surface of the radiator has been cleaned, it’s time to paint using a high-heat enamel. If your radiator isn’t functioning, you can paint the radiator with normal paint formulated for metal surfaces.
To paint the radiator with an aerosol can, position a tarp on the wall near the radiator to protect the wall and anything else in the vicinity. You may need to use blue painter’s tape to hold the tarp to the wall. Spray the radiator using namel, then allow it to dry before spraying it again.
If you’re painting the radiator with a non-aerosol can, use a narrow, angled paint brush to reach the crevices and a chisel edge brush for the portions of the radiator that you can reach more easily. Painting can be time consuming because radiators tend to have lots of hidden places that need to be coated. Apply two coats to the radiator.
Alternative Suggestions
As an alternative to not wanting to go to the trouble of cleaning and painting the radiator, simply use a radiator cover instead. Measure the radiator to find a cover that is wide enough. You can find a variety of radiator covers at home improvement centers and hardware stores.
Stop In At Ace Paint and Unfinished Furniture For Supplies
At Ace Paint and Unfinished Furniture, we provide painting supplies to people of Pittsburgh and the surrounding area. Stop in today at one of our convenient locations for paint brushes, enamel, tarps and other materials. We have what you need to get your painting project completed!
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