If you’re the kind of person who a) doesn’t want to bother themselves with priming, and b) also has drying time in abundance, there’s a less labour-intensive route to radiator-painting perfection: Rust-Oleum’s Universal All Surface paint. Not only do rusty radiators look bad, they can also cause serious problems. Over time, the radiator will start to develop ‘pinhole’ leaks. Such leaks start off small and can be very difficult to accurately locate. You may not even notice them at first, but given enough time, the rusted area can disintegrate completely and cause a flood. How to prevent rusty radiators Once ready to paint, apply as you would a top-coat, covering the sides and top before using overlapping strokes to work the primer across the face. Dry in 30 minutes, you can recoat in 60, or if you’re happy with your work and all stains are hidden, move straight to painting – radiator saved.

Your fourth option is spray paint. There are a few spray paints specially formulated for radiators available, with a limited selection of colours.

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With a heat resistant formula, withstanding temperatures of up to 60C, this low odour, water-based radiator paint is durable against everyday scuffs and scratches Once you choose the disc that you are going to use, connect it to the angle grinder. If you are using a corded angle grinder, connect it to a power source. On the other hand, if you have a cordless angle grinder, insert a fully charged battery into the main unit. Ideally it is much easier to paint your radiator before it goes on the wall, or to remove it and paint it. You can see our article on removing a radiator for help with this. You should wear a face mask and make sure the room is well-ventilated. Gloves are also advisable, as spray paint can drip from the nozzle onto your hands and is difficult to remove. Painting Your Radiator With Top Coat Clean the area with a damp cloth and then dry it. Once it is dry, paint it with a suitable radiator paint. You may need to apply more than one coat.

Once the angle grinder is connected to a power source, place it on the surface of the radiator, then press the trigger. The disc will start rotating. Move the angle grinder on the surface of the radiator to get rid of the rust. Make sure that you move the disc on those hard-to-reach spots. Step 5: Clean the Surface of the Radiator Again Durable and heat resistant, turn your radiator into a stylish accent or give it a new lease of life with a long lasting, incredible depth of colour. This easy to apply, high pigment radiator paint provides long-lasting coverage in a beautiful Gloss finish. Formulated to provide a heat-resistant brilliant white finish on radiators,Radiator Enamel prevents both yellowing and rust, and creates a tough, long-lasting finish. As it’s an aerosol, make sure ventilation is ample and, as there’s also a strong element of “spray ‘n’ pray”, ensure walls and floors are copiously covered in newspaper so that the fine mist of paint you’re generating doesn’t ruin your house and your day. Preparation: Ensure surface is clean, dry, and free from contamination. Bare metal surfaces should be primed with a suitable metal primer. Previously painted surfaces (or the original factory finish) should be abraded and degreased prior to paint application.

Priming Your Radiator Before Applying Top Coat

Your primer not only creates a vital, stable base for your paint, it also ensures any rusted or exposed areas are protected. To apply, just use a simple paintbrush, making sure you cover every inch. If your radiator is of a more elaborate design, it will probably be worth investing in an angled brush to avoid missing areas too. If this sounds too fiddly for you and you are worried you might mess it up, speak to a local painter and decorator who can help. Easy to apply by brush, roller or electric sprayer, give your horizontal, vertical and column radiators an instant refresh with long-lasting coverage that’s non yellowing and resistant to mould. If spraying, paint should be diluted with water by 10-20% as required. Two coats are recommended Limitations: Not suitable for use over chrome. Not suitable for use on towel rails. Not suitable for surfaces at temperature above 60°C.

This is because many radiators and heated towel rails are manufactured using mild steel and then finished with chrome plating over the top to give a shiny and protective finish. Over time, this chrome plating can develop rust spots on the surface. Radiators can be susceptible to corrosion from external influences especially in kitchens, bathrooms and toilets. Mopping floors in these environments can mean moisture rises and tends to always affect radiators, especially along the bottom edges. Since an angle grinder works automatically, it can save you time while working on the surface of your radiator. Wipe it down with a damp cloth, warm water, and washing up liquid to degrease it. Then dry it thoroughly before giving it a sand all over. Use both higher and lower grade sandpaper to get rid of any loose debris on the surface. Make sure to pay close attention to rough edges and dust marks.

How to treat a rusty radiator

Common mistakes at this stage: A standard paintbrush isn’t going to cut it if you got lots of gaps and angles to paint. Top tip: It may be worth using an anti-corrosive primer as this will prevent the rust from getting worse over time. If unsure, speak to a decorator who can advise you. The third option is a clear radiator overcoat sold by International, which allows you to paint ordinary emulsion paint onto the radiator, then paint the clear overcoat over the top which will give a protective coating. Spray Paint

A regular paintbrush or roller is suitable for the side of the radiator that faces outwards, but if you leave the radiator on the wall, you’ll need a special brush. Paintbrushes are better for getting into the grooves of radiators, whereas rollers are useful for painting broad flat sections. Hold the can approximately 20 to 30 centimetres away from the radiator and spray in a sweeping motion. Cover the whole radiator. Painting your radiator can turn it into a statement piece, ideal if you’re not a fan of ugly but essential hardware.The warm moist air in a bathroom will also condense onto a cooler radiator in the summer when the radiator is off and run down to the bottom to form drops that rust through from the outside. Once you finish preparing the surface that you will be working on, you have to scrape off the paint from your radiator to clear the radiator overcoat. Fine-grit sandpaper can help you get rid of any rust that might be on the surface of the radiator. Just place the sandpaper on the rusty surface, then sand it lightly to get rid of the rust. If the paint is washable, its a bonus point for you because it can be easily cleaned and wiped. The best paints are the one that is tough, hard-wearing, and durable. They stay adhered to the surface for longer, and they show remarkable resistance to rust, moisture, scratches, and scuff.