Painting radiators is a DIY project that can bring freshness to your space and ensure a pleasant heating season. With proper preparation and carefully selected coatings, you can achieve a decorative look that will last for years.
During the colder months, radiators are essential for maintaining warmth in your home, and over time they may change their appearance. If you notice your radiators look worn or outdated, it’s the right time to clean and refresh them with a new coat of paint. Renovating radiators is a great way to update your interior with minimal investment. Whether you want to restore a cast iron radiator or add a splash of color, painting can turn this functional element into a true design feature. This project is best done before the heating season, when radiators are not in use.
Protecting the Area
Removing the radiator from the wall allows easier access to all parts, especially behind and beneath it. However, if that’s not an option, you can still achieve excellent results without removing the radiator. Before starting work, thoroughly protect the floor, walls, and furniture with protective sheeting, and use masking tape on edges and corners. Prepare all necessary materials to work more efficiently.
Surface Preparation
Thorough cleaning of the radiator is very important, as dirt, dust, and rust can prevent proper paint adhesion. Remove rust mechanically, and for grease and other impurities use a mild detergent mixed with warm water and wipe the surface with a cotton cloth. Once the surface is dry, it should be sanded. Sanding helps remove old paint and creates a smooth surface for the new coat.
Use medium-grit sandpaper to remove all peeling paint. For heavy dirt impurity, use NITRO thinner. After using the thinner, rinse the surface thoroughly with water and ventilate the room.
Coating Selection and Restoration
When choosing paints for radiator renovation, prioritize products with low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOC). These water-based products are eco-friendly, free from unpleasant odors and harmful fumes, and help improve indoor air quality. To prevent rust and ensure proper paint adhesion, apply 1–2 coats of DURLIN AQUA Metal Primer to a dry and clean radiator. This primer provides basic protection and a smooth base, which is especially important for decorative radiators. Once the primer is fully dry after 4–6 hours, lightly sand the surface and apply DURLIN AQUA Radiator Enamel. This water-based topcoat withstands high temperatures without discoloration. For a better finish, we recommend applying two coats. DURLIN AQUA Radiator Enamel can be applied with a brush, roller, or spray. Using a brush gives greater control and precision. Start with thin, even layers to avoid drips and uneven surfaces. Begin painting from top to bottom for a uniform finish.
After applying the final coat, it is recommended to keep the radiator out of use until the paint is completely dry and cured. Turning on the heating too early may cause bubbling or peeling of the coating.
Renovating radiators is a practical and economical way to refresh the look of your home. Take advantage of the favorable time for renovation and painting to be ready for the heating season and enjoy the comfort of your home during autumn and winter.