If you are going to paint a radiator you really need to be using a specialist radiator paint to get the best finish. But you are very much limited by what colour you can choose when dealing with specialist radiator paints. They typically come in white in satin or gloss finishes that mimic the factory finish you get on most modern radiators. There are other colours available but there is a good chance you won’t get the exact colour you want to complement your walls. 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. Johnstone’s satin isn’t the most efficient paint to use but if you’re matching your woodwork colour with your radiator to create a uniform style, it’s definitely worth it. In terms of durability, you can expect this paint to last years due to its tough finish which requires minimal maintenance.

Okay, so you’re not that daft and you’ve let your radiators cool. Then, you’ve gone at it with a duster, removing as much dirt and dust as possible, and given it a good wipe down with a damp cloth to ensure every last dab of dirt and grease smear is removed. And just to be absolutely certain, you’ve dried it well and given it a good rub down with some sandpaper. Lots of people are unaware that radiator paint can not only restore the look of their radiators but the performance too. It’s for that reason, radiator paint is well worth the small investment. An aerosol primer option, using Rust-Oleum’s Surface Primer is going to get the priming work done in record time, but you’ll have to make sure your space is as well ventilated as possible. Surfaces should have protective covers over them and you should ensure you’re protected. For this, we recommend a mask and goggles. 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.Fed up with white radiators and fancy a cool contemporary colour instead? Then this Anthracite Grey enamel satin paint is a good choice to give your radiator a modern twist. 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.

One or two coats of Rust-Oleum will be ample to get your heat-throwers looking like new, and there’s no need to apply primer first as this paint has primer mixed in. This means you skip an entire stage of the painting process, but the trade-off is that it will take longer to dry. Depending on how much paint you use, the average job will be touch-dry in one to two hours and fully dry in eight. But if a second coat is required, you’ll need to wait a whole 16 hours before it’s ready. In total, then, Rust-Oleum recommends waiting seven days for true dryness. But, if you can wait, why not? Our go-to brand at the moment is Hamilton and would thoroughly recommend them as they distribute paint very evenly and don’t typically leave any brush marks. How Good Is Radiator Paint? Whilst Hammerite would be our choice when it comes to painting radiators, all of the paints mentioned in this article should do a great job for you. If you want a mix of durability and aesthetics then Hammerite seem like the obvious option. If having a squeaky clean white colour is more important then Ronseal’s radiator paint might suit you better.To get the best finish, rub down the radiator with sandpaper and remove all dust and debris afterwards.