Best Radiator Paint Buying Guide
When buying radiator paint, there are some key factors you need to take into account:
Heat Resistant – as the paint will be layered onto a device that will get hot, it needs to have a high resistance to heat otherwise it can crack and flake due to prolonged exposure to heat. As many of today’s radiators can reach a temperature of around 80 degrees C, you need to ensure the paint you buy can withstand such heat.
Durable – with radiators a key feature in most rooms, they are exposed to the comings and goings of a busy home and so need to be protected from everyday bumps, scrapes and spills. When painting radiators, the paint you choose needs to be durable and hardwearing to help protect the radiator as well as easy to wipe clean.
Colour & Finish – as radiator paints are available in a choice of colours, including silvers, greys, brights and black, you should be able to match your paint to your décor style. Alternatively, the classic white radiator or an off-white look is easy to obtain. When choosing the colour of your radiator paint you also need to consider the finish you want to achieve. The finish choices in radiator paint include gloss (for a high shine look), satin (for a luminous lustre) or matt.
Application – paint for radiators can come in brush on or spray on and both have their pros and cons. Brush on radiator paint gives you more precision control and a little goes a long way, but it can leave brush marks in the final finish. A spray paint for radiators is a fast way to get an even coverage and won’t leave brush marks, but it can be messy, especially when you try to get into those tricky areas.
Preparation – some radiator paint products require no prep before application, while others need a radiator primer to be applied first so do check the instructions before you buy. Whichever type of paint you choose, the radiator will need to be prepped and cleaned to ensure the surface is free from dirt, rust and grit before you start painting.
Non-yellowing Formula – radiator paint, especially if it’s white, is prone to fading and yellowing over time, as the radiator’s heat slowly breaks down the coating. Many products are formulated to prevent or help delay this fading so if this is a concern, look for a non-yellowing formula.
Once you know the size and number of radiators to paint and the colour you want them to be, you need to choose the best radiator paint for the job at hand. The types of radiator paints currently available include:
Specialist Radiator Paint
Especially if you want to paint your radiators white, then a specialist paint formulated specifically for radiators is a good idea. And this is because a specialist radiator paint has been formulated to not discolour or yellow over time. It is also heat resistant. However, with specialist radiator paint, you will be a little limited on the colour choices available.
Paint for wood and metal
These can either be water or solvent-based paint that has a range of applications in the home, including painting radiators and come in a wider choice of colours as well as finishes, including satinwood and are mostly non-drip in formulation.
Spray Paints
Instead of using paint and a brush, you can also opt for a spray paint that is specifically for radiators. They are quick and pretty easy to use and come in a selection of colours and leave a smooth, glossy finish, without any brush marks.
Clear Radiator Paint
This type of radiator paint is a good idea if you have decided to use ordinary emulsion paint on your radiator as it provides a protective overcoat to the radiator’s surface. Clear radiator paint is similar to varnish and is heat resistant, dries quickly and can protect your radiator from scuffs.
For a no-nonsense, one coat white radiator paint, you can’t beat Ronseal One Coat Radiator Paint. With a lovely glossy finish, a little of this paint goes a long way and it quick dries in around one hour. With a fade and yellow resistant formula, it also protects against scuffs and knocks, keeping your white radiators looking brilliant for longer. Our best radiator paint review’s top choice.
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