How to paint radiators

Radiators are an integral part of most homes. A water-circulating radiator no longer has to be yellowed and dirty white, otherwise so beautiful in your home.

Painting radiators is quick and easy. And best of all, there's plenty of choice in what paint type and color you choose.

Read here easy and useful painting instructions for painting a metallic radiator.

If you are thinking about painting another surface that heats up, such as, for example, an oven with a metal shell , read the instructions to the end.

What kind of paint should I choose for painting a metallic radiator?

Old radiators were often originally white. Depending on the paint, the color may have yellowed badly over the years, and it is no longer cleanly fresh. The old radiator is highlighted whenever other surfaces and spaces around the home are improved - new furniture is acquired, wallpapered or painted.

Fortunately, the goals have also improved. The Frenchic series offers many more options for how radiators can be handled in the interior.

The simplest approach is to use a paint that does not need primers and the surface becomes durable. It is also necessary to make sure that the paint you choose is suitable for the metal and can withstand heat. Choosing a water-based, low-VOC and low-odor paint selection is a pleasant application and a more environmentally friendly option. On the other hand, chrome radiators and towel racks are generally not suitable for painting.

If your radiators have a powder-coated finish or were previously painted, you can choose a new shade from these Frenchic sets:

Highlight or fade

You should also consider whether you want to paint the piping. Matching radiators and piping can create a more unified look. Or add contrast with different colors. As above, another option is to renew the pipelines with Frenchic metallic paints. The copper-colored radiator is a wonderful interior design element!

If you are painting exposed metal, such as copper pipes, and you have selected a Trim Paint shade, a suitable metal primer is required (other Frenchic ranges do not require primer).

How to paint radiators

Next, we move on to the painting process. First of all, it is best to turn off the radiator completely several hours before starting the painting, so that the surface cools down before painting - preferably the day before.

Clean, roughen and paint...

Before painting, remember to clean the radiators with Sugar Soap or other detergent and treat possible rust spots. Tape and protect the thermostat and vent screw. You can paint them lightly afterwards with a small brush, so that they can still be opened/closed.

Sand lightly to get a good adhesion of the paint and remove any flaky paint. Finally, wipe off the dust and paint directly according to the instructions on the paint can. Follow the direction of the slats or panels, which usually run vertically.

After you have painted the required number of layers, it is important not to switch the radiators back on. Let the paint dry for at least 48 hours, so either turn off the radiator you are painting on or don't turn on the heating. A surface that is too hot can ruin the paint surface and the drying process is disrupted, affecting durability.

Also note that when painting bathroom radiators, moisture can hinder the drying process. If there is moisture in the room air, you must therefore keep the area well ventilated for a few days.

What is the best color for radiators?

Gone are the days when white was the only option for radiators. This traditional color has meant that the radiators have always stood out against any wall that is not itself white. Thanks to that, radiator covers have also become the best option for everyone who wants radiators to blend in better with the interior.

While battery covers can look great, they also have their downsides. They tend to reduce airflow and heat transfer, which hinders the radiators' ability to heat the room. They also take up space and can be expensive compared to other options.

Here are a few ways you can make radiators work in your space by painting…

Blend the shade with the shades of the wall

You can get a seamless look by blending the radiators with any wall color - remember that white is no longer the only option! Choose a wall paint from the Chalk Paint series and a radiator paint from the Trim Paint series, both in the same tone, however with a slight difference in the degree of gloss, so that the whole becomes beautiful, interesting and finished.

The picture shows the space in the living room before and after painting the radiator. Shade: Moleskin, Trim Paint. Wall paint: Stone in Love, Chalk Wall Paint

Contrasting colors

Alternatively, you can make the radiator a part of your interior and make it stand out with a strong contrast. If you want to add character, a simple wooden shelf over the hall radiator is practical - and can even increase the efficiency of the radiator. If you want to go somewhere between these two ideas, you can match the ideas together: grab the shade of the radiator from the wallpaper, carpet or curtains. The picture shows the shade Smudge, from the Al Fresco series.

Bring the heat!

With Frenchic, you can freely paint your radiator as you wish, and there are several different colors and surface treatments available. You can choose the Chalk Wall Paint wall paint with a very matte surface, the soft satin Trim Paint or the Al Fresco or Lazy Range shade with a smooth matte surface.

The next time you paint the walls, paint the radiator as well, not white, but with the same shade of wall paint, so the end result is finished and stylish.

The radiator in the picture is painted with beige Salt of The Earth shade, from the Lazy Range series.

Stick to a solid color or get creative with metallic tones. Come and see how others have painted radiators in our Facebook group! Whatever your choice, you will enjoy minimal preparation work, high-quality paintability and a durable end result!

Official recommendation for painting other heating surfaces

In general, all water-based paints, such as Frenchic paints, withstand temperatures of around 70-80 degrees.

If you are thinking about painting another surface that heats up, such as a metal-shelled oven, measure the temperature of the surface before you start painting. So it depends on the oven heater how hot the surface gets - you can measure it yourself with a thermometer.

In the Facebook group you can find pictures and experiences of ovens painted by our customers

Painting instructions briefly: schedule painting outside the heating season, warm surfaces should not be painted. When painting a warm surface, the paint dries far too quickly and affects many things: adhesion, durability and appearance: the paint surface can crack if it dries too quickly. Also, the self-levelling of Frenchic paints cannot be realized, so the end result may show quickly faded brush marks, etc.

The part of the mouthpiece is certainly the hottest and dirtiest, so you should be careful when cleaning it. If the shutter rolls and does not close tightly, the new paint surface will also burn and quickly soot again.

After painting, let the paint dry in peace and start heating after 48 hours at the earliest, moderately.