How to paint a radiator

An old, yellowed radiator can spoil the look of an entire room. Here’s a guide on how to transform your radiator into an attractive, eye-catching feature that complements your interior with spray paint. Spray painting is a popular and easy way to achieve a smooth, professional-looking finish on your radiator.

Painting a radiator with spray paint

Watch a short 29s video or read the six step-by-step guide below on how to spray paint a radiator.

The products used in the article may be found at the end of the article.

Tools and materials needed for painting the radiator

• Degreaser spray (Maston Degreaser)
• Spray paint, in this guide Metallic Gold was used (other suitable options include Maston Radiator spray paint, Maston ONE, etc.)
• Primer (Maston ONE White)
• Spray handle (product no.: 702011)
• Sandpaper (180 grit)
• Painter’s tape
• Protective paper or plastic sheeting
• Safety gear (mask, gloves, protective goggles)

Steps for successfully painting a radiator

1. Preparation

• Choose a suitable space for painting.
• Remove the radiator from the wall if necessary.
• Carefully cover all areas that will not be painted to prevent overspray and dust.
• Ensure the painting area is well-ventilated.

2. Remove or protect fittings

• Use a screwdriver or other appropriate tool to remove all fittings, grilles, and any other removable parts. You can also carefully cover them with painter’s tape and protective plastic.
• Mark the removed parts to make reassembly easier.
• If desired, you can also paint the pipes and fittings in the same color as the radiator.

3. Clean and sand the surface

• Thoroughly clean the surfaces to be painted to remove grease, dust, and dirt.
• Lightly sand the surface with approximately 180-grit sandpaper to help the paint adhere better.
• Finally, wipe the surface with a degreaser, such as Maston Degreaser.

4. Apply primer

• Test the primer first on an inconspicuous area.
• Apply two or three thin coats of Maston ONE primer. The primer improves the adhesion of the topcoat and creates a smoother, more even finish.
• If your chosen topcoat is light or translucent, use a light-colored primer as well, for example Maston ONE White Primer.
• Allow the primer to dry thoroughly before proceeding to the next step. Check drying times indicated on the bottle’s icons.

5. Paint the radiator with the topcoat

• We recommend using a Maston acrylic-based spray paint, which dries quickly and provides good UV protection for a long-lasting finish. In the guide video, Maston Metallic spray paint was used.
• Spray the paint lightly and evenly in thin layers. For larger surfaces, using a spray handle is recommended to make painting easier.
• Allow each coat to dry before applying the next. Usually, two to three coats are enough for full coverage.
• To increase durability, you can apply two coats of Maston ONE lacquer after painting. Follow the lacquer instructions carefully. This step is optional, as radiators are not usually subjected to heavy wear.

6. Reinstalling the radiator

• Once the paint is completely dry, reattach any removed parts and reinstall the radiator if it was taken off the wall. Check the drying times indicated on the bottle’s icons.
• Remove all protective coverings and clean up the workspace.

Tips for best results

• Always work in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling paint fumes.
• Test the spray paint first on a small, inconspicuous area to ensure the color and finish are as desired.
• Take your time and allow each coat to dry thoroughly for the best possible result.
• Using a spray handle makes painting easier, provides a more even finish, and prevents hand fatigue from pressing the nozzle.

By following these instructions, you can easily and affordably refresh the look of your radiator. Spray painting is a cost-effective and relatively simple way to update an old or yellowed radiator, making it blend better with the room’s interior.

Maston products outside of Finland are available from your local retailers!