Skip to main content

Ready to hire?

Post your job in minutes, browse real reviews and choose who to speak to.Post a job

Need some tips or advice?

Ask a question
Painting & Decorating

Non radiator specific paint on radiators

Anonymous user 14/03/2024 - 2.36 PM

Hi. What is the worst that will happen if I use metal specific paint on a radiator rather than the recommended radiator enamel paint? I want to give my radiators a matt coloured finish, but radiator paint does not seem to come in anythign other than white or metallic. I have purchased 'Hammerite direct to rust metal paint'. If a small loss in heating efficiency is all that will happen, then that's not a problem. I just do not want it to peel. Thanks in advance

Are you a tradesperson and able to answer this question?

5 Answers

All Painting And Decorating

No reviews yet

Boscastle
Make sure that the metal paint you will purchase, withstands certain temperatures of central heating radiators. Hammerite is fantastic and can be purchased in most colours. You do not need a specific radiator paint.
Answered26 May 2015
19

Anonymous user

Hey don't worry about heat loss, there is no science behind it, imagine putting a radiator cover over a rad, do you loose heat erm no, all that happens is the cover gets warm and gives off its heat to the room, I've seen rads painted in all sorts over the years, most paints are okish some better than others but even the worst can last for years
Answered27 May 2015
11

Royal Home Improvements

Rating: 5 out of 5
Wigan
I agree there will be no heat loss. I have used normal oil based undercoat and Gloss. Always paint when cool and allow to dry natural. Never peeled or cracked in 20 years. But if it is white it will go yellow.
Answered1 June 2015
10

Anonymous user

You will get heat loss but not on a major scale. the paint needs to be heat proof or will peel over time. My professional answer to your question would be to NOT spray paint your rads with anything else but enamel paint as it will peal but may not for years.
Answered26 May 2015
8

Anonymous user

- Firstly, treat any rust; 'rust bullet' is a great product. - Secondly, lightly sand the radiator to remove any imperfections and to ensure a light key for extra adhesion. - Thirdly, apply one or two coats of zinsser gold all coat (excellent multi primer) - Fourthly, apply one or two coats of any paint/ finish that you wish!!!! This method will last as long, if not longer, than any other method!
Answered27 May 2015
7