How to paint a radiator and other metal loke a pro.#HOW TO PAINT RADIATORS & METALWORK LIKE A PRO
What is Radiator?
A home radiator is a device used for heating a room in a building. It typically consists of a metal casing filled with hot water or steam from a central heating system, which radiates heat into the room. The radiator warms the air in the room, which then rises and circulates, heating the entire space.
When it comes to updating our home’s décor one of the most overlooked items is often the humble radiator which generally serves a functional purpose. And, sure you can invest in fancy industrial-style radiators but there is a simpler and cheaper option that is often overlooked.
In this guide, we’ll take a look at how to paint the metalwork in your home and get great results every time.
Proper preparation
Whether you are painting a radiator, a metal staircase or banister, a balcony, or railings, taking the time to properly prepare the surface will help to ensure that your paint job looks professional. When it comes to painting a radiator here are the preparations that you should be carrying out:
Turn off your radiator and make sure it is cold
Use an abrasive paper to lightly rub down the surface
Rinse and dry the radiator and coat any bare metal patches with a suitable primer
Once the primer is dry you will need to mask off the radiator valves and pipework and also use backing paper to protect the wall behind your radiator
Use a dust sheet to protect your floor and don’t forget to mask off any skirting board or woodwork under the radiator
Pick out your paint
While traditionally radiators have been painted white, the modern trend has seen colors such as charcoal, black and grey all increase in popularity. Whether you stick with the traditional paint scheme, opt for something a little bit more contemporary or go for bold and bright is entirely up to you.
Use the right tools
Just like it is important to use a paint that is formulated for use on metal so too is it important to use the right tools for painting. When it comes to painting metal you should be using a bristle brush with your solvent-based paints, this is because the brush can take and hold paint better than synthetic bristles and the split ends help to produce a fine, streak-free finish.
Paint in stages
Now that you are ready to begin you should start by painting the outside edges of your radiator first before moving on to the top and bottom panels. Once you have gone around the outside of the radiator you can work from the top to the bottom along the ridges of the radiator. Use long, sweeping brush strokes and always keep a wet edge by overlapping the previous section slightly. By doing this you will create a nice, even finish.
Top things to remember when painting a radiator
- Be sure that the radiator you intend to paint is turned off.
- Always clean and dry the radiator prior to painting.
- For best results, a good quality primer will help provide a good foundation for your top coat.
- Ensure that the room is well-ventilated and cover any furniture, carpets, or anything else well to avoid damage.
- Keep a ‘wet edge’ to avoid unsightly brush marks.
- Allow the paint to dry for at least 24 hours before applying a second coat of paint.
- Keep the radiator turned off for a couple of days after painting to ensure that the paint is properly dry.
- Keep the room well-ventilated when you first start using the radiator as there will be a strong paint smell over the first couple of days of use.
In a wrap
Here are the steps for painting a home radiator:
- Preparation: Before you start painting, you need to clean the radiator and make sure that it is free of any dirt, dust, or debris. You can use a cloth or a brush to clean the surface. If there are any cracks or holes in the radiator, fill them with a suitable filler.
- Sanding: Sand the radiator with fine-grit sandpaper to remove any rust or lose paint. Wipe the surface clean with a damp cloth to remove any sanding dust.
- Priming: Apply a primer to the radiator, covering all areas that you want to paint. This will help the paint adhere better to the radiator and also protect it from rust. Let the primer dry completely before you proceed to the next step.
- Painting: Once the primer is dry, you can start painting the radiator. Use a paintbrush or a roller, and apply the paint evenly, making sure that you cover all areas of the radiator. Apply a second coat if needed, and let it dry completely.
- Reassembling: Once the paint is dry, you can reassemble the radiator and reattach it to the wall or floor. Turn the heating back on, and let the radiator heat up completely before you start using it.
Note: If your radiator is made of aluminum, make sure to use an enamel paint that is suitable for aluminum surfaces. It is also recommended to use heat-resistant paint if you want to paint a hot radiator.
How do I get a pro to paint my radiator and other metals?
We have tried to simply in this guide how to paint like a pro, however, we understand that you are very busy and you needed to get things done as quickly as possible.
At Oladecorator we specialize in painting radiators and other metal surfaces, and general home decoration services for both your interior and exterior. We are to stay, with over 10 years of experience on the job, we provide professional painting services for your home or business, ensuring that the final outcome is of high quality and long-lasting.
Why paint yourself when you can hire a Pro?
By using Oladecorator’s services, you can save time and effort on painting your radiator yourself, as well as benefit from our expertise and experience in painting metal surfaces.
Let’s take care of all the steps involved in painting a radiator, including preparation, sanding, priming, and reassembling while you focus on the core.
To reach Oladecorator Uk, you can contact us directly to schedule an appointment or get a quote.
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