What type of paint do I use to touch up a white radiator?

[JonnyBoy12]

This may seem like a very obvious question, but which type of paint do I use to paint a radiator. Obviously I would use white paint, as the radiator is white, but what kind is to be used. Do I use enamel paint, or another kind, and presumably the radiator would have to be switched off and cold? How long does the paint take to dry, as well?

Thanks in advance for any replies.

[Rogger73]

You can buy radiator paint from B&Q http://www.diy.com/di...3747778&isSearch=true

Best leave the radiator off for 12 - 24 hrs before painting.

[theshedman]

Hi, just use normal undercoat and gloss. I always use the oil based ones and a decent brush. Yes you will need to turn it off otherwise the paint will dry too quickly and you wil never be able to get it on properly. Takes a few hours to be touch dry but if you want it to dry a bit quicker just turn it on slightly so there is a little bit of warmth in it. Before putting on the final coat give it a very light sanding and wipe it off with a tack cloth which will pick up all the very small bits of dust that you probably wont see until it's finished and by then it will be too late to do anything about it.

[heathfield]

I'd go with Rogger's suggestion. Radiator paint is made so it will stay white over the years, and not go yellow with age, (as many white oil paints will).

[theshedman]

I always think that by the time it has yellowed a bit which does not happen overnight. It takes years, the rest of the room has too and so will all need redoing. By the way not the best link to put on for this paint if you read the review that goes with it.

[Rogger73]

Hi I have used this paint before and have not had any problems with it.

[woodchopper]

Use radiator enamel - do not use gloss paint or undercoat as they will go yellow after time - radiator enamel does not ( unless you are a smoker ).

[jomifl]

The now unobtainable lead pigmented paints yellow with age, modern titanium pigments do not.

[heathfield]

They do in my kitchen, Jomifl !!

[thingumybob]

go with roger make sure the rad is cold and do what it says on the can you have to paint it then turn the heating on for a curtain time so the paint cures, dont go down the normal paint road as it falls off after a while and goes yello as well

[KARL]

In my opinion any good gloss paint will do. The radiator should feel cool/cold to the touch, else you will leave brush marks because the paint will dry very quickly (warm). Leave the paint for 30-60 minutes to flow smooth and then you can let the radiator warm up to rapidly dry the paint. The advice already given is correct: modern pigments do not yellow and neither will the paint binder itself unless heated to and past the boiling point of water.

[condor66]

I bought a spray can from wickes easy to use and looks fab