Spraying a radiator ...

[Captin Kirk]

Last night I sprayed the radiator in our lounge using Wickes radiator spray paint.

I have followed the instructions shaking the can well and intermittently and spraying from approximately 30cms away building up in light layers as to avoid runs.

The paint is gloss but the end result feels rougher to the touch and looks duller than I would have imagined.

Is there anything I should have done different such as sprayed closer to the surface or thicker layers?

[theshedman]

Hi Captain Kirk, if the end finish feels rough then the answer will usually be in the preparation. Make sure you rub the radiator down well with a very fine glasspaper so that it feels smooth, then wipe it to get as much of the dust off as possible. After this get a tack cloth and wipe it with this before painting. You can buy tack cloths in any DIY store. Then paint it. As for the dullness of the finish maybe the can needed shaking more or it may have needed further coats.

[Captin Kirk]

Thanks for responding shedman,

I did sand it down with fine paper and cleaned and dried it before spraying but not using a tack cloth (never heard of one!).

I shook the can like billyio before and every 10 seconds during and sprayed evenly as it said on the tin and built up layers every 5 mins (again as on tin).

There was one area where it appeared a bit glossier which was where I took the can nearer to try to cover up a stubborn mark but I was wary of doing this all over because of causing runs.

I think I will try again when I get home and try to spray closer and see if that does it.

[theshedman]

Hi, tack cloths are good for picking up the very small bits of dust that you would not normally see but will see and feel after painting. I have put a link in with this to show you what they look like and they can make a lot of difference to the finished look. Good luck.

http://www.decorating....uk/viewprod/c/CETTR/

[heathfield]

It sounds as if the spray droplets were partially drying in the air before they landed on the radiator. This is quite common with spray can paints, and your description of holding the can nearer and getting a gloss on that area seems to confirm this. Causes can be low room air humidity, and warm room air temperature, or even a warm radiator. Try holding the can nearer, (about 18/20 cm) and to prevent runs, move the can more quickly as you spray. Practice makes perfect, as they say!

[LCDMAN]

I've sprayed quite a few radiators, very successfully, using spray cans. Sounds to me like you've held it much too far away and the paint drops are drying before they hit the surface. Finish should be smooth and glossy. Thin layers are good, avoids runs, but you need to be closer.