Radiator Paint

[bellazella]

Need to spruce up my radiators, do i need radiator paint, or can i use gloss paint?

[rowanwitch]

I use gloss in the nearest shade to my walls it makes them far less obtrusive

[Old_Geezer]

You can probably get away with any paint, many do, but if you use paint especially designed for radiators you can have confidence it won't affect any undercoat and so will protect the rediator from rust.

[douglas9401]

I've used gloss paint in the past. If you want them shiny leave the radiator off until the paint dries. I once turned the heating on to dry the paint before the kids came in from school and ended up with a matt finish.
Ventilate the room if you're going for matt.

[bellazella]

Thanks for both replies

[Old_Geezer]

*RADIATOR*

[mrs_overall]

Old Geezer - you've obviously bought one of those cheap PC's with a dyslexic keyboard

[The Builder]

I do that as well Rowan. It does help to "lose" the radiator in the wall.
Technically, Bella, rad paint withstands a higher temperature. Between you and me though, I've never seen any problem with ordinary gloss ;o)

[mrs_overall]

Having a break from the airing cupboard Monsieur le Boa Constricteur

[rowanwitch]

I also fit shelves above to prevent the 'marking' on the walls very popular with cats as sleeping places

[Old_Geezer]

No, if I am honest it is probably dementia.
If I need to be able to cope with an explanation it is technology mocking me.

[The Builder]

Ha..... Mrs Overflow ........ technically, I'm writing out bills in order to liberate some cash from customers' pockets.
I'm waiting for a basin to arrive.......... then I shall be in next door's airing cupboard again ;o)

[mrs_overall]

I think the technical (building) term for your activities this morning is to$$ing it off work ;-)

[vulcan]

I use the same paint as used on the walls, the radiators virtually disappear. They are nearly 30 years old and no sign of rust or any other deterioration.

[solvitquick]

Yes bella if you want best results. Switch of radiators, VERY lightly sand down, hoover then wipe down with turps. Paint when all dry then turn on thermostat to max for lovely gloss finish and no eventual browning of colour if you use cheap gloss. Talk to advisor at e.g. Wickes, Homebase or B&Q. Congrats to gloss paint users but rad paint if designed for higher temperatures. Maybe I'm wrong but at least my way works 100%.

[theshedman]

Hi all, I have always used normal Dulux gloss paint and undercoat system and had no problems with it. As some say you can paint them in same colour as walls so they don't stand out as much but I wouldn't use the same emulsion as used on walls, always use gloss and undercoat on wood and metal work. Solvitquick if you want a really smooth finish then I would suggest using a Tack Cloth on them before glossing as it will pick up all the tiny bits other things leave behind.

[murraymints]

o no no..use rad paint..B&Q have loads of colours..