How to paint a radiator

To paint a radiator firstly turn it off and let it go cold if it has been in use. Once the radiator is cool your ready to begin.

Firstly give the old paint on the radiator a ‘key’ for the new paint to adhere to, basically this means give the radiator a light rub down with a fine to medium grit abrasive such as sand or glass paper. You could also use wet and dry.

Next, dust off the radiator or wipe it over with a damp cloth to remove and dust. You are now ready to start painting.

It is advisable to lay a dustsheet under the radiator to catch any spills, splashes etc.

Where to start?

I normally paint the ends first, painting around the bleed valve end then the other end.
Load the brush with paint and paint the first three or four flutes (the indented parts) at the top and the bottom ensuring they are covered well.

Next paint the first few flutes from top to bottom, then with an unloaded brush, brush from top to bottom spreading the paint over evenly.

Depending on how big the radiator is you can paint all the flutes and then the top and bottom of the radiator. If the radiator is big or if you work slowly it is better to do a few flutes and then work the top and bottom along as you go.

When you have worked your way along the entire length of the radiator go back and check for any runs, normally at the bottom of the flutes, if there are any runs simply brush them out with an unloaded brush.

Finally, stand back and admire your work!

Please note that when you do turn the radiator on again it will give off a smell, this is the paint and is normal, the smell will go after the radiator has been on a few times and the paint is fully cured.

How to paint around a window and get a professional looking job

If you are unconfident of cutting in around windows or glazed doors you can use this following tip.

To stop getting paint on windows or glass panelled doors when you paint them you can use masking tape to mask the glass.

Take time and care to only get the tape on the glass.

Place the tape on the glass, you can then run a sharp knife along the frame to ensure the tape is only on the glass, but being careful not to cut into the frame.

Once you have gone around all the window/s you are ready to paint. Paint around the window, glazes door etc as normal.

Leave the paint to fully dry, and then remove the tape carefully. You may need to cut the tape around the window to ensure it doesn’t pull the paint off as you remove the tape, take your time and you will have a newly painted window or glazed door.

The other method is to paint around the window or glazing in your door and paint slightly onto the glass, leave to dry and then clean the paint off the glass with a sharp blade.

Both methods take longer to do than simply cutting in but if you don’t have a steady hand or aren’t confident either method will give you a more professional final job.

As we now live in an environmental conscious society it is getting harder and harder to dispose of rubbish, including items such as paint and other hazardous waste.

So what can you do with your old paint, I bet you either put old tins of paint in your garage or shed and when you comes to use them again they have either gone off as the frost has got to them or they have a skin over the top an inch thick!

The next time you do some decorating instead of putting the left over paint in the garage or shed or taking to the local tip why not put it to good use.
Think of people who can use it, such people as local clubs, community projects, friends, relative or neighbours or even your local allotment society.
All these people (and more) I’m sure would receive your left over paint gratefully and be able to make good use of it.

Dulux sponsor an initiative called “Community RePaint” a project that provides an outlet for unwanted old paint in your local community.
Search online for “Community RePaint” for more information.