Radiators are one of the most frequently botched elements of a home decoration project. Whether it's applying emulsion directly to a radiator (never do this — it will flake and discolour within weeks), using the wrong type of radiator enamel, or not properly preparing the radiator surface, the failures are common and visible. Here's the correct approach.
The Right Products for Radiators
Standard wall emulsion must never be applied to radiators or heating pipework — the repeated thermal cycling (heating and cooling) causes ordinary emulsion to crack, peel, and become discoloured rapidly. Purpose-made radiator enamels are available in both oil-based and water-based formulations. We prefer Dulux Trade High Gloss or Farrow & Ball's radiator paint (used when colour matching to adjacent woodwork is important) — both are heat-resistant to the temperatures reached by domestic radiators.
Preparation of Radiators
Proper preparation is essential: the radiator must be switched off and fully cold, degreased with white spirit or a dedicated degreaser, then sanded with fine-grade wet and dry paper to provide a mechanical key. Any rust spots must be treated with a rust converter and spot-primed with a rust-inhibiting primer before any topcoat. Missing preparation shortcut leads to premature peeling.
Colour Matching
Many clients want radiators to recede visually — this means painting them the same colour as the wall behind. Farrow & Ball offers all their colours in radiator paint formula for precisely this purpose. Others want radiators in a contrasting colour as a design feature — both approaches are valid when executed correctly.
We include radiators and pipework as standard in our full room redecoration service. Call 020 7101 3168.
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