Painting radiators: here’s what to do
If your radiator is no longer looking its best, it needs a new coat of paint. But can you paint radiators yourself? Comparis provides an overview and helpful tips.
04.02.2026
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1. Preparing to paint a radiator
Check the heater for rust and leaks. If there is major rust anywhere or if there is a leak, have the radiator checked by a specialist. If you live in a rented apartment, you should inform your landlord or property management company.
Turn off the heating and allow it to cool down. Then tape the wall and floor around the heater with paper or foil. Protect valves and, if necessary, meters with masking tape. If you want to use spray paint, you should generously tape the surrounding area.
Wear old clothes or a protective suit. When sanding and spraying, you should also wear a mask, gloves and, if necessary, goggles. For sanding, the mask should provide at least FFP2 protection. When spraying, you need a mask with a respiratory protection filter.
It’s best to paint your radiator outside the heating season. The reason: depending on the paint, you may not be able to switch on your heater for several days after painting. You also have to ventilate a lot.
2. Prepare your radiators for repainting
Sand the heater. Sandpaper with 120-grit or abrasive fleece is suitable for this purpose. This will allow you to remove light rust and peeled paint residue.
Sanding will also roughen the surface. This way, the paint adheres better. Then clean dust and grease off the radiator. A normal household cleaner is enough for this.
Can you paint radiators without sanding?
Instead of sanding, you can also use what are known as degreasers. Use the degreaser only if the heater shows no signs of damage. Clean the radiator thoroughly afterwards.
Important: wear protective clothing when applying the degreaser.
Should professionals paint the radiator?
Don’t want to do the work yourself, or do you want a professional result? Then you can hire a professional to paint the radiators.
3. Painting radiators: here’s what to do
Paint the radiator with a radiator primer. If your radiator has rusty areas, you should choose a primer with rust protection.
You can apply the primer using a brush and a paint roller. There are also special radiator brushes available. These are angled at the end. This way, you can also get to hard-to-reach areas.
Allow the primer to dry completely, before you paint the radiator. Roughen the radiator again with sandpaper before painting. Then clean it.
To paint a radiator, you need the following items: heat-resistant paints or a heat-resistant lacquer – what is known as a radiator paint. You can get this at DIY stores and online.
First, paint the hard-to-reach areas with the brush. You can then paint the rest of the radiator with a paint roller. To do this, pour the paint into a paint tray. Use the roller from top to bottom to prevent so-called paint runs. Paint runs are dried drops of paint.
Note: Make sure to paint thinly and evenly. If you apply too thick a coat, this can reduce the heating output.
Allow the paint to dry. The drying time is usually stated on the paint packaging. Ventilate the room while it is drying.
To paint the radiator with spray paint, you need a special radiator paint. You can find it online and at DIY stores. You will also need protective clothing, as well as gloves, eye protection and a respirator mask.
Before you start spraying, shake the paint can for a few minutes. Check whether the paint is coming out of the can evenly. You can do this on the attached cover, for example.
Note: Keep windows and doors closed while spraying. This way, you prevent the paint from spreading around the room.
Do not open the windows and doors until the paint has dried completely is. Also, do not remove your mask until then.
Hold the spray can at a distance of approximately 20 centimetres from the radiator. Now spray the radiator alternately horizontally, vertically and diagonally.
Once you have sprayed the entire radiator, wait a moment. Check whether there are still unpainted areas present. If necessary, spray again.
Allow the paint to dry. The drying time is usually indicated on the packaging or can.
Often, a second coat of lacquer is often required. is needed. To do this, allow the first coat to dry completely. Then, lightly roughen it with sandpaper and clean the radiator. Then proceed in the same way as for the first coat.
Ventilate the room well after painting or spraying. The odour may persist in the room for several days. By ventilating the room and turning on the radiator, the odour will dissipate more quickly.
Important: Do not switch the heater on again until the paint has dried completely.
4. Radiator paint: brush-on or spray-on?
Brush or spray? With both methods you can give your old radiator a new coat of paint geben.
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Have your radiator painted by a professional
Whether painting or spraying – would you rather have a professional paint your radiator? Find a painter in your area with Comparis.
5. Frequently asked questions about painting radiators
Which paint you choose for your radiator depends primarily on your taste Radiators are often painted in shades of white.
Regardless of the colour, you should always use radiator paint.
Radiator paint is particularly heat-resistant. Other paints peel off or blister when they get too hot. In addition, they yellow less.
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This article was first published on 24.10.2024
