Did a search and found quite a few threads on painting radiators, but found none that address whether it’s ok to paint them during the heating season. Could just shut water off to radiator while painting, but when turn it back on? Immediately after painting (let the heat dry it faster), a day later (after it’s dry), or a week later (after it’s cured)? Of course, other possible problems depending on how cold outside and how much heat from other nearby rooms or halls.
Also, while I’m at it, anyone have a definitive answer to the reflective paint vs dark paint vs doesn’t matter debate?
I appreciate any thoughts or suggestions.
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Replies
Painting radiators is a good way to insulate them so they don't transfer heat as effectively. Plus, like concrete, once you paint them, plan on doing it many times in the future.
Also, please don't do what has been done in my house: Paint over the valves and the bleed valves. When you need to shut one off or bleed the air out, it just makes it difficult if not impossible. Then something breaks, makes a heck of a mess, and finding repair parts is not easy in some places, especially where forced air is the most prolific.
Metal radiator covers are nice. They slide on to cover the radiator, don't impede heating much, and they look really nice. Plus, they can come with metal pans that sit on top of the radiator (under the cover) to provide humidity when you fill them with water.
But, painting is a quick and inexpensive way to make it look nicer for a while.
Pete Duffy, Handyman
I've painted lots of radiators in my time.
Spray painting looks the best; I've used expensive automotive paints (House of Kolor) with an HVLP system, and cheap old Rustoleum. If you can find a color that is suitable, the latter works as well as the former. And it is a lot easier.
I used kraft paper and newsprint to protect against overspray.
The real key to success (like any kind of painting) is preparation. If they have already been painted, the best way to get rid of it is sandblasting; but if that is not in your picture, at least scrape them thoroughly and clean them up with the appropriate solvent (especially the innards, which you can see, but are hard to reach.)
As far as heat is concerned, I would turn each radiator off the day you paint it -- then leave it off for at least 24 hours, a day or two more if possible.
Do mask off the bleeder and the valves.
BTW, I too have heard that paint inhibits the heat, but I really don't think that is a problem, unless it is already covered with thick, gloppy paint. In that case you should scrape it off anyway.
Edited 11/26/2004 11:21 pm ET by nikkiwood
Theoretically, metallic paints inhibit the radiation but the overall effect is not worth letting a radiator rust. As nikkiwood posted, good old Rustoleum is the easiest, just ventilate the work area. I have renovated old radiators and usually just remove them to remove the old paint. Flipping it around is much easier than trying to paint it in place....that's not a mistake, it's rustic