Category: Top Tips

3 Quick & Easy Tips for Painting Radiators

Abi Hugo

Neutrals Stylist
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Radiators are often overlooked when decorating, but a fresh coat of paint is a simple yet effective way to elevate and refine your interiors. Colour drenching your radiators in the same shade as the walls can help them better blend into the space without looking awkward and clunky. Or to bring in colour, paint your radiators a bold shade for a statement look. Whatever look you go for, bear these tips in mind, from choosing your paint to thinking about brushstrokes and drying time, to achieve professional-looking results with minimal hassle. 

1. Think about your radiator type

Firstly, consider the type of radiator you have, as different designs may require more intricate attention to detail. If your radiator has a towel rail or complex corners, you’ll need to be especially mindful of your approach. When painting around edges, a technique that involves working around the entire radiator may be more effective than simply tackling it section by section—particularly compared to a flat radiator, which is much easier to paint.


Chrome or towel radiators aren’t impossible to paint, but their shape can make the process trickier, so proper preparation is essential. Ensure your radiator is completely cold before you begin, and plan so you won’t need to turn it on for at least 48 hours after painting, allowing it to dry fully. Ideally, radiators should be painted during the warmer months when they’re not in use.

2. Choose your paint

For radiators, you’ll need a durable, heat-resistant paint that can withstand high temperatures—standard wall paint won’t work, as it’s prone to peeling and cracking. Frenchic’s Al Fresco or Trim paints are ideal choices for radiators, as they don’t need priming. When choosing your finish, go for Al Fresco if you prefer a matt look, or opt for Frenchic’s Trim paint if you’d like a subtle sheen.


Then the fun bit, pick your colour. Personally, I love Fennec Trim Paint for a seamless colour-drenched look, or for a bold statement, Blackjack is a showstopper. 

What I've used:

Fennec Trim Paint

Blackjack Al Fresco

3. Think about your brush strokes and drying time

Before you start painting, give your radiator a thorough clean with Frenchic’s Sugar Soap. Any rusty areas should be fully sanded down, and if there are patches of flaky paint, scuff them with sandpaper to make sure the new paint adheres fully. Once sanded, wipe the radiator down with a damp cloth and dry properly before applying any paint. 

 

For the best finish, use consistent brush strokes starting from the top and working your way down in as smooth a line as possible. Try not to overwork the paint and follow the guidelines — whether you’re applying a single coat or two. If a second coat is needed, allow the first to fully dry before re-applying.

 

If you notice any visible brush strokes between coats, a light sanding with 320-400 grit sandpaper, followed by a wipe-down, will help achieve a flawless finish.

When it comes to reaching awkward areas, a radiator brush followed by Frenchic’s medium oval brush works well for standard radiators. For towel rails and cylindrical radiators, a plastic glove covered by a sock makes an effective DIY “brush.” Or the petit oval brush is great for getting into smaller areas. 

What I've used:

Medium Oval Brush - 50mm

Petite Synthetic Oval Brush

Frenchic Sugar Soap

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