should i paint indoor radiators with 'normal' paint?

Question

a couple of bedroom radiators are looking a bit patchy where the paint has flaked off over the years.

a friend says to just paint them with normal white paint,
but won't it give off paint fumes when hot?

is there such thing as special radiator paint?

thanks

Answer 1

I imagine you should use high temperature paint. However we used normal gloss and it seems ok after 3 years.

Answer 2

International Radiator Paint

Answer 3

Use a proper radiator paint. I made the mistake of using normal paint on a radiator a few years ago, the paint discoloured and flaked and it took me ages to fix
You can buy radiator paint in aerosol form which gives a great finish.

Answer 4

Im a decorator, we just turn the radiator off, then paint with any normal oil based paint, although, there is a radiator enamel you can buy, but its not really worth it, then when the paint has dried put the radiator on and all the chemicals will be released real quick and it will be fine, good luck

Answer 5

I just use ordinary white gloss - on two that are rarely used I used ordinary emulsion over an undercoat - that was three years ago and I have not had any problems.

Radiator paint is available but it is expensive for the amount you get and it stinks to high heaven - if you use this, be preapred to not be able to use the room for at least 24 hours.

Using ordinary gloss will smell at first and on the first few occasions that the rads get hot but after that - no problem

Answer 6

Clean them with sugar soap (B&Q), rub them down with fine sanding paper to create a key for the paint. Don't hand paint them, get some Hammerite spray paint in white - cover the surrounding area with newspaper cellotaped to the wall etc and then spray as instructed on the tin. It will dry in approx 20 minutes and then apply another coat until you get a good coverage. Do thin coats to avoid drips. This will make your radiators look like new - it won't smell or give off fumes when you use the radiator. Make sure you have all the windows open with you apply the spray paint.

EDIT: Always worked well for me and my partner who own several properties!!!

Answer 7

Yes you can use a gloss paint "BUT" the best time to paint is in the summer time when your rad is off for some time let it dry over that period

Answer 8

you shouldnt use normal paint. its not suitable for the heat thats given off. it would peel off when you use it, and possibly gives off fumes. gloss is good for radiators. just check it says its suitable for radiators on the back of the tin. you can get a high temperature gloss that would be better for radiators.

Answer 9

Yes there is a paint for radiators,Ordinary paint will smell.

Answer 10

Radiator enamel is sold in spray tins, you can buy them at most good diy stores, 1 tin will do 2 rads, it is thinner than gloss, gives better coverage, dries quickly and lasts longer.