We all know the feeling. You move into a newly rented apartment or just complete on a house purchase. You walk into your new abode and notice the radiators and the radiator pipes. Chances are they do not fill you with pride as your new home does.
You might notice pipes sticking out of the floor or running along skirting boards. Or it might just be wall-hung radiators that are could do with a change.
Changing radiators, however, is probably the last thing on your mind when you think of all the expenses you will need to deal with. Relaying carpets, painting walls, replacing doors, kitchen accessories and in some cases, updating your home security system.
So how do you save on the cost of replacing your radiators in the short term? In some cases, just sourcing for the best paint for cast iron radiators and radiator pipes will do the job.
In most cases, you do not even need to remove the radiators from the wall to get it properly painted. If you do need to do one thing though, you need to make sure the radiators are completely cold prior to getting your paintbrushes out.
With that said, let’s have a look at the options for the best paint for cast iron radiators and radiator pipes.
Hammerite Radiator Paint – Satin White
If you are after a heat resistant brilliant white finish on your cast iron radiators then this Hammerite Radiator Paint will work a treat.
Last update on 2024-04-24 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
It evenly coats over water-filled household radiators and hot water pipes. One of the key things you need to look out for is paint that will remain the colour it is when first painted. This easy to use paint resists yellowing and helps avoid rust formation.
In a lot of cases, metallic paint often comes with a strong smell and you would need to have your windows and doors open after painting. That’s not the case with the Hammerite Radiator Paint. It has a low odour and can be dry to touch in between 4 – 6 hours.
Unlike conventional metal paint, Hammerite can be painted directly onto rusty surfaces. No primer or undercoat is needed and the long-lasting rust protection makes not just cast iron radiators to look great but also gates and railings
Ronseal One Coat Radiator Paint Satin
Ronseal One Coat Radiator Paint is pretty good at what it does well. It makes sure that your radiators are protected in just one coat.
Last update on 2024-04-24 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Unlike the Hammerite Radiator Paint above, this Ronseal One Coat paint has a slightly stronger smell to it. As with most radiator paints, it is also heat resistant so will not crack or change colour when the radiators are in use.
The tough and durable finish you get also protects it against everyday scuffs and scratches. You won’t notice the typical scuffs and scratches that come with freshly painted radiators following a few weeks of use as the finish can withstand that. Surprising, considering that no primer is required.
Dulux Quick Dry Eggshell Paint For Wood And Metal
This Dulux brand of Quick Dry Eggshell paint creates a very good low-sheen finish. It is self-undercoating, wipeable and suitable for use on interior wood and metal. Making it a very versatile paint to use and own.
- For interior wood and metal
- Capacity: 16m²/L per coat. This 750ML can will cover 12m² with one coat (approx)
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To paint your cast iron radiator, you only need to apply 1 or 2 coats with a brush, leave at least 6 hours between coats. How long you leave it for will depend on the look you are trying to achieve.
It is worth noting that the Dulux Quick Dry Eggshell paint contains benzisothiazolone. This may produce an allergic reaction in a number of people.
Rust-Oleum 250ml Universal Paint
The Rust-Oleum Universal All Surface Paint is an advanced brush-applied paint and primer in one, designed for direct application to the surface of cast iron radiators and radiator pipes.
- Paint and primer in one
- Can be applied directly to wood, metal, plastic, ceramic and even rust
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It is an extremely versatile paint that can be applied directly to wood, metal, plastics, ceramics and more. To achieve the best look on your cast iron radiator I found that you should first use the Universal Stain Block Primer before applying a coat of paint to it.
The procedure for applying the paint is not too dissimilar from other paints. You just need to stir the paint thoroughly prior to use. You then need to apply 1 – 2 coats of the metallic paint using a suitable brush or roller.
Rustins HRMB250 Quick Dry Paint, Heat Resistant Paint
The Rustins Quick Dry paint is a fast-drying decorative paint that can withstand temperatures of up to 600 degrees centigrade.
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It works amazingly well for application on surfaces that typically witness extreme temperatures. So while it will work a treat on your cast iron radiators, you can also use it for barbeques and outdoor fire pits, if required.
The great thing is that the protective product is touch dry in just 15 minutes and can be used on these types of surfaces, leaving a stylish matt finish.
It can easily endure typical barbecue temperatures and even roaring fireplace heat.
Blackfriar BKFHRB250 Heat Resistant Paint
The Blackfriar Heat Resistant Paint is also a highly-rated radiator paint that comes with improved heat resistance.
- Size 250ml
- Application method is brush
Last update on 2024-04-24 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
It can withstand temperatures of up to 600 degrees centigrade, whilst providing an attractive matt black finish for barbecues, grates, chimneys and radiators.
While many radiator paints on this list would often only be used indoors, the Blackfriar Heat Resistant Paint is suitable for interior and exterior use.
To apply it correctly however a brush and not a roller will be required.
Rustins RADS250 Quick Dry Radiator Paint Satin
Rustin’s Quick Dry Radiator Enamel is ideal for touching up white radiators.
- Speedy Radiator Makeover: Rustins Quick Dry Radiator Enamel Paint transforms your radiator with a fast-drying formula,...
- Heat Resistant and Durable: Engineered for the demands of radiators, this enamel paint offers heat resistance and...
Last update on 2024-04-24 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The enamel is specially designed so that it stays white and does not yellow with age. The enamel is touch dry in 30 minutes, Heat resistant, and low odour.
It is worth noting that while you can use this on water-based radiators, it should not be used on oil-filled electric radiators.
