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Cracked paint and faded colours can quickly make radiators look dated in your home. While they serve a practical function, there’s no reason your radiators can’t also be the perfect finishing touch to a room. All you need is a little paint and imagination to turn your old radiators into stylish design features. 

Plus, it’s a great way to give your home a fresh look at an affordable price. So if you’re looking for a quick and easy way to refresh tired old radiators, consider using one of the radiator paints listed below. It’s a great way to give your home a fresh look at an affordable price.

We’ve carefully gone through the best radiator paints that we could find on the internet and organized them into the top 3 contenders – based on price competitivity, product performance, features and customer reviews.

So go ahead, grab a cup of tea and take a few minutes to discover our top pics – At Heat Adviser, we find the best radiators and heating accessories on the market; providing pros and cons for each product so that you can make an informed decision on your purchase.

The Top Radiator Paints of 2023

1. Dulux Quick Dry Satinwood Paint for Wood and Metal

The Dulux Quick Dry Satinwood Paint takes the hassle out of radiator painting, providing a lasting finish with minimal effort. Its quick-drying formula helps you get your job done faster, and its flexible application makes it suitable for both wood and metal surfaces. With the range of colours and sheen levels available, you can easily find a colour that matches your décor. There’s pastel blue, creamy neutrals, polished greys and even a true black. There really is something for everyone with this radiator product. 

The Dulux Quick Dry Satinwood Paint offers quality with convenience that won’t break the bank. It’s that simple. Its unique combination of quick-drying technology and superior quality pigments makes it easy to apply, and its long-lasting protection will keep your radiators looking great for years to come. Plus, this paint has been specially formulated to resist chipping, cracking, and peeling when exposed to high temperatures. This makes it perfect for radiators that are used frequently and need a durable finish that won’t lose its sheen. 

So if you’re looking for a trustworthy radiator paint that will give your home a modern, polished finish, Dulux Quick Dry Satinwood Paint For Wood and Metal is the perfect choice.

We love the:

  • Over 33,000 reviews!
  • 25 different colours.
  • Quick drying.

Pros

  • No undercoat required.
  • Non-drip formula.
  • Wide range of colours.

Cons

  • Glossy finish isn’t for everyone.
  • Customers say you can see brush strokes.

2. Hammerite Radiator Paint

Give your radiators a new lease of life with Hammerite Radiator Paint. It provides excellent protection against rust, scratches and peeling. It’s also quick and easy to apply and allows you to change your decor without having to replace the whole radiator. The durable finish looks great and lasts for years, ensuring your radiators look as good as new no matter how long they are in use. 

There’s no need to compromise on style with this incredible paint; it ensures your radiators will always be an attractive feature in any room. Whether you’re looking to refresh an old radiator or just add a touch of colour, this paint is sure to make all the difference. Make sure to check out Hammerite’s range of radiator paints for the best options in the UK.

We love the:

  • Super easy to apply.
  • Covers rust.
  • Your radiators will look brand new!

Pros

  • Good coverage.
  • Easy to use.
  • Low odour.

Cons

  • Customers say it yellows after a few months.
  • Only available in white.

3. Rust-Oleum Radiator Enamel Spray

In third place, we have Rust-Oleum’s Radiator Enamel Spray. It was designed to provide long-lasting protection against rust with an ultra-tough heat-resistant enamel. With this product, your radiators can perform at their best even in cold climates. Additionally, it offers easy application with a no-drip formula for a smooth and even finish. Just shake vigorously for one minute and spray onto your radiator in a steady back-and-forth motion. It works best when you apply several light coats a few minutes apart so they have time to dry a little. 

Rust-Oleum Radiator Enamel Spray is an ideal choice when looking to protect and maintain your radiators while also adding aesthetic appeal to your home.

We love the:

  • Washable and moisture resistant.
  • Non-yellowing formula.
  • Super quick to apply.

Pros

  • Ultra tough.
  • Touch dry in just one hour.
  • Fresh clean finish!

Cons

  • Customers say it’s messy to apply.
  • Strong odour.

4. Rustins Quick Drying Radiator Enamel Gloss

Rustin’s Quick Drying Radiator Enamel Gloss is one of the best radiator paints available in the UK. It’s a pure and brilliant white that does not turn yellow over time, unlike other oil-based paints. With its fast-drying ability, this enamel can transform your room in no time at all. It’s also incredibly durable and will last for years, ensuring that your radiators look like new. It comes in two finishes – satin and gloss. Both add a luxurious shine to any room and are easy to apply with their brush-on application. 

Rustin’s Quick Drying Radiator Enamel stands out as one of the best radiator paints available in the UK. It’s the perfect choice for anyone looking to upgrade their radiators and add a touch of elegance to their home.

Pros

  • Quick drying.
  • Excellent coverage.
  • Non-yellowing.

Cons

  • Four hours until you can recoat.
  • No good for touch-ups on discoloured radiators.

5. WRX Spray Paint

WRX Spray Paint is incredibly multipurpose; not only can it be used on radiators but also on other metal surfaces like pipes, valves and gutters. Plus, its long-lasting nature means you don’t have to constantly reapply it. 

Secondly, WRX Spray Paint is ozone-friendly and kind to the environment. It won’t produce any noxious gases or fumes that can harm the atmosphere so you don’t have to worry about causing any environmental damage.

And finally, its fast-drying properties make it a great option for those in a hurry – you can easily get your radiator painted and back in use without having to wait around. All these features make WRX spray paint one of the best radiator paints for those looking for high-quality, reliable paint that is kind to the environment.

Pros

  • Ozone friendly.
  • Multi-purpose.
  • Great coverage.

Cons

  • Some customers say it takes longer to dry.
  • Poor quality nozzle.

6. Rustins Radiator Paint

Rustins Radiator Paint is specially formulated to offer superior coverage and long-lasting protection, so your radiators will look as good as new for years to come. The paint is also easy to apply, meaning you don’t have to be an experienced painter or decorator to get the perfect finish. Plus, Rustins Radiator Paint is low odour and non-toxic, so it’s safer for your home and family. 

This product does exactly what it says on the tin. It’s heat resistant with minimal odour and it doesn’t yellow. So if you want a great-looking radiator that will last, Rustins Radiator Paint is the way to go.

Pros

  • Heat resistant.
  • Over 500 reviews!
  • Low odour.

Cons

  • Thin formula.
  • Customers say it’s runny.

Buyer Guide / FAQs

What’s the best type of paint for radiators?

When choosing paint for radiators, you will have a choice between oil-based and water-based paints. Oil-based paint generally provides better coverage, durability and heat resistance. It’s the ideal choice when painting metal or other surfaces that will be exposed to high temperatures. However, oil-based paint takes longer to dry so it is better for surfaces that require a smooth finish. 

On the other hand, water-based paint dries quickly and offers great coverage with only one coat of paint. It’s also easier to clean up and more environmentally friendly than oil-based paints. But it isn’t as heat resistant and can turn yellow over time. 

Ultimately, when deciding on which type of paint to use on your radiator, you’ll need to consider the temperature that it will be exposed to and the finished effect that you’re looking for. Both oil-based and water-based paints can provide excellent results with proper application. 

Should radiators use gloss or satin paint?

When it comes to deciding between gloss or satin paint for radiators, the choice can seem overwhelming. The main differences between the two finishes are that gloss paint provides a bright, shiny finish and is easier to clean, while satin paint has more of an eggshell-like sheen and usually hides imperfections better. 

Gloss paint works well in modern, contemporary interiors and is ideal for adding a bit of glamour or luxury to a room. On the other hand, satin paint is better suited to traditional or classic interior styles as it adds a subtle warmth to the space. Whichever type you choose, both finishes will add character and colour to your radiators while protecting them from heat and dust. 

Do I need to prime a radiator before painting?

Priming helps create a better bond between the radiator and the new coat of paint, making it last longer and look better. It also creates a smoother surface for the application of paint, reducing brush strokes or drips that can ruin the appearance. 

Regardless of the method used to paint your radiators, make sure that you follow any safety guidelines recommended by manufacturers to ensure a safe job. With a little patience and attention to detail, you can achieve beautiful results that last for years.

What colour radiators give off the most heat?

With the current cost of living crisis, many people are trying to save energy wherever they can. One way you may have considered doing this is by changing the colour of your radiators – but does it really make a difference? The truth is that while the colour of your radiator might impact how quickly the room heats up, it won’t affect the amount of heat your radiators give off.

So, if you’re looking to save energy and reduce the cost of your bills, it’s better to invest in efficient heating appliances rather than worrying about the colour of your radiators.

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