How to Paint a Radiator in Ireland (Step-by-Step for a Smooth Finish)

Painting a radiator isn’t complicated, but it does need the right prep. Using the wrong type of paint or skipping surface prep is the fastest way to end up with flaky, bubbling results.

• Here’s your radiator painting toolkit:
• Sugar soap and a lint-free cloth
• Fine sandpaper (120–180 grit)
• Dust sheet and painter’s tape
• Metal primer (only if needed)
• Heat-resistant radiator paint (brush-on or spray)
• Paintbrush or spray can
• Optional: rust converter for minor corrosion

From our experience painting interiors across Irish homes, we’ve seen DIY radiator jobs fail because people skip surface prep or use normal wall paint. Stick to products made for metal and heat.

We’ve also tested brands—Dulux Quick Dry Satinwood gives a great finish on older rads, while Rust-Oleum’s radiator paint sprays on smoother than most.

Always shut off the heating system and wait until the radiator is fully cold. Painting a warm surface causes paint to dry unevenly or even peel.

Radiators collect grease and dust. Use sugar soap to scrub it down, rinse with clean water, and let it dry fully. Any residue left behind will mess with the finish.

Light sanding helps the paint grip and smooths any rough patches. For older radiators, focus on corners or detailed mouldings where rust tends to appear.

Use masking tape to protect edges, wall paint, and flooring. A dust sheet will catch any drips, especially if you're using spray paint.

If the radiator is bare metal, or if you sanded back to metal, you’ll need a primer that can handle heat. Skipping this step is one of the most common mistakes we see.

Use either a small brush or radiator spray paint, depending on the finish you want. Brush-on paints give you control; sprays offer a smoother look. Apply two light coats, letting each dry for at least 24 hours. Rushing this step is a shortcut to flaking paint.

Wait at least 24 hours before turning the heating back on. If you can leave it off for 48 hours, even better. Warm air can cause tacky paint to bubble or blister.

• Painting while the radiator is still warm – causes bubbling
• Skipping cleaning – dust and grease ruin adhesion
• Using wall paint instead of radiator paint – it won’t last
• Overloading with paint – leads to drips and sagging

One homeowner in Clontarf used regular emulsion and had to repaint within 3 months. Trust us, the right product saves time and hassle.

Yes, and we do it all the time. Most radiators can be painted while mounted. The trick is to angle your brush or spray carefully and use a radiator roller for tight spots.

We only recommend removing it if the wall behind also needs repainting or if the radiator is heavily rusted. In older Georgian homes, we've found wall staining behind radiators that made removal worthwhile.

If your radiator is badly rusted, leaking, or part of a complex pipe system, it’s safer to call a pro. We also step in when the radiator is in a tight space or the client wants multiple rooms done at once.

Professional painting ensures even finish, safe prep, and no mess. And we often coordinate this with full-room makeovers or seasonal repainting jobs for better efficiency.