New Jersey is home to a wide range of houses, from the classic and historic to the modern and trendy. Many of our older homes have radiators in various rooms to provide cozy heat during what can be long, chilly winters. Like all parts of our homes, these surfaces can begin to look shabby over time. Is there anything that can be done to reverse this? Can an interior heat radiator be painted?
In most cases, the answer is Yes! Not only the radiator, but also the visible piping to and from the radiator can be painted. Whether you paint it the same color as the wall, or you choose a contrasting color to set it apart as a show item, your heat radiator can be made attractive once again.
Options for Painting a Heat Radiator
Professional Powder Coating: The smoothest, most durable finish for metal is powder coating. This is the way most painted metal comes from factories, with a baked-on enamel finish. Powder coating your radiator is a good option if it meets two conditions:
- It has not been previously painted with other types of paint.
- It is removable from the home.
Be aware that powder coating is also the most expensive option, so you may want to consider other possibilities as well.
Spray Painting: If the previous paint or coating on your radiator is relatively smooth, lovely results can be achieved with spray painting techniques. This can be done with spray cans, but it turns out even better when a professional uses spray painting equipment to coat the radiator. After power coating, this method gives you the most attractive results.
Brush and Roller: There are a variety of reasons why you may want to use a brush and roller to paint your radiator. If it is in an out-of-the-way spot, then its appearance isn’t as important. Also, if it has been previously painted by hand, and that prior coating is not very smooth, then no method will create the pristine look of spray painting or powder coating. Even when this is the case, however, it is worth the effort to update your radiator and pipes with fresh paint. The visual difference is striking, creating an improvement for the whole room!
Other Tips for Painting Radiators
When painting an interior heat radiator, surface preparation is extremely important. The radiator must be thoroughly cleaned of dust, dirt, grease and grime, allowing the new paint to adhere well. Additionally, bare metal must be primed before a topcoat is added, or the new paint will not perform well.
If the radiator is still actively used, make sure to choose a paint that is formulated to endure high temperatures, otherwise it could burn, crack, or peel.
When using a brush and roller, use the thin, narrow, “hotdog” style paint roller that can reach into tight places. Use this wherever you can to get a smooth coating, but keep the brush at hand also to catch drips and to get into crevices.
If you want the radiator to match the walls, then begin by painting it a shade or two lighter. As the radiator is used, the heat often causes the paint to darken slightly, and it will then match the walls very closely.
Interior Painting for New Jersey and Philly
Do you need an interior heat radiator painted? Cherry Hill Painting is at your service! We provide a full range of interior painting services, including painting drywall and plaster, kitchen cabinets, trim, doors, and interior metal such as radiators and pipes.
Cherry Hill Painting serves New Jersey and the Philadelphia metro region, offering phenomenal painting results and personalized customer service, all at a reasonable price. Contact us today for a free, no-pressure painting quote!