A tired radiator can be transformed for a fraction of replacement cost, but enamels formulated for heat-cycling metalwork behave differently from wall paint. Get the preparation and drying time wrong and the new finish cracks or yellows within a heating season.
Ordinary wall paint is not designed to expand and contract repeatedly as a radiator heats and cools daily. It stiffens, cracks at the joints and yellows around the top edge, which is why a dedicated radiator enamel formulated to tolerate that cycling matters.
Old paint, rust and grease all need removing back to a sound surface, with particular attention to behind panels and around valve unions where corrosion often starts unseen. Spraying over a poorly cleaned radiator simply locks the problem under a fresh colour.
Enamel needs proper cure time before the heating is switched back on. Restoring heat too early is one of the most common reasons for a fresh respray to crack, and we agree a realistic cure period with the client before handover.
Yes, in most cases, with careful masking of the wall and floor. Removal gives a marginally better finish behind the radiator but is not usually necessary.
We agree a cure period with the client before handover, usually a number of days, and heating restored too early is the most common cause of early cracking.
Often the same enamel system works for both, provided the pipework is properly cleaned and any existing coating is compatible.
Send photos of the radiators and pipework you want refinished and we will confirm the preparation needed.
Radiator enamels only perform well when preparation is thorough and the heating stays off until the coating has properly cured.
Speak to a Hampshire commercial decorating contractor that turns up, communicates clearly and delivers a finish that lasts.
