How to Paint a Radiator: Spray vs Brush

In this video I'll show you how to paint a radiator. I tested out different ways for painting on three steam radiators in my old house. I used Rust-Oleum High Heat Enamel spray paint in white and black on two radiators. I also brush painted another radiator using Rust-Oleum oil-based protective enamel paint. I'll show you the steps I used to paint my radiators as well as the pros and cons for spray paint vs brush painting.
FYI: The white oil based protective enamel does NOT perform well on radiators that reach higher than 200 degrees F. The finish may turn from white to a beige color. Please follow manufacturer instructions and use an IR thermometer to be sure.
Paints Used in this video:
►Rust-Oleum High Heat Enamel Spray
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►Rust-Oleum Protective Enamel Paint Stops Rust, 32-Ounce, White Satin Finish
amzn.to/3hGUlv6
How to Paint a Radiator:
1. Vacuum all old dust with crevice tool
2. Use sanding sponge or sand paper to rough up surfaces
3. Clean and rinse radiator using TSP solution
4. Tape up steam valves on radiator
5. Protect surrounding walls and floors using paper or plastic sheeting.
6. If using spray paint, paint with even strokes in a well ventilated area using a respirator/mask. If painting with a paint brush, you can use a mini-roller to reach the areas behind the radiator if painting in place.
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[@sonjaland2651]

Thank you for your video. Out of all the videos describing how to paint heating units, your video was by far the best! Good luck and stay safe to your and your family. 😊👍

[@happilybeforeandafter]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks!

[@Heyu7her3]

That original radiator is BEAUTIFUL!!!

[@happilybeforeandafter]

For sure!

[@oliverellis1091]

as a note of safe practice. If you have a radiator that could have lead based paint, it is unsafe to sand, sandblast or use TSP. Using a respirator is great to mitigate that risk to yourself. The problem is, unfortunately the best place for your LBP is forever on that radiator. This is specifically important for old apartment buildings. If you are turning rooms and blast say 20+ radiators, that's a health risk, true and true. I had a loan appraiser explain this to me and i thought was following the requirements and i will never forget it. just a light touch can make a difference and not bring up that much dust. Overall great video keep it up!

[@paullambert7110]

Ya long term if exposed not an hour .

[@ccc2784]

@@paullambert7110exposure is still exposure and will affect your health wether it’s to the point where it’s noticeable or not, the risk isn’t worth it.

[@shaunyg_]

I have an old radiator to sand and paint this was so helpful

[@jenniferbooth2622]

This video is so helpful! I have already done two coats of white spray paint on a radiator, it will definitely need 2-3 more coats and I am wishing I had done brush painting instead. Live and learn!

[@happilybeforeandafter]

Glad it helped! Someone told me I should spray paint and I regretted it too after seeing how poor the coverage was.

[@Heyu7her3]

That's what I DON'T like about spray pair. I'm also prone to being uneven with spraying the coats. 🤦🏽‍♀️

[@lakegeorgeloyalist2151]

Properly using spray paint requires you start off the object and finish off the object using long sweeping strokes covering the object lightly. All this avoids drips. Wait a few minutes and start again. The short back and forth wastes paint and results in drips.

[@gillesmorissette3159]

Thank you! For the tips....

[@herrlogan17]

It depends on time/money. You definitely save 3-4x times more money with brush on application, but it takes more time that´s for sure.

[@happilybeforeandafter]

That’s probably true.

[@dixondoesit7466]

Nice!

[@ginettedesjardins8280]

It look so much better !!!

[@happilybeforeandafter]

Thanks! It does make a such a huge difference!

[@zaknafein641]

Well, what about 1 coat of spray paint for the hard to reach spots and brush the surface?

[@happilybeforeandafter]

That sounds like a good idea.

[@seevac12]

What if you don’t have the option to remove them when painting?

[@megfink4186]

How did you remove your radiator? Is it a steam radiator?

[@jamesb8603]

If I have a very old dusty old radiator that I can't remove before painting, would you strongly advise against spray painting? Or as long as I tape and cover surrounding areas with builder's paper, should I be fine? How much is the sanding necessary before hand? Could I just clean really well, then prime, then spray paint? Thoughts?

[@happilybeforeandafter]

Builders paper sounds like a good idea. Maybe just sand to scuff up the surface and clean really well is enough to spray paint. You can always touch up more later if needed. Use a mask a protection in case there’s lead paint.

[@jaygudgeon1377]

I’ve got a 3 column radiator and am having trouble painting the inside surfaces. Any tips on how to reach them?

[@happilybeforeandafter]

I’d say a mini roller or spray paint. Just doing as much as the eye can see with a brush can work and look fine. I think most people won’t even notice the small spaces inside if they’re not perfectly painted because of all the shadows. Good luck!

[@kr-jj5kr]

A mini roller won't fit. They make a radiator paint brush that is longer handle and the brush part is angled. I'm about to do this myself. First I have to clean it as best I can. The wide radiators are hard especially if you don't want to remove them to paint.

[@susancelotto122]

do you have a video of how you took the radiator out and then put it back in? If you don't have one yourself, is there a KZbin video or instructions somewhere else that you used?

[@happilybeforeandafter]

I don't have a video of that, but you just need to shut off the water valve and use a large pipe wrench to loosen the coupling. A good resource is the Plunjr app where you can connect with a live plumber for any diy plumbing questions. Good luck!

[@dsddala467]

Oil paints emit more toxic fumes when heated up after dried.

[@happilybeforeandafter]

Yeah, ours definitely smelled for a few days when heated, but it seems to have burned off now.

[@medmtv3975]

How about air compressor with good amount of paint it should be better!

[@iosephvscarrizozae7887]

What did you do with the piece of wall paper?

[@happilybeforeandafter]

I think it was accidentally thrown away 😔

[@user-nw4cl3lv2f]

@@happilybeforeandafter 😟 wallpaper was beautiful, before I move out of this place I'll definitely have a look what's behind my radiator 😄

[@Lili-xq9sn]

My rustoleum hi heat bbq paint keeos flaking off every year. :(

[@turinhorse]

same here... that Rustoleum high heat spray is junk

[@Lili-xq9sn]

@@turinhorse Benjamin Moore sold me special (high heat) primer & paint. Its a bit pricey, but it worked! Ne never flaked off.

[@mirjanamilunic5273]

Prevedi na srpski

[@edmiller6227]

For $50 take the radiator to a company that sandblasts & power coats. Will last for years to come. 4 cans of spray paint should have cost you $30.

[@Magnusboi]

Do you realize how heavy one is ? To lug it ?

[@kathy4451]

@@Magnusboi Exactly! My husband is a furnace man and he just installed four of these in our old home. I was nervous watching them carrying them in and setting them in place😲

[@shekinass]

yeah let me carry 8 radiators to the car

[@edmiller6227]

@@shekinass its called a hand truck. BUY one also get a truck or SUV.

[@rkwondo4]

@@shekinass Ed doesn’t have a clue, with a good two wheeler or hand truck as Ed called it is ok to move a radiator around on the same floor as long as the radiator is not to large. His suggestion would require professional heavy object movers if there are steps involved. That radiator in his sons room is huge and probably weighs over 500lbs