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Ask your QuestionHi All, I hope this isn’t too silly to ask, but can I paint my radiator using tile paint? It’s just to cover some rusty patches where the paint has flaked off. I don’t have any other paint available right now, but don’t know if there is any special paint I should be using and I’m cautious it might affect the radiator working.
Many thanks, K
Best Answer
"Before applying any paint on the radiator, remove all the rust right back to bare metal. You can apply tile paint, but you will find that tile paint(stone) expands and contracts at different rates to enamel radiator paints (metal). If you have no choice ( cost, or aptitude) then apply very thin coats.
Latent heat capacity, ie how much heat it can absorb is the science of the applying."
"Hi K,
You can use any paint for your radiator really, but the question is if you can get/want to use specific radiator paint (known generally as ‘radiator enamel’). Normal paint may not help your radiator much, as it could trap some heat in, making the radiator less effective. Meanwhile proper radiator paint/enamel would stop the radiator working to full-effect and is also heat and rust resistant. I would recommend seeking proper radiator paint/enamel, as you can find it in your local DIY shops for a few quid, but if you are really pushed for time, your tile paint can work, but may not last long-term."
"You can buy paint for radiators but I have always just use white undercoat to freshen up dis-coloured radiators"
Answered on 5th Apr 2019 - Member since Mar 2018 - report"Won’t stop the radiator working but will peel after a while.
Ideally you should be using a metal paint like dulux trade metal shield"
"I wouldn't use tile paint. A small tin of radiator paint doesn't cost much and it will last longer with its heat protection.
Nothing is ever too silly to ask.
Heritage Home Improvements"