How to get paint off radiator without damaging it?

Question

The paint’s been there a while and feels properly hard now, so I’m wondering how to do this without causing damage to the radiator. It's around 7 years since we replaced it, so wondering whether we just get a plumber in to put a new one up and save ourselves the trouble of saving it.

Obiageli · Answer

Hi, I haven’t seen the radiator in person but from your description it doesn’t sound like something that needs replacing. Dried paint on a radiator is usually just cosmetic and radiators typically last 15–20+ years, so at 7 years old it would be unusual to change the whole unit unless it’s leaking or rusting.

Normally this can be cleaned off rather than replaced. What’s usually done is:
   •   let the radiator go completely cold
   •   apply a paint remover/stripper gel to the paint spots
   •   leave it to soften the paint
   •   gently wipe it off with a cloth or plastic scraper (not metal)
   •   wash down with warm soapy water afterwards

It’s a fairly standard decorating clean-up job and much cheaper than removing and refitting a radiator, so it would make sense to try that first before considering replacement.

Liam · Answer

Use paint stripper, I'd also recommend not to paint too thick on the radiators as it can block heat from keeping areas warm.

Jade · Answer

You can use a heat gun,a small scrapper and some sand paper

Youcef · Answer

Warm soapy water → alcohol/vinegar → gel paint remover if needed.
Use soft cloths and plastic tools only.

Robert · Answer

You can use c-tec peel tec spray it on leave it 10 mins and simply wipe off

Justin · Answer

Nitromorse- paint stripper, simply apply via a brush, keave it do its job and it should idealy just crisp up and you can then  rub off with a scour pad or wire brush it lightly

Oliver · Answer

Warm water and and some elbow grease if it water based paints for oil based try some turps

Gary · Answer

I would suggest give it a good scrap Down give it a sand Down and start again. With an undercoat and a radiator gloss.

Andra · Answer

A quick easy way is to use nail polish remover. 
I had a customer who had this problem and they got rid of it very easily with the nail polish remover

Liam · Answer

Just sand it down by hand using grit paper. You won't need to take it to bare metal to get a good result.
Paint with dulux ultra primer (waterbased),  or a similar multi surface paint.

How to get paint off radiator without damaging it?

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