Painting behind radiators might seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools and techniques, you can achieve a professional finish without too much hassle. Whether you’re refreshing your living space or tackling a full-scale renovation, learning how to paint behind a radiator effectively will ensure a flawless finish. This guide will walk you through the options and processes, from the necessary tools to the final touches.
Preparation Before Painting Behind Your Radiator
Before diving into the painting process, it’s important you are prepared with the relevant tools and paint and that you have a clear space to work within.
Selecting Your Paint
Ensure the paint you’re using is the same paint that has been used on the rest of the wall. If you’re looking for paint colour inspiration, take a look at our blog that covers the top colour trends for your home in 2024.
Turn Off the Radiator
Ensure the radiator is completely turned off and has cooled down. This is essential for your safety and to avoid any interaction between heat and wet paint.
Clear Your Area
Move any furniture or obstacles around the radiator to give yourself ample space to work. Lay down dust sheets, drop cloths or some old bed sheets to protect your flooring or carpet from paint spills.
Things You’ll Need:
- Screwdriver*
- Adjustable spanner/wrench*
- Painter’s tape/masking tape
- Floor protectors (drop cloths/dust sheets/old bed sheets)
- Paintbrush (angled)*
- Radiator roller (with an extra-long handle)
- Paint tray & roller
- Small bucket*
- Cleaning cloths
- Radiator bleed key*
- Sandpaper*
- Primer*
- Paint (matching the rest of the wall)
- Step ladder (if needed for vertical or towel radiators)
* only required if you are removing the radiator to apply the paint.
Once you’ve selected your paint, assembled the equipment required, and fully prepared the area, there are two options available for your next steps.
Steps to Paint Behind a Radiator: Option 1 (Removing the Radiator)
This is the best option and what we’d advise as removing the radiator allows for unrestricted access to the wall, ensuring the best paint coverage and finish. If you are taking this approach, once you have followed the preparation guidance above, carry out these additional steps:
- Turn Off the Radiator Valves: Turn off the valves on both ends of the radiator using a radiator bleed key.
- Drain the Radiator: Place a bucket under the drain valve and open it to drain the water. This step might take some time, so be patient.
- Remove the Radiator: Use a screwdriver and an adjustable wrench/spanner to unscrew the bolts holding the radiator to the wall. Carefully lift the radiator off its brackets and set it aside on a protected surface.
- Sand and Clean the Wall: Sand any rough spots and clean the wall to ensure the paint adheres effectively.
- Apply a Coat of Primer: If the wall hasn’t been painted in a while or has stains, apply a coat of primer with a brush or roller.
- Paint the Wall: Using a paint roller, apply your paint evenly across the area that was previously covered by the radiator. Allow it to dry completely.
- Inspect the Paint Job: Look for any missed spots or uneven coverage and touch up as needed.
- Clean Your Brushes and Rollers: Wash your brushes and rollers with water (or the appropriate solvent if using oil-based paint) to keep them in good condition for future use.
- Tidy the Area: Remove your floor protectors and reposition any furniture or objects moved during preparation.
- Ventilate the Room: Open windows or use fans to help ventilate the area and speed up the drying process.
- Reattach the Radiator: Carefully lift the radiator back onto its brackets. Reattach the bolts and ensure the radiator is securely fixed to the wall.
- Turn On Valves: Turn the valves back on and check for any leaks.
Steps to Paint Behind a Radiator: Option 2 (Leaving the Radiator in Situ)
If removing the radiator is not an option, you can still achieve a good result by using specialised tools and techniques. Once you have completed your preparation, follow these additional steps if you’re not removing your radiator.
- Tape Around the Radiator: Apply painter’s tape or masking tape to the edges of the radiator and any areas that you want to protect from paint.
- Apply the paint: Use an angled brush to carefully paint the areas closest to the radiator. For the harder-to-reach spots, use a paint roller for behind radiators to ensure even coverage.
- Assess the Paint Job: Check for uneven coverage or missed spots and touch up if required.
- Remove the Tape: Carefully remove the tape covering the radiator and other protected areas while the paint is still slightly wet to avoid peeling off any dried paint.
- Wash Your Brushes and Rollers: Use water (or an appropriate solvent if using oil-based paint) to clean your brushes and rollers and maintain their condition to use at a later date.
- Restore the Area: Clear away the dust sheets and restore any objects or furniture removed during preparation.
- Air the Room: Increase airflow by opening windows or utilising fans to enhance ventilation and quicken the drying period.
Conclusion
Painting behind a radiator doesn’t have to be a headache. By following these steps, you can ensure a smooth and efficient painting process, whether you choose to remove the radiator or paint around it. Proper preparation, the right tools, and careful execution are the key to a professional finish that’ll enhance the look of your space. Happy painting!
If you’re unable to carry out your project, would prefer to leave it to an expert, or need to paint behind your radiator as part of a wider project or renovation, there are plenty of reasons to use a professional painter and decorator.
Marshels are an experienced team of over 30 professional painters and decorators dedicated to customer service and quality, and have been serving the Surrey, Hampshire, Berkshire & South West London areas for over 37 years. If you’d like more information on our commercial or residential painting services or would like to discuss your project, contact us for a free no-obligation quote.
FAQs
How to Paint Behind a Towel Radiator
If you are considering a bathroom refurbishment and you have a towel radiator, it’s important to understand how to paint behind it. We recommend removing the radiator and following the steps above as towel radiators usually have multiple gaps between the rails, meaning the wall behind is more visible than traditional radiators and an even coverage is therefore even more important. You can paint a towel radiator without removing the radiator from the wall, although this will be a trickier process than removing it first.
What Paints Can I Use Behind my Radiator?
You should use heat-resistant paint behind radiators. Specifically, look for paints labelled as “radiator paint” or “high-temperature paint”. These paints are formulated to withstand the heat radiated from the unit without peeling, cracking, or discolouring.
How to Stop Paint Cracking Behind Radiators
To stop paint from cracking behind radiators, use heat-resistant paint designed for high temperatures. You should also ensure the radiator and wall surface are clean and dry before painting. Apply a suitable primer if needed and allow the paint to cure properly according to the manufacturer’s instructions before turning the radiator back on.
Can You Paint Radiators?
Yes, you can paint radiators. Use heat-resistant paint specifically designed for radiators or high-temperature surfaces. Make sure the radiator is turned off, clean, and dry before painting. If required, apply a primer and follow the paint manufacturer’s instructions for the best results.
