Radiator paint?

tiamaria

We have some paint which says suitable for interior wood and metal. It doesn't mention radiators at all on the tin.

Would this be safe to use on radiators or do we need to buy a different sort?

ariba10

The only problem you might have not using paint especially recommended for radiators is that it might discolor quicker.

tiamaria

Thanks - I was worried it might give off bad fumes if it was unsuitable.

misgrace

I would imagine the paint you have is oil base, see what it says on the tin, if it says clean brushes in white spirit etc you then know its oilbase.

If your rad has never been painted, I would undercoat it first, with oilbase, thats if your going to gloss, if your painting it in an eggshell or satinwood, you can get away with 2-3 coats of the egg/satin.

Personally I would still undercoat, as it gives it a base, oil base doesnt keep the white as long as the quick drying stuff does, but I wouldnt advise you to use the quick drying on rads.

You can paint any rad with oilbase, and if painted properly can look really smart.

tiamaria

Thanks Misgrace, but the tin actually says its water based. I wanted to use it for the radiator because it said its OK for metal.

cattie

If you're painting the radiator white then buy radiator paint as it doesn't have the tendancy to yellow as other paints do.

misgrace

Tiamaria, (I love that mixed with vodka, what a kick)

I would be hesitant to use water based on rads, I know some say can be used on metal, but sometimes they can peel and then your whole rad will be in a right mess, these DIY programs have a lot to answer for lol,telling people they can paint the wall rads and skirtings with the same paint, what they dont tell you is the flippen state of it all 6 months down the line.:mad:
But if it says on the tin and its okay for metal, then do it, keep the tin, and any comeback you can always contact them.
Personally I wouldnt and have never used water based on rads or metal, I expect I am the old school when it comes to P&D, I did see the state of a rad after one of my customers had a go with the waterbased stuff lol.

Mind you, they will have to improve the waterbase stuff quite soon, as after 2008/2010, we wont be able to buy oilbase, and I dont know how I am going to cope, as I swear by it.:D

Yes, you can use use radiator paint, tbh I have never used it, I have always used the oilbase, and after a time like anything, the white does tend to discolour, but that has always been the case, the waterbased white satinwood or eggshell is okay for your woodwork and will keep white longer, but its not as hardwearing.

I could be wrong but I have heard that people have got in a bit of a state with the radiator paint, and I'm sure I heard someone say that they had to have the rad on while they are using it, dont know if that is true, am sure someone on here will tell you.

But if you do go with the oilbase U/C, satinwood etc, it will keep its whiteness for a couple of years, specially if you dont smoke, trick is to invest in some Sugar soap, great invention,:D and if your into cleaning, then once a month or so, wipe down your rad and woodwork, and will keep them looking white longer.

tawnyowls

tiamaria wrote:

Thanks - I was worried it might give off bad fumes if it was unsuitable.

All paint stinks when a radiator's turned on after painting. Doesn't seem to make a whole lot of difference what it's made from; emulsion smells a bit less bad than gloss/satinwood/radiator pain, but not a whole lot. Resign yourself to having to have the windows open in that room for a few days till it all goes, and if it's in a bedroom, try to use another room until the smell goes away.

Lord_Gardener

We use Johnstone's non drip gloss one coat brilliant white - no sig yellowing after 4 years after having just touched up some chips!