DIY Painting a Cast Iron Radiator

jonnywright

We (the wife and I) are in the process of planning some refurbishment works at home and are pretty interested in replacing some of the older rads in the house with some nice cast iron radiators. We've not yet decided how we are going to go about procuring these - we're keeping our eyes open for old reclaims, but have also found a supplier who stocks a style which we both agree on and for a (potentially) acceptable price. I say potentially acceptable price, as simply adding a paint to the rads increases the price to around 150% of the cost if we buy them with just primer. I've looked around to see if I can get them painted professionally after purchasing them, and although this gives us more flexibility with regards colour and finish, the price difference isn't that much compared to paying the rad supplier to paint them.

I have also had a Google on painting them myself. I'd consider myself a pretty competent DIYer, and most of the guides/videos I've read/watched suggest it's relatively easy, with the preparation being the most laborious task.

Has anyone else painted cast iron rads themself before and offer advice on best practice (or converseley, whether to avoid it all together)?

Thanks