As an interior designer, I often advise my clients to paint their radiators to match the wall colour when decorating a room. This small touch can make a big impact in terms of both aesthetics and functionality. In this blog, I'll explain why painting your radiators is a smart choice and how it can enhance the overall look and feel of your space. We are currently having our new build house decorated and you can quickly see why I have had our radiators painted!
Create a seamless look
One of the most important reasons to paint your radiators is to create a seamless look in the room. Radiators can often stand out as an eyesore in a space, especially if they are a different colour than the walls. By painting them to match the wall colour, you can blend them into the background and make them much less noticeable. This will help to create a cohesive and polished look in the room, making it feel more spacious and put together.
Improve the functionality of the radiator
Another reason to paint your radiators is to improve their functionality. If you have a radiator that is a different colour than the wall, it can be difficult to tell if it's actually working. By painting it to match the wall, you can easily see if the radiator is getting hot and working properly, as the colour will change slightly when it's on.
Save money
Another benefit of painting your radiators is that it's a cost-effective way to update the look of a room. Replacing a radiator can be expensive, but by simply painting it, you can give it a new lease of life and make it look much more modern and stylish.
Personalise your space
Painting your radiators is also a great way to personalise your space and make it unique. By choosing a colour that matches the walls, you can create a look that is tailored specifically to your taste and style. Whether you prefer a bold and bright colour or a more neutral and calming hue, painting your radiators is a simple way to add a touch of personality to your room.
I recommend using Intelligent Eggshell
Intelligent eggshell is the perfect finish for radiators, it is formulated to resist moisture, staining and general wear and tear. Unlike all modern day solvent-based paints, our Intelligent paint finishes are heat-resistant and guaranteed not to yellow upon exposure to high temperatures.
Intelligent Eggshell by Little Greene has a tough yet subtle finish and is a superb paint for woodwork and metalwork.
How to paint a radiator
Before beginning the project, place protective dust sheets under the radiator to protect your flooring.
For previously painted radiators, smooth the surface with a medium grade sandpaper. This will create a slightly rough surface that the paint will adhere to. Following this, thoroughly clean your radiator surface with a sponge and sugar soap before rinsing and allowing to dry.
It is advisable to prime your radiator, to prevent staining and rust spots that could alter your chosen colour.
Ensure that you have properly stirred the paint prior to painting. Using an angled paint brush, apply two coats of Intelligent ASP (All Surface Primer) to prime the surface and acheive full depth of colour.
In conclusion, painting your radiators is a small but impactful step when it comes to decorating a room. Not only does it create a seamless look and improve the functionality of the radiator, but it's also a cost-effective and personalised way to update the space. So if you're thinking of giving your room a refresh, consider painting your radiators to match the wall color – it just might make all the difference!
If you’d like to learn how to design your dream home in easy step by step videos, worksheets and with live Q&A calls with me then check out my online course, Happy Home Design.
