It’s a familiar question for anyone renovating on a budget, “is it worth repainting that old radiator, or do we just replace it?”. Scroll through forums or home DIY threads and you’ll quickly notice a pattern, plenty of people have tried… and some say they wouldn’t do it again, and some say they would.
If you’re thinking about reviving an old radiator, here’s what to know before you pick up the paintbrush or spraycan.
Why Repaint a Radiator in the First Place?
There are a few good reasons people consider repainting. Maybe the radiator works fine but has started to yellow or rust. Maybe it stands out for the wrong reasons in a newly redecorated room. Or maybe you’re just trying to stretch the budget and keep things looking tidy.
In fairness, when done right, a freshly painted radiator can look good. Many people have shared positive stories of using proper radiator paint and getting a decent finish that still looks good after a year or two.
What’s Involved in Painting an Old Radiator?
The process is more work than most expect. So to be clear on what is usually involved, you’ll need to:
- Sand it back thoroughly (especially to remove rust, if any)
- Use the right primer and specialist radiator paint
- Apply two coats, maybe three, with time to dry between each
- Possibly remove the radiator entirely to avoid getting paint everywhere
Getting into every groove on older panel or column rads is a job in itself. You may even need to resort to sandblasting or respraying just to get an even finish and that’s before factoring in paint costs, gear, and the mess.
Why Many Say “Never Again”
Time and again, people said the same thing: the effort just wasn’t worth it.
The sanding was a nightmare, the paint didn’t go on evenly, or the rust crept back after a few months. Even when things looked great initially, some found the paint yellowed quickly or chipped with heat.
Believe me when I say, sanding it will make you lose the will to live.
When Replacing Might Be the Better Option
At a glance, repainting seems cheaper, but with the cost of decent paint, primer, sandpaper, and time, a new radiator isn’t much more expensive.
Modern radiators often give off more heat, take up less space, and look far better out of the box. You can pick one up for around £100–£200, and plenty of suppliers now offer colour options straight from the factory.
Trade Radiators, for example, offers trade pricing to everyone, so you can grab a stylish black radiator or any colour that suits your space, without breaking the bank.
And if you’re upgrading anyway, you might find yourself reclaiming some wall space or improving energy efficiency in the process.
Is It Actually Worth the Hassle?
If you’ve got the tools, the patience, and a radiator that’s in good shape underneath, repainting can be a satisfying fix. But for most people, the reality doesn’t match the effort.
Unless you really love DIY (and sanding), replacing is often the more straightforward option. It saves the mess, the stress, and possibly gives you better performance in the long run. So weigh it up for yourself but know that plenty of others have walked this path and said they wouldn’t go back… Good luck!
