After a certain period, the paint on your radiator might start chipping off, which could make your radiator look messy and unkempt. However, you can remove layers of old paint from your radiator and restore it to its previous condition by repainting it.
There are different methods and tools that you can use to strip off old paint from your radiator. In this post, we are going to show you how to remove paint from a radiator. So let’s get right into it.
Methods You Can Use While Removing Paint From Radiators
You can either use chemicals such as a paint stripper to remove the paint on your radiator or use tools like a brush and grit sandpaper to strip off the paint from the metal surface.
While chemicals might be pretty messy, this method is easier than using scraper tools to scrape off paint from radiators and less labour-intensive.
However, some of the chemicals that are used to remove paint from metal surfaces are quite corrosive, so you have to be quite careful when using them.
A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Remove Paint From a Radiator
Before you can start cleaning your radiator, there are a series of steps you need to do first. This is to make sure that you are able to clean your radiator properly and that you are comfortable doing it.
Step 1: Position the Radiator
Before anything else, you need to position your radiator first so it is easy for you to work on it. Since they are mostly attached to the wall, you need to remove them first so you can remove the paint from the backside of your radiator. If you need help assistance in this step, check out our complete guide on how to remove a radiator.
Step 2: Wash the Surface
Start by cleaning the metal surface of your radiator. This makes it easier for you to get rid of any dirt particles that might have been stuck on the radiator. Next, you can dip a cloth in soapy water, then use the damp cloth to clean the surfacer.
After that, use a clean and dry cloth to dry the surface. If there is excess water on the radiator’s surface, wipe it off with a dry cloth.
Step 3: Prep the Area
Prep the surface that you are going to be working on. Move any objects close to the radiator to another area and place a dust sheet under the radiator.
Also, wear a mask before you begin this process. Some paints might contain lead elements, which are quite harmful to the body. You can also wear a pair of gloves while carrying out this procedure.
Step 4: Removing Paint From the Radiator
Follow this step-by-step guide below on how to remove paint from a radiator.
Use sandpaper to remove some of the radiator paint that might be chipping off. You can use coarse sandpaper to get effective results. However, while sanding your radiator is an effective way of removing the paint, it is very .time-consuming.
If you are looking for a fast method to get rid of the paint, you can use an angle grinder to strip off the paint from your radiator.
- Start by choosing the disc that you are going to use. You can either use a steel wire brush disc or a resin and fibre disc.
- Once you attach the disc to the grinder, connect it to a power source.
- After that, place the grinder on the surface of the radiator and press the trigger slightly.
- Move it along the surface of the radiator until the heat-resistant paint starts to chip off from the surface.
- Work from one coat to another as you brush off the surface of the radiator.
- Then, work until you get to the primer coat. Make sure that you thoroughly scrape off the rust that is on the radiator’s surface. Rust can make your radiator look untidy. In most radiators, the primer coat is the bottom-most coat.
Restore the Radiator Back to Its Previous Condition

It is advisable to restore the radiator to its original condition after removing the paint. For starters, you can repaint the radiator with oil-based paint of any colour. Make sure that you use heat-resistant paint that can withstand the heating properties of the radiator. Most paints have certain instructions that give you some insight into the type of surfaces they are compatible with.
Repainting the radiator can protect it from harsh conditions. For example, paint prevents the corrosion of different parts. Cover the wall that is adjacent to the radiator with newspaper to protect it from paint stains. You can also cover the pipes of the radiator.
You can use a spray gun or a paintbrush to apply coats of paint on the radiator. While a spray gun can be used to apply paint on the radiator, it is not as effective as a paintbrush. Once you apply paint on the radiator, wait for 24 hours before you start your radiator again.
Stripping Paint
If you follow the instructions here on removing paint from a radiator, you won’t have any problems making your radiators look as good as new. First, make sure that you preserve the radiator’s surface once you strip off the old paint. Then, you can repaint it to give it a fine and smooth finish. Good luck!