SPO Radiator Paint - Heat-Resistant Water-Based Radiator Enamel for Radiators & Pipework

• Paint radiators and heating pipework safely and effectively with heat-resistant enamel

• Refresh radiators with a crisp white mid-gloss finish that looks clean and modern

• Use a paint specifically formulated for heated metal surfaces in central-heating systems (withstands up to 70°C)

• Achieve a durable mid-gloss finish that resists yellowing, heat discolouration, cracking, and peeling

• Apply a water-based, low-odour radiator enamel (< 100 g/L VOC) suitable for lived-in spaces with minimal ventilation

• Repaint radiators in situ, without removing them from the wall (saves time and plumbing costs)

• Protect radiators from rust and condensation with a sealed, protective coating

• Paint metal exposed to very high temperatures such as stoves, flues, exhausts, or fireplaces (this is for radiators up to 70°C)

• Use on surfaces that do not reach operating temperature (radiator must be heated to 70°C for 1 hour after painting for full cure)

• Apply in temperatures below 5°C (minimum application temperature required for proper curing)

• Use as a general-purpose metal paint outside of radiator and heating pipework applications

• Achieve a high-gloss or satin finish (this is a mid-gloss enamel)

SPO Radiator Paint revives tired radiators with a tough, mid-gloss finish that shrugs off daily heat cycles up to 70°C without cracking or yellowing. This specialist water-based radiator enamel (< 100 g/L VOC) delivers professional results with low odour and minimal downtime, making it safe for occupied homes and commercial spaces.

Unlike standard wall paints that yellow, crack, or peel under heat, this flexible acrylic polymer formula expands and contracts with temperature changes, maintaining its clean white appearance and protective seal. Quick one-hour surface dry keeps rooms in use, cuts labour costs, and impresses customers with a clean, modern look.

Backed by over 100 years of British coating expertise and manufactured in the UK to exacting standards, it's arguably the most reliable radiator enamel money can buy.

Key Benefits

• Instant Room Uplift – Fresh white mid-gloss finish transforms dated heaters, boosting décor and customer satisfaction in minutes. Professional appearance that lasts.

• Heat-Proof Protection – Flexible acrylic film expands and contracts up to 70°C without flaking, cracking, or yellowing. Extends radiator life and saves re-paint costs. Tested for regular heat cycling.

• Rust & Peel Guard – Seals metal against condensation and moisture, stopping corrosion before it starts and avoiding expensive radiator replacements. Protective barrier.

• Fast DIY Turnaround – Brush on, surface dry in 1 hour, through dry in 2 hours. Heat radiator to full temperature for 1 hour to cure. Back to full heat quickly, freeing up time for other tasks.

• Low Odour Savings – Water-based formula (< 100 g/L VOC) keeps odours down, so staff, families, and tenants stay comfortable. Operations continue undisturbed. Safe for occupied spaces.

• No Removal Required – Paint radiators in situ without removing them from the wall. Saves time, labour, and plumbing costs. DIY-friendly application.

• Prevents Yellowing – Specialist heat-resistant formula maintains clean white appearance even with regular heating. No discolouration over time like standard paints.

DIY-friendly and virtually odour-free, there's no need to shut down operations. Brush it on in minutes, feel the results fast. Order before midday for next-day UK delivery, buy today, paint tomorrow, and enjoy showroom-smart radiators straight away.

SPO Radiator Paint | Heat-Resistant Radiator Enamel is an excellent choice for refreshing and protecting radiators across various settings:

• Homes & Flats – Ideal for living rooms, bedrooms, hallways, and kitchens where a low-odour, quick-drying paint makes renovating radiators hassle-free. Perfect for homeowners refreshing dated radiators without the expense of replacement.

• Hospitality & Retail – Perfect for hotels, B&Bs, cafés, restaurants, and shops aiming to maintain a polished appearance without subjecting guests or customers to strong odours. Quick-drying formula minimises disruption to business operations.

• Education & Public Sector – Great for classrooms, offices, libraries, or community buildings where quick drying (1-hour surface dry) and minimal disruption are key to maintaining a functional space. Low odour is essential for occupied buildings.

• DIY & Home Improvement – A must-have for homeowners updating interiors on a budget. Achieve a bright, long-lasting mid-gloss finish that resists yellowing over time. No need to remove radiators from the wall—paint in situ.

• Property Maintenance – Suited to landlords, facility managers, and maintenance contractors looking to keep radiators in rental properties, commercial units, or communal areas neat, durable, and rust-free for the long haul. Cost-effective solution.

• Commercial & Industrial – Excellent for offices, warehouses, factories, and commercial buildings where radiators need refreshing without downtime. Water-based, low-odour formula allows work to continue in occupied spaces.

If you need advice on applying this heat-resistant paint, surface preparation, or selecting the right finish for your project, contact our experts now via the live chat for tailored guidance!

Coverage: Approximately 13 m² per litre per coat (at recommended 25 µm dry film thickness)

Coverage per size

• 500ml: Covers approx. 6.5 m² per coat
• 1 litre: Covers approx. 13 m² per coat

Recommended coats

• 1-2 coats (most radiators require one coat; a second coat may be applied if required for full opacity)

Example calculations

• For a standard domestic radiator (approx. 1.5-2 m² surface area), you will need approximately 120-150ml per coat
• For 1 coat, one 500ml tin covers 3-4 standard radiators

• For a large column radiator (approx. 3-4 m² surface area), you will need approximately 230-310ml per coat
• For 1 coat, one 500ml tin covers 1-2 large radiators

• For 5 standard radiators (approx. 7.5-10 m² total), you will need approximately 600-770ml per coat
• For 1 coat, one 1L tin covers 5-6 standard radiators

Practical coverage may be lower depending on radiator design (columns, fins, intricate details), surface condition, and application method. For accurate project planning, we recommend ordering 10-15% extra to account for radiator complexity.

Surface Preparation

• Ensure radiators are clean, dry, and free from grease, dust, oil, or loose material
• Use Coo-Var Degreaser or Fluxaf Power Clean to clean and degrease radiators thoroughly
• Lightly abrade glossy or previously painted surfaces with fine-grit sandpaper (180-240 grit) to provide a key for adhesion
• Remove all sanding dust with a tack cloth or damp cloth
• Ensure the radiator is free from rust—if rust is present, treat with Teamac Rust Converter before painting
• Ensure radiator is cold before painting (turn off heating system)
• Do not apply when temperature is below 5°C (minimum application temperature)
• Provide adequate ventilation during application and drying

Application

• Stir paint thoroughly before use
• Apply using a good-quality brush or radiator roller (radiator rollers are ideal for reaching behind radiators)
• Thin with clean water if required (maximum 5-10% for brush/roller application)
• Apply first coat evenly, working paint into all surfaces, fins, and columns
• Allow 1 hour between coats (surface dry)
• Apply 1-2 coats as required (most radiators require one coat)
• Avoid application in damp, humid, or freezing conditions

Drying & Curing Times (at 20°C)

• Surface dry: 1 hour
• Through dry: 2 hours
• Recoat time: Minimum 3 hours
• Heat activation: After each coat, heat the radiator to full operating temperature (approx. 70°C) for 1 hour to ensure full cure

Drying times may be extended in cooler temperatures or high humidity. Ensure adequate ventilation during application and drying.

Important Notes – Heat Activation (Essential):

After painting, allow the paint to dry fully (2 hours minimum), then turn on the heating system and heat the radiator to full operating temperature (approx. 70°C) for 1 hour. This heat activation is essential for the paint to cure properly and achieve maximum heat resistance, durability, and yellowing resistance.

Important Notes

• Radiator must be cold before painting (turn off heating)
• Heat activation required after painting (heat to 70°C for 1 hour)
• Not suitable for very high temperatures (stoves, flues, exhausts)
• Water-based, low odour formula safe for occupied spaces
• Paint radiators in situ—no need to remove from wall

• Finish / Texture: Mid gloss
• Base: Water-based acrylic polymer
• Available Colours: White
• Pack Sizes: 1 L, 2.5 L (other sizes on request)
• Coverage: Approx. 13 m²/L @ 25 µm DFT
• Drying Times @ 20 °C: Surface dry 1 h; through dry 2 h
• Re-coat Interval: Minimum 3 h
• Minimum Application Temp.: 5 °C
• VOC Content: < 100 g/L
• Flash Point: Non-flammable
• Application Method: Brush or roller (clean water thin & clean-up)
• Surface Suitability: Domestic hot-water radiators, steel or cast-iron heaters, interior metal pipework
• Volume Solids: 36 %
• Wet Film Thickness (WFT): 70 µm
• Dry Film Thickness (DFT): 25 µm

Need detailed specs or prep guidance? Chat with our experts now and paint tomorrow!

1. What is SPO Radiator Paint used for?

SPO Radiator Paint is a water-based radiator enamel specifically designed for hot water radiators and heating pipework. It resists high temperatures up to 70°C, prevents peeling, cracking, or yellowing, and offers a sleek, professional mid-gloss finish. Ideal for domestic, commercial, and rental property radiators.

2. Why do I need specialist radiator paint?

Standard wall paints yellow, crack, or peel when exposed to regular heat cycling. Specialist radiator paint like SPO Radiator Paint is formulated with flexible acrylic polymers that expand and contract with temperature changes, maintaining appearance and protection even at 70°C. Essential for long-lasting results.

3. Can I use this paint on other hot surfaces?

This paint is designed for radiators and heating pipework exposed to moderate heat (up to 70°C). It can be applied to similar surfaces like towel rails or heated pipes. It is NOT suitable for very high temperatures such as stoves, flues, exhausts, or fireplaces. Always ensure the area is clean, well-prepped, and free from rust.

4. How do I apply SPO Radiator Paint?

Use a good-quality brush or radiator roller for smooth, even coverage. Make sure the radiator is turned off and cool to the touch. Clean thoroughly with degreaser, lightly sand if needed, then apply thin, even coats. Allow to dry for 2 hours, then heat radiator to 70°C for 1 hour to cure.

5. How long does it take to dry?

Surface dry in 1 hour, through dry in 2 hours at 20°C. You can recoat after 3 hours. After painting, heat the radiator to full operating temperature (70°C) for 1 hour to ensure full cure. Drying times may be longer in cooler temperatures or high humidity.

6. Does it produce a strong smell?

No. This water-based enamel has low odour (< 100 g/L VOC), making it more pleasant to use in enclosed or frequently occupied spaces compared to solvent-based radiator paints. Safe for homes, offices, and commercial spaces.

7. Will the paint discolour or yellow over time due to heat?

No. SPO Radiator Paint is heat-resistant and formulated to maintain its clean white appearance even with regular heating up to 70°C. It prevents yellowing, peeling, or chipping, keeping radiators looking fresh for years. Unlike standard paints that yellow under heat.

8. Do I need to remove the radiator from the wall to paint it?

No. SPO Radiator Paint can be applied to radiators in situ (on the wall). Use a radiator roller to reach behind the radiator and between columns. This saves time, labour, and plumbing costs. DIY-friendly application.

9. How much coverage can I expect?

Coverage is approximately 13 m² per litre per coat. A 500ml tin covers approximately 6.5 m² (3-4 standard radiators). A 1L tin covers approximately 13 m² (5-6 standard radiators). Coverage depends on radiator design, surface condition, and application method.

10. What is heat activation and why is it important?

After painting and allowing the paint to dry (2 hours minimum), you must heat the radiator to full operating temperature (approx. 70°C) for 1 hour. This heat activation cures the paint properly, ensuring maximum heat resistance, durability, and yellowing resistance. This step is essential for optimal performance.

For personalised guidance, surface preparation tips, or product recommendations, contact our experts now via live chat—we're here to ensure your radiators look sleek and stay protected!

Not available

Free Delivery on Orders Over £75: Stock up on everything you need in one go and complete the job properly

• Coo-Var Degreaser: Degrease surfaces to remove oil and grease
• Fluxaf Power Clean: Clean the surface and strip away grease, glue and grime ready for painting
• Teamac Rust Converter: Prepare heavily rusted surfaces for best adhesion.
• Radiator Application Tools: Brushes, Radiator short pile rollers and arms to reach hard to paint areas.

these products are commonly combined for best long-term results.

Fast, Reliable & Fully Tracked UK Delivery

Every order is dispatched from our warehouse using a fully tracked DX or FedEx service, so you always know when your paint will arrive.

Delivery Options

• FREE Standard Delivery (orders over £75) Arrives in 2–3 working days
• Standard Delivery – £7.95 Arrives in 2–3 working days
• Express Delivery – £13.95 Next working day delivery when you order before 12:00 noon (Mon–Thu)
• Spending £75+? Select Express Upgrade at checkout and only pay the difference

Dispatch & Delivery Times (What Happens After You Order)

• Express delivery (order before 12:00 Mon–Thu) Dispatched same day, delivered next working day
• Standard delivery (Mon–Wed orders) Dispatched next working day, delivered 2–3 working days later
• Orders placed Thursday (standard delivery) Dispatched Friday for Monday delivery
• We do not dispatch or deliver on weekends or UK bank holidays

What to Expect on Delivery

Please provide a contact telephone number at checkout. This allows the courier to share tracking updates or contact you if there are any delivery issues.

Most orders require a signature on delivery. If you may not be available during the day, we recommend delivery to a workplace, business address, or another location where someone can sign.

Outside the UK Mainland?

Delivery prices shown apply to UK Mainland only.

For the Highlands, Islands, Northern Ireland, or non-mainland addresses, please contact us for a quick personalised quote via live chat, by calling 01482 222 421, or emailing info@specialistpaintsonline.co.uk.

Bottom Line

Order today, get fast and reliable delivery, track every step, and get painting without delays.