Expert DIY tips for how to restore a radiator cover! Plus, what to do if you suspect lead paint and how exactly to achieve that near flawless paint finish!
Hot water radiators are one of my favorite features in older homes. Sure, they take up extra square footage and require minor annual maintenance (bleeding air bubbles, etc.), but there’s no denying their antique charm! In most areas of our 1930’s Tudor, our radiators live uncovered in all their exposed pre-war beauty. However, in other areas we use them as an opportunity to bring added function to the space, such as with a radiator cover that doubles as a console table in the foyer.
In an effort to carve out some soft seating in our bedroom (which in true old home form is too small for a chair), I snagged an old radiator cover on Facebook Marketplace that happens to be the same dimensions as our bedroom radiator—the luck! I’ve refinished it with Rust-Oleum Universal Spray Paint and topped it with a bench cushion for a cozy window seat situation.
Considerations When Restoring an Old Radiator Cover
Since the radiator cover was likely made before 1978, we tested for lead paint with a lead test kit, and the base layer did show to contain lead. The piece had some areas of chipping paint that needed to be removed prior to repainting, and thus I’d be disturbing some of that original lead paint. I take this very seriously and followed the detailed guidelines outlined by the EPA for properly removing and disposing of lead paint. This Old House is also a great resource.
Prepping the Radiator Cover for Paint
Working outside and in full PPE (personal protection equipment), I used a scraper to remove loose paint, and intentionally did not use sandpaper which would have created tiny airborne particles. Next, I cleaned the entire piece with soap and water, and wiped it dry. I won’t go into the entire removal process, but do review the EPA’s do-it-yourself guidelines if you’re working on a piece with lead paint.
Painting the Radiator Cover
Once the loose paint was removed and the piece cleaned up, it was time for the fun part: fresh paint! When it comes to painting radiator covers, especially metal ones, spray paint is your best friend. It makes it especially easy to lightly and evenly coat the intricate perforated metal grates without needing to invest in a paint sprayer.
Rust-Oleum’s Universal Spray Paint bonds seamlessly to metal, inhibits rusting and the Comfortable (or Ergonomic) Trigger Design makes spraying larger projects at any angle, easier on the hand. I went with Rust-Oleum’s White in a Satin Finish to match the walls in our bedroom. The intent is to make the radiator cover feel like an original built-in, grounding the existing radiator under the window and enriching the room’s bones.
Above is what the radiator cover looked like after the first coat. It took 3 coats total and each coat consisted of 2 layers sprayed back-to-back. Essentially, I sprayed the piece twice at once, let it dry for just under 1 hour, then applied the second and third coats.
The exterior of the cover took 3 collective coats (3 cans). I also sprayed the interior cover and cross supports with 1 additional can. In total, I used just under 4 cans.
5 Tips for a Smooth & Uniform Spray Paint Finish
- Don’t skimp shaking up that can! Shake for one minute AFTER you hear the ball moving inside. This ensures the paint is properly mixed and protects against sputtering as you get going with your project.
- Begin spraying to the right or left a split-second before painting across your piece. Then on the opposite end, spray right off the edge before letting up the spray trigger.
- As you spray, keep the can in constant and steady back and forth motion to avoid drips. Slightly overlap each stroke, maintaining a uniform distance, roughly 8-12” from surface.
- On larger projects where you might use an entire can at once, stop halfway through and wipe the nozzle clean.
- For best results, apply several light coats versus one heavy coat.
Adding a Window Seat Cushion
As the finishing touch, I sewed a long linen pillow with pre-made white piping and stuffed it with a down insert similar to the cushion I made for our dining bench. Instead of belts to keep the cushion in place, I added linen tabs with extra strong neodymium magnets inside to attract to the metal cover. Five tabs run along the back edge of the cushion.
Window coverings also add softness and depth. The relaxed roman shades were made from an old Ikea drapery panel and the drapery are linen-look blackout panels.
I’m so tickled with the transformation of this old radiator cover! It brings such charm, a sense of grounding to the window wall, and truly feels like it has always been here!
Tell me, do you have a spray paint trick for achieving that stellar finish? Spill it, please!
This post is brought to you by Rust-Oleum. Thank you for supporting brands I personally use and love.
More Good Reads
- 5 Incredibly Chic Ideas for Radiator Covers
- How to Paint a DIY’d Radiator Cover
- DIY Modern Bench Cushion with Leather Straps
