Painting a heated towel rail

[themoo]

I would like to do this. I got a sample of Valspar paint from B&Q to colour match and am really happy with it, but only needed it for a little cupboard. Would it be suitable to paint my heated towel rail please? I figure I would need to use a primer first. I asked a lady at B&Q but she looked a bit confused about whether I could or not, which wasn't reassuring.

Thank you!

 

[Wayners]

Spray can of radiator paint.
Warm it up in hot water and shake.

Need good prep and clean on the radiator though so paint sticks

 

[themoo]

Thank you, I went to anothr B&Q where they were more helpful and I've cleaned the towel rail with rubbing alcohol first.

 

[opps]

Any water based paint on a towel rail will fail. The water in the wet towels will make the paint soft over time.

If you want it done properly, you might want to take it off the wall and have it sprayed professionally. Power coated.

 

[themoo]

Bum, even if I coat it?

Well it's done now... if it fails it fails... it's been entertaining for me. Unfortunately I have left my job so can't afford to have anything done professionally at the moment.

 

[opps]

You may get away with applying a clear lacquer over it

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Simply-SP-023-Untreated-Aluminium-Pre-treatment/dp/B00OCKZO5K/

I have never used the above though.

 

[JohnD]

Is it chrome or painted?

The thinnest possible coat will be less prone to crack. Thin coatings are better able to flex and accommodate expansion and contraction.

So a spray can do better than brush.

 

[themoo]

It's chrome.

That makes sense, would I be able to spray myself? Or would it have to be a professional? Just thinking about for when this inevitably all comes off...

 

[88v8]

It's chrome.

That makes sense, would I be able to spray myself? Or would it have to be a professional? Just thinking about for when this inevitably all comes off...

If it all comes off, before you try again, rub the rail down with 150 wet & dry paper to make a key.
I have to say that painting chrome is a pretty ... unusual... exercise.

 

[Koolpc]

I would like to do this. I got a sample of Valspar paint from B&Q to colour match and am really happy with it, but only needed it for a little cupboard. Would it be suitable to paint my heated towel rail please? I figure I would need to use a primer first. I asked a lady at B&Q but she looked a bit confused about whether I could or not, which wasn't reassuring.

Thank you!

Try and get your towel rail to calm down first before painting it...