Cast Iron Radiators

Cast iron radiators are generally excellent for heat retention. They take longer to warm up but stay hot long after your boiler switches off. They’re durable too. Bear in mind they’re heavier than most modern radiators, so you’ll want sturdy wall fixings.

Restoring cast iron radiators is a straightforward job. Strip back the old paint, treat any rust with a dedicated remover, apply a metal primer and finish with a heat resistant radiator paint. For ornate or antique cast iron radiators, it’s worth getting a professional restorer in to preserve the original detail.

Bleeding cast iron radiators is the same process as bleeding a standard radiator. Use a radiator key to turn the bleed valve slowly anticlockwise until air hisses out, then close it once water appears. It’s a good habit to bleed your radiators at the start of each heating season.

Cast iron radiators are worth different amounts depending on size, style and condition. Antique or reclaimed Victorian and Edwardian styles tend to fetch more, particularly ornate column designs in good original condition.

Painting cast iron radiators is straightforward with the right paint. You’ll need a heat resistant radiator paint that won’t crack or peel when the radiator gets hot. Lightly sand the surface, apply a metal primer and finish with your chosen colour. Let everything dry fully before you switch the heating back on.