From Radiators to Railings: The Best Paint for Metal Surfaces
A simple way to add personality to your space is by introducing colour to metal surfaces, woodwork and trim. Metalwork is often painted black or white out of habit but can be easily updated with a bright shade for an instant refresh. Consider the finish and look you want to achieve before choosing the perfect finish for indoor and outdoor metalwork.
Update your metalwork with our beautiful, robust finishes
Our weather-resistant finishes provide excellent protection against the elements. From oil to water-based, eggshell to gloss, each of our metal paints provides a protective finish to your metalwork.
Choosing a water-based metal paint
We offer three self-priming water-based paint finishes: Intelligent Eggshell, Satin and Exterior Eggshell. Application is almost effortless and they require no chemical-heavy thinners or cleaning products.
These formulas are virtually free from VOCs, making them low-odour and easy to clean. They are an ideal choice for those looking for paint that is both child-safe and environmentally friendly.
Our Eggshell (10-15%) and Satin (30-35%) finishes provide sophisticated low sheen levels. Our Intelligent Gloss finish is a smart alternative for those who want to achieve a traditional finish with water-based paint. It can be used on both interior and exterior metal surfaces and has a polished high sheen of 87-90%.
Choosing an oil-based metal paint
Little Greene also offers oil-based options for painting metalwork, all of which have been reformulated using sustainable vegetable oils.
For those wanting to create a sleek finish, our Interior Oil Eggshell can be used on radiators and indoor metal furniture. Opt for a durable finish like Tom’s Oil Eggshell if you are painting outdoor metal surfaces, including railings.
Our Traditional Oil Gloss is a timeless choice. With a luxurious high sheen, it improves the longevity of your finish by adhering properly to metalwork.
Priming interior and exterior metalwork
For increased coverage and protection, apply one coat of our versatile Intelligent All Surface Primer to new and unpainted metal furniture. You can then apply two coats of your chosen topcoat.
If your metalwork has already been painted, there is no need to prime. We recommend simply rubbing down the surface with sandpaper to improve adhesion, before cleaning with sugar soap and rinsing with water.
Make sure to consult our Technical Data Sheets for full preparation, application and maintenance advice.
Refresh your outdoor space with our range of exterior metal paints
With a full range of exterior finishes available, you can use your most-loved Little Greene shades outside too. Rather than using monochromatic colours on railings and metal gates, opt for a subtle alternative.
Refined mid-greys such as Lead Colour or Serpentine look especially elegant when offset against a bolder shade on the front door. For something a little more colourful, try Celestial Blue.
Consider the brickwork or render of your home when choosing a complementary shade for metal railings and gates. Stone-based exteriors favour warm neutrals, whereas white render contrasts beautifully with deep, sumptuous hues like Basalt or Obsidian Green. To accompany red brickwork, you might consider an impactful complementary colour such as Harley Green.
Revitalise a set of metal chairs with a pop of one of our most playful shades. Colours like Trumpet and Orange Aurora will bring joy to your garden and complement floral arrangements for the summer months.
Find more exterior inspiration or discover our tips for painting a front door.
Enhance your interiors with our selection of paints for metalwork
Radiators are often overlooked when planning a scheme. Consider using a coordinating colour on your radiators for a harmonious finish. Here, walls in the delightful yellow, Light Gold, are teamed with a radiator painted in Urbane Grey.
Wall: Light Gold
Radiator: Urbane Grey
Architrave: Scree
Chair: Heat
Window Frame: White Lead
To create an all-over scheme, the tranquil stone hue, Baluster, is used alongside Portland Stone - Pale. The radiator and other features are painted the same colour as the walls, for a scheme with natural depth and a cocooning quality.
Ceiling & Cornicing: Portland Stone – Pale
Walls & Radiator: Baluster
Create a light and contemporary hallway by using one of our interior paints on a metal staircase. Our opulent Tulip wallpaper in the Blue Black colourway is contrasted with French Grey - Pale on the stairs and balustrades.
Wall: Tulip – Blue Black
Ceiling & Left Wall: French Grey – Pale
Stairs and Balustrades: French Grey – Pale
To find out more about our range of finishes and colours, explore our paint collections. You can also browse our paint primers and undercoats, which provide extra protection and depth of colour.
Or for specific details about painting metal radiators, read our experts’ guide.