Close-up of a warm yellow wall painted in 'Yellow Gold' and mid-grey radiator in 'Urbane Grey'.

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.

Two metal garden chairs painted in the grey-green shade 'Normandy Green', sitting on grass next to a small tree.

Update your metalwork with our beautiful, robust finishes

Our weather-resistant finishes provide excellent protection against the elements. With water-based eggshell, satin and gloss available, each of our metal paints provides a protective finish to your metalwork.

Close-up of a cast iron radiator painted in neutral beige (Stock - Dark), in front of a coordinating architrave and panel.

Choosing a water-based metal paint

We offer three water-based paint finishes for interior metalwork: Intelligent Eggshell, Satin and Gloss. 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 and Satin finishes provide sophisticated low sheen levels of 15-30%. 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 85%.

For exterior metalwork, you can also use Intelligent Exterior Eggshell which is durable and self-priming, with a subtle sheen of 15%.

Dining space painted in dark green 'Invisible Green' with bright pink ('Leather') chairs and a wooden table.

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.

Metal railings outside of a house painted in mid gray shade 'Lead Color' with flowers and plants behind.

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.

Outdoor balustrades in the grey-blue shade, 'Celestial Blue', with plants and flowers in the background and foreground.

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.

Landing decorated with Light Gold walls, grey radiator, an orange chair, a patterned rug, and a white side table and vase.

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

Trim: Scree

Chair: Heat

Window Frame: White Lead

Living space with grey neutral walls (Baluster) alongside a fireplace, armchair and a bright red coffee table.

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 & Crown Molding: Portland Stone – Pale

Walls & Radiator: Baluster

Hallway feauturing wallpaper with a scrolling foliage pattern (Tulip – Blue Black), and light grey stairs and balustrades.

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 Intelligent ASP (All Surface Primer), which provides extra protection and depth of colour.

Or for specific details about painting metal radiators, read our experts’ guide.