Modern Chrome Radiator Valve Angled Pair

Radiator accessories are the smaller items used to fit, finish and get more from a radiator. This category covers brackets and fixing kits, pipe clips, bleed vents and blanking plugs, heat-resistant radiator paint, reflective foil, long radiator brushes, and airers and towel hooks that hang over a radiator.

Brackets and fixings

Universal brackets suit many panel radiators, but check that the bracket matches the hanging points on your radiator. Choose fixings for the wall: solid masonry, hollow blocks and plasterboard each need a suitable type, and some fixings for plasterboard on dabs bridge the gap into the masonry behind. Clip-on pipe retainers steady and tidy the pipe runs to the valves.

Radiator paint

Radiator enamels are made to stay white on hot domestic radiators without yellowing. Check the tin before using one on an electric oil-filled radiator, as some are not suitable. Turn the heating off and let the radiator cool before painting, and make sure the surface is clean, dry and sound. Prime bare metal first, and leave the paint to dry for the time stated on the tin before turning the radiator back on. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and safety data.

Reflective foil

Foil panels fixed to the wall behind a radiator reflect heat back into the room. They make the most difference on uninsulated or poorly insulated external walls, and less on insulated walls. Cut the panel to size and fix it with adhesive pads; many can be slid into place without taking the radiator off.

For the radiators themselves, see radiators and panel radiators.