Painting your home feels great—until you reach those stubborn spots behind the toilet, around radiators, or under bulky appliances. These tight areas are often skipped, but with the right approach, you can refresh every inch of your space with a clean, polished look.
In this step-by-step guide, we’ll show you how to tackle these tricky zones safely, efficiently, and professionally.
🧼 Step 1: Prepare the Area
Before diving into paint, clear the space and protect the surroundings.
✔️ What to do:
- Move furniture and small appliances away (if possible).
- Use drop cloths or plastic sheets to protect floors.
- Turn off and let radiators cool completely.
- For toilets, consider removing the tank lid and shutting off the water valve if needed.
Tools needed:
- Screwdriver (if removing radiator covers)
- Cleaning cloths and mild detergent
- Painter’s tape
🪣 Step 2: Clean and Tape
Dirt, dust, and moisture build up behind fixtures over time. Clean them well to help paint adhere properly.
✔️ What to do:
- Wipe walls with a damp sponge and mild soap.
- Let dry completely.
- Use painter’s tape to cover edges of appliances, floors, or any surfaces you don’t want painted.
Pro tip:
Slide cardboard or plastic behind the toilet or radiator if you can’t move them—it creates a quick paint shield!
🖌️ Step 3: Choose the Right Tools
When working in tight spaces, your tools make a huge difference.
Recommended tools:
- Angled brush (for edges and precision)
- Mini roller (for behind tanks and radiators)
- Flexible paint pad (to slide behind objects)
- Small detailing brush (for tricky corners)
Paint tip: Use low-odor, quick-drying paint—especially in areas with limited airflow.
🎨 Step 4: Paint Behind Toilets
Painting behind a toilet requires some patience, but it’s doable with a few tricks.
✔️ What to do:
- Use an angled brush or paint pad to cut in behind the tank.
- Wrap a microfiber cloth around a flat tool (like a ruler or paint stick) for smooth strokes.
- If you can partially remove the toilet tank, painting will be easier and neater.
🔥 Step 5: Paint Around Radiators
You don’t need to remove the entire radiator—just work around it strategically.
✔️ What to do:
- Use a long-handled mini roller or radiator brush.
- Work slowly and don’t overload your brush to avoid drips.
- For radiator pipes or brackets, use a small detailing brush.
Pro tip: Radiator paint pads are specially designed to fit narrow gaps.
⚡ Step 6: Paint Behind Kitchen or Laundry Appliances
Large appliances like ovens, washers, or fridges can often be pulled out slightly—enough to paint behind them safely.
✔️ What to do:
- Unplug the appliance before moving it.
- Clean the area thoroughly.
- Use a mini roller or angled brush for fast, even coverage.
Safety tip: If the appliance is gas-powered, don’t disconnect anything unless you're trained—just paint what’s visible.
✅ Step 7: Let It Dry & Clean Up
After painting, let the area dry completely before repositioning anything.
✔️ Final checklist:
- Remove tape slowly to avoid peeling the paint.
- Wipe down any spills or marks on appliances.
- Reconnect or return fixtures to their places.
Final Thoughts: A Professional Finish from Wall to Wall
Painting behind fixtures may seem like a small detail—but it’s one that transforms a room from “good” to “flawless.” With the right tools, patience, and a little know-how, even the most awkward corners can look polished and intentional.