How to paint the battery in the bathroom. Is it possible to paint hot batteries and what paint to choose. The use of alkyd paints

It is very difficult to find a person who has never held a brush in his hands. Therefore, many do not think about how to paint the battery, believing that there is nothing special in this process. In fact, without some attention, the radiator will become the same as before the repair: rusty, with peeling and swollen paint. That is why many are forced to update the appearance of heating elements almost every year, instead of learning how to paint the battery correctly. But then you can return to this task no more than once every five years or even a decade.

What batteries can and should be painted

Traditionally, any painted radiators, especially cast iron ones, need updating, as the paint on them begins to chip off over time, and rust appears in open places. It not only stains curtains, but also destroys equipment.

Painting heating radiators - Photo 1

Aluminum or factory enameled steel batteries of a new design are usually not painted, especially on the basis that you do not like the color or want to change it. Otherwise, their appearance will be spoiled, and the heat transfer from them will significantly decrease. Therefore, it is better to mask them with a suitable decorative screen.

Overview of paints for radiators

The most common options are enamel paints . They can be acrylic or alkyd. The first are created on organic solvents. They allow you to create a beautiful, glossy finish. The second ones are very durable, easy to clean, practically do not erase. Alkyd enamels also have a huge advantage - a wide range of colors. Their disadvantage is that they include white spirit, which has a pungent odor.

Traditional paints and varnishes containing harmful substances are gradually stepping aside. Although they are quite effective - they give a lasting color, are applied evenly and are stable. In addition, the cost of such materials is affordable.

However, they can be replaced with more environmentally friendly materials - the same water-soluble paints . They are absolutely safe, dry quickly, apply evenly and do not emit carcinogens. However, when buying, you should be careful - not all such products are suitable for use, since water causes metal corrosion. It is better to choose acrylic-based paints from it, while taking into account that radiators will still require careful surface preparation. The disadvantage of these materials is also that they are not resistant to abrasion and can stain the curtains.

Quick surface preparation

When choosing which paint to paint the batteries with, it should be borne in mind that their preparation will differ in each case. Also, a lot depends on what result you want to get in the end: refresh the surface or give the radiator the look of a new factory product.

Preparing the battery for painting - Photo 2

First you need to clean all surfaces from dust, dirt, cobwebs. If time is short and you want to complete the procedure faster, then it is enough to clean off the lagging paint with a spatula, sand the bumps and remove rust with sandpaper. Further, all the formed recesses should be treated with a primer that protects the metal from corrosion, and puttied. All these steps are made for painting with enamel.

To prepare the surface for acrylic paint, you need to completely cover the radiator with an adhesive primer, and let it dry. Otherwise, the metal will quickly begin to rust.

Careful surface preparation

In this case, the remaining paint is removed completely. It is done like this:

the radiator is heated with a gas burner;
then large pieces of paint are chipped off with a spatula;
the surface is carefully cleaned with sandpaper, or better: a drill with an iron brush nozzle.

After these procedures, the radiator is wiped with a damp cloth in order to degrease and get rid of dust. If you properly paint it after such a procedure, it will definitely look like new.

By the way, in order for it to work as if it had just been brought from the factory, an additional procedure should be performed. Namely: it is necessary to remove it, drain the water, heat it up strongly, let it cool, then disassemble and clean it from accumulated debris and rust inside. Then, carefully assemble it back, using rubber cut from ordinary tires as spacers.

Painting

Now consider, in fact, how to paint the battery. First of all, it is necessary to dilute the paint to a state of 1% kefir. That is, very liquid, but not watery, but so that it stretches with a brush no less than 30-40 cm at a time. Next, you need to carefully apply the first layer, starting from the inside of the battery.

After that, you need to wait a day or in some cases 7-8 hours, depending on the quality of the product. Then you need to paint the radiator again in the same way. By the way, the second layer of acrylic paint (if you use it) can be applied immediately, without waiting for drying.

Is it possible to paint hot batteries

Many professionals do not recommend painting radiators at the height of the heating season. However, using high temperature resistant alkyd enamel or spray guns, it is quite possible to paint hot batteries. Only you need to do this carefully, carefully and quickly, so as not to get burned and so that the paint lies evenly. The latter is quite difficult to do, since on a hot surface from 50 ° C it dries almost instantly.

Heating radiator painting option - Photo 3

If you doubt that you can quickly and accurately perform the procedure, it is better to wait until the end of the heating season. Or, if time is running out, do not immediately paint hot batteries, but first screw in the supply of heated water to them. Moreover, if this cannot be done on your own, you can contact the Housing Office.

In order not to stain the flooring, skirting boards and wallpaper on the walls during work, it is necessary to carefully isolate the areas with a film, which it is desirable to attach pointwise with stationery tape so that it does not move. Newspapers are worse in this regard - they tear in the process when paint gets on them.

Battery painting - Photo 4

If there is a need to paint over the battery more carefully, then it is better to remove it, since otherwise it will not work. If it is not possible to do this, then you need to start painting from the inside, where access is difficult, so the likelihood of getting dirty is reduced.

If you have never used paint, keep in mind that at first you will do it very slowly, it will be uncomfortable for you, everything will interfere. That is the nature of this case. Therefore, beginners should not paint hot batteries, since with a 90% probability the result will not be very good: stains, streaks may remain, the enamel will lie unevenly.

The choice of paint for the battery depends on the conditions in which the work will take place, as well as the financial capabilities of the landlord. Retail trade offers an unlimited selection of different coloring compositions, differing in the type of coloring matter, cost and consumer properties.

For painting metal products operating at elevated temperatures, the industry offers three main types of paint:

acrylic enamels on a water-dispersion basis;
traditional acrylic enamels;
alkyd paints.

When choosing a specific material, it is necessary to take into account the features of the operating conditions of the battery, namely, the maximum temperature regime during the heating season. The temperature of the coolant in the city network can reach 90 ° C, so the paintwork of the radiator must withstand such loads and at the same time retain its appearance.

When studying the technical indicators of paint, one should pay attention to the degree of wear resistance of a particular material and the uniformity of the structure. The presence of clots, lumps and foreign objects in the paint indicates an expired shelf life or a violation of production technology. It will not be possible to achieve an acceptable result with such a material; a smooth and uniform film on the surface cannot be achieved.

In addition to these parameters, it is desirable to choose a paint with increased anti-corrosion protection and a quick drying time. The issue of choosing paint is considered in more detail.

What color is better to paint and why

The color of the battery does not affect the quality of heat transfer to the room, and therefore it is unnecessary to stick to the traditional white color for a radiator.

What color to paint the cast-iron battery depends on the overall color scheme of the hall or kitchen. For a nursery, it can be multi-colored, bright and even funny colors, in the living room, the color of the radiator can be matched to the color of upholstered furniture, or, conversely, this element can be highlighted in contrast to the general tone of the wallpaper and flooring.

You can endlessly think of how to beautifully paint a radiator, how to get a bright, designer thing out of an ordinary object. For antique cast-iron sectional batteries, an accordion-shaped picture suggests itself, and for modern bimetallic and aluminum radiators, it is fashionable to use ombre coloring technology, when the dominant color is smoothly decomposed into semitones horizontally.

When planning a picture for a battery, you should consider how this element will be noticeable in the overall picture of the room. If the radiator is constantly hidden by curtains or furniture, you should not expend effort and invite expensive specialists to draw the original picture, in this case a plain coating in the general style of the room is enough.

Calculation of the required amount of paint

Manufacturers of paint and varnish products always indicate on the packaging the paint consumption per 1 m 2, and therefore, knowing the total area of the surface to be painted, it is always possible to determine how much material is needed to apply one coating layer.

For new devices, this information is usually indicated in the product passport, and for older radiators and riser pipes, the painting area will have to be calculated independently.

To determine the area of \u200b\u200bthe pipe, you need to remember the formula for the circumference, which is equal to 2PR or P number (3.14) multiplied by pipe diameter. The resulting circumference should be multiplied by the length of the riser, which will give the desired result - pipe surface area.

When determining the area of steel, bimetallic and aluminum rectangular batteries, there will be no difficulties - just multiply the width and height of the element, but to find the area of \u200b\u200ba sectional cast-iron radiator, you will first have to calculate the area of one section, adding the areas of individual elements, and then multiply the result by the number of sections .

To obtain the required amount of paint, you need to find the total area that is planned to be painted, multiplied by the consumption rate indicated by the manufacturer on the can. If you plan to apply more than one layer, the result should be multiplied by the number of layers.

Preparing for painting

Surface preparation before painting may be required not only for a used battery, but also for a new radiator that has scuffs or scratches. The main condition for high-quality painting is a thorough cleaning of the device from the previous paintwork and dirt.

You can clean the coating from the metal in the following ways:

mechanical when you have to remove the paint with a drill with special nozzles, a spatula, a sandpaper and a brush with a metal bristle;
chemical when solvents are used to soften the old paint layer;
thermal, using a building hair dryer, the coating is heated, after which it is easily removed with a spatula.

Before proceeding with the removal of the old coating, it is necessary to thoroughly rinse the heater, as dirt and fats interfere with effective cleaning of the surface. The treated surface is degreased and necessarily primed. The primer improves the adhesion of the coating and the metal, and also helps to remove small pores, leveling the area to be painted. The issue of preparing batteries for staining is presented in more detail.

Necessary materials and tools

Painting heating radiators begins with the preparation of the material and a suitable tool. Initially, care should be taken to purchase the appropriate type of paint work, as well as related materials. Would need:

paint in a can or in an aerosol can;
primer for metal;
solvent suitable for the type of paint.

To carry out the preparatory and basic work, you will need the following tools:

straight brushes, 50 and 100 mm wide;
brushes with a curved handle, 20 and 40 mm wide;
roller, 100 mm wide with a fine pile;
scraper and sandpaper to remove the old coating;
cardboard or polyethylene film to protect the floor and walls during painting work.

respirator;
protective glasses;
gloves.

Instructions for painting heating radiators

Before you paint the heating battery with your own hands, it is advisable to study the correct sequence of actions.

To independently paint the radiators in the apartment, you need to adhere to the following algorithm:

Surfaces are painted from top to bottom.
Before applying a new coating, the surface of the radiator should be treated with a primer and allowed to dry.
Work begins with painting the back of the battery.
At the next stage, using a brush with a curved handle, paint over the internal fins of the radiator.
The outer parts are painted last.
Staining is carried out twice, the final layer is applied no earlier than the first layer is completely dry.

Before applying the last layer, it is necessary to inspect the painted surface. If smudges or roughness are found, they are cleaned with fine sandpaper.

The nuances of painting cast iron, aluminum and bimetallic radiators

Of particular difficulty for novice finishers is the process of painting old cast-iron radiators in the house. Before you paint a cast-iron radiator at home, you should prepare several brushes with curved handles, as well as several ordinary brushes of flutes of different widths.

The sections are painted in turn from top to bottom, starting from the internal connecting ribs.

When a decision is made to renew the paint coating of aluminum or bimetallic radiators, it should be borne in mind that the manufacturer withdraws warranty obligations if the consumer changes the appearance of the device on his own.

It will be very difficult to get high-quality coverage at home. The manufacturer paints aluminum radiators in special workshops with powder paint, obtaining a smooth and even surface.

Most often, automotive tools are used to mask defects on radiators of this type: metal putty and car enamel. Full painting is also best done using aerosol cans.

Is it possible to paint batteries during the heating season

An important factor in high-quality painting is the surface temperature of the heating device. It is not recommended to start painting radiators connected to the heating system, since the paint applied to a metal surface heated to a temperature of over 60 ° C dries quickly, without providing the required density, and uneven staining is also possible.

In winter, it is not always possible to properly ventilate the apartment. At the same time, paint applied to hot metal emits a strong smell, which is difficult to get rid of for a long time. Therefore, it is best to start the process of painting batteries in the summer, when it is possible to organize natural ventilation, and the surface of the radiators has room temperature.

How to paint a heating radiator in winter, during the heating season? In this case, it is necessary to choose the right coloring composition. It is recommended to use odorless alkyd materials, or special types of water-based paints.

Aerosol paints are more evenly distributed over a hot surface, while the painting process is much faster than when working with a brush. Upon completion of work, the room should be ventilated, but a sharp drop in temperature in the room should not be allowed.

The issue of coloring in the winter heating period is considered in more detail in.

Very many owners of houses or apartments are not at all in a hurry to replace old-style cast-iron batteries that function normally with new models. Despite their venerable age, these radiators are able to serve faithfully for more than one decade. True, it is necessary to periodically put them in order. Over time, they lose their aesthetic appearance, cracks form on the paint coating layer, and paint peels off. And in these places traces can appear, maybe not dangerous for cast iron, but very spoiling the overall picture of corrosion. So it's time for another coloring.

Other types also require updates of the protective and decorative coating, especially since for steel batteries or convectors, foci of corrosion that have appeared can generally become fatal. Yes, and aluminum or bimetallic heaters, too, over time, sometimes you have to “refresh” or even repaint in a different color, in accordance with the intended decoration of the room.

In this publication, just let's see how to paint the heating battery yourself? The main nuances regarding the preparation for this procedure, the choice of paint and its practical application will be considered. And this information must be known even before the planning stage of such work.

Paint for heating radiators

Battery Paint Selection Criteria

Paint for heating radiators is not suitable for any. It's all about those special operating conditions that are characteristic of these heaters.

Therefore, when choosing a composition, it is necessary to dwell on one of the options made specifically for application to heating radiators. If the manufacturer has not specified the purpose of the paint, then you should pay attention to such a characteristic as heat resistance.

So, when purchasing paint, you need to study its following parameters:

Resistance to elevated temperatures. The paint layer applied to the metal surface must be able to withstand heating up to 80÷90 degrees, without losing its protective and decorative qualities and without emitting odors.
High adhesion. This quality will help create a reliable adhesion of the paint to the surface of the battery - the coating will not peel off under the influence of temperature changes.
Anti-corrosion protection. The composition of the paint should include components that can protect the metal from external aggressive influences. This is especially true for steel and cast iron radiators.
Color fastness to fading or yellowing. This is a very important quality of the paint, and if it is not taken into account, then it is possible that soon the coloring will have to be done again.
The resistance of the decorative coating to abrasion. When the radiator comes into contact with various hard objects (for example, when rearranging furniture or during children's games), as well as items of clothing that are often dried on batteries, the paint layer should not be covered with small scratches, become thinner and begin to “shine through”.
Environmental Safety. The composition of the paint should not include components that, when heated, can emit toxic fumes that can harm the health of residents of a house or apartment. The coating in any mode of battery operation should not create any odors.

The selected paint of good quality must meet all of the above criteria in combination. However, for some of the characteristics, such as adhesion, to really "work", the surface of the radiator must be properly prepared. If you miss this important stage of staining, then the coating may not last long, and the whole process will have to be done again, already taking into account the mistakes made.

What paints can be used for radiators

If earlier oil paints were mainly used for painting batteries, and at best enamel options (simply due to the scarcity of the assortment on sale), today the choice of compositions is so wide that it is worth sorting out their characteristics and identifying the best one.

Oil paint

Despite the availability of other types of paints in specialized stores, some homeowners prefer to purchase organic oil-based compounds that have been proven over the years for coloring batteries. This line of paints belongs to inexpensive options, which is probably why they do not lose their popularity.

Characteristic features of oil formulations:

They are distinguished by excellent hiding power and create a layer on the metal surface with high density and strength.
The paint is resistant to high temperatures.
After drying, the compositions do not emit toxic fumes.
Demonstrates good resistance of the coating to mechanical stress and abrasion.

Oil-based formulations also have their rather numerous disadvantages. Therefore, many homeowners have long abandoned them:

When stained, the compositions emit a specific tart smell that does not disappear from the premises for a long time.
The paint dries for a very long time, leaving unaesthetic smudges, especially on vertical surfaces.
The composition has a rather thick consistency and poor spreadability, so it is not easy to apply an even layer.

Over time, the layer of oil paint acquires an unrespectable appearance, turning from white to a dirty yellow or cream color.

White oil coatings are prone to yellowing, which means that the decorative effect of such a coating in a couple of seasons will be very doubtful.
The material does not have high anti-corrosion qualities, therefore rust is often formed under its layer, appearing outward in dots.

Despite the fact that oil paints have an affordable cost, today they are chosen by literally single consumers - all because of the shortcomings mentioned above. In addition, they are significantly inferior in their characteristics to analogues made on other bases.

Conclusion - it is better not to get involved, despite the affordable price.

Alkyd enamels

This type of painting composition contains pigments and additives mixed in pentaphthalic or glyphthalic varnish. Alkyd paints have a number of advantages that make them a fairly popular material:

Alkyd enamel, specially designed for painting batteries, which is reflected on the label

The alkyd composition creates a uniform smooth coating on the surface of the radiators, giving them an aesthetic appearance.
The paint does not turn yellow and does not fade, and also has high adhesion abilities.
The coating is able to reliably protect the metal from external aggressive influences.
Alkyd paints are highly wear resistant.
The ability to withstand high temperatures makes such a decorative coating durable.
The wide range of shades offered for sale allows you to choose the paint that best suits your intended finish.
The advantage is the affordable cost of such coatings.

Alkyd enamels are divided into several types, depending on the basis on which they are produced. Each of the options has both its pros and cons.

Enamel, made on the basis of solvents (white spirit), creates an aesthetic glossy layer on the surface. However, when applied, the composition emits a sharp pungent odor. Despite this, the material remains in demand due to its affordable cost and relatively quick drying.
Silicone-based enamel creates a matte layer on the surface of the batteries. The paint is heat-resistant and can withstand heating up to 600 degrees without damage (which is impossible in principle on heating radiators). Such compositions are offered both in the form of a suspension, packaged in jars, and in the form of an aerosol.

If you intend to purchase an odorless paint, then the solvent-based option should be rejected immediately. White spirit, which is part of the paint, gives it a sharp unpleasant odor that persists for a long time even after staining. In addition, if the batteries are very hot, the smell may also appear even after a while.

Prices for Enamel "Krafor" for radiators

Krafor enamel for radiators

Acrylic enamels

Heat-resistant acrylic enamels are quite popular with consumers, as they have a large number of advantages, which include the following characteristics:

Acrylic enamels can create a matte, semi-gloss or glossy finish on the surface.

Acrylic enamel creates a smooth and even coating on a metal surface. In the process of drying the composition, polymerization of its components occurs, as a result of which the applied layer visually resembles plastic.
Acrylic heat-resistant paints do not emit a sharp unpleasant odor both during their application and during the operation of heating devices.
This type of paint composition dries quickly - their setting period is from 10 to 90 minutes, depending on the components and production technology. Complete drying of the layer occurs approximately 5 hours after its application.
Acrylic enamels are of medium density, it is convenient to apply them on vertical surfaces, as they linger on them well, do not spread and do not create smudges.
A large selection of acrylic paints from different manufacturers allows you to choose the most suitable option for the buyer, both in terms of cost, composition and shade.

Despite a considerable number of advantages, acrylic enamels also have their drawbacks, which include the low resistance of the coating to mechanical stress.

Having opted for acrylic compositions, when purchasing them, special attention should be paid to such characteristics as the temperature range of operation, as well as the specific purpose of the paint.

To obtain the proper staining effect, the enamel is applied to the prepared surface in two layers. In addition, after applying both the first and second layers, it is necessary to ensure that the surface is protected from moisture during the period of their drying.

Popular compositions can be distinguished from acrylic enamels - these are VD-AK-1179 and Termakryll.

Enamel "VD-AK-1179" is applied to a well-primed surface of the battery. The first coat of paint dries for about two hours, after which the second coat can be applied. Complete drying of the composition occurs a day after applying the second layer.

Universal acrylic enamel "VGT VD-AK-1179" is fully suitable for painting heating radiators

"Termakrill" paint brand "Alp Enamel" differs from its counterparts in its anti-corrosion additives. This type of enamel is designed to be applied not only to cast iron radiators, but also to batteries made of stainless steel, aluminum, titanium alloys and low carbon steel. The paint has a specific smell, but it quickly disappears. The setting of the applied composition occurs within 30 minutes, and complete drying occurs two days after the application of the second layer of enamel.

Dispersion acrylic paint

This type of acrylic paint is different in that it can be used during the heating period, that is, when the batteries are heated to high temperatures. Dispersion-acrylic compositions are practically odorless, easily applied in a uniform layer and dry quickly.

The paint has high decorative and operational characteristics, does not change color during operation and does not crack under the influence of high temperatures. Able to create matte or glossy surfaces - they pay attention to this in the store when choosing.

One of the popular compositions of this type is Dulux Master Lux Aqua 40 radiator paint.

Paint "Master Lux Aqua 40" from the company "Dulux" is especially popular among consumers. When applying it, some features should be taken into account. So, for the first layer, the paint is diluted with water in a ratio of 1:10 - this is a kind of primer that prepares the surface for the next coloring layers. And they are already applied with undiluted paint.

You can name a few more compositions that, according to consumer reviews, have managed to prove themselves from the best side - these are Aqua-Heizkorperlack of the Dufa company, Element of the Eskaro brand, as well as Tiora, Thermo and Dufa Retail". All these paints have no unpleasant odors, dry quickly and create very durable and neat coatings.

silicone paints

These types of paints are made on the basis of silicone mixed with aqueous or organic solvents.

The features of silicone compounds include the following qualities:

Resistant to high temperatures. The silicone coating is able to withstand any temperature regimes of heating systems without losing the integrity of the layer and its aesthetics.
Convenience and ease of application. If this coating option is chosen, then it does not even require additional preparation of the metal surfaces of the radiators.
Long service life. Silicone is resistant to mechanical influences, including abrasion. Surfaces are easy to clean up. Including - with the use of detergents.
He is not afraid of ultraviolet radiation at all - the surfaces will not fade. No wonder silicone paints are widely used to decorate the facades of buildings.

The only drawback of silicone formulations is their high cost. But, given the duration of operation without loss of external data, the fact that you do not have to spend time and money on painting batteries every two to three years, the price looks quite justified.

Other paint options for radiators

In addition to the types of paints listed above, suitable or specially designed for coloring batteries, other coatings made on other bases can also be used. Or modifications of the already mentioned formulations with additional ingredients.

From the variety of colors for radiators, you can choose the one that suits both the characteristics and the price.

Paints based on silicate resins . This type of paint forms an elastic and dense layer on the surfaces, resistant to temperature extremes. The compositions are distinguished by excellent adhesive abilities and do not require additional surface preparation. The disadvantages of this material include an unpleasant pungent odor during the period of paint application and until it dries completely.

One of the variants of textures created by hammer paint

Hammer paints - this is a kind of alkyd compositions, but they do not create a traditionally smooth coating, but interesting textured patterns of small cracks or a surface with a chasing effect. This option is the best suited for older models of cast iron batteries. The texture they create will perfectly hide the roughness that is always present on these models of radiators.

Some homeowners prefer to cover batteries with paint - silver , which consists of aluminum powder and varnish or drying oil. This composition perfectly withstands high temperatures, and it can be applied both to the prepared substrate and to the old paint. It is necessary to immediately warn that the composition has a persistent pungent odor, therefore, after staining, the room must be immediately well ventilated. And on the issue of the decorativeness of this approach - let everyone decide for himself how appropriate such a finish is, say, in a residential area.

Preparing batteries for painting

The process of preparing radiators for painting is a very important stage of work, as it is necessary to perform several tasks:

One of the tasks is to increase the adhesive ability of materials, as well as protect the metal from corrosion.
If the batteries are old, covered with several layers of paint, cleaning them is necessary to increase heat transfer.

It is recommended that all work on surface preparation and painting be carried out at the end of the heating season. An exception may be the use of paints and primers designed for applying them to hot surfaces.

So, the preparation of radiators for painting consists of several operations:

Cleaning surfaces from dust and greasy deposits. Dust accumulated inside the sections is removed using a vacuum cleaner with a crevice nozzle or a narrow brush. You can also apply a wet cleaning method using water with detergents. If fatty contamination has formed on the battery, which often happens in kitchen conditions, then they can be removed with dishwashing detergent. If necessary, a damp cloth is applied to heavily soiled places, under which greasy stains soften and it will be easier to clean them off.

Removing rust and old paint . Next, new batteries must be cleaned of rust deposits, and old ones from numerous layers of paint. There are two cleaning methods - mechanical and chemical.

— Mechanical way more laborious and will take quite a lot of time. It is carried out using a metal brush fixed on a grinder or in an electric drill chuck. However, this method is only suitable for . Modern batteries made of thin sheet steel or non-ferrous metals can be seriously damaged by a hard wire brush. In any case, you should work at low speeds. The paint from the surface of the batteries must be completely removed.

— Another cleaning method is to use chemical compositions, with which paint or rust is washed off surfaces. The compositions are produced in the form of a solution, paste, gel or aerosol.

Remover for removing paint from wood and metal surfaces

Each of the options for chemical compositions is used in different ways - on the packaging, the manufacturer gives instructions for their use, which must be strictly followed. For example, pasty substances are applied to surfaces with a natural bristle brush, after which the battery is covered with plastic wrap for a period specified by the manufacturer. The exposure time can vary from twenty minutes to several hours. The paint should soften, after which it is cleaned from wide surfaces with a spatula, and its residues mechanically using a metal brush.

Aerosol washes are convenient to use, since when sprayed they penetrate into the most inaccessible places of the radiator sections. The principle of operation of these compositions is comparable to any type of washes - the paint softens, then it is removed with a spatula and a brush.

However, it should be warned that the chemical compositions are not harmless. They have a strong pungent smell, so the room where they are used must be well ventilated. In addition, it is necessary to protect the respiratory tract with a respirator, and hands with protective gloves. When choosing this cleaning method, it is necessary to purchase compounds that indicate that they are safe when applied to metal.

Priming of radiators . The next step is to apply primer to the cleaned surfaces. This treatment is designed to prevent the occurrence of corrosion centers, as well as to create optimal conditions for the adhesion of paint materials. The composition selected for priming must be designed for metal surfaces and be compatible with the paint that will be used to paint the radiators.

If domestic paint is purchased, then GF-021 primer is well suited for it. When using paint compositions of foreign manufacturers, you can apply the primer "Sigma" or "Dulux".

The final stage of painting proceeds after the complete drying of the primer layer.

Coloring radiators

When starting to stain, it is recommended to adhere to the following rule - apply paint in thin layers. If you try to paint radiators in one thick layer, you will hardly be able to get a neat, smooth surface. A large amount of paint, once applied to the vertical surfaces of the batteries, form unaesthetic smudges and bumps. Therefore, the best option is to paint the appliances in two thin layers: the first will create a base and cover the natural color of the metal or primer, and the second will finally even out the finish and give the radiators an aesthetic appearance.

Cast iron radiators

These are perhaps the most inconvenient batteries for coloring - due to the complex shape, pronounced ribbing and visible internal cavities.

To paint cast-iron radiators, you will need several brushes of different widths, and most importantly - fixed on handles of various configurations.

In order to get to hard-to-reach places inside the sections, you will definitely need a brush with a curved long handle, which will greatly simplify the staining process.

The first step is to paint the upper areas inside the batteries, then the lower ones. Next - go to the outer, front surfaces.

Painting the facade surfaces, after it is finished with the internal areas, will seem like a real rest

The outer surfaces of the radiator also begin to be painted from above, gradually dropping down. This technology is explained by the fact that in the event of a careless blunder or smudge, it can be immediately picked up with a brush, that is, the defect can be corrected.

The first coat should be thin, but cover all surfaces of the radiator without leaving unpainted areas.

The second staining is carried out only after the complete drying of the first layer. The setting and drying time of the paint is indicated by the manufacturer on its packaging.

If, after drying the first layer, smudges or irregularities are found, then before the second painting, the surface should be treated with fine-grained sandpaper.

Since it is cast iron radiators that, as a rule, most often require regular painting, an online calculator is available below to help the home master, which allows you to calculate in advance the required amount of paint. The necessary explanations for the calculations are also attached.

How to paint a heating battery? - For those who have old cast-iron "harmonicas", this question worries literally every 2-3 years. Sometimes people think about this, who, during the current repair, suddenly discover that the color scheme of the radiator does not fit into the color concept of the room at all. Every year, on the shelves of construction stores, the range of paint and varnish products increases and it becomes more and more difficult to make the right choice. In this article you will find all the necessary information about what paint to paint radiators on old paint, how to do it, and whether this decision is always the right one.

Which batteries can be painted and which should not?

Before considering a variety of colors, let's talk about whether all types of radiators are recommended to be painted. So, first, decide on the type of your heating battery, because it depends on whether it can be painted, or is it better to abandon this idea:

It is undesirable to paint modern aluminum and bimetallic batteries. Initially, they are painted at the factory with resistant powder paint, which, thanks to the peculiarities of the technology, lays down perfectly evenly. If you decide that the original color of the radiator (usually white) does not match the interior of the room, and you want to repaint it, then you are unlikely to be able to achieve the same perfectly even coverage. Even if you dismantle the battery and cover it with paint in a horizontal position. In addition, an additional layer of paint will reduce heat transfer, which is a significant disadvantage for regions with severe winters.
It is undesirable to paint plate radiators, especially those with a large surface area. They are installed in houses where a network with increased internal pressure passes. They have low convection but high heat transfer. As for our question, due to its design, it is difficult to paint a heating radiator of this type with high quality, especially with a brush. If it is really necessary, then you will have to take it off, clean it thoroughly (which is very difficult) and paint it in a horizontal position with an airbrush or spray car paint. But even so, you may not achieve a perfect application. Missing areas may remain in hard-to-reach places, because the elements of the plate radiator are too close to each other.

Convectors, tubes with fins (especially with frequent aluminum fins) are not painted, because painting can adversely affect their heat transfer. The design of the convector, in addition to the heat source, includes a removable casing. It can be painted to enhance the overall look.
It is recommended to paint cast iron batteries. This is not difficult to do, the colors are different and they do not affect heat transfer. The choice of color is huge.
Painting of steel panel radiators is possible. But there is a nuance here - evenly covering the surface of the battery with a brush will not work. You will have to use automotive paint in a spray can, and it is advisable to paint in a horizontal position.

Important! In order to bring the battery as close as possible to the desired color and color scheme of the room, it is recommended to use decorative panels. They are sold in hardware stores and online stores. They can be made from wood, metal, plywood, plastic and even glass. These screens come in different shapes, colors and sizes. Figured carving, patterns, photo printing and more can be applied to them. So the choice is great, and you can pick them up for any, even the most sophisticated interior.

What tools and materials will be needed?

To paint a heating battery, you will need the following tools:

For painting a cast-iron radiator - straight and curved soft brushes, no more than 5 cm wide.
For painting a panel radiator - a foam roller of small width.
Paint in cans or spray.
Paint bath (if the paint is not aerosol).
Special paint remover (if you decide to get rid of old paint by chemical means) and a metal spatula.
Drill with a nozzle in the form of a metal brush for stripping the battery from paint residues.
Solvent.
Gloves, goggles, respirator or gauze bandage, protective clothing.
Newspapers, oilcloth, cardboard, masking tape to protect surfaces.
Rags.

What paints are suitable for painting a radiator?

During the repair process, we think about how to paint the heating battery without smell, without streaks and streaks, so that the paint dries quickly and the beautiful appearance of the device is preserved for a long time. At the moment, there is no such ideal paint yet. However, there are several options for obtaining the optimal result.

For painting the radiator may be suitable:

water-dispersion and water-based paints;
alkyd enamel and auto enamel;
acrylic paint;
oil;
silicone-aluminum paint;
silver.

Let's consider each option in more detail.

Oil paint

Regarding this type of paint, we will immediately make a reservation that theoretically, of course, it is suitable. But in practice, it is almost never used for painting batteries:

Its biggest disadvantage is that it dries for a very long time. This process can take up to a month, you see, it is not very convenient.
In addition, oil paint has a rather unpleasant odor.
It is difficult to paint the surface evenly, without streaks and sagging.

Important! In view of such significant shortcomings, it is recommended to choose another option for these purposes.

Water-dispersion and water-based paints

Water-dispersion paint is made on the basis of polymers and water dispersion. Its main features:

It is moisture resistant and can be washed.
Diluted with water.
Mainly available in white.

The water emulsion is made on a water basis, and it:

It can have many colors and shades.
Not so resistant to abrasion, can be slowly washed off when in contact with water.
Diluted with solvents (eg white spirit).

Important advantages of this type of paints are:

their environmental friendliness and safety;
absence of chemical odors during application;
ease and simplicity of painting;
the possibility of tinting;
a wide range of application tools and affordable cost.

Important! The only negative is that the surface must be primed before painting, otherwise the water in the composition will cause rust.

Alkyd enamel and auto enamel

Alkyd enamel is one of the best options for painting a radiator. It behaves well at high temperatures (withstands up to 100 degrees), with temperature extremes, is resistant to abrasion and has many colors.

Regarding its capabilities:

This type of paint is sold everywhere and is relatively inexpensive. This is the familiar PF-115 and its imported counterparts (manufactured by ACE, Dulux, Sigma Coatings and others).
A significant disadvantage is the persistent chemical smell, which disappears for a long time after applying this paint to the battery.
In addition, poor-quality enamel may turn yellow over time.

Auto enamel also has a persistent unpleasant odor, so the room will then have to be ventilated for a long time. There are other nuances of application if you need to paint the heating battery:

Applying paint from a can is quick and easy, but this, of course, requires skill so that the paint layer lays down evenly.
With this application, unpainted areas may remain, and it is also necessary to carefully cover all surfaces surrounding the radiator from splashes.
Auto-enamel has a glossy sheen, it will give out and emphasize all surface irregularities.

Acrylic paint:

Acrylic paint is also water based.
It practically does not smell and has an affordable price.
The basic base is white, but if this color does not suit you, you can tint it in any other shade.
The temperature limit of acrylic paint is +80 degrees - this is quite enough for average radiators.
She dries quickly. It takes less than a day to apply 2 coats and it's all dry.
It does not turn yellow over time, but also requires preliminary priming in order to avoid the appearance of rust.
After drying, acrylic paint forms a polymer coating that is resistant to washing.

Silicon aluminum paint:

Perfectly lays down on any surfaces, forming a dense layer which narrows and expands together with metal.
It withstands temperatures up to 500 degrees, does not require pre-priming, is easy to clean by any means and does not lose its visual appeal for a very long time.

Important! This paint is one of the most expensive. Another disadvantage is the corrosive smell, which disappears for a long time.

Serebryanka

Known since Soviet times. On the shelves of hardware stores are its modern counterparts. For example, heat-resistant paint BT-177.

How is it different:

It consists of varnish mixed with aluminum powder.
Silverfish is inexpensive, but also has an unpleasant odor.

Color selection:

If you just want to update the look of the radiator without significant expenses, then paint it white. White and silver are classics of the genre.
If you want the batteries to be inconspicuous and fit into the decor, you can paint them to match the walls.
In a child's room, the radiator can be made part of a cheerful interior - cover it with bright paint or even make the sections multi-colored. You can apply patterns to the batteries with a brush by hand or using a stencil. It is possible to decorate the radiator with decoupage.

How to paint a heating radiator?

What paint to paint the radiators - you already know, now let's get down to the process itself. It can be divided into two stages:

preparation (cleaning of old paint);
applying paint.

cleaning

Ideally, for high-quality cleaning, the radiator must be disconnected and the remaining water drained, since it will be difficult to get from the back side. We will miss how to wash the battery from dust and dirt, everyone will cope with this without additional advice. But there are several ways to clean up old paint.

Method number 1

The simplest and easiest method is to use a special wash. This chemical is sold in all hardware stores. But it is suitable for processing only cast-iron radiators, since cast iron is inert to this substance.

Procedure:

Method number 2

The second cleaning method is carried out using a building hair dryer or a gas burner.

Important! This method is not suitable for cast iron, as the process will take a long time and will be ineffective.

Procedure:

The essence of the method is to heat the paint layer to high temperatures with the device, and then scrape it off with a spatula or a stiff brush, without waiting for it to cool.
It is desirable to carry out such work in the open air, therefore, of course, the battery must first be removed. If this is not possible, protect the surrounding surfaces with plywood and open the windows.

Important! This method can damage the gaskets in the radiator, so be prepared for the fact that they will have to be replaced with new ones.

Method number 3

Another thermal method is processing the battery with a fire. The old “old-fashioned” method is laborious, but it allows you to clean the battery not only from the outside, but also from the inside.

Procedure:

Remove the radiator, unscrew all plugs and other parts.
Disassemble the battery into sections using a radiator key (the sections are connected by nipples with opposite threads).

Important! If this did not work out immediately, then you can do it after firing.

Build a good fire in the yard and put a radiator in it. Maintain the fire for about an hour, longer if possible.
After removing the battery from the fire, clean it with a metal brush, this process will be easy and fast.
After that, tap each section with a mallet to shake out all the rust accumulated over the years from the internal channels.
Now it remains to reassemble everything using new rubber gaskets.

Important! Gaskets can be cut out of an unnecessary car inner tube.

Wipe the radiator from dirt and degrease.

Method number 4

You can also use the mechanical method:

Put on a drill (grinder) nozzle - a metal brush or an emery wheel.
Treat the surface of the radiator.

Important! The disadvantage of this method is that it is difficult to reach many places with a tool, so the work will have to be finished manually, using a stiff brush and sandpaper.

As in the previous methods, the surface should then be cleaned of debris and degreased.

Painting

When asked whether heating radiators can be painted hot, experts answer in the negative, because most paints will not fit well on a hot battery. Painting is best done outside the heating season. If there is no way out already, then paint quickly, without picking up a lot of paint on the brush and then it, shading it with a thin layer. Or shut off the supply of boiling water to the radiator and wait for it to cool, then paint.

Important! During the dyeing process, remember to protect your eyes, hands, and respiratory organs from paint splashes and toxic odors.

After cleaning and degreasing, we proceed to the most important thing - painting. The procedure will depend on the type of dye chosen.

Acrylic and water emulsion

If your choice fell on acrylic or water-based paint, the radiator should be primed with an anti-corrosion compound, otherwise rust will appear over time.

Important! On sale there are paints in which the primer has already been added.

can paint

If you paint the battery with spray paint, then the technology is as follows:

Start in hard to reach places, and then move on to the front.
Move from top to bottom in zigzag movements, not stopping in one place, otherwise the layer will lie unevenly.
It is recommended to cover the surface with two layers, so after the first has dried, proceed to the second.

Important! You can take the radiator to the service station for painting, where specialists will do it professionally.

With the help of a spray gun

Painting with an airbrush takes place in the same way as in the case of spray paint.

Important! To reach all areas, it is better to paint the battery in the removed form.

Liquid solutions

If you paint with paints in liquid form, then protect the surrounding surfaces with oilcloth, as well as newspapers:

Pour the paint into the paint bath and with a curved brush, first coat all interior and hard-to-reach surfaces.
After that, with a straight brush, begin to process the front part, moving from top to bottom.

Important! Take a little paint on the brush, the layer should be thin, otherwise streaks will form.

After the first layer has dried, cover with the second. Two layers are usually sufficient.

Important! Acrylic paint and water-based paint dry quickly and without much odor, you can handle it without problems in a few hours. But alkyd enamel will dry out for more than a day and emit an unpleasant odor for a long time, so we recommend painting the radiator in the summer, when it is possible to open windows for a long time.

footage

That's all the wisdom regarding the choice of paint for the heater and the process of applying the coloring matter. Using the useful information from the article, you can do everything correctly and with minimal losses. You can be sure that by successfully updating the old battery, the interior of the room will improve.

Welcome!

Agree, the peeling paint on the batteries looks extremely unattractive. In addition, in the places of cleavage, the metal oxidizes over time and becomes covered with rust, which shortens the life of iron heaters. The paint for heating radiators presented on the market of building materials allows solving this problem. However, a wide range of radiators and enamels can confuse not only a simple man in the street.

We offer you to figure out what paints and varnishes (LKM) can be used to paint batteries, as well as how to properly paint them.

When painting, special attention is paid to the internal elements of certain types of radiators. For example, the steel plates of convectors, the so-called comb or "ribs" strung on pipes, cannot be painted. An additional layer of paint will significantly reduce the level of heat transfer. Only front flaps and screens are painted.

What parameters should the paint meet?

For painting radiators and heating pipes, special paints and varnishes must be used that meet the operating conditions of the heating circuit. The following requirements apply to them:

Temperature resistance from 80⁰С and above. With insufficient resistance to heat, the paintwork will turn yellow or change its original shade already in the first heating season, crack and begin to peel off.
High thermal conductivity. A low thermal conductivity index will lead to a decrease in the heat transfer of the heater.
Anti-corrosion and moisture resistance. The main purpose of painting radiators is protection from the harmful effects of the environment and rust. To do this, the paintwork must not be porous.
Resistance to abrasion and mechanical stress.
Environmental friendliness and safety. The paint should not contain toxic substances that evaporate especially actively when the house or apartment is heated and thereby harm human health.
It is desirable that the paint for batteries be quick-drying and without a strong odor.

Types and differences

There are a lot of heat-resistant enamels on the market. To understand which one is best suited for your radiator, you need to focus not on the manufacturer, but on the basis of the paintwork. Not the least important is the planned method of application and the decorative effect that you plan to get after staining.

We note right away that we immediately exclude traditional oil paints from the review. Although some of them are marketed as heat-resistant, in general they are not suitable for hot pipes.

Alkyd

The composition of alkyd heat-resistant paints includes alkyd varnish (glyphthalic or pentaphthalic), a solvent (most often, white spirit), microfillers based on granite, sand or marble, and coloring pigments. Some formulations can be supplemented with antiseptics that protect the surface to be painted from damage by fungus and mold.

High hiding power allows the use of alkyd enamels both for the main coloring and for creating a decorative pattern over the base coat.
Elasticity ensures evenness and smoothness of the coating, and also prevents the effect of shrinkage.
Resistance to abrasion, moisture, corrosion and temperature changes guarantees the durability of the coating.
Color stability.
High adhesion index with metal.
Drying time - from 12 to 36 hours.

Of the shortcomings:

Insufficient heat resistance. Designed for heating circuits with a heating temperature of not more than 80-100⁰С.

Organosilicon alkyd enamels with increased heat resistance (up to 600⁰С) are distinguished into a separate category. Silicones are significantly more expensive than conventional alkyd compounds, but they are used to paint fireplaces, chimneys and stoves.

A specific pungent odor requires mandatory ventilation of the premises in which the staining is carried out. The first heating of the pipeline will also be accompanied by the appearance of a pungent odor.

Important! Pay attention to the digital encoding indicated on the label. "2" indicates the possibility of using the paint in the premises, and "8" ranks it among the heat-resistant.

Acrylic

Acrylic paints for radiators are a mixture of acrylate (acrylic polymer emulsion) with a color pigment and water. The polymer coating lays down in an even, smooth layer, not prone to smudges.

The temperature maximum is 120⁰С.
Without smell.
Ultra-fast drying - from several minutes to several hours.

A special advantage of acrylic enamel over analogues is that it can be applied even to a hot battery. This fact does not affect the quality of the coating and the period of service of the coating. Among the shortcomings - instability to mechanical abrasive wear.

Hammer

Hammer paint is a type of alkyd enamel based on a nitro-polymer with a dye. A distinctive feature is the decorative effect of the coating, which imitates a metal surface beaten off with a hammer, while hiding small irregularities. Hence the name.

Additional advantages of using hammer paints will be:

Refusal of preliminary priming. A prerequisite is only mechanical cleaning of the metal from dust, while the active elements of the coloring composition can easily cope with grease stains and rust, simply by dissolving them in themselves.
The highest adhesion with a metal surface. And during the preliminary sanding, the paint is so eaten into the structure of the metal that it can subsequently be reduced only by chemical means.

Water emulsion

Water-based (water-dispersed) paints are made from water, pigments and polymers. Depending on the type of binding base, they are divided into:

Polyvinyl acetate (PVA);
Polyacrylate.

PVA paints are characterized by low resistance to moisture, so they are definitely not suitable for batteries.

Polyacrylate is a subspecies, which we talked about above.

silicate

Silicate compounds are coatings based on liquid potash glass, ethyl silicate and powdered metal pigments. The presence of zinc and aluminum pigments gives the coloring composition anti-corrosion qualities.

According to the type of binder, silicate paints are:

Silicone.
Dispersion-silicate. One-component formulations based on pure acrylate, ready to use.
Silicate silicone. Two-component: separately - powder, separately - liquid glass, which are mixed before painting.

It is the presence of organosilicon resins in the composition that gives radiator enamels unsurpassed strength.

Of the undoubted advantages - fire resistance, of the minuses - high toxicity during staining.

Powder

Powder dyes are a polymerized pigment powder sprayed onto the surface to be painted in a special high-temperature box at a temperature of 170-350⁰С, where it melts and forms a reliable, durable coating.

Unfortunately, this staining technology is used only in factories and specialized auto repair shops, and is not available for self-performing at home.

Aerosol

One of the alternative painting methods is spray paint. Modern technologies allow almost any type of paint to be produced in aerosol cans. Among the presented range of aerosols, it is important to choose exactly heat-resistant compositions, in extreme cases - car enamels, which were originally designed for adhesion to metal and high temperatures.

Serebryanka

If you want to give the batteries a characteristic silver tint, you can use a do-it-yourself silverware made from PAP-1 pigment aluminum powder and BT-577 bituminous varnish.

The heat resistance coefficient of this coating with the correct component ratio reaches 300-400⁰С.
Serebryanka is not subject to delamination, is resistant to corrosion and external influences. The coating will last at least 10 years.
Dries quickly and is non-toxic.

On a note! Serebryanka is not compatible with most other paints, therefore, it requires a complete cleaning of the surface to be painted from the remnants of the previous paintwork.

Matte

Matte finishes look respectable, especially on cast iron batteries with a textured pattern. But it is better not to choose matte white paints. The microporous structure is prone to the accumulation of dust, which means that white will soon acquire a gray tint.

Glossy

Gloss is ideal for batteries with a perfectly smooth surface, as well as for cast iron radiators, if the goal is to smooth out their characteristic roughness. In addition, the smooth texture is easy to care for, just wipe it with a soft, damp cloth.

The composition of the enamel is supplemented with fine chalk or titanium dioxide. Chalk, unlike titanium dioxide, provokes a change in the color of the paint. Give preference to titanium components.
When choosing the right paint, pay attention to the markings. The inscription "For heating radiators" and an emphasis on compliance with GOSTs will ensure that the technical parameters comply with the requirements indicated above. You should not choose products manufactured according to dubious specifications.
Be guided precisely by the mass of paint, and not by displacement. The larger the mass, the higher the hiding power index. Diluted enamel adds volume, but loses coverage.

What paint to choose for aluminum or cast iron radiators

It should be noted that each type of metal has its own paint and coloring technology:

Cast iron is characterized by excellent adhesion to almost any kind of enamel. In this case, you should be guided by the effect that you want to achieve after staining. A paint with a dense viscous structure will hide the rough texture, while a light one, on the contrary, will emphasize the showiness of cast iron.
Aluminum and stainless steel are more capricious in choosing the right paintwork. The painting technique used at the factory (powder coating and heat treatment) is practically not feasible at home. Therefore, priority is given to high-quality paint materials with a high adhesion coefficient - alkyd or acrylic. Some experts talk about the effectiveness of aerosol paints applied to hot batteries.

Epoxy primers designed to treat metal before painting will help enhance the adhesive effect.

Approximate prices

Brand	TEX	DUFA	Sniezka	DULUX	Alpina	lakra	KUDO
Manufacturer country	Russia	Germany	Poland	UK	Germany	Russia	Russia
The foundation	Alkyd resin	Alkyd resin	Acrylic	Water dispersion	Alkyd resin	Acrylic	Alkyd resin
View	Enamel	Enamel	Enamel	Enamel	Enamel	Enamel	Spray can
Heat resistance, ⁰С	100	120	80	90	110	100	80
Drying time	24 hours	24 hours	1 hour	8 ocloc'k	10 hours	24 hours	8 ocloc'k
Mass/volume	550 g	750 ml	400 ml	1 l	750 ml	2.4 kg	360 ml
Price	250	550	270	1000	650	590	200

How to calculate paint consumption

On the labels, the manufacturer always indicates the average consumption of paintwork per 1 m². Thus, it is not difficult to determine the required amount of enamel when it comes to flat radiator models. But here, too, one should not forget about painting the inside of the battery. With cast-iron accordion radiators, it is still more difficult.

In this case, technical documentation for heaters will come to the rescue, usually it indicates the total area of \u200b\u200bthe product. If the registration certificate is not preserved, special online calculators are used.

Calculator

The online calculator takes into account all the parameters of the upcoming work:

battery model.
Number of sections.
Paint type.
The need to paint the pipeline.
Estimated number of layers.

The program automatically gives the result in kilograms, taking into account a 10% reserve or the total surface area for painting, according to which you yourself need the desired volume of the product.

How to remove old paint

The basic rule for painting used radiators is to remove the old paintwork. You can accomplish this task in one of two ways (or in combination):

Mechanically.
With the help of chemicals.

For high-quality cleaning and subsequent painting, it is better to remove the battery from the wall.

mechanical way

Mechanical cleaning involves the removal of the old paintwork with handy tools.

First, the battery, and if necessary, the pipe, is cleaned of dust and other contaminants with a damp cloth. For best results, you can use a vacuum cleaner.
Then the surface is carefully sanded with sandpaper. . To speed up the process, a drill with a brush attachment with stiff bristles or a grinder is used. To remove paint in hard-to-reach places, you can use a building hair dryer, it heats up the enamel, which is then removed with a scraper.
Finally, the work surface is again dedusted and degreased.

There are many disadvantages of mechanical cleaning:

High labor and time costs.
The process is quite dusty.
There is a high chance of metal damage.

On a note! If the paintwork on the radiator does not show signs of wear (bloating, peeling, rusting), but still needs to be replaced, it can not be removed. To ensure adhesion to fresh enamel, it is enough to lightly sand the radiator coating.

By chemical means

For chemical cleaning, special preparations, washes are used. They soften the coating that has served its age and stimulate its peeling from the metal.

Apply them in a dense, even layer with a brush with natural bristles. The gel form of the drug adheres well to the surface.
After the time specified by the manufacturer, the wash is simply removed with a wooden spatula along with the dissolved paint, and the radiator is washed with soapy water.
The cleaned battery is additionally treated with a corrosion inhibitor, after which it is degreased.

On a note! Some manufacturers produce washes with a corrosion inhibitor already included in the composition. They cost a little more, but significantly reduce the time to prepare the radiator for painting.

It is important to remember that chemicals are toxic and flammable. Therefore, work must be carried out in a well-ventilated area away from sources of ignition. Personal protective equipment will also be useful - a respirator, gloves and goggles.

How to paint heating radiators with your own hands

Battery preparation

Removing the old layer of paint is only the first preparatory stage. In the future, the following recommendations should be followed:

Irregularities and roughness are leveled by putty on metal. After its setting, the surface of the battery is cleaned again, dedusted and degreased.

On a note! If you plan to paint with acrylic enamels, it is better to use acetone as a degreaser, and white spirit or gasoline for alkyd compounds.

The next step will be priming. This also takes into account the type of future coverage. The basis of the paintwork and primer should be of the same type.
Each coating (putty and primer) dries naturally at room temperature.

Painting process

Staining is also carried out at room temperature. In this case, it is desirable to choose the period between the heating seasons (before or after). Only some types of paints can be applied to a heated battery.