Heating radiators, cast iron and steel, require periodic painting, since the factory coating does not last very long, and in some cases is completely absent. In order to update heating devices, you need to purchase a good heat-resistant paint suitable for painting cold and hot surfaces. Is there odorless paint for radiators and how to choose it correctly?

In this review we will look at:

• disadvantages of painting batteries with conventional oil paints;
• types of suitable paints;
• types of paints for certain batteries;
• method of painting radiators.

After reading the presented material, you can quickly refresh the batteries in your house or apartment, bringing them into divine shape.

Types of paints

What paint should I use for radiators? You are very lucky if you have at your disposal modern radiators with powder coating - it lasts for decades without peeling and almost without changing its color. This paint covers aluminum, bimetallic and steel radiators various designs. To give it extra strength, the paint is subjected to procedures to make it stronger and more durable. Multi-stage painting has the longest service life.

Painting batteries is needed not only to make it look neat appearance radiator, but also to protect it from the environment.

If there are ordinary cast iron accordion batteries or old steel batteries in the house, then they need to be periodically tinted. The paint quickly turns yellow and begins to crumble, exposing the metal and creating all the conditions for the formation of corrosion centers. That's why paintwork needs updating. It may also be needed when carrying out repairs - suddenly you decide to paint the batteries in different colors and adapt them to your interior design?

What paint should I use to paint radiators? There are many types of paints:

• water-dispersed - do not publish unpleasant odor and dry quickly;
• acrylic – they smell like solvents and give a gloss;
• alkyd – resistant, durable, long drying;
• oil paints are not the best option for painting batteries;
• Heat-resistant silver is an excellent option for painting heating appliances;
• silicone-aluminum - excellent in all respects, but very expensive;
• car enamels from spray cans are a reasonable heat-resistant option.

The water-dispersion composition for radiators is completely safe, as it dissolves in water.

Water-based paints are good because they do not have a strong solvent smell, since their base is ordinary water. They are fast drying and good for painting radiators. Some varieties have marks indicating the possibility of painting heating devices.

Don't like matte radiators and want them to shine? Then we recommend that you turn your attention to modern acrylic enamels. They provide excellent gloss and have a long service life. Their disadvantage is the smell of solvent, so the premises will need to be ventilated after painting.

Alkyd paints are the most durable. They are resistant to temperature loads, resist abrasion well, and do not change their color for a long time. Some of them can withstand heating up to +150 degrees without turning yellow for many years. Despite the obvious advantages, such paints have one glaring drawback - strong smell solvent. It manifests itself not only at the painting stage, but also when starting the heating system.

Some consumers note that after drying, the unpleasant odor disappears, but appears already when heating is started for the first time, disappearing after 1-2 days. During these periods, it is recommended to thoroughly ventilate the rooms in which painted batteries are located.

Oil paints are not very suitable for radiators, so Lately they are practically not used. They have a strong solvent smell, take a very long time to dry and stick, and the dyes used in them turn yellow over time. In addition, after a year or two, such painting will begin to peel off and fall off, exposing the metal of the heating devices. We do not recommend using this paint for painting heating radiators.

Radiators painted silver look very attractive, but the main thing here is that the surface of the battery is smooth, without bumps or depressions, otherwise the impression will be blurred.

Heat-resistant silver is an excellent choice for painting batteries silver.. It contains heat-resistant varnish and powdered aluminum. Benefits of silver:

• withstands heating up to +200 degrees;
• does not change color;
• It hardly peels off or falls off.

The disadvantage is that the smell is quite strong, so after painting the batteries, the rooms need to be ventilated.

Silicone-aluminum paints have the greatest resistance to high temperatures. They fit well on any surface, forming a strong and reliable connection. The surface is smooth and flexible, the paint does not peel off even after several years of use. The price for such superior performance comes at a price - you have to pay for the benefits and durability.

Car enamels are also suitable for painting heating radiators. They are resistant to temperatures up to +80-100 degrees and form a shiny, glossy surface that does not change color under the influence of temperature loads.

How to choose paint depending on battery material

If you can’t decide on the color or composition, consult the salesperson in the store, he will probably give you good advice.

When choosing paints for heating radiators, you need to take into account the materials used to make the heating devices. Almost any paint is suitable for painting cast iron and steel batteries. If you need to ensure good adhesion to metal, heating devices are pre-treated with a primer– it will protect them from corrosion and ensure good adhesion.

To paint aluminum radiators, we recommend using alkyd and silicone-aluminum paints - they adhere well to any surface. In the case of the former, we recommend applying a primer first, which will ensure more reliable adhesion to aluminum surfaces.

How to paint heating radiators

We already know what type of paint we should use to paint our heating radiators - all that remains is to figure out exactly how the painting is done. To do this, you need to prepare brushes, primer (if necessary) and sandpaper. How to remove paint from radiators? You will have to work a little with sandpaper or a special brush for electric drill. We recommend choosing the latter option as it is faster.

Before painting the radiator, be sure to strip it of the old coating and use a primer for better adhesion of the primer to the surface.

Before applying paint to batteries, they must be completely cleaned with sandpaper or a brush, then treat with a degreasing compound - this will ensure more reliable adhesion of the primer to the surface. If necessary, treat the batteries with a primer and let them dry. After this, we begin to apply the paint - it is applied from top to bottom to avoid drips. If you want to get a smooth surface, use a paint sprayer (be careful, careless handling of this tool will lead to smudges).

Purchasing new radiators can be called an expensive pleasure. But if your apartment or house has cast iron batteries, then they can also be given an attractive look by painting the surface. It is better to do this work in the summer, when the smell of paint can be quickly removed by opening windows and doors. In addition, after completion heating season the surface of the battery will be cold, which can be called ideal conditions for carrying out such work. If you are still wondering whether it is possible to paint hot batteries, then you need to take into account some nuances.

If you decide to paint the radiator during the heating season, then you need to choose the right equipment. To do this, it is best to use a sprayer, with which the composition can be applied quite accurately and quickly. The paint layer will form a thin, even layer. The lower part of the battery is usually treated with a brush.

When choosing paint, you need to pay attention to its properties and quality. The desired composition must undergo an increase in temperature. If you are faced with the question of whether it is possible to paint hot batteries, then you should take the choice more seriously. For example, this is perfect for this. However, when used, it will emit a pungent odor, and over time it may even change color, acquiring a yellowish tint.

Most profitable option Acrylic paint is used for painting hot batteries. It dries in a short time, and there is no smell when applied. It is not affected by temperature fluctuations. If you are wondering whether it is possible to paint hot batteries, you should know that this work requires preparation. The surface of the radiator should be cleaned of grease, dust and dirt. This can be done using a soda solution. Sandpaper will allow you to remove old layer paints. After the surface has been sanded, a primer should be applied to it.

If you are faced with the question of whether it is possible to paint hot batteries, you should become more familiar with surface preparation technologies. The first involves the use of a chemical method, while the second involves the use of a mechanical method. The chemical treatment method involves the use of substances that dissolve the old layer of paint. After using this composition, the surface can be easily cleaned.

When performing these manipulations, you should remember safety measures. The technician should use protective glasses and gloves. If you don't want to spend money on chemicals, you can use mechanical method. It consists of using scrapers, sandpaper, and a drill with special attachments.

If you are also deciding whether it is possible to paint hot radiators, then you should know that when carrying out such work you should refuse to paint the taps. If this recommendation is neglected, then the use of shut-off valves may be accompanied by difficulties. But the radiators themselves should be painted in two stages, applying from top to bottom.

Carrying out priming

To implement the primer, you can use the domestic composition GF-021, which is combined with MA and PF enamels. If you plan to use imported dyes, then for priming you should purchase material from the same manufacturer. Oil paint, applied in one layer over the primer, can increase the heat transfer of the battery by 5%. If more than three layers are applied, the heat transfer will decrease by 1%. Dye based on lead and aluminum will also help reduce heat transfer.

Now you know whether it is possible to paint hot batteries with paint. If a convector is installed in your apartment, then to increase its heat transfer you should not paint its invisible elements and pipes. This recommendation should also be applied to convection aluminum plates. They are located on the pipes and become clogged easily.

The removable casing should be painted; it is excellent for this. When deciding whether it is possible to paint hot batteries with enamel, you need to pay attention to the material of the radiator. If it is cast iron, then it is necessary to remove dust from the surface of the structure, and then rinse it with water and degrease it. To do this, use a one percent solution of ammonia.

If there are chips on the surface, they must be treated with a primer with anti-corrosion properties. At the next stage, the surface is covered with putty and primed. It is worth considering that paint for hot radiators will cost more than others, so you need to assess the situation and decide whether you can wait until the end of the heating season. It is recommended to apply paint as much as possible thin layer.

Recommendations for painting bimetallic and aluminum radiators

Bimetallic and aluminum radiators are painted with a powder composition at the factory. It will be extremely difficult to achieve such a surface on your own, but if you still decide to update such a device, then its working surface must be prepared using the technology described above, and then covered with a primer and a layer of alkyd enamel.

If there are strong defects, the coating should be removed down to the metal; a grinding machine is perfect for this. Next, the master will have to coat the surface with a primer. Only then can you start painting.

Use of alkyd paints

If you are deciding whether it is possible to paint hot radiators with paint, then you should consider as an example an alkyd composition that can operate at temperatures up to 150 °C. Manufacturers guarantee that light colors will not turn yellow unless the temperature rises above 120°C. Alkyd paint will emit an unpleasant odor after application for some time, but it will dissipate fairly quickly. Every time you start the heating, the smell may appear again, but only briefly.

Conclusion

Home craftsmen often wonder whether it is possible to paint hot batteries with acrylic paint. It has almost no smell, and is also the most popular due to its affordable price. The base enamel is a product with a snow-white structure. In order to change the shade, a tinting pigment is added to the ingredients. Such coatings have a slightly lower temperature threshold compared to alkyd coatings and amount to 80 °C. However, in practice it turns out that this is quite sufficient.

Before painting a heating radiator whose appearance has become unusable or does not correspond to the overall interior design, it is necessary to pay due attention to the choice of paint. Although there is a wide range of coloring compounds available on the market, not all of them are suitable for this process. In addition, there are various technologies, allowing you to get the desired result.

Painting stationary heating elements is a responsible process; not only the appearance, but also the heating of the room depends on the correct execution of all actions. That is why you should take into account the recommendations of specialists who will allow you to carry out the work efficiently.

Radiators are divided into types depending on the material used for their manufacture.

Important! Convectors, plate copper and thin-steel radiators are not painted; only removable parts are coated - casings and decorative trims.

Features of choosing a coloring composition

When choosing a material suitable for heating radiators, it is necessary to pay especially close attention to its properties:

• Heat resistance. This is the main parameter that is taken into account when purchasing. The resulting coating must withstand temperatures greater than 100 degrees. In this case, there is no need to select fireproof solutions used for working with the surfaces of stoves and fireplaces.

• Purpose. Naturally, the paint should be for metal. Other mixtures (including universal ones) are not suitable for this event.
• High wear resistance.

The composition (regardless of the type) can only be used if all these factors are present.

What paint are used on radiators?

You can select sufficient quantity products that are suitable for the job.

Alkyd enamels

This option is considered traditional when painting metal heating elements. The mixture has the following advantages:

1. Low cost. The availability of the material explains its popularity.
2. Easy to apply. The solution is excellent for cast iron radiators and does not require prior priming.
3. Wide decorative range. There are paints of different shades on sale that can be mixed successfully. There are also colors.

The product is not without its shortcomings:

• Persistent smell. Complete weathering occurs only after the coating has completely dried.
• Change in color over time. Gradually, due to high temperature, the surface may acquire a whitish or yellowish tint.

On a note! If it is necessary to carry out work quickly, auto enamels in cans are used. Particular attention should be paid to the correctness and accuracy of spraying.

Oil paint

This variety is still found on sale, although its demand is low. This is explained by the mass negative properties, which the material has. Especially noticeable is the long drying period and the pungent odor, which has a toxic effect. Such compositions are used only in cases where there is no alternative.

Water-based variety

This type of coloring product, or rather its polymer variety, is considered new. That is why the question arises: is it possible to paint batteries with water-based paint?

Yes, this composition is used to work with heating elements, but despite all the positive qualities (durability, environmental friendliness, ease of installation, absence of a pungent odor), the product has certain conditions of use. They are:

1. The acrylic option is the most acceptable variety.
2. To paint a product with high quality, it is better to use a spray gun. When painting by hand, avoid excessive dilution with water.
3. The base must be treated with anti-corrosion compounds and primed.

Applying water-based emulsion with a spray gun allows you to evenly paint all elements of the heating radiator

On a note! Water emulsion allows you to create an original designer drawing because it has a rich color palette.

Serebryanka

This variety is considered a classic, but is rarely used. This is due to the fact that the surface acquires a metallic (silver or aluminum) color. You can make the composition yourself or buy a ready-made one. The basis of the mixture is aluminum powder.

An expensive but high-quality alternative is silicone-aluminum paint. It has the necessary parameters and creates a layer that does not crack due to thermal expansion.

Nuances when painting radiators

To obtain the desired result, a number of nuances should be taken into account:

• It is better to start work before the start of the heating season, since hot parts cannot be painted. In addition, this will allow you to remove the heating element without any problems. The situation is more complicated in old houses where the water supply is centralized and there are no shut-off taps. In winter, turn off radiators from common system turns out to be impossible.
• If you intend to remove the batteries, it is better to wash them immediately. Especially if the heating element is cast iron.
• When removing old paint, do not use thermal method involving the use of a gas torch or blowtorch.

You can remove old paint from a battery using a special remover or mechanically using a power tool and sandpaper.

These simple tips will help you avoid problems in the future.

Painting heating radiators

Painting batteries with your own hands occurs in stages, which allows you to perform all the steps correctly.

Tool preparation

Depending on the application method chosen, the following will be required for the job:

• Tassels different sizes. Be sure to have a slightly curved tool with a long handle.
• Roller. Rarely used, mainly for panel heating elements.
• Spray gun. An excellent option, but to achieve high-quality results, the battery must be removed.
• A product or device for cleaning parts from old paint and rust. This could be sandpaper, a drill with an attachment, or a special remover.
• Solvent and rags. If necessary, remove excess or splashes.
• Container for coloring composition.

Everything must be prepared in advance.

Calculation of battery area

The paint area of ​​a cast iron radiator is especially carefully calculated; this is necessary to determine required quantity material.

1. Measured outer side one section.
2. A cast iron radiator is often called an “accordion” because it has identical fragments. Therefore, the result obtained is multiplied by 4 and the number of sections.
3. 15% is added to the resulting value.

The instructions for modern heaters often already indicate the area.

Surface preparation

Preparation of the base includes the following steps:

1. The surface is cleaned using the most appropriate method. The parts are thoroughly washed and dried.
2. The work area is being prepared. If the element cannot be removed, then adjacent areas are covered to prevent paint from entering.
3. Particular attention is paid to rust - it is completely cleaned off.
4. If required, the surface is treated with anti-corrosion mixtures and primed. This is true for cast iron products when using an acrylic composition.

When carrying out work in winter, it must be possible to disconnect from the general heating system.

Coloring

Painting batteries in an apartment is carried out in different ways:

• Cast iron radiators are treated with a brush. This is the traditional method. The technology is simple and consists in the fact that hard-to-reach places and internal areas are covered first. In this case, there should not be a lot of paint to avoid drips. Next, the composition is applied to the front part. After the first layer has dried, the second one is laid.
• Using a spray gun. The principle is similar to the previous option: work begins from internal places, gradually moving to the front areas. The distance should be the same, without getting too close. It is better to perform zigzag movements from top to bottom and back. Hard-to-reach places are painted with a brush.
• Use of aerosols. The technology repeats the work with a spray gun, only the can needs to be shaken well.

A beautiful surface can be achieved if you show imagination and deviate a little from the standard options.

Many owners of houses or apartments are in no hurry to replace old-style cast-iron batteries, which function normally, with new models. Despite their venerable age, these radiators can serve faithfully for many more decades. True, it is necessary to periodically put them in order. Over time, they lose their aesthetic appearance, cracks form on the paint layer, and paint peels off. And in these places traces may appear, which may not be dangerous for cast iron, but very much spoil the overall picture of corrosion. This means it’s time for another coloring.

Other types also require updating of the protective and decorative coating, especially since for steel batteries or convectors, pockets of emerging corrosion can generally become fatal. Yes, and aluminum or bimetallic heating devices also sometimes have to be “refreshed” over time or even repainted in a different color, in accordance with the intended decoration of the room.

In this publication we’ll just look at how to paint a heating radiator yourself? The main nuances regarding preparation for this procedure, the choice of paint and its practical application. And this information needs to be known even before the planning stage of such work.

Paint for heating radiators

Criteria for choosing paint for batteries

Not just any paint is suitable for heating radiators. It's all about those special conditions operation, which are typical for these heating devices.

Therefore, when choosing a composition, you need to choose 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 characteristics as heat resistance.

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

• Resistance to elevated temperatures. The paint layer applied to a 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 reliable adhesion of the paint to the surface of the battery - the coating will not begin to peel off under the influence of temperature changes.
• Anti-corrosion protection. The paint must contain components that can protect the metal from external aggressive influences. This is especially true for steel and cast iron radiators.
• Color resistance to fading or yellowing. This is very important quality paint, and if it is not taken into account, then it is possible that soon the coloring will have to be done a second time.
• Resistance of 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, which are often dried on radiators, the paint layer should not become covered with small scratches, become thinner and begin to “see through.”
• Environmental Safety. The paint should not contain components that, when heated, can emit toxic fumes that can harm the health of residents of the house or apartment. The coating should not create any odors in any operating mode of the batteries.

The good quality paint you choose 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 painting, the coating may not last long, and the entire process will have to be repeated, taking into account the mistakes made.

What paints can be used for radiators

If previously for coloring batteries they were mainly used oil paints, and in the best case, enamel options (simply due to the scarcity of the assortment on sale), today the choice of compositions is so wide that it is worth understanding their characteristics and identifying the optimal one.

Oil paint

Despite the availability of other types of paints in specialized stores, some homeowners prefer the “old fashioned way” to purchase time-tested compositions made from organic oils for painting batteries. This line of paints is an inexpensive option, which is probably why it is not losing its popularity.

Characteristic features of oil compositions:

• They have excellent hiding power and create a layer on the metal surface that has high density and strength.
• The paint is resistant to high temperatures.
• The compositions do not emit toxic fumes after drying.
• The coating demonstrates good resistance to mechanical loads and abrasion.

Oil-based compositions also have their own quite numerous disadvantages. Therefore, many homeowners have long abandoned them:

• When painted, the compositions emit a specific tart odor that does not disappear from the premises for a long time.
• The paint takes a very long time to dry, leaving unsightly marks, especially on vertical surfaces.
• The composition has a rather thick consistency and poor spreadability, so it is not easy to apply it in an even layer.

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

• Oil coatings white are prone to yellowing, which means that the decorative value of such a coating will be very doubtful after just a couple of seasons.
• The material does not have high anti-corrosion qualities, so rust often forms under its layer, showing through in spots.

Despite the fact that oil paints are affordable, today literally only a few consumers choose them - all because of the above-mentioned disadvantages. In addition, they are significantly inferior in their characteristics to analogues made on other bases.

Conclusion - it’s better not to mess with it, despite the affordable price.

Alkyd enamels

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

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

• The alkyd composition creates a uniform, smooth coating on the surface of radiators, giving them an aesthetic appearance.
• The paint does not turn yellow or fade, and also has high adhesive properties.
• The coating can reliably protect the metal from external aggressive influences.
• Alkyd paints are highly wear resistant.
• The ability to withstand high temperatures makes this decorative coating durable.
• The wide range of shades available for sale allows you to choose the paint most suitable for the intended finish.
• The advantage is the affordable cost of such paints and varnishes.

Alkyd enamels are divided into several types, depending on the base on which they are produced. Moreover, each of the options has both its “pros” and “cons”.

• Solvent-based enamel (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.
• Organosilicon-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 formulations are offered both in the form of a suspension, packaged in jars, and in the form of an aerosol.

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

Prices for “Krafor” enamel for radiators

Krafor enamel for radiators

Acrylic enamels

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

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

• Acrylic enamel creates a smooth and even coating on a metal surface. As the composition dries, 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 ranges from 10 to 90 minutes, depending on the components and production technology. The layer completely dries approximately 5 hours after its application.
• Acrylic enamels have a medium thickness; they are convenient to apply to vertical surfaces, as they adhere well to them, do not spread and do not create smudges.
• Large selection of acrylic paints different manufacturers allows you to choose the option that suits the buyer most, both in terms of cost, composition and shade.

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

Having chosen acrylic compounds, when purchasing them you should Special attention pay attention to such characteristics as the operating temperature range, as well as the specific purpose of the paint.

To obtain the proper coloring 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 drying period.

Among acrylic enamels, popular compositions can be distinguished - these are “VD-AK-1179” and “Thermakrill”.

• “VD-AK-1179” enamel is applied to the 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 one day after applying the second layer.

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

• “Thermakrill” paint of the “Alp Enamel” brand differs from its analogues in the anti-corrosion additives it contains. This type of enamel is designed to be applied not only to cast iron radiators heating, but also for batteries made of stainless steel, aluminum, titanium alloys and low-carbon steel. The paint has a specific smell, but it dissipates fairly quickly. The applied composition sets within 30 minutes, and complete drying occurs two days after applying the second layer of enamel.

Dispersion acrylic paint

This type of acrylic paint is different in that it can be used in heating season, that is, when the batteries are heated to high temperatures. Dispersion acrylic compositions are practically odorless, easy to apply in an even layer and dry quickly.

The paint has high decorative and performance characteristics, does not change color during operation and does not crack under the influence of high temperatures. Capable of creating matte or glossy surface– this is what people pay attention to in the store when choosing.

One of the popular compositions of this type is paint for radiators “Dulux Master Lux Aqua 40”

Master Lux Aqua 40 paint from 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 turns out to be a kind of primer that prepares the surface for the next painting layers. And they are already applied with undiluted paint.

You can name a few more compositions that, according to consumer reviews, have proven themselves with best side- this is “Aqua-Heizkorperlack” of the Dufa company, “Element” of the Eskaro brand, as well as Tiora, Thermo and Dufa Retail. All these paints do not have 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:

• High temperature resistance. Silicone coating can withstand any temperature conditions heating systems without losing the integrity of the layer and its aesthetics.
• Convenient and easy to apply. 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. The surfaces are easy to clean. Including using detergents.
• It is not at all afraid of ultraviolet radiation - the surfaces will not fade. It’s not for nothing that silicone paints are widely used to decorate building facades.

The only drawback of silicone compounds is their high cost. But, considering 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 seems quite justified.

Other paint options for radiators

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

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

• Paints made on the basis of silicate resins . This version of paint forms an elastic and dense layer on surfaces that is resistant to temperature changes. The compositions have excellent adhesive properties and do not require additional surface preparation. The disadvantages of this material include an unpleasant, pungent odor during the period of applying the paint and until it dries completely.

One of the texture options created with hammer paint

• Hammer paints - This is a type of alkyd composition, but it creates not a traditionally smooth coating, but interesting textured patterns of small cracks or a surface with an embossed effect. This option is perfect for older models of cast iron batteries. The texture they create will perfectly hide the roughness that is always present on these radiator models.

• Some homeowners prefer to paint the batteries - silver coin , which consists of aluminum powder and varnish or drying oil. This composition withstands high temperatures well and can be applied both to a prepared base and to old paint. It is necessary to immediately warn that the composition has a persistent, pungent odor, so after painting the room must be immediately well ventilated. As for the decorativeness of this approach, let everyone decide for themselves how appropriate such decoration is, say, in a residential area.

Preparing batteries for painting

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

• One of the tasks is to increase the adhesive properties 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 to carry out all work both on preparing surfaces and painting them at the end of the heating season. An exception may be the use of paints and primers designed for application to hot surfaces.

So, preparing 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. Can also be applied wet method cleaning using water and detergents. If grease stains have formed on the battery, which often happens in kitchen conditions, you can remove them with dishwashing detergent. If necessary, apply a damp cloth to heavily soiled areas, under which greasy spots soften and will be easier to clean off.

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

— Mechanical method more labor-intensive and will take quite a lot of time. It is carried out using metal brush fixed on sanding machine or in the chuck of an electric drill. 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 on the surface of the batteries must be completely removed.

— Another cleaning method is to use chemical compositions, with the help of which paint or rust is washed off from 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 chemical composition options is used differently - on the packaging the manufacturer gives instructions for their use, which must be strictly followed. For example, paste-like substances are applied to surfaces using a brush with natural bristles, after which the battery is covered with plastic film for a period determined by the manufacturer. The exposure time can vary from twenty minutes to several hours. The paint should soften, after which wide surfaces it is cleaned off with a spatula, and its remains are removed mechanically using a metal brush.

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

However, it should be warned that chemical compositions- not harmless. They have a pungent, pungent odor, 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 your 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.

• Radiator priming . The next step Primer is being applied to cleaned surfaces. This treatment is intended to prevent the appearance of corrosion pockets, as well as to create optimal conditions for adhesion of painting materials. The composition chosen for priming must be intended for metal surfaces and be compatible with the paint that will be used to paint the radiators.

If you purchase domestically produced paint, then GF-021 primer is well suited for it. When using paint compositions from foreign manufacturers, you can use Sigma or Dulux primer.

TO final stage Painting begins after the primer layer has completely dried.

Painting radiators

When starting coloring, it is recommended to adhere to next 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 batteries, creates unsightly smudges and unevenness. That's why best option- paint the devices 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 to paint - due to their complex shape, pronounced ribbing and visible internal cavities.

To paint cast iron radiators you will need several brushes different widths, and most importantly - mounted 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 painting process.

The first step is to paint the upper areas inside the batteries, then the lower ones. Next, they move on to the external, front surfaces.

Painting facade surfaces, after finishing the interior areas, will seem like a real vacation

The outer surfaces of the radiator also begin to paint from the top, gradually moving down. This technology is explained by the fact that in the event of a careless mistake or leak, it can be immediately picked up with a brush, that is, the defect can be corrected.

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

The second painting is carried out only after the first layer has completely dried. The setting and drying time of the paint is indicated by the manufacturer on its packaging.

If after the first layer has dried, smudges or unevenness are detected, then before the second painting the surface should be treated with fine-grained sandpaper.

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

Let me start with the fact that it is necessary to paint the batteries when the battery is disconnected from the heating system. In theory, it is possible to paint a hot battery, but it is also unpleasant when painting hot pipe There is a possibility that the paint will be applied unevenly. Now let's move on to the main thing: is it possible to paint hot batteries?

The main task is to paint the battery evenly. To do this, use brushes or a paint sprayer. Paint Sprayer – Allows you to apply finer paint. It is recommended to paint the lower part of the battery using a brush. Painting should start from the top. After the first coat of paint has dried, apply finishing layer. Done.

How can you paint a hot battery?
Uses for painting batteries the following colors: alkyd enamel, water-dispersion acrylic paint or polyacrylic enamels with organic solvents. It is necessary to ensure that the paint is resistant to elevated temperatures, i.e. the paint should not crack due to increased temperature.

Alkyd enamels
Alkyd enamel has a uniform coating structure, resistance to elevated temperatures and strength. But alkyd enamel has a very disgusting smell. This is his only drawback.
Water-dispersion paints
These paints are best suited for painting batteries; you just need to choose a special type of paint. After painting they do not stand out harmful substances Moreover, the paint dries quickly.

Acrylic enamels on organic solvents
The coating has a glossy shine and does not change color over time. However, during operation an unpleasant odor is released.

Preparing the battery before painting
Before painting the battery, you need to make sure that the steel surface heating radiator perfectly clean. All this is done to ensure that the new paint is in extremely strong contact with the surface of the battery, providing better heat transfer. An unfinished surface will lead to undesirable consequences: cracking of the paint, damage to the coating layer, etc.

Most often, old radiators have an old layer of paint left on them. Such batteries can be used, but only if the battery is not damaged and its surface is cleaned of old paint and rust. To remove the old layer of paint you need to use sandpaper or special solvents. In order to speed up the cleaning process, you can use a hair dryer.

By the way, only after we have finished cleaning the surface of the battery can we start painting.

Of course, buying new radiators is a very expensive pleasure. What should owners of old, Soviet cast-iron batteries do? of course, paint them. Thus, you can create your own individual interior. It is best to do painting in the summer, when the heating device is cold and the smell from the paint will disappear faster.

So is it still possible to paint hot batteries? Of course you can, you just have to choose suitable paint. Let us mention again - carefully read the label on the jar.

So get down to business with confidence. We hope that our tips will help you in upgrading the radiators in your apartment or house.

Of course, buying new radiators is a very expensive pleasure. What should owners of old, Soviet cast-iron batteries do? of course, paint them. Thus, you can create your own individual interior. It is best to do painting in the summer, when the heating device is cold and the smell from the paint will disappear faster.

What to do if there is an urgent need to repaint hot batteries? This can be done, but the quality of the work will be poor and it will be a troublesome task.

To ensure that the work is done properly and there are no problems in the future, we advise you to take into account some nuances:

There are two methods of processing heating devices: mechanical and chemical.

1. The chemical treatment method involves the use of special chemicals that can dissolve the old layer of paint and remove it without much difficulty. Don't forget about safety measures. When working with chemicals, you must wear gloves and safety glasses.
2. The mechanical method or “manually” is based on the use of sandpaper, scrapers, and a drill with special attachments.

So is it still possible to paint hot batteries? Of course you can, you just need to choose the right paint. Let us mention again - carefully read the label on the jar.

High-quality paint for painting batteries will cost about three hundred rubles. A good hardware store can do some tinting if you wish. They usually charge fifty rubles for this.

So get down to business with confidence. We hope that our tips will help you in improving the radiators in your apartment or house.

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Odorless radiator paint

The paint for painting radiators must withstand high temperatures, i.e. be heat resistant. It is also good if it meets environmental requirements, i.e. does not emit harmful or unpleasant-smelling substances when heated.

The role of paint:

• Giving an aesthetically beautiful look
• Corrosion protection
• Protection from aggressive environmental influences

How to remove old paint from a radiator

Before applying new paint, it is necessary to prepare the surface. To begin with, use a vacuum cleaner to remove large dust; fine dust can be wiped with a damp cloth. Grease stains are easily removed by solvents and dishwashing detergents.

If the old coating is well preserved, does not peel off, does not swell, and no rust stains appear through it, then to simplify and save time, you can simply go over it with sandpaper so that the new layer of paint adheres well to the old one.

If the old paint has a completely unpresentable appearance, then you will have to get rid of it.

You can remove the coating from the battery as follows:

• A drill with an attachment in the form of a stiff brush - a brush
• Solvents - washes
• Sandpaper.

Mechanical means of removing old coating guarantee a large amount of dust, and if used carelessly, they can damage the battery itself.

Paint removal attachments

Chemicals in this regard are safer, but you should work with them in a ventilated area and using protective equipment- gloves, respirator, goggles, etc. Also, do not smoke or light a fire because solvents are flammable.

Typically, solvents come in the form of a thick liquid or gel. They are applied in an even and not too thin layer evenly over the entire surface of the battery. For application, metal or wooden spatulas or brushes with natural bristles are used. Spatulas made of rubber or plastic from aggressive chemical exposure they will simply dissolve.

The gel is left on the surface for the time specified in the instructions, after which it is cleaned off with the same spatula along with pieces of softened paint.

The remaining solvent is washed off with water.

Rust can also be removed by mechanical sanding or corrosion inhibitors. Large gouges or chips should be repaired with putty.

After this, dust and dirt from the old paint should be removed and the battery should be allowed to dry. Next, apply a primer suitable for the given type of metal of the radiator and the selected paint. It contains small sand-like particles, the role of which is to increase the adhesion (adhesion) of the surface to the paint.

There are also paints that already contain substances similar to the primer, which perfectly protect the battery metal from corrosion and adhere well to the surface.

Dyeing process

It is better to paint batteries outside the heating season, then the paint will dry evenly and there will be no smudges, cracks, swelling, etc. If this is not possible, then apply as thin a layer as possible. Ideally, if the battery is not yet installed, or you can remove it to paint everywhere.

Important! All water based paints must be applied over a primer. When applied directly to the metal of the battery, you will have to deal with the rapid appearance of rust through the paint.

To keep the floor clean, you should lay unnecessary cloth or newspapers under the radiator. If the dye is applied from a spray can, you will also have to cover the adjacent surface of the walls with something.

Painting the battery with a brush

For work, it is better to choose brushes with soft bristles; they will create less splashes. An ordinary old one will help you get to the most inaccessible places. Toothbrush. To avoid getting dirty on an already painted surface, it is better to first paint the internal parts of the radiator. Paint should be applied from the top of the radiator downwards.

You shouldn’t try to immediately paint the battery evenly in one layer, it’s still unlikely to work. It would be better to use two neat thin layers, because one thick one will take much longer to dry and may leak. The time it takes for the dye layer to dry completely is usually indicated on the packaging. You should not apply the second layer ahead of time; the coating will turn out uneven and sloppy.

Painting can be done not only by hand, but also with a spray gun or from a spray can.

Battery paint in a can

Paint selection

Although for heating batteries and use ordinary paints intended for walls, floors and ceilings, but this is not The best decision. They are not designed for temperature exposure, and therefore will crack much faster and acquire a yellowish tint.

Heat-resistant paint for radiators

When choosing between matte and glossy paints, you should keep in mind that a shiny coating will greatly attract the eye and highlight all the imperfections and unevenness of the surface. A light matte finish will turn gray over time because dirt will accumulate in the porous structure of the paint.

Although the usual color of batteries is still white, this is rather a tribute to the Soviet past, when the choice of colors was not rich. In fact, white radiators will only look normal in interiors light colors. For bright or dark rooms, you should choose a different paint color.

Interesting! The battery can be turned into a noticeable and eye-catching interior detail if you paint it in bright colors, draw patterns or entire pictures.

Painting aluminum radiators

Aluminum batteries themselves have a neat looking and smooth finish and are additional coloring dont need.

Is it possible to paint hot batteries?

If the convection plates of the radiator are located very often, then painting them will significantly reduce the heat transfer of the device.

If their appearance hurts the eye, then it is better to cover them with a screen or force them with furniture. If for some reason these options are not suitable, then the radiators, of course, can be painted. But paints suitable for cast iron batteries will not adhere well to an aluminum surface. Such radiators should only be painted using a spray can. Moreover, this should be done during the heating season, because on cold radiators at room temperature the paint will take a very long time to dry.

Important! It should be noted that most manufacturers of aluminum radiators consider their unauthorized painting to be sufficient reason to terminate warranty service.

Types of paints

Alkyd

Alkyd paint for radiators can be organic, silicon-organic or water-based. In the first few hours after application, it has a strong odor, which then disappears completely. With the start of the heating season and appliances heating up, the smell may return briefly.

If selected White paint, then it is best to purchase one that contains titanium pigment. Options containing chalk, although they will cost significantly less, will quickly turn yellow during use.

Acrylic

Acrylic paints for radiators look and feel very much like plastic. This coating holds up well and is easy to clean. If the acrylic dye is water-based, it will be completely free of unpleasant odor.

Hammer

Hammer enamels allow you to obtain shades of the same color and various options invoices A non-uniform coating will perfectly hide unevenness and other surface imperfections.

Preparation for application and the painting itself will be no different from usual. The only thing that is required is to sand the radiator to create a rough surface.

Water-based

Many people wonder whether it is possible to paint batteries with water-based paint. Of course, it is possible, because... it combines resistance to high temperatures, quick drying and the absence of an unpleasant odor. However, it is significantly inferior in durability to other species.

Powder

The so-called powder coating. The dry mixture is applied from a special gun due to the small difference in electrical potential between the radiator and the powder itself. After application, such paint must be polymerized. Indoors, this can be done using a heat gun, or if the radiator is removed from the wall, it can be placed in the oven. There are also options for powder dye that hardens when exposed to ultraviolet light. However, ordinary sunlight is not enough for this; you need to use an ultraviolet lamp.

Silicate

Paint for batteries based on silicate resins and aluminum is designed to work even with very high temperatures, which in practice do not occur in a heating system. After hardening, the material forms a dense, durable, but plastic layer, due to which no cracks will occur during thermal expansion and contraction of the metal. This paint does not require prior application of a primer and has very high adhesion to the surface. The only disadvantages of this option are the high price and the strong odor that takes a long time to dissipate.

Serebryanka

Silver paint, a mixture of varnish and aluminum powder, has long been used for painting radiators. This paint can withstand high temperatures very well. It should be applied either over a layer of old coating or onto a base in the form of a primer. Since silver oil contains petroleum products among the varnish components, it has a fairly persistent strong odor, i.e. the room will have to be thoroughly ventilated.

Advice! Automotive enamels in cans are very suitable for painting heating appliances, because... They are also designed for strong heating during operation and application to metal surfaces.

Conclusion

What paint to paint the heating radiators is ultimately up to the buyer to decide. You just need to carefully weigh all the advantages and disadvantages of each of the possible options. For a room in which this moment where people live, quick-drying, odorless paint for radiators is better suited.

In a non-residential space, paints that take a long time to dry, but have a longer service life, are also suitable. You shouldn’t skimp on materials; it’s better to give preference to proven and famous brands. User reviews, which can be easily found on the Internet, will help you check how well the performance of a particular paint actually corresponds to the declared ones, and decide which paint for batteries is better.

The need to paint heating equipment
Selection of coloring composition
A simple option for painting radiators
The correct method for painting heating appliances
Video

Radiators installed in heat supply systems private households, apartments or other real estate properties periodically need painting. How to paint heating radiators with your own hands and with what?

The need to paint heating equipment

Heating appliances need to be painted in only two cases:

• if cast iron batteries in use have lost their old paint original color and peeled off;
• if the builders installed convectors in the house from the 90s of the last century, which are a coil of a heating riser with a few pressed-on fin plates.

If painting is required in the second case, then only the decorative screen and the flap swinging from above are subjected to it. There is only one way to paint the inside of a battery with fins between the plates - this is by total immersion convector into a container with a coloring composition. But narrowing the gap between them leads to a decrease in heat transfer from the equipment.

Heating appliances should not be painted for more than modern type, this is especially true for products with aluminum fins. If you do this, the heat transfer of such a radiator will decrease and its appearance will deteriorate. The fact is that layers of paint applied with a brush are unlikely to turn out perfectly smooth and the result will not be similar to a durable powder composition applied in a factory.

Plate batteries and other heating devices with big square It is advisable to paint the front surface, made in the form of one panel, on the floor in a horizontal position using a can or sprayer. As a result of using this method, the paint layer is almost perfect.

However, regardless of the choice of how to beautifully paint batteries, the product will not become better. To fit them into color scheme renovated room, you can use a decorative screen for heating radiators.

Selection of coloring composition

Deciding what to paint heating equipment with depends on the personal preferences of property owners. When you need to choose an odorless composition, then it must be water-soluble.

How to choose paint and paint radiators

All paints produced on the basis of synthetic varnishes smell during the drying process.

From those available for sale water-based compositions There are two types of paints that are resistant to abrasion:

Painting compounds that are applied at room temperature to a cold surface of the product will dry within 4 to 8 hours. But they will not be completely resistant to abrasion - as a result, marks will appear on clothes and curtains.

How and how to paint a cast iron battery at home if you need long-term and trouble-free operation? Of the paints intended for use in everyday life, according to experts, the best option is the use of domestic alkyd enamels PF-115 or their imported analogues.
These paints are resistant to temperature changes and are intended for use indoors and outdoors. The price of a 2.6 kilogram can is affordable for most consumers.

Another viable option is to use auto enamels. But their application requires the presence ideal surface, otherwise all irregularities will become clearly visible. Automotive enamels are applied from a spray can and therefore, if the radiator cannot be removed, then a screen made of hardboard or cardboard is installed between it and the wall.

A simple option for painting radiators

Instructions on how to quickly paint batteries and return them to normal condition depend on the time during which this work must be completed.

You can use in a simple way, in which:

1. The surface of the device is prepared in two stages. First, the layers of the coloring composition are heated gas burner or a construction hairdryer, and then remove it with a hard spatula and protect the surface with a wire brush. By the way, sanding a battery for painting with sandpaper is very, very tedious and takes a lot of time.
2. Remove rust and dust with a damp cloth.
3. Then the paint, diluted to the state of rich milk, is applied in two layers, drying each of them for at least a day.

When painting, you must adhere to several rules:

1. There is no need to try to paint the device at once when the paint layer is visible. It is better to spend 24 hours drying and then apply the next layer, otherwise the color will be uneven and sagging will appear. But, if this happens, the defects can be eliminated, for which the surface area must be cleaned again and another thin layer applied on top.
2. When you need to paint hot batteries, you should put just a little paint on the brush at a time and quickly rub it in as thin a layer as possible in a well-ventilated room.

If the rules described above are followed, poisoning from the quickly evaporating paint thinner is eliminated and untidy streaks will not appear on the radiator, since the paint composition dries quickly on a hot surface.

The correct method for painting heating appliances

There is a way to paint cast iron batteries, returning them to their original appearance, removing streaks between sections and the shortcomings of the previous painting. The work is carried out as in the previous case - using a brush, applying two thin layers.

The radiator is prepared differently:

1. Reset the risers, remove the device and drain the remaining coolant from it.
2. Unscrew all blind and through plugs. Remove the washers.
3. The radiator is annealed for at least one hour on a fire in the yard. Annealing blowtorch or a hairdryer - a tedious and ineffective task.
4. The cooled battery is disassembled into sections using a radiator key; after annealing, this will be easy to do.
5. Each section is tapped with a mallet. The rust that has accumulated over many years will fall out of it, and eventually the channels inside will be cleaned.
6. Sections are cleaned with a wire brush. After annealing, the procedure will be easy and quick.
7. The radiator is reassembled using rubber gaskets. They can be made from an old car inner tube with a size slightly smaller than the end of the section. In this case, the compressed gasket will not protrude beyond the edges.
8. Next, the battery is mounted, pressurized by simply filling the riser and painted.

The decision of what color to paint the battery is of no small importance for the appearance. The classic option is white or silver. But if desired, the color can be gray-green, brown or any other. As for heat transfer, dark-colored batteries do this best.