Is it possible to paint painted batteries with interior paint? Painting a heating radiator so it looks like new. Tips and tricks. Why do you need to paint radiators?

Preparatory activities for the heating season begin with inspection and checking the condition of batteries, pipes, taps and all coupling connections. If there are no problems and all elements of the battery fittings are in order, you can proceed to cleaning and, if necessary, painting the heating radiators. In the old days steel radiators and cast iron batteries were painted with whatever was in the store. Today, the range and choice of paint and varnish materials is simply huge, so deciding what paint to paint radiators with is not as easy as it might seem. But we know one thing for sure, it should be odorless paint.

How to choose the right coating for radiators

Any specialist involved in the repair of pipes and radiators, when asked what paint is best to paint heating radiators, will answer:

  • The paint coating must be thin and with maximum thermal conductivity of the paint layer in order to ensure good heat transfer to the room air;
  • The paint must provide protection to the metal surface;
  • The coating must withstand heating temperatures up to 150 o C for high-pressure radiators and 120-130 o C for ordinary steel or cast iron batteries.

For your information! Paint for cast iron radiators, in addition to all the above conditions, must have high fluidity and low viscosity.

Even after priming cast iron surface remains quite rough and porous, so for cast iron best choice There will be aerosol forms. The radiator is painted in several passes, each layer must be thoroughly dried and any stains removed. Generally, heat resistant battery spray paint has a very low odor, but paint installed radiators necessary only when open windows, in dry warm weather.

For conventional steel and aluminum radiators, the use of aerosols makes it possible to apply thin layer to the most hidden places where it is difficult to reach with a brush or roller. In addition, a thin layer of enamel dries 2-3 times faster, which means that even if there is a slight odor, it will disappear in half an hour. The smell from a thick layer of enamel on an organic solvent will stay on the radiator for 5-6 hours, for oil or pentaphthalic paint - for several days.

Heat resistance and volatility of paint for heating appliances

First of all, it should be noted that odorless paint for heating radiators does not exist in nature. Any enamel has a slight but pronounced odor. Even paints for heating appliances, wall decoration for interior spaces based on acrylic polymers or simply water-based brands also have a smell.

Ask a store clerk or building materials salon for odorless paint for radiators, and he will give you whole list heat-resistant enamels with the inscription “odorless” on the label. Actually this is not true. If you take the most seemingly safe water-based paint and paint a heating radiator at a temperature of 30-45 o C, the smell will be quite unpleasant.

Imported, for example, Polish, Czech or German paints for interior work and heating radiators may have virtually no odor or have a slight pleasant aroma, for example, fresh ice cream or sawn wood. But this does not mean that such odorless radiator paint is absolutely safe and cannot affect your well-being.

Production technology makes it possible to skillfully mask the real smell of paint, therefore, imported paints and varnishes use a special index of volatile organic compounds, or in the abbreviated version - VOC. Instead of a vague concept of odor, VOC precisely defines the maximum content of volatile organic compounds that will have to be inhaled when painting a heating radiator. Even for safe, and practically odorless, acrylic enamel for heating elements, the standard allows no more than 130 g of organic volatile substances per liter of material.

The easiest way is to determine the heat resistance of the paint and varnish material. The label of a can of enamel for heating systems always indicates Maximum temperature radiator at which the coating can be applied, and the upper limit of battery heating. For central systems In heating, the temperature of the coolant rarely exceeds 100 o C, but in private houses, part of the pipes that drain hot water from the boiler heat exchanger can heat up to 120-130 o C.

Paint options for heating systems

Range modern colors very large for heating systems. In order to understand the advantages and disadvantages of each paint separately, you will need special knowledge and a large amount of free time. In a simplified form, all paints for radiators and heating pipes can be divided into four groups:

  • Alkyd paints and varnishes;
  • Acrylic heat-resistant coatings;
  • Painting materials based on silicone polymers.

For your information! Often, when selecting a suitable paint material, the question arises: is it possible to paint the battery? water-based paint.

If you ask a specialist a similar question, whether it is possible to paint batteries with acrylic paint, he will probably answer in the affirmative, but with the caveat that it can only be painted with a brand specially designed for heating systems. You cannot paint the metal of batteries or heating radiators with ordinary water-based paint, even if there is no smell. The composition of the water-emulsion mass includes salt emulsion stabilizers and surfactants that provoke metal corrosion. An attempt to paint the bare metal of batteries will inevitably lead to the formation of microbubbles with an oxidized surface, which also enhance the already poor quality of the battery. nice smell.

Acrylic paints and varnishes for radiators

Main difference acrylic paint for radiators from a conventional water-based emulsion is the presence of a special inhibitor that prevents instant rusting of pure metal in an aqueous environment.

Acrylic resins have low resistance to heat, so special color stabilizers are used for materials intended for use in heating systems. This acrylic paint has good hiding power, density, and does not lose whiteness over time. warranty period and, of course, practically odorless. More precisely, there is a smell, but it is the smell of a flavoring agent. Such coatings are applied to the necessarily primed surface of the heating radiator using a brush or spray.

After drying, a very even layer with a semi-matte surface is formed on the pipes and radiators.

Alkyd materials

Alkyd enamels are used less for aluminum radiators and are more often used for steel and cast iron batteries. Alkyd paints and varnishes can withstand temperatures up to 150-170 o C, so they cover with similar paint metal pipes steam heating and systems in which high-boiling antifreeze or antifreeze is used instead of water. The smell of alkyd enamels is much richer and more toxic due to the high content of polar hydrocarbon solvents. Imported samples and the best domestic brands for heating systems may exhibit an odor only during the first hours of radiator heating.

Density and adhesion alkyd varnishes much higher than that acrylic resins. Therefore, despite the smell, they are used to paint old cast iron and steel batteries, in which there is a possibility of fistulas and leaks at the connections.

Silicone and organosilicon paints

Paints and varnishes based on silicone or silicone are rarely used for painting water heating radiators. The silicone coating has a high temperature of decomposition and peeling of paint, and is not afraid of moisture and sudden temperature changes. This coating has a very weak, but bad smell, which is difficult to evaporate from the room. Unlike alkyd enamels, silicone, despite the smell, is safer. After drying, the smell does not appear even with very high heat.

The disadvantages of silicone paints for heating radiators include low thermal conductivity. Even a relatively thin layer creates significant thermal resistance, so metal micron powders of aluminum, nickel, oxidized copper and bronze can be added to the paint.

How to paint a heating radiator

The thinner the paint layer, the better the heat transfer, so before applying a fresh coat paint coating, you need to find a way to remove old paint from radiators. This will increase heat transfer and improve the adhesion of the new layer to the metal or primer.

Traditionally, three methods are used to remove old coating:


The paint is fired using a hair dryer. When heated old layer softens and easily separates from the base metal. After firing, finishing scraping and brushing will be required.

Chemical methods are rarely used due to the high chemical activity of the reagent. The old paint is coated with a gel-like mass of thickened orthophosphoric acid, and after half an hour the coating can be removed with a spatula. If it is not possible to remove the old coating, then you should remove at least the surface layer to a thickness of 0.1-0.5 mm with sandpaper.

Conclusion

In any case, the cleaned battery must be degreased and primed, only after which acrylic or alkyd enamel can be applied. The best option painting is considered complete disassembly of the body, but such methods are resorted to only when major renovation or replacing the heating system.

Many people renovate their apartment in winter, and the question often arises: is it possible to paint hot radiators?

Modern paints have a number positive qualities, which allow you to paint your radiator at any time.

Heating devices in an apartment play the role of not only a source of heat, but they are also part of the interior, which means they should always look good.

In this article you will learn how to paint heating radiators with your own hands.

Radiator paints and necessary tools

Many people believe that only the front part of heating radiators should be painted, but, unfortunately, this conclusion is erroneous.

Often, especially with Soviet batteries, rust spots begin to appear, and if they are not eliminated, the corrosion can spread further.

Helps get rid of unwanted corrosion good paint. To find out what paint to paint the heating with, you need to find out the characteristics of this product.

The purchased paint must be resistant to elevated temperatures, because radiators get very hot in winter, and maintain a natural color for a long time.

For the right choice paint material, you need to know what types are available for sale.

Acrylic paint has a natural color over a long period and is famous for not having a strong odor.

This option is well suited for painting radiators in winter time, because you don’t really need to ventilate the apartment.

Alkyd paint has high temperature resistance and is therefore ideal for radiators. One of the disadvantages is the increased smell, so it is better to use it in the warm season, and not during the heating season.

There is another type of acrylic paint that is used in conjunction with a solvent. This material has good performance, firstly, the paint can be used without additional primer, and secondly, the coating is different good view and glossy surface.

The well-known oil paint used to be a popular product, but with the development technological process faded into the background.

This is the main list of paints and varnishes for cast iron radiators that can be purchased. For panel radiators You can use aerosol paints (preferably auto enamel).

Having white batteries is no longer fashionable, so don't be afraid to experiment with color scheme, the main thing is that the coating fits into the design of the apartment.

In a children's room, you can decorate radiators brightly, especially panel radiators, on which you can reproduce the whole landscape.

So how to paint radiators and in what style is up to you.

But it should be remembered that in order for the coloring material to adhere well, you must have a special tool, such as:

  • sandpaper for pre-cleaning;
  • sharp object or knife for removing old paint;
  • several types of brushes;
  • small roller;
  • unnecessary rags for cleaning the room.

This entire set will be needed for high-quality work and will help transform old and ugly radiators into a luxurious piece of furniture.

Preparatory work and process of painting batteries

To understand how to paint a heating radiator, you need to know the principle of the work being performed.

Like all types of construction work, the painting process begins with the preparation of batteries. First of all, it is necessary to eliminate contaminated areas and check the product for corrosion areas.

Once the old paint and dirt have been removed, heating radiator should be wiped with a damp cloth for cleaning.

Swollen areas must be cleaned with sandpaper, and if rotten areas are found, they must be eliminated.

At the final stage, you should coat the radiator with a primer mixture, but you should only take into account the characteristics of the further material, because some types of paint and varnish products do not require a primer layer.

Several types of cleaning are used to clean heating devices from dirt and old paint. The first method is called chemical, and the second method (which involves using a special tool) is called mechanical.

To remove dirt chemically, solutions consisting of acids and solvents are used. You can prepare this mixture yourself or purchase it at the store.

To prepare the solution at home, you will need the following ingredients:

  • sodium carbonate ( soda ash), approximately one kilogram;
  • slaked lime, in the same proportion;
  • water, about five liters;
  • large capacity, more than ten liters.

The solution is prepared as follows. Soda is dissolved in hot water, the water temperature is about 60 degrees, after which lime is added in small doses. This is done to prevent strong foam.

The mechanical method involves the use of a special tool or regular sandpaper.

The process is long and dusty, but to speed it up you can use a special drill attachment or use a grinder.

In this case, it is necessary to follow safety rules and carry out such work carefully so as not to damage the radiator.

As for the painting process itself, no special skills are needed, the main thing is to know how to paint a heating device correctly.

Before starting work, you should arrange workplace, cover the floor with paper (or other material), protect the walls with a gasket (you can put a large sheet of cardboard), prepare the necessary tools.

Apply paint to radiators with a brush, preferably from top to bottom - this way there will be no drips. The layer should be thin and uniform. After the paint has dried, you need to apply a second coat.

The internal parts of the radiators must be painted first to avoid getting dirty in the process. Small parts and difficult places should be painted with a sponge or roller.

That's the whole principle of painting radiators.

You can do the job efficiently and beautifully yourself, you just need to take into account all the nuances and follow the rules.

Here are a few more useful tips from the professionals:

  • the painted radiator should not have drips - to do this, apply the paint in a thin layer and with smooth movements;
  • It is better to paint the back of the heating device using a curved brush with a long handle;
  • if used to clean radiators chemical method, then it is necessary to use personal protective equipment;
  • after finishing painting work the room must be well ventilated. If the work is carried out in winter, then you should use paints without a strong odor;
  • pipes and hidden elements do not need to be painted, which will help preserve heat transfer;
  • To understand which paint is best to paint, you need to study all the characteristics of the product.

There is nothing complicated in this type of work, therefore, you can paint the heating system yourself.

You just need to listen to the advice of experts, and your radiator will be as good as new.

If you play with your imagination and change the color of the radiators, they will become even better than new ones.

New shades of the restored battery should be chosen based on the interior of the room: if it is a children's room, then it is better to choose bright hues, and the radiator in the bathroom should be done in a neutral color.

What paint to paint the radiators in the kitchen or in other rooms is up to you personally to decide.

It should be remembered that new bimetallic radiators very capricious, and to paint their surface you should contact a specialist (preferably a service station), in case self-repair It is necessary to use auto enamel in the form of an aerosol.

For panel radiators, both aerosols and regular paint can also be used, but you should take into account that it is necessary to paint the grille, and not just the panel itself.

Restoring radiators is a primitive job, so feel free to update the design of your heating devices and enjoy the results.

Often, residents of apartments and private houses ask the question: “Is it possible to paint hot radiators?” The answer is quite simple - you can, but not all coloring compositions available on the market are suitable for this.

What tools and materials are needed for the job?

Not always and not everyone has the opportunity to change batteries. A universal way out of this situation would be to paint the radiators in any color you like. To work, you do not need to have any specific skills, but you will need to purchase some materials and stock up on tools. The paint purchased must be resistant to high temperatures. This property is mandatory, since in winter the radiators heating system heat up and become very hot.

In addition, the composition must retain its original color over a long period of time. The lack of odor in the paint is also considered a fairly important factor, so that after work you do not have to ventilate the living areas. Before you learn how to paint, you need to understand the paints suitable for this. So, you can always find acrylic compounds in stores. They are distinguished by the absence of a pungent odor and the ability to retain their color for quite a long time.

Another suitable composition is alkyd mixtures. They are characterized by resistance to elevated temperatures. Because of this, they are most often used to work with hot batteries. Among the disadvantages is the presence of a strong odor, so residents will still have to ventilate the premises.

Oil formulations are also often found in stores, but not many people buy them. This is due to the emergence of safer compounds of the first two types. All of these paints are suitable for the job to one degree or another. Painting heating radiators with your own hands using these materials will give positive result, if you follow the operating instructions and dilute the paint with solvent in the proportion specified by the manufacturer.

To get the job done quickly and not be distracted, you will need to stock up on the necessary equipment. So, you will need:

  • fine-grained sandpaper;
  • a knife or other sharp object for cleaning radiators;
  • several brushes of different shapes:
  • small roller;
  • old rags.

With everything you need at hand, you can get to work. It is very important to stock up on rubber gloves and a protective mask, which will help protect your skin from stains and your respiratory tract from fumes.

Preparation and painting - learning the algorithm

Before you paint the heating radiator with your own hands, study the plan for the upcoming work. Like all other repairs, updating batteries begins with preparation. First, you will need to clean their surface from dust and stains. Also check the radiators for signs of corrosion. After cleaning the battery, wipe with a damp towel. As soon as the radiators are dry, a thin layer of primer should be applied to their surface. However, be careful - often some modern formulations do not require preliminary preparation surfaces.

If there are old stains on the surface of the battery that cannot be washed off with ordinary water, you can try to wipe them off with a special solution. To prepare it, take:

  • 1 kg of soda ash;
  • 1 kg slaked lime;
  • 5 liters of water;
  • large mixing bowl.

First, pour hot water into a basin and dilute soda in it. After this, gradually add lime to the mixture, stirring the product regularly. As a rule, this mixture quickly deals with even the oldest stains. After cleaning, you will need to prepare a work area. To do this, cover the area under the radiators with old newspapers. Place a piece of thick cardboard behind the radiator so as not to stain the walls. You need to apply paint to the surface of the batteries with a brush, moving the tool from top to bottom. This way, no drips will appear on the radiators when working. Try to keep the paint layer even and thin. Next, apply several more layers of the composition to the painted batteries.

The second update method is to remove the batteries

There is another way to change the appearance of batteries. It is more labor-intensive, because you have to completely remove the radiators. However, the result will be much better at keeping your batteries free of rust and dirt. First you need to reset the heating risers. After this, you will need to completely unscrew all the plugs and blind plugs, as well as remove the jumpers. Next, you need to anneal the battery (heat and hold it at high temperature) using a powerful household hair dryer. Then we disassemble the radiator into sections, using a special key for this. Don't forget to tap the radiators with a mallet to remove any rust. After this, the sections are cleaned with a wire brush.

On next stage reassemble the battery using ordinary rubber gaskets. In this case, the size of the outer part should be slightly smaller than the end of each section. After this, install and connect the radiator to the heating network. Apply primer to the surface of the clean battery and begin painting. The operating algorithm is almost the same. The only difference is that the batteries will not be as hot as in the first case. This will make them take a little longer to dry. Often, residents of houses paint radiators immediately after dismantling them. In this case, it is possible to paint the surface both in front and behind the battery. In addition, there will be no risk of staining the wall behind the radiator.

Tips for painting radiators - let's listen to the experts

Many owners of apartments and private houses ignore the experience of specialists, trying to do everything themselves. As a result, the paint on radiators cracks very quickly and falls off in whole pieces. To prevent this from happening to you, we advise you to study the recommendations on whether and how to properly paint hot radiators. Experts advise not to rush when working. Try to apply the paint so that there are no streaks left on the surface. It is better to promptly remove excess parts of the composition or smear them on the battery.

To apply paint evenly to the back of the radiator, use a curved brush designed specifically for painting. hard to reach places. When cleaning batteries using a solution made from lime and soda, experts advise using a mask and protective gloves. To ensure that the residents of the house do not suffer, it is necessary to ventilate the premises in which the work was carried out. Many experts advise using decoupage of radiators, which is very popular today. After use, your batteries will look very stylish. At the same time, you won’t spend much on updating.

To work you will need:

  • white matte paint;
  • acrylic paints;
  • decoupage paper with a pattern;
  • varnish with increased heat resistance;
  • PVA glue.

To refresh your batteries, clean them. Then apply a thin layer of white to the surface. matte paint. It will take at least 20 hours to dry. As soon as the composition has dried, you can start gluing the paper. After pasting, you can finish drawing your elements - make a background or create an original drawing. At the end, all that remains is to apply a thin layer of heat-resistant varnish.

It is very difficult to find a person who has never held a brush in his hands. Therefore, many people do not think about how to paint a 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 almost annually appearance heating elements, instead of learning how to paint the battery correctly. But then you can return to this task no more often than once every five years or even ten.

Which 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 open places rust appears. It not only stains curtains, but also destroys equipment.

Painting heating radiators - Photo 1

New-style aluminum or factory-enameled steel batteries are usually not painted, especially because you don’t like the color or want to change it. Otherwise, their appearance will be spoiled, and the heat transfer from them will be significantly reduced. Therefore, it is better to disguise them with a suitable decorative screen.

Review of paints for radiators

The most common options are enamel paints . They can be acrylic or alkyd. The first ones were created using organic solvents. They allow you to create a beautiful, glossy finish. The latter are very durable, easy to clean, and practically indestructible. Alkyd enamels also have a huge advantage– wide range of colors. Their disadvantage is that they include white spirit, which has a strong odor.

Traditional paints and varnishes containing harmful substances, gradually move aside. Although they are quite effective - they give a long-lasting color, are applied evenly and are durable. 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 smoothly and do not emit carcinogens. However, when purchasing, you should be careful - not all such products are suitable for use, since water causes metal corrosion. It is better to choose paints from it acrylic base, while taking into account that radiators will still require careful preparation surfaces. The disadvantage of these materials is also that they are not wash-resistant and can stain the curtains.

See also:

Aluminum radiators are among the leaders among all heating devices. They are distinguished by high ergonomic and thermal performance indicators. The best manufacturers The market includes ROMMER Rifar, Global, Sira Industrie...

Alternatively you can use enamel in spray cans , intended for radiators. Although it is not entirely safe, it can get the job done in a matter of minutes. True, it will only allow you to refresh the surface without penetrating into hard-to-reach places.

Choosing what paint to paint batteries with is not difficult. When purchasing, you just need to make sure that it is designed specifically for radiators. This must be indicated on the packaging.

Required tools and materials:

  • small brushes with soft bristles or a foam roller;
  • for hard-to-reach places you need to take brushes with a curved handle;
  • drill with an attachment in the form of an iron brush;
  • sandpaper;
  • film;
  • putty knife;
  • paint, primer, solvent.

Fast surface preparation

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

Preparing the battery for painting - Photo 2

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

To prepare the surface for acrylic paint, you need to completely coat 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 completely removed. This is done like this:

  • the radiator is heated using a gas burner;
  • then large pieces of paint are chipped off with a spatula;
  • the surface is thoroughly cleaned with sandpaper, or better yet, with a drill with an iron brush attachment.

After these procedures, the radiator is wiped with a damp cloth in order to degrease and remove dust. If you paint it properly after this 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 must be performed. Namely: you need to remove it, drain the water, heat it up very much, let it cool, then disassemble it and clean it of accumulated debris and rust inside. Then, carefully assemble it back, using rubber cut from ordinary tires as spacers.

Painting

Now let's look at how to actually paint the battery. First of all, you need to dilute the paint to 1% kefir. That is, very liquid, but not watery, but so that the brush can be pulled at least 30-40 cm at a time. Next, you need to carefully apply the first layer, starting with inside batteries.

After this, 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 it to dry.

Is it possible to paint hot batteries?

Many professionals do not recommend painting radiators during heating season. However, using alkyd enamel, resistant to high temperatures, or sprays, it is quite possible to paint hot batteries. You just need to do this carefully, carefully and quickly, so as not to get burned and so that the paint lays evenly. The latter is quite difficult to do, since on a hot surface from 50°C it dries almost instantly.

Option for painting a heating radiator - Photo 3

If you doubt that you can quickly and accurately complete 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 turn on the heated water supply to them. Moreover, if you cannot do this yourself, you can contact the Housing Office.

To avoid getting dirty during work flooring, baseboards and wallpaper on the walls, it is necessary to carefully isolate the areas using film, which it is advisable 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.

Painting the battery - Photo 4

If there is a need to paint the battery more thoroughly, then it is better to remove it, since otherwise this will not be possible. 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, you will be uncomfortable, everything will get in the way. Such is the specificity of this matter. Therefore, beginners should not paint hot batteries, since with a 90% probability the result will not be very good: stains, drips may remain, and the enamel will lie unevenly.

If during the renovation of the room it is not possible to replace the old heating battery, you can improve its appearance by applying fresh paint. This can only be done with cast iron heating devices or old-style radiators. More modern aluminum radiator It is not advisable to paint ribs yourself - you need to apply a thin and even layer to them powder paint, achieve smooth coating at home it is quite difficult for a non-specialist.

To avoid mistakes, before starting work you should study the recommendations and watch photos and videos of the process.

For coloring old battery Any paint will not work.

The following requirements apply to the product:

  1. It must be heat resistant. Since the radiator temperature reaches about 80 °C during the heating season, the paint should not crack under such conditions.
  2. Possess anti-corrosion properties.
  3. Will not fade over time, be resistant to wear and tear.
  4. Contain a minimum of toxic substances or be non-toxic.

Coating cast iron radiators oil paint not recommended - it exudes strong smell, takes a long time to dry, has a toxic composition, and is therefore considered obsolete.

Suitable types of paints:


Preparing the work surface

Before painting the radiator, you should prepare it for paint application.

Even if you plan to paint new battery, it is necessary to properly process it: clean it from dust and dirt, sand it and degrease it. This is necessary so that the applied coating lies flat and adheres to the surface as firmly as possible.
If you neglect these recommendations, there may be problems later: the dried paint will begin to crack, its integrity will be compromised, and the surface will be uneven. In addition, the heat transfer from the radiator will decrease.

Together with heating appliances they usually paint and cast iron pipes, then they also need to be properly prepared.

Action plan:

  • Remove dust and dirt from surfaces with a damp cloth;
  • get rid of the remnants of old paint;
  • areas of the radiator damaged by corrosion are thoroughly cleaned;
  • Using sandpaper, the working surfaces are sanded and then degreased with alcohol;
  • A primer is applied to the cleaned surface (it is advisable to use an anti-corrosion primer to protect the batteries from rust).

All unclear points can be clarified if you watch a video with advice from professionals.

You should work with gloves, open the windows and protect your respiratory tract with a respirator.

Ways to remove old paint

You can get rid of the remnants of the previous coating using two methods.
The first is mechanical - use a spatula, sandpaper or grinding machine. Even with the help electrical appliance The process will turn out to be very labor-intensive, so the second method is often used.

It involves applying a chemical remover. The solution is applied generously to all painted surfaces, the battery is wrapped in film to increase efficiency, and left for the time indicated on the packaging of the specific product. Then, using a brush with metal bristles and a spatula, remove the easily removed old layer of coating.

General rules

You can only paint a cold radiator - applying it to a heated surface will cause the liquid to bubble, distribute unevenly, and the dried battery will become covered with drips and stains.

It is correct to do this before or after the end of the heating season. If necessary, stain in winter period, access hot water the radiator is closed using valves, and work begins after it has completely cooled down. The valves are opened again only after the paint has completely dried.

Dyeing process

Start applying paint from the top, otherwise the lower painted parts will be damaged by drips. Cover the entire radiator with paint, including its rear part. For a high-quality and durable coating, it is necessary to apply 2 thin layers, taking a break between them so that the first has time to dry.

To make the process of painting the radiator with your own hands easier, you can remove it - this way there will be fewer hard-to-reach places and it will become more convenient to work. In this case, it is better to use a spray gun. You can study the photo showing the process of applying paint with this device to evaluate the ease of working with it.
It is recommended to dilute the paint to a thinner consistency if you plan to paint with a spray gun. This is done taking into account its type: water-based ones are diluted with water, and alkyd enamels and varnishes add white spirit.

When working, you should apply the jet from top to bottom, holding the device at a distance of approximately 30 cm from the surface to be treated.

You can also get a smooth and evenly distributed layer of paint using foam roller small diameter. For places where they are inconvenient to work, it is worth using a brush with a curved end, designed specifically for this purpose.

The paint is applied sequentially, without skipping, without putting too much on the brush at once. large quantity liquids. A thick layer will look uneven and will worsen the heat transfer of the battery.

Viewing step by step photos the painting process, a video in which experts talk about the nuances of the work, and taking into account the recommendations outlined above, you can easily and efficiently update the old coating on batteries with your own hands.