How to paint a heating battery?

How to paint a heating battery?- Those who have old cast-iron "accordion", this issue worries literally every 2-3 years. Sometimes people think about it, who suddenly find out during the current repair that the color of the radiator does not fit into the color concept of the room at all. Every year on the shelves of building shops, the range of paints and varnishes increases and it becomes more difficult to make the right choice. In this article you will find all the necessary information on how to paint the heating batteries on old paint, how to do it, and whether this solution is always right.

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Which batteries can be painted and which ones are not worth?

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

• It is undesirable to paint modern aluminum and bimetallic batteries. Initially, they are painted in the factory with a stable powder paint, which thanks to the peculiarities of technology, lies perfectly flat. If you decide that the original color of the radiator( usually white) does not fit the interior of the room, and you want to repaint it, then you will hardly be able to achieve the same perfectly smooth coating. Even if you dismantle the battery and cover it with paint in a horizontal position. In addition, an additional layer of paint will reduce heat transfer, which for regions with severe winter is a significant disadvantage.
• It is undesirable to paint lamellar radiators, especially those having a large surface area. They are installed in homes where a network with high internal pressure is running. They have low convection, but high heat emission. As for our question, thanks to its design, it is difficult to paint the radiator of this type with a high quality, especially with a brush. If this is so necessary, then you will have to remove it, clean it thoroughly( which is very difficult) and paint it horizontally with a spray gun or car paint in the form of a spray. But even so you can not achieve the ideal application. The missing areas may remain in hard-to-reach places, because the elements of the plate radiator are too close to each other.

Important! Manufacturers recommend to paint only removable metal lining, and the rest of it is only to be cleaned of dirt and dust.

• Convectors, pipes with fins( especially with frequent aluminum fins), do not paint, as painting can adversely affect their heat transfer. In the construction of the convector, in addition to the heat source, a removable casing is included. It can be painted to ennoble the overall appearance.
• It is recommended to paint cast-iron batteries. This is not difficult to do, the colors are different and they do not affect the heat transfer. The choice of color is huge.
• Can be painted steel panel radiators. But here there is a nuance - it is not enough to cover the surface of the battery with a brush. You will have to use the car paint in the can, and it is desirable to paint in a horizontal position.

Important! In order to maximize the battery to the desired color and color scheme of the room, it is recommended to use decorative panels. They are sold in construction stores and online stores. Can be made of wood, metal, plywood, plastic and even glass. Such screens come in different shapes, colors, sizes. They can be carved with figured carving, patterns, photo printing and so on. So the choice is great, and you can pick them up for any, even the most refined interior.

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What tools and materials will be needed?

To paint the heating battery, you will need these tools:

1. For painting the cast iron radiator - straight and curved soft brushes, no more than 5 cm wide.
2. For painting the panel radiator - foam rubber roller of a small width.
3. Paint in cans or spray.
4. Painting bath( if the paint is not aerosol).
5. Special remover for paint( if you decide to get rid of the old paint chemically) and a metal spatula.
6. Drill with a nozzle in the form of a metal brush for stripping the battery of paint residues.
7. Solvent.
8. Gloves, goggles, respirator or gauze dressing, protective clothing.
9. Newspapers, oilcloth, cardboard, painting tape for surface protection.
10. Rags.

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What colors are suitable for painting the radiator?

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

For painting the radiator may come:

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

Consider each option in more detail.

Oil paint

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

• Its biggest disadvantage is that it dries very long. This process can take up to a month, you see, it's not very convenient.
• In addition, the oil paint has a rather unpleasant odor.
• It is difficult to paint the surface smoothly, without streaks or sags.

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

Water-dispersed and water-based paints

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

• It is moisture resistant and can be washed.
• Diluted with water.
• It is mainly produced in white color.

The water-based emulsion is water-based, and it:

• Can have many colors and shades.
• Not as abrasion-resistant, can be washed off slowly by contact with water.
• Diluted with solvents( eg, white spirit).

Important advantages of this type of inks are:

• their environmental friendliness and safety;
• no chemical odors when applied;
• lightness and ease of painting;
• the possibility of tinting;
• a wide range of tools for application and affordable cost.

Important! The only negative - before painting it is necessary to primer the surface, otherwise - the water in the composition will cause the appearance of rust.

Alkyd enamel and auto enamel

Alkyd enamel is one of the best options to paint a heating battery. It behaves beautifully at high temperatures( withstands up to 100 degrees), with temperature changes, it is resistant to abrasion and has many colors.

Regarding its capabilities:

• This type of paint is sold everywhere and is relatively inexpensive. This is all familiar PF-115 and its imported counterparts( produced by ACE brands, Dulux, Sigma Coatings and others).
• A significant disadvantage is the persistent chemical odor, which is still weathered after the application of this paint on the battery.
• In addition, substandard enamel may turn yellow in the course of time.

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

• It is quick and easy to apply paint from the bottle, but for this, of course, you need a knack to paint the paint evenly.
• With this application, unpainted areas may remain, as well as carefully close all surfaces surrounding the radiator from splashes.
• Auto enamel has a glossy gloss, it will give out and emphasize all surface irregularities.

Acrylic paint:

• Acrylic paint also has a water base.
• It practically does not smell and has an affordable price.
• The base base is white, but if you do not like this color, you can color it in any other shade.
• The temperature limit of acrylic paint is +80 degrees - for average radiators this is quite enough.
• It dries quickly. To apply 2 layers and it all dried up, it will take less than a day.
• It does not turn yellow with time, but also requires a preliminary priming to avoid rust.
• After drying, the acrylic paint forms a polymer coating that is resistant to washing.

Silicone-Aluminum Paint:

• Perfectly lays on any surface, forming a dense layer that narrows and expands with the metal.
• It withstands the temperature to 500 degrees, does not require preliminary priming, it is easy to clean by any means and does not lose its external appeal for a very long time.

Important! This paint is one of the most expensive. Another negative - a corrosive smell, which is long eroded.

Serebryanka

It is known since Soviet times. On the shelves of building stores are its modern counterparts. For example, heat-resistant paint BT-177.

Than it differs:

• It consists of a varnish mixed with an aluminum powder.
• Serebryanka is inexpensive, but it also has an unpleasant smell.

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Color selection:

• If you just want to update the appearance of the radiator without significant costs, then paint it in white. White and silver - a classic of the genre.
• If you want the batteries to not catch your eye and fit into the environment, but you can paint them in the tone of the walls.
• In the children's room, the radiator can be made part of a fun-filled interior - cover it with bright paint or even make the sections multicolored. You can apply the patterns on the batteries with a brush by hand or using a stencil. It is possible to decorate the radiator with the help of decoupage.

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How to paint the radiator?

What color paint heating batteries - you already know, now proceed to the process itself. It can be divided into two stages:

• preparation( cleaning from old paint);
• paint application.

Cleaning

Ideally, for a high-quality cleaning of the radiator, you need to disconnect and drain the remaining water, as it will be difficult to get from the other side. How to clean the battery of dust and dirt - we will miss, with this will cope all and without additional advice. But there are several ways to clean the old paint.

Method number 1

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

Procedure:

1. Wear protective clothing, rubber gloves and a respirator before starting work, since the smell has a strong odor.
2. Pour a small amount of the chemical into the paint bath and apply with a brush.
3. If the layers of paint are small, it will be sufficient to apply the product and wait. The paint will literally begin to bubble in a couple of minutes and collect in lumps.
4. If the layers of paint have accumulated over many years abound, then after applying the product, you can wrap the battery with a film and wait 40-60 minutes to get a better effect. Perhaps, the process will have to be repeated.
5. After the paint "lifted up", start to exfoliate with a spatula. You will get rid of most of the paint, but the remains still have to be cleaned with sandpaper or a drill with a nozzle in the form of a metal brush.
6. Then erase the debris and degrease the battery with white spirit.

Method No. 2

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

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

Procedure:

1. The essence of the method is to heat the paint layer to high temperatures with a device, then scrape it with a spatula or a rigid brush, without waiting for cooling.
2. Such work is desirable to be conducted outdoors, so, of course, the battery needs to be removed beforehand. If this is not possible, protect the surrounding surfaces with plywood and open the windows.

Important! This method can damage the gaskets in the radiator, so be prepared to replace them with new ones.

Method # 3

Another thermal way is to handle the battery with a fire. The old "grandfather" method is laborious, but it allows you to clean the battery not only from the outside, but also inside.

Procedure:

1. Remove the heat sink, unscrew all plugs and other parts.
2. Disassemble the battery into sections using a radiator wrench( the sections are connected by nipples with oppositely directed threads).

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

1. In the yard, build a good fire and put a radiator in it. Maintain the fire for about an hour, it can be longer.
2. After removing the battery from the fire, clean it with a metal brush, this process will be easy and fast.
3. After this, tap each section with a mallet to shake out all the accumulated rust from the internal channels.
4. Now it's time to reassemble everything using new rubber gaskets.

Important! Gaskets can be cut from an unnecessary car camera.

1. Wipe the radiator from dirt and degrease.

Method number 4

Can be used mechanically:

1. Attach a metal brush or emery wheel to a drill( grinder).
2. Treat the radiator surface.

Important! The downside of this method is that in many places it is difficult to get by the tool, so the work will have to be finished manually, using a hard brush and sandpaper.

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

Important! Experts recommend not to abuse this method, as this makes the metal thinner and can subsequently lead to leaks.

Painting

On the question of whether it is possible to paint heating radiators hot, experts answer negatively, because most paints will not fit well on a hot battery. Painting is best done not in the heating season. If there is no way out, then paint quickly, without picking up a lot of paint on the brush and then immediately, blurring it with a thin layer. Or turn off the supply of boiling water in the radiator and wait for the cooling, then - paint.

Important! During the dyeing process, do not forget to protect eyes, hands and breathing organs from paint splashes and toxic smells.

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

Acrylic and water emulsion

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

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

Paint from the

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

1. Start with hard-to-reach places, then go to the front.
2. Move from top to bottom in zigzag movements, without lingering in one place, otherwise the layer will lie unevenly.
3. It is recommended to coat the surface with two layers, so after drying the first one - proceed to the second one.

Important! It is possible to carry a radiator for painting on SRT, there experts will do it professionally.

With the spray gun

The painting using a paint spray gun is similar, as with the spray paint.

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

Liquid solutions

If you paint in liquid form, protect the surrounding surfaces with oilcloth and newspapers:

1. Pour the paint into the paint jar and with a curved brush, first cover all internal and hard-to-reach surfaces.
2. After this, start straightening the front part with a straight brush, moving from top to bottom.

Important! Brush a little paint on the brush, the layer should be thin, otherwise - streaks are formed.

1. After drying the first layer, coat the second one. Two layers are usually enough.

Important! Acrylic paint and water emulsion dry quickly and without a special smell, for a few hours manage without problems. But the alkyd enamel will dry out more than a day and continue to cause an unpleasant smell for a long time, therefore we recommend painting the radiator in the summer, when it is possible to open the windows for a long time.

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