How to choose the right paint and paint the radiator

Do-it-yourself painting of heating devices

The workflow for painting batteries and pipes with heat-resistant compounds includes several stages:

1. Surface preparation.
2. Application of the coloring composition.

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

• Brush with a metal base.
• Paint brushes - regular and radiator.
• Sandpaper coarse grit.
• Cleaning brush.
• Spatula with metal tip.
• Primer for metal.
• Battery paint.
• Degreasing or solvent composition.

Preparing surfaces for painting

To perform high-quality painting of heating devices with your own hands, you need to properly prepare the surfaces. Preparatory work includes the following activities: cleaning of the old coating, removal of corrosion, degreasing and priming.

1. The surface is carefully cleaned: the old coating is removed, the places damaged by corrosion are polished to a shine. Contaminants are removed with a brush, and paint - with a spatula or special chemicals.
2. After removing the paint, the surface is polished with a brush with metal bristles, a special nozzle for a drill or a grinder. Personal protective equipment is used when cleaning the surface.
3. The cleaned surface is sanded with sandpaper, degreased with any available solution.
4. A primer with anti-corrosion properties is applied to the prepared surface for maximum protection against corrosion and to increase the adhesion of the coloring composition to the base.

Features of surface painting

Most modern compositions applied to a cold surface, therefore, the hot battery must be cooled before painting. To obtain a high-quality coating, it is recommended to paint the batteries following a certain technology.

Liquid formulations

If an oil, water, water-based and other liquid composition is used in the work, it is necessary to properly prepare the workplace and protect the surrounding surfaces with a clean rag.

1. For painting, use a brush with a curved handle or a soft sponge. The coloring agent is poured into a wide container. Hands are protected by gloves.
2. The composition is applied in a thin layer on the inner surfaces and in hard-to-reach places, then the outer part of the heating device is processed. Smooth strokes are performed from top to bottom, which will allow you to evenly apply enamel to the surface.

Aerosol formulations

If odorless balloon paint is used for painting, then the principle of surface treatment is as follows:

1. First, hard-to-reach places are processed, then the outer parts of the central and other heating elements.
2. Smooth movements are performed in a zigzag pattern from top to bottom.
3. The surface is treated in two layers to obtain a uniform coating.

If enamel for radiators is applied with a spray gun, then the principle of surface treatment is similar to balloon painting.

Before you perform home painting of heating radiators, you should carefully study the features of the technological process, because compliance with all stages will ensure high performance and long service life of the devices.

Types of paints

What paint to paint radiators? You are very lucky if you have modern powder-coated radiators at your disposal - it lasts for decades without peeling and hardly changing its color. Such paint covers aluminum, bimetallic and steel radiators of various designs. To give special strength, the coloring is subjected to procedures that make it stronger and more durable. The longest service life is characterized by multi-stage painting.

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

If the house has ordinary cast-iron accordion batteries or old steel batteries, then they need to be tinted periodically. The paint quickly turns yellow, begins to crumble, exposing the metal and creating all the conditions for the formation of corrosion centers. Therefore, the paintwork needs to be updated. It may also be needed during repairs - what if you decide to paint the batteries in different colors and adapt them to your interior design?

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

• water-dispersion - do not emit an unpleasant odor and dry quickly;
• acrylic - they smell of solvents and give gloss;
• alkyd - resistant durable, characterized by long drying;
• oil - not the most worthy option for painting batteries;
• heat-resistant silver - an excellent option for painting heating appliances;
• silicone aluminum - excellent in all respects, but very expensive;
• canned automotive enamels are a reasonable heat-resistant option.

The water-dispersion composition for radiators is completely safe, as it dissolves with 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 suitable for painting batteries heating. On some varieties there are marks indicating the possibility of painting heaters.

You don't like matte radiators and want them to shine? Then we recommend that you turn your attention to modern acrylic enamels. They give excellent gloss and have a long service life.

Their disadvantage is the smell of the solvent, so the premises after painting will need to be ventilated.

Alkyd paints are the most durable. They are resistant to temperature loads, well resist abrasion, do not change their color for a long time. Some of them endure heating up to +150 degreeswithout yellowing for many years. Despite the obvious advantages, such paints have one striking drawback - the strong smell of the solvent. It manifests itself not only at the stage of painting, but also when starting the heating system.

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

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

Radiators painted with silver look very attractive, but the main thing here is that the surface of the battery is even, without bumps and depressions, otherwise the impression will be smeared.

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

• withstands heating up to +200 degrees;
• does not change color;
• almost does not peel off and does not fall off.

The disadvantage is a rather strong smell, so after painting the batteries, the rooms must be ventilated.

Silicone-aluminum paints have the highest resistance to high temperatures. They fit well on any surface, forming a strong and reliable connection. The surface is smooth and plastic, the painting does not peel off even after several years of operation. The payoff for such excellent performance is high cost - you have to pay for advantages and durability.

Autoenamels 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.

Can batteries be painted?

There should be no problems with painting old solid cast iron batteries. You just need to choose the right paint for them. But with radiators made of aluminum or stainless steel, the situation is radically different.

Initially, they are painted in the factory with a powder method with heat treatment. On top of this paintwork, it is problematic to apply a new layer of paintwork materials at home with your own hands.

The vast majority of manufacturers of non-cast iron heaters consider unauthorized painting of the battery surface as a reason to void the factory warranty.

Any damage or peeling of the paint layer on a newly purchased radiator is a manufacturing defect. Such equipment must be replaced. No one has canceled the warranty period yet.

Manufacturers of aluminum and steel radiators in the instructions for their products categorically prohibit their additional coloring

After drying, enamel paints create a durable and monolithic layer on the surface, through which air is not able to pass by definition.

If oxygen is left even a small chance to seep through the paintwork, then you can immediately forget about protecting the metal from corrosion. And protective functions are often the main reason for painting radiators.

At the same time, in the passports for all heating batteries there is a categorical prohibition on painting over the air outlet of the automatic air vent. If paint is applied to it, then it will be impossible to bleed air from the heating system if necessary. This point must be monitored during painting work.

Painting both aluminum and stainless steel factories produce powder coloring compositions, which, after application, are “baked” in special boxes with a high temperature. It is impossible to create the necessary conditions at home.

And ordinary oil and other paints do not last long on such radiators. Due to low adhesion, they will inevitably flake off aluminum and steel surfaces.

If the paint on the aluminum battery began to slide, then it’s easier to buy a new radiator - the paint layer applied at home on them can last a maximum of two to three years

Reliable painting of aluminum requires special painting equipment, as well as epoxy primers and enamels. All this costs a lot of money.

In addition, the slightest non-compliance with the technology inevitably leads to peeling of the applied coating.There is another option with anodic oxidation, but this is again technologically difficult and requires certain knowledge.

If there is a successful experience in painting a car body and appropriate paintwork materials, then you can take up painting an aluminum battery, otherwise you should not do it. It is better to purchase a new heater or simply close a peeling decorative screen.

A separate topic is convectors with private fins made of steel plates (“comb”) strung on a pair of pipes. Such batteries were often installed in 1970-80s in panel high-rise buildings. You cannot paint the lamellar ribs themselves. This will lead to a sharp decrease in heat transfer.

At the same time, getting to the pipes in the middle will also not work, even with a very narrow brush. These surfaces are best left alone.

Such radiators usually have dampers and decorative iron screens. Here they can and should be painted to give them an aesthetic appearance. Conventional heat-resistant paints are suitable here.

Alkyd paints

The high heat resistance of alkyd compounds allows them to be used for painting heating appliances. In addition, alkyd paints are more durable than acrylic compounds, they also protect the surface from corrosion. After treatment with alkyd paint, the surface becomes smooth and beautiful. This option can be used when solving the problem of how to paint an old radiator.

But alkyd formulations have a number of disadvantages that you should definitely be aware of. The composition of these paints contains a solvent, from which the paint acquires an unpleasant odor, which is kept indoors for a very long time.In addition, the alkyd composition dries longer than water-based paints, and even after complete drying, there is a specific smell in the room. It follows from this that it is necessary to paint heating devices only in a ventilated room, which should be entered only after the smell has completely weathered.

Recommendations for painting bimetallic and aluminum radiators

New bimetal and aluminum batteries look good. But is it possible to update them to the same state, and even with the heating turned on, in the cold season? This is a question, because such structures are painted in the manufacture of special compounds and powders. But what to do if the radiator has completely lost its appearance. Worth a try to freshen it up a bit.

First you need to remove the coating to the metal. A grinder will help with this. After that, it is necessary to carry out priming. After - painting with alkyd enamel.

Alkyd enamel

Or you can update the original look of the radiator with powder coating at home. Unfortunately, this procedure cannot be performed. It turns out that you can buy special pigment powders, but you also need a special sprayer for it. But even if he were found, then there would be no source of voltage, which should have a specific meaning, in the apartment. So, as well as the temperature regime after staining at 170-350 degrees, we will also not be able to provide.

How to paint a cast iron battery?

If the battery is not new and has been painted more than once, it is advisable to remove the old paint. After all, the more layers - the less heat. If the radiator was painted more than two or three times, this is already critical.To remove the old paint, you need to use a special remover (a chemical agent for removing old paint), carefully following the instructions that come with it.

The wash softens the paint film and reduces its adhesion to the surface. As a result, the paint is easily removed with a scraper, spatula or cloth.

After cleaning the radiator from paint, you should wash it thoroughly. Further, the surface can be sanded to at least partially smooth out the numerous roughnesses typical of domestic cast-iron radiators. To do this, you can use sandpaper or a cork brush. The main thing here is not to overdo it, because excessive grinding can make the battery more fragile. Still, you should not count on an ideal result - absolute smoothness cannot be achieved.

After sanding - primer. As already mentioned, an anti-corrosion primer for metal is required. The primer must be completely dry, and only after that you can paint.

If the battery is very old, painted for the first time already in the 50-60s, it is advisable to purchase a new radiator. Firstly, peeling off numerous layers of paint will not be easy at all. Secondly, cast iron radiators also have an expiration date. The longer the battery lasts, the worse it heats, because plaque accumulates inside, preventing water circulation. In addition, old radiators begin to rust, and sometimes leak. If there are a lot of layers of paint, the wash will have to be used several times, and a good wash is not cheap. A new battery will probably cost the same amount.

Now let's talk about the next step - coloring.It is recommended to paint only cold radiators, as hot paint dries too quickly. There is not enough time to properly distribute the paint over the surface. This causes various flaws: “bald spots”, smudges, brush marks, etc. Moreover, some paints, if applied to a hot battery, may wrinkle.

It is convenient to paint the radiator with a brush. If the battery is cold and the paint is thin enough, the film will apply evenly and smoothly. If conditions allow, you can use a spray gun or spray paint.

Most of the time, one layer is not enough. It is necessary to wait for the first layer to dry and only then apply the second.

Features of applying paint

Applying this or that type of paint to radiators is not an easy job, as a person who is far from understanding the technology of painting work might think. After all, the reliability of the coating and its durability will depend on how correctly all stages of painting were observed.

Preparatory stage

Painting with acrylic paint

Preparation of radiators for painting is the most important and the first stage, on which the final result largely depends. First you need to thoroughly wash the heater, using for this purpose a special spray bottle with washing liquid, a soft rag and a brush. Even new batteries need preliminary preparation, since even the highest quality paints without their characteristic odor should lie on the surface smoothly and evenly. Next - it is necessary to degrease the devices, as well as clean them with sandpaper to remove various irregularities on their surfaces and better adhesion to the paint.

Before applying the coloring composition, the old coating layer should be removed, and the places subject to corrosion should be treated with special compounds.

Preparation of tools and materials

Before removing the old layer of paint and applying a new coating make sure you have the right tools and abrasives on hand:

• Tassels.
• Drill bits.
• Sandpaper for removing old paint.
• degreasing composition.
• Primers with metal corrosion protection components.
• Abrasive - for removing thick layers of old coating.

Features of applying paint to radiators

Acrylic enamel for radiators

In order for the end result to be as you expect, you should not only choose the right paint, carefully carry out all the preparatory work, but also apply a new composition, according to the rules:

All restoration and painting work should be carried out during the period of turning off the heating in order to avoid stains and ugly stains.
It is important to apply the paint from top to bottom so that random streaks that may appear do not spoil the already treated surface. Batteries must be covered completely, including the back and inside of them. In order to paint hard-to-reach places, there are special battery brushes that have a curved shape.

It is most effective to process the device in two thin layers to avoid unevenness. But at the same time, it is necessary to wait until the first applied layer is completely dry. And only after that you can apply the next layer of the coloring composition.
The aesthetics of the battery will depend on how carefully the paint, oil or any other, will be used.For convenience, spray cans, special rollers and brushes are often used. It is recommended to start the process from the most inaccessible places, applying the composition evenly.
If the technical parameters of the radiator allow you to remove it from the hinges and cover it completely with paint, then this will be the best option.

In order to paint hard-to-reach places, there are special battery brushes that have a curved shape. It is most effective to process the device in two thin layers to avoid unevenness. But at the same time, it is necessary to wait until the first applied layer is completely dry. And only after that you can apply the next layer of the coloring composition.
The aesthetics of the battery will depend on how carefully the paint, oil or any other, will be used. For convenience, spray cans, special rollers and brushes are often used. It is recommended to start the process from the most inaccessible places, applying the composition evenly.
If the technical parameters of the radiator allow you to remove it from the hinges and cover it completely with paint, then this will be the best option.

When carrying out painting work in the summer, it is necessary to keep windows open in order to protect yourself from the negative effects of coloring compositions. In addition, you need to use respirators and gloves, so that after finishing work on painting batteries, do not spoil the skin of your hands with various solvents, rubbing paint stains.

Color range for heating radiators

A white cast iron radiator is a classic version of a heater located under a window. Painting the window sill and window frames white is the easiest and most affordable solution.

Batteries presented in black and brown colors are becoming quite popular. There is an opinion that a dark-colored battery heats up faster and gives off heat longer. Dark-colored batteries will be appropriate in industrial-style interiors.

The most successful and original solution for country houses and apartments is batteries painted in the color of the walls. Such a move does not require complete hiding or masking of the elements of the heating system. All that is needed is to successfully fit the heating devices into the overall style of the room.

Many homeowners decide to take a bolder step - paint the batteries in a contrasting color to the walls. A similar design option will be relevant for interiors in the style of minimalism, modernism, colonial, rustic and art deco.

The original version of the battery coloring using gradients or ombre technique. For the extreme section, a neutral color is chosen, each subsequent one becomes brighter and more saturated with the addition of light grading shades.

Painting heating radiators in different colors is a good solution for children's bedrooms, as well as playrooms. Here you can embody the most unexpected ideas: apply patterns, drawings and painting. Beautifully arrange batteries as a rainbow, colored pencils or fairy-tale characters.

The second upgrade method is dismantling the batteries

There is another way to change the appearance of the batteries. It is more time consuming, because you have to completely remove the radiators. However, as a result, you will be much better at cleaning the batteries from rust and dirt. First you need to reset the heating risers. After that, you will need to completely unscrew all the through and blind plugs, as well as remove the jumpers.Next, you need to anneal the battery (heat and hold at a 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 that, the sections are cleaned with a metal brush.

In the next step, 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 that, install and connect the radiator to the heating network. Apply a primer to the surface of a clean battery and start painting. The algorithm of work is almost the same. The only difference is that the batteries will not be as hot as in the first case. Because of this, they will dry a little longer. Often, residents of houses paint radiators immediately after their dismantling. In this case, it is possible to paint the surface both in front and behind the battery. In addition, there is no risk of staining the wall behind the radiator.

Some useful tips

We paint the heating radiator in the apartment

When choosing paint, you need to consider the type of room. If the place is public, office, then you can use cheap materials

When repairs are made in a city apartment, odorless paint is required, and this is especially important if repair work is planned in a children's room.

Many people use conventional paint materials for painting pipes, which are designed to work with floors, walls, and ceilings. It's not one of the best options. They are not suitable for use at high temperatures, so they spread quickly and acquire a yellowish tint on the surface.

If you have to choose between glossy and matte colorful materials, then you must take into account the fact that a shiny coating always attracts attention and all the flaws, bumps and other shortcomings of the radiator will be visible. A matte light finish will quickly turn gray because dirt accumulates in the porous structures

We paint batteries with our own hands

More often they prefer to choose a colorful material for white radiators. This is no longer relevant. Previously, there was no such abundance of materials as now. White radiators look beautiful only in rooms where the walls are made in light colors. It is better to choose the color of the paint to match the color of the walls, the entire room.

Knowing all types of paints, their features and application rules, it remains only to get to work. The main thing is that the work is done in a good mood, and then the repairs carried out will please with an aesthetic appearance for a long time.

We also recommend reading:

Slate paint will solve the problem of children's drawings on the walls and make the interior stylish Alkyd paint: features and classification of material Choosing a paint for paving slabs and ceramic surfaces Paint-enamel PF 115 and its consumption per 1 m2 How to paint a refrigerator with your own hands?

Somehow, friends saw how radiators were painted with acrylic paint, very beautiful, they themselves wanted to, but the smell of paint stopped them. I stumbled upon the article and what is there odorless paints, which solves a lot of problems. I recommend, there is practically no smell, it lays down better than enamel and other paints.

Coloring recommendations

First of all, it is worth noting that both solvent-based enamel and battery paint odorless heating are not intended for painting on a hot surface.This is due not only to the danger of release of toxic substances from the heated surface, but also to the violation of the drying regime. Any paint should be applied and dried at an ambient and base temperature of +5 to +30 degrees.

But first, the radiator needs to be prepared for painting. If the old coating is solid, without cracks or damage, it is enough to lightly rub it with fine-grained sandpaper to improve adhesion to the new layer. Then clean from the resulting dust and degrease with white spirit or acetone.

Peeling paint and too thick a layer must be removed. This can be done quickly using firing, a drill with a special abrasive nozzle or a cord brush.

Removing the old coating

You can also use special gel washes that soften the paint layer, which after some time after applying the product is easily cleaned with a spatula.

Video description

Withdrawal process old paint with a cast-iron battery using a wash is shown in the video:

The next step is priming the surface. It is advisable to choose a composition for this on the same basis as the selected paint. For example, under alkyd enamel, radiators can be primed with GF-021, which has an anticorrosive effect.

You can start painting after the primer has dried. If it is done by hand, it is advisable to use two brushes: one curved on an elongated handle for hard-to-reach places and the second regular one for the front surface. Both should be with natural bristles.

Such a brush will allow you to get to the most difficult areas of the radiator.

They begin to paint from the inner surfaces, leaving the facade part for last.As a rule, a minimum of 2 passes is required to achieve a smooth and uniform surface. The second layer can be applied after the time specified in the instructions and necessary for complete drying.

Briefly about the main

Now you know everything about what should be the paint for radiators, which one is better to choose in this or that case. The choice should be made between acrylic and alkyd enamels, which have high heat resistance, environmental friendliness and abrasion resistance. Another worthy option is a silver coin made from aluminum powder and a special varnish. In order for the coating to serve for a long time without flaking or changing color, radiators should be carefully prepared for painting by removing the old layer and priming the surface.

How to paint: types of enamels for cast iron radiators

Heat-resistant enamels for cast iron batteries are produced on the basis of resins (alkyd, acrylic, silicone), water dispersions (acrylic and silicone), there are also powder paints, but their use requires special equipment, painting is done at the factory.

Acrylic compositions (water-soluble or organic solvents) and alkyd are popular for do-it-yourself painting at home.

Alkyd

Photo 1. Alkyd enamel for cast iron radiators with plastic effect from the manufacturer "Tex".

The disadvantage of enamels is the duration of drying and an unpleasant odor that persists in the room for several days, may appear at a high temperature of the coolant, harmless enamel cannot be called.

Reference! Alkyd enamel is applied in 2 layers on a pre-primed surface with a brush or with a spray gun.

Water-dispersion acrylic

Acrylic water-based enamel dries quickly, the paint layer is smooth, even like plastic. It is odorless, non-flammable, safe and environmentally friendly, has high adhesion to metal.

The disadvantage of acrylic water-dispersed enamels is their instability to abrasives (the surface cannot be cleaned with powders).

Photo 2. Acrylic glossy enamel for cast iron batteries PROFI VD-AK-1179 dries quickly and leaves no smell.

Acrylic with solvent

In addition to acrylic resin, the composition includes pigments, additives and a solvent - white spirit. Enamel forms a durable and stable coating, paint can be applied to surfaces previously treated with acrylic or alkyd composition. The layer is durable, does not turn yellow over time.

The disadvantage is the unpleasant smell and drying time - the painted surface dries for about 8 hours, the second layer is applied in a day.