What paint to paint radiators

Work order

If the old coating is even, without damage, no more than three layers, you can simply walk over the entire surface with fine-grained sandpaper. This creates the best conditions for adhesion with a new layer of paint. Then we wipe all surfaces with a “degreaser” - pure gasoline or acetone. We clean several times, carefully. Now you can paint.

Having finished with the removal of the old paint, we clean the remains “to the metal”. You can use a drill with a wire cord brush. Then we carefully degrease everything, cover with a primer. If we talk about the primer, then for heating systems it is recommended to use GF-021, and it is better for cars: protection will be more reliable.In general, you can use any composition for metal with anti-corrosion properties. After the primer dries, the battery can be painted.

For a good effect, it is important to prepare the radiator for painting.

Overview of paints for heating pipes and radiators - tips for choosing

Immediately after installation or during operation, the main components of the heating system (batteries and pipes) require additional processing - painting. Given the specific conditions under which the devices operate (high coolant temperature), this process is not as simple as it might seem at first glance. For this reason, special paints for radiators are used.

They mean a suspension of mineral or organic colored substances (pigments) and binders - latex, drying oil, PVA emulsion. For painting radiators and indoor heating pipes, special compositions are used that are distinguished by increased heat resistance, non-toxicity, and durability. In addition, they must protect the metal from corrosion, be easy to clean from dust and dirt, while maintaining color.

What are the types

Depending on which components are taken as the basis, heat-resistant paint for batteries is produced in 3 types:

It consists of resins, pigments and organic components, as well as specialized modifiers that increase anti-corrosion properties, thermal stability (up to +100 ºС) and so on. This paint is used to coat cast iron, steel and aluminum batteries. It dries quickly, gives the surface a glossy shine, is resistant to abrasion, and is durable.Since acrylic enamels contain an organic solvent, the disadvantage of this type of coloring matter is a sharp unpleasant odor, but it disappears over time.

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Produced on the basis of pentaphthalic varnish and solvent (white spirit), with the addition of coloring pigments and fillers in the form of silicon oxide or marble chips. Suitable for painting radiators made of any metal. Resistant to abrasion, easy to clean, dries quickly.

Manufactured in a wide range of colors. The disadvantages include a rather high price. For example, paint for heating systems Dufa Heizkorperlack in a 2.5 kg package costs from 1500 to 1680 rubles. Also, alkyd enamels fade over time, can become covered with small cracks, and during the first 3-5 days after application, they emit a sharp, unpleasant odor.

A water-based radiator paint may contain acrylate, latex or polyvinyl acetate dispersion as a binder. It is used for coloring any types of heating devices and pipes.

The advantages of this type of coating are: the absence of a sharp, unpleasant odor, thermal stability, uniformity and strength of the coloring layer, durability. Perhaps the only drawback is the very high cost. The price of paint for Tikkurila Thermal heating pipes is from 2900 to 3300 rubles per 2.5 kg can.

In addition to the listed types of coloring compositions, oil-based suspensions are used, but much less frequently. They are suitable for radiators made of cast iron and steel as well as non-ferrous metals.Virtually odorless, resistant to high temperatures (up to +90 ° C), quick-drying, they are, however, not as durable as acrylic or alkyd compounds, although they are not inferior to them in price. For example, colored paint for Alpina Heizkorper cast iron radiators costs between 1300–1450 rubles per 2.5 kg.

Types of paints for heating radiators

Manufacturers produce different types of paint and varnish products.

The following tools are suitable for processing batteries:

• alkyd;
• acrylic;
• oil;
• water-dispersion;
• silicone.

These types differ in performance characteristics, application methods.

Oil based

Outdated tools for indoor work are now rarely used. The advantages of the compositions under consideration include:

• availability of transparent and color options;
• ease of application to metal elements;
• the formation of a uniform durable layer;
• low cost, in comparison with other types of coloring agents;
• the possibility of using for applying an ornament, complex patterns.

The disadvantages are a strong smell, long drying of each layer. These characteristics are explained by the addition of oily solvents. Such enamel cannot be applied to hot radiators.

Heat resistant alkyd enamels

Such paints, produced using modern technologies, have the following positive qualities:

• resistance of the decorative layer to temperature extremes (the coating does not crack when heated to +120 ° C);
• increased strength;
• homogeneity of the structure of the agent during application;
• insensitivity to abrasion during normal operation of heating radiators;
• a wide selection of shades, helping to find an option that suits the overall design;
• maintaining the integrity of the layer for 5-10 years.

Alkyd enamels also have disadvantages. The pungent odor persists for a week after application. The coating begins to smell when the batteries are very hot. Some products fade, change their color. Each layer dries for at least 12 hours.

One of the main disadvantages of alkyd paint is a pungent smell,

which also manifests itself when the batteries are very hot.

Metal silicone paints

In the production of such products, silicone resins, aqueous or organic solvents are used. The positive qualities of silicone products include:

1. Heat resistance. The coating withstands any temperature loads encountered in heating systems.
2. Ease of application. When using silicone enamel, it is not necessary to carefully prepare the metal base.
3. Abrasion resistance. The decorative layer is not damaged by mechanical stress.

Acrylic based enamels

Such paints:

1. They do not have a strong odor. They are well suited for residential use.
2. Dry quickly. This is due to the frequent use of acrylic enamels in everyday life.
3. Resistant to moisture.
4. Evenly applied to the surface, well cover the metal base.
5. Safe for humans. Contains no toxic solvents.
6. Retain properties when heated. The coating does not turn yellow when the temperature rises, does not crack.
7. Combines with any colors. Due to the possibility of obtaining a wide range of colors, the paint is used for decoration.

The disadvantage is the high cost.However, it is offset by the good performance of the tool.

Powder formulations

The technology involves the application of a powder that melts and adheres to the base when heated. Powder paints are divided into the following types:

• epoxy;
• polyester;
• polyacrylate;
• photochemical;
• thermoplastic.

Enamel is safe when used as directed.

These products are not intended for residential use. When heated, they are capable of releasing substances hazardous to human health.

Matte and glossy formulations

When choosing a paint, you need to take into account the texture of the finished coating. It comes in glossy or matte. The first type highlights all surface defects. For painting cast iron batteries, it is better to choose matte options. The alloy has a rough structure that will stand out sharply after coating with a shiny paint. For processing bimetallic radiators, a glossy composition is suitable.

Water based

Such paint is considered the best option for indoor work. It differs from other means in the following features:

• lack of smell;
• safety for humans and nature (enamel is made on the basis of plain water, dispersed fillers are also not considered harmful);
• quick drying (each layer sets in 2-3 hours);
• ease of application, uniformity of distribution;
• water-repellent properties (with infrequent washing of batteries, the layer remains for 3-4 years);
• the ability to use in any room, including children's and bedrooms.

Varieties of compositions for coloring the battery

When painting a battery, first of all, you need to pay attention to the technical component of the dye. But aesthetics also play an important role.

Advantages of acrylic dyes

Acrylic paints, which belong to the group of water-based dyes, allow killing two birds with one stone. Their undoubted advantage is that they do not emit harmful substances, have no smell, and are safe for humans.

They dry quickly (about 30 minutes at a temperature of 18-23 degrees), have water-repellent properties, form a very durable coating that is resistant to mechanical stress.

Technical and aesthetic characteristics of acrylic dyes are excellent for heating appliances

And, perhaps, most importantly, they perfectly withstand high temperatures, retaining their qualities and not changing their original appearance for seven to eight years.

During this time, they will not acquire a yellow tint, will not crack or peel off. The whiteness ratio of acrylic dye is 96%, the color is very juicy and bright, and the surface looks like a plastic coating with a slight sheen.

Features of alkyd compounds

Alkyd paints are highly heat resistant and are also suitable for battery painting. They are superior in strength to acrylic compounds, have anti-corrosion properties, fit well on the surface, forming a smooth and beautiful coating.

However, they are not as safe as water-based paints. The solvent, which is part of their composition, causes an unpleasant odor that remains in the room for at least a day.

Paints dry quite slowly, and a specific smell can persist even after drying. Alkyd dyes can only be used in a well-ventilated area, and it is advisable to leave it altogether until the smell is completely weathered.

When working with alkyd compounds, precautions must be taken and the room thoroughly ventilated.

Another significant drawback is that the paints retain their color for a relatively short time and begin to turn yellow over time. If you still decide to paint the battery with alkyd paint, then it is better to choose a composition that forms a glossy finish.

In this case, the period during which the radiator will remain white is increased by about 20%, in comparison with matte and semi-matt paints.

Other types of paint for heating appliances

For painting radiators, paints based on aluminum and silicate resins are suitable, which form a dense and elastic layer on the surface, on which cracks do not appear even with temperature changes.

Silicate paints are characterized by high adhesion and do not require preliminary priming of the surface; they are designed to work at very high temperatures. Their disadvantage is a strong unpleasant odor.

Another type of paint worth stopping at is hammer paint, which is a type of alkyd composition. They form a rather interesting, but very specific coating. After their application, the surface is not smooth, but as if beaten with a hammer (hence the name) or with the effect of chasing.

Hammer paint perfectly hides all the irregularities of the cast-iron radiator - a property that is very useful for owners of houses with an old heating system

A significant advantage of hammer dyes is that the heterogeneous texture will make various roughness, irregularities and other minor defects in radiators invisible.

This property is especially valuable when it comes to painting old cast-iron batteries of the Soviet era, the rough surface of which is completely hidden behind the original coating.

Very often, silver is used to paint radiators, which is a mixture of varnish and aluminum powder. It withstands high temperatures very well and can be applied over both primer and old paint. However, the paint has a persistent odor, so the room must be well ventilated during and after its application.

Silver can be purchased ready-to-apply. You can prepare the composition yourself by mixing two parts of aluminum powder with five parts of varnish

Aluminum powder is an explosive substance. The process of self-cooking is quite risky. You should not resort to it if the house has flammable structures, and even more so small children.

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 are well suited for painting radiators. 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 withstand heating up to +150 degrees without turning yellow 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 painting heating radiators.

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.

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 are well suited for painting radiators. 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 withstand heating up to +150 degrees without turning yellow 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 painting heating radiators.

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.

Paint choice: what and why

When choosing a paint, pay attention to the label: there should be the phrase “paint for heating radiators”. Sometimes it is written in large print, sometimes in small print in the "scope" section. If there is no such phrase, it is better to refrain from buying

If there is no such phrase, it is better to refrain from buying.

And one more thing: the manufacturer must be indicated. Some craftsmen almost one to one copy the design of well-known companies. But, of course, they "forget" to write the name of the company. If the manufacturer is not specified, it is better not to buy paint. Otherwise, you risk getting a very persistent smell that lasts for weeks. Some, after such a coloring, were saved by a wash, which also does not smell like roses. They removed the newly applied layers, and only after that the smell went away.

Matte or glossy

Which paint is better for radiators: glossy or matte? There are two sides to this. On the one hand, when painting an imperfect surface with glossy paint (for example, a cast-iron radiator), all flaws “crawl out”. With a bright shine, they become very noticeable. If you use matte, the appearance becomes better.

On an ideal surface, it is better to use glossy or semi-gloss paints - they do not turn gray over time

But matte enamels turn gray. This is due to the fact that the surface is slightly porous (due to the dullness of the coating), and the pores are clogged with dust. Therefore, for radiators, it is usually recommended to take glossy or semi-gloss paint.

Paint for cast iron radiators

If you paint cast iron radiators type MS-140 glossy enamel, all surface irregularities are visible: gloss enhances them even more. If you take matte, it will turn gray. Dead end? And here it is not. There are several options for solving the problem. Choose the most suitable:

• Paint with colored paint. In general, in terms of design, white radiators only look good on white or very light walls. In all other cases, they are recommended to be tinted to match the walls (or a couple of tones lighter / darker). So, if you don't have white walls, you can paint the cast-iron radiator with colored matte paint, and not be afraid that it will turn gray over time. As one option, consider using hammer paint (see below): no defects will be visible due to the resulting pattern. Read about decorators' recommendations for decorating radiators here.
• If you still need white paint, you can paint matte, but come to terms with the fact that in a couple of years you will have to repaint.
• Another way is to even out the most noticeable pits with putty. Epoxy or polyester automotive putties are used for this. They are applied to cleaned, degreased and primed metal. After drying, they are cleaned with sandpaper, the surface is well cleaned of dust with a dry, clean cloth, and then painted. In this case, cast iron will look good even with gloss or semi-gloss. Time, however, such processing will take decently: a painstaking task. But the result is worth it.

Now paint for cast iron batteries will not be a problem for you - choose what you like best.

Paint for a cast iron battery is a difficult choice

Applying paint to aluminum radiators

The need to paint aluminum heating appliances is very rare, but it is important to know and understand how to paint the radiator from aluminium. The fact is that the painting of radiators is carried out by professional craftsmen at one of the stages of production, using a special powder paint.

At home, such a high-quality result is almost impossible to achieve. In addition, home staining may void the manufacturer's warranty.

However, during transportation or during the installation of aluminum heating appliances, small cracks or chips may appear, due to which the appearance of the radiator loses its attractiveness. In this case, it is recommended to use autoenamel. The drying of this coloring composition occurs quite quickly, at a surface temperature of 130 degrees one layer of paint dries in 20 minutes. When working with car enamel, it is recommended to use personal protective equipment, while the windows should be open. To obtain a high-quality result when deciding how to properly paint the battery, the sprayer is kept at a distance of about 30 cm from the surface to be treated. Keeping the jet in one place is not recommended, as smudges may form.