Painting radiators: what and how to do. How to paint radiators: creative decor Painting cast iron batteries with your own hands

During repairs, after installation, as well as due to the loss of the desired color, partial chips, the batteries must be painted. Often, radiators are repainted, if the color does not suit you, you want to create a single style in the room. The reason for painting can be minor scratches, chips, which often remain after installing the battery.

Before proceeding with staining, you should carefully consider all its nuances. Then a great result is guaranteed. If the question arose “how to paint radiators?”, It is worth considering everything important points this process.

Preparing Batteries for Painting

A significant role is played by the preparation of radiators for painting. First you need to determine how dirty the battery is, thoroughly clean it. They get rid of dirt with a cloth, brush, an effective spray gun. Even if the radiator is new, it still needs to be degreased, treated with sandpaper, after being cleaned of dust. The paint will crack, partially begin to chip off, quickly lose the integrity of the layer if applied to an unprepared surface.

To perfectly clean the radiators, you need to remove old layer paint, completely get rid of the primer. Areas affected by rust need special attention. It is important to process them to metal.

Tools and materials for painting radiators

Of great importance are the tools, compositions used in the preparation of the radiator. A special brush mounted on the drill will provide optimal processing of the battery. Washing solutions also work effectively: it is good to apply them to the entire dry surface of the radiator with a paint brush, and then wrap it with a film. The paint will soften and be removed easily in an hour, you don’t even need to use a drill - a regular spatula is enough. The advantage of special washes is that they are harmless to metal, they only destroy layers of paint.

After there are no traces of the old paint left, the surface must be treated with emery, be sure to degrease. For this, any slightly alkaline solution, white spirit, is suitable. At the final stage of preparation, a layer of anti-corrosion primer is applied to the radiator. After completing all these steps, you can be sure: the surface is ready, the paint will adhere perfectly to it, it will hold securely and for a long time.

This is interesting: unusual tools that will help in the coloring of batteries

Choosing the Perfect Battery Paint

It is important to determine which paint is best for transforming radiators. There are a number of requirements that must be met by paint applied to batteries. At least one hundred degrees heat resistance of the paint is required, abrasion resistance, non-toxicity are also needed, since the batteries are regularly cleaned, and the radiator itself heats up. The paint containing metallic powder instead of coloring pigments differs in the highest heat resistance.

There are special paints for radiators on sale, many use enamels on water based, heat-resistant varnishes. The selected paint must necessarily be designed to cover the metal, match the primer. Good compositions are durable, do not change color, and are able to protect themselves from corrosion.

Glossy gloss, color fastness on long time are provided with acrylic enamels on organic solvents. But they smell quite strongly upon application. Water-dispersion paints will dry quickly, but it is important to choose them carefully by choosing special types. After painting with alkyd enamels, the uniformity of the coating is guaranteed, it will be durable and resistant to impacts. However, the smell can be observed not only during the painting process, but also some time after drying, standing out from heating.

Color selection

The decision in what color it is better to paint the radiators is up to the owners. Now available a wide range of funds, a variety of compositions. Classical is considered to be white enamel, silver. Some choose colors in accordance with the interior, lighting, general style of the apartment and design features. Gold and bronze shades, subtle patterns, drawings look unusual.

If the look of your old radiators no longer pleases you, then you can try to breathe into them new life through experiments

• The quality of painting cast iron batteries also largely depends on how well they are prepared. As a tool for applying paint, a smooth foam roller of small diameter is best suited, and a brush is useful in hard-to-reach places. To decide for yourself how to paint the most convenient, you should think about removing the batteries. The radiator separated from the pipes can be covered with a composition on all sides, so there will be much less inaccessible places. At the same time, this method does not always justify itself, sometimes it is easier to paint over the battery more carefully without wasting time removing it. It all depends on the specific circumstances, the shape of the radiator.
• Highly an important factor is the temperature of the surface to be painted: the radiator must be cold. To the question “is it possible to paint hot batteries?” any specialist will answer unequivocally: this cannot be done. The most convenient moment is the time when there is no heating season. But the beginning of the heating period will not be a hindrance if you close the valves on the batteries, stopping the access of boiling water. It is enough to wait for them to cool completely to start painting. In the case of applying paint to a hot radiator, it will lie unevenly, swell, and various spots and stains will probably form. Moreover, you can connect the heating only when the paint is completely dry.

WARNING: never paint hot batteries!

• Painting radiators and heating pipes requires care and accuracy. It is good to use brushes, small rollers, spray cans. From the spray gun, it is optimal to process a previously removed battery, then all hard-to-reach areas will be perfectly painted over. It is from those places that are the least accessible that staining should begin. It is important to observe a uniform layer thickness, otherwise the color may subsequently differ in different areas.
• It is recommended to start painting from above, then accidental streaks will not spoil the lower part. You need to cover the entire battery with the composition, not limited to its front part. It is more effective to apply the paint in two thin layers, and wait for the first one to dry completely before re-painting. Then there will be no streaks, and ideal evenness is easier to achieve with thin layers.

Video: master class on painting heating radiators

Given all the subtleties of painting, batteries can be given a wonderful look that they will retain for many years.

Video: elementary but effective painting of batteries

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Discussion:

Julia said:

Hello, I have a question: everything in the apartment was replaced water pipes including risers, as well as connections to batteries on black steel. A disabled person lives in the apartment, who does not go outside and, moreover, does not tolerate the smell of paint. We decided to paint all the pipes first with an acrylic-based anti-corrosion primer (because it doesn’t smell) and on top with enamel for radiators also on an acrylic-based odorless “expert”.

But it turned out that all the shops in the city ran around, but such soil was not found. Painted just three coats of enamel. Now I'm thinking, and I'm afraid that this water-based enamel will only destroy the pipes. I think, either you need to quickly clean it off, or leave it, what do you advise? I will order the soil via the Internet, but if it comes, it will not be soon. Which is better: peel off the enamel and let the bare pipes stand waiting for anti-corrosion primer, or leave the enamel until the primer arrives? Will it destroy the pipes - the basis is water?

Alexander said:

Margarita, how wrong you asked this question, because the heating season has already begun. Of course there is a way out. Try finding a paint stripper at a hardware store. Another option is troublesome, but if nothing remains: remove the battery and brush it with a brush dressed on a grinder. Moreover, it can be disassembled into ribs if necessary.

Margarita said:

Good afternoon! I painted the batteries and now I'm biting my elbows. Maybe you have some advice on how to solve my problem).
4 months ago, I painted the batteries with HAMMER LIGHT 3 in 1 primer-enamel on rust. The paint holds up remarkably, but the persistent chemical smell still lasts! Now they gave heat, the smell is simply suffocating! No airing, no wet towels, no salt, no coffee - nothing can get rid of this “aroma”. It smells even in the vestibule, which infuriates the neighbors on the site. How can I get rid of this paint or smell (except for replacing the radiators themselves)?!

Question-remont.ru said:

Hello, Elena!

Although it will turn out to be somewhat inconsistent, we will consider each question in turn briefly.

1. Surfaces must be degreased before applying the primer. Before applying the primer, be sure to clean off all the old layers of the coating and the old primer. If you mean a cast-iron sewer pipe, then most likely it will also have a layer of resin protective coating. It should also be removed down to the metal. Everything is cleaned with sandpaper with a grain of 200. After that, all the dust is wiped off or washed off, and the dried pipe is degreased with white spirit.

2. The paint manufacturer can guarantee reliable adhesion only when using their primers and paints with enamels. However, with regard to water-based acrylic paints, they are all created according to virtually identical recipes, according to the same recommendations. Therefore, it is possible to allow the use of soil from other manufacturers.

3. Given that the enamel will be applied in several layers with a mandatory exposure between layers of 4-6 hours, the color of the primer will be reliably covered with enamel and will not show through. Only if, for the sake of economy, it is decided to apply one layer of enamel, one should also select a primer with the closest possible color or colorless.

4. When using any coating, you should adhere to the most complete order work. First, all the old coating and primer is removed down to the metal. If rust appears, then it is removed with sandpaper until a metallic sheen appears. The rest of the surface is also lightly cleaned with sandpaper. The main part of dust and dirt is swept or wiped off. With the help of white spirit or other suitable agent, the surface is degreased. After that, you can start puttying to level the surface, if necessary. Then there is division. If puttying was carried out, then the surface should also be primed in order to equalize the property of the entire surface in terms of adhesion. If, however, it is necessary to paint on pure metal, then many varnishes and paints for metal do not involve the application of primer, so that several thin layers of coating can be immediately applied to a degreased surface.

Good luck with the repair!

Elena said:

Hello! I need to paint cast iron pipe water based acrylic paint. Please tell me. : 1. Is it necessary to treat the pipe with white spirit before priming. 2. Is it possible to use a primer for metal from another company (I use acrylic enamel for metal and heating radiators “Rainbow”, Novosibirsk)? 3. Should the color of the primer match the color of the enamel? (e.g. the primer is gray and the enamel is white). 4. If the enamel is not water-based, what is the procedure for processing the cast-iron pipe (what for)? Thank you.

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Full painting of heating pipes is a rather complicated issue that periodically arises before homeowners. Batteries and pipelines are painted in several cases - when connecting new devices to the circuit, when updating the look of unpresentable old batteries, and during overhaul heating systems. It is important to painting work competently and thoroughly. This will give a chance to give the batteries an aesthetic appearance, not to violate their functional characteristics and to maintain the nominal heat transfer of heating devices.

Knowing how to paint a heating battery, the owner will be able to save money on the purchase of new heating appliances, because with the help of paint that is in harmony with the interior of the room, you can give the old cast-iron battery an aesthetic look. Before you paint radiators, you need to visit a hardware store and purchase the equipment necessary for painting. It is required for accurate and even distribution of paint, cleaning the battery and preventing smudges.

The minimum set of equipment is represented by the following set of tools:

Preparatory stage

Before armed with a brush and paint, the owner must prepare the surface of the battery. In the case of painting a new battery, the range of work is to remove dust and dirt from the surface. But if we are talking about painting an old radiator that has been used in a heating circuit for many years, then you need to know how to remove old paint from radiators and prepare the surface for applying a new layer of enamel.

First, the owner will have to clean the surface of dirt and dust with a rag and a hard brush with a long handle. Do-it-yourself high-quality painting of heating batteries involves removing dust from hard-to-reach places, so it is important to thoroughly clean not only the outer surface, but also the areas between the sections, as well as the back side of the radiators.

If the radiator was previously painted with several layers of enamel, then it is important to understand how to remove the paint from and not damage the design of the heater. A chemical remover based on acetone and fatty acids can be used to remove paint. When carrying out work, it is important to observe safety measures - use a respirator and ventilate the room well. After applying the wash, remove the old layer of paint with a plastic or metal scraper.

Before you paint the heating pipes in the apartment, it is important not only to remove the paint from the radiator, but to give the surface of the heater the most even texture without chips and cracks.

it necessary condition to new layer enamel lay without flaws and smudges. At this stage of work, the master will need sandpaper. With its help, it is necessary to carefully treat the surface of the radiators and remove the remnants of the old paint, which, due to the complex chemical composition may not completely dissolve during the flushing process.

Using sandpaper, it is important not to overdo it. Too much force may damage the integrity of the outer layer of the batteries. Therefore, the work should be carried out carefully. After cleaning the radiator, its surface is covered with a primer. The quality of the primer is great value Therefore, it is better to give preference to products from trusted brands.

If the old layer of paint does not have cracks and flaws, then you can apply a new layer of enamel on the old paint. In this case, the surface is preliminarily cleaned of contaminants and degreased with a solvent.

Paint selection

The owner of the house should make a decision about which paint is better to paint heating radiators after studying the characteristics of paint and varnish products available on the market. At the moment, dozens of paints are sold in any hardware store, differing in composition, properties and price. Therefore, the answer to the question: how to paint heating batteries can have several options.

The following types of paints are considered the most popular:

1. water-dispersion acrylic enamel;
2. solvent-based acrylic paint;
3. alkyd enamel.

High-quality radiator painting technique

Knowing how to properly paint radiators, the owner will select the optimal brushes, the size of which will allow work to be carried out even in hard-to-reach places. Instead of brushes, a spray gun or spray can can also be used to spread the enamel more evenly.

Some owners do not know how to paint radiators with their own hands correctly and decide to apply enamel only on the front side. This solution, though, will save time and money on expendable materials, but in the long run will cause a lot of problems.

Unpainted sections of pipes will be subject to corrosion, which will lead to the failure of expensive heating devices.

During the direct painting of sections, smudges, uneven layers and stains should be avoided. It is recommended to start by applying enamel on internal elements radiators, then move on to the side, and finish the job by evenly applying paint to the front side.

Painting radiators is a laborious process, but very important. Knowing how to paint heating pipes and heaters, the owner will be able to extend the life of the house heating system and make it look aesthetically pleasing. After painting, radiators should not be used in the heating system until the enamel is completely dry.

The coloring of radiators is sometimes quite important. After all, you can bring them and damage them, this applies to new generation radiators. But you also have to periodically paint the old cast iron ones.

Today we will tell you how radiators are painted and in what sequence. You will also receive information on right choice dyes and on the video in this article, get Additional information about this question.

All work can be done entirely by hand. Then its price will not be significant. There is also a sequence that should be followed.

Attention: Some do not prepare the surface for painting. It is not right. After all, then you have to do the painting every year.

Choosing a dye

The appearance depends on the exact choice of paint color. After all, you can't really hide radiators.

There is a need to take into account the requirements for battery paint and heating systems, namely:

• Radiator paint must be heat-resistant (not less than 100°C);
• Stability to hostile environments;
• Abrasion resistance;
• No toxicity when heated.

Attention: There is also an odorless radiator paint, but before buying, the instructions must be studied and the material must meet the parameters outlined above.

Special paints that are intended for painting batteries are divided into subspecies:

Which paint is better for radiators? Each of them has its pros and cons, so the preference in any case remains with the consumer.

Convectors and batteries

Worth mentioning small feature. In many current apartments, convectors (ribbed tubes) are installed as a heating device. You ask: how to carry out their coloring?

Such devices (especially those with a dense arrangement of aluminum fins) are not painted, as paint can adversely affect their heat transfer.

Convector installation device

In addition to the coolant, a removable housing is placed in it, which can be painted to improve appearance. If the convector is completely outdated, then it’s a good idea to simply replace it with a new one.

So:

• Old solid batteries are cast-iron radiators (domestic veterans), which most often require painting. They proved to be excellent during the period of operation, and consumers often refuse to change them for new heating devices, not only because of the lack of money, but simply not seeing such a need - they heat up such convectors quite well, and it is suitable to dry small things on them.
• Quite often, outdated metal radiators are covered with countless layers of paint, and the lower layers have long turned into "ancient stalactites", from which it is imperative to get rid of before applying the paint.

How to prepare for painting

There are several ways to prepare the radiator, namely: to completely remove all the old paint, or by processing the old coating in a special way before coating with new paint.

Let's take a closer look at these methods:

• The removal of the previous layers occurs with the help of chemical agents - washes such as: ACE, Dufay, B52, SP-6 and others, both domestic and many foreign companies. Washing with a base of fatty acids and acetone softens the old paint, separating it from the metal. It should be applied to the entire surface where there is paint and left for some time, unequal for various kinds washes (from 15 minutes to 5 hours).
• After the coating has completely softened, it is removed with a coarse brush or a hard scraper. The more layers of old paint applied to the device, the more times it is necessary to re-apply the wash. During the period of cleaning the convector, be sure to ensure sufficient ventilation of the room, and in other episodes (when using especially strong compositions), any respiratory protection may fit.

Caution: Be aware that some alloys used in radiators may react with flushing. The exception is cast iron - this is one of the few alloys that allow you to maintain the temperature of the contents for a long time, which are not dangerous to solvents. If the appliance is not made of the above material, be aware of the risk of acquiring a less than perfect surface after cleaning is completed.

• There is another nuance to which you should pay attention: most of the current washes do not work well with oil paints produced in the 60s of the 20th century. What is connected with the use of natural components in their composition (which is why such paints are often called "natural").
• After complete removal of the previous paint, the plane is cleaned with sandpaper. Cast iron radiators are covered with so-called “bumps”, therefore, to improve aesthetics, it is best to try to clean at least the front side of the device - this work is quite laborious, where the main thing is not to overdo it, since the top layer is considered to be the strongest in cast iron castings and, taking on too zealously for stripping , you can make the device excessively fragile. Following the release of the paint layer, places with rust may open, which will need to be treated with a special agent against metal corrosion.
• Next, the surface must be primed, for example, with GF-021 or its substitutes, which are good to apply under domestic paints of the MA and PF brands. If you want the longest lasting impact, then there is no need to save - choose ground material foreign manufacturer, brands such as Deluxe, Sigma Coatings, ACE and the like.
• Another method of preparing the plane is that the painting takes place over the old coating. If there are no "centenary layers" on the convector, and the old coating is quite strong - do not be cunning, paint on top of it. Before painting, you need to scrupulously wash the surface, degrease it and let it dry properly. Most often, in this case, there is no need even for priming.

Important:

• You should know that the heat transfer of a cast-iron appliance increases by three to four percent when oil paint is applied on top of the primer.
• Paints containing heavy metals (lead or aluminum) in their composition reduce thermal conductivity, unlike oil ones.
• Heat output is not affected by three coats of applied paint, but each successive layer reduces heat output by one percent.

Product coloring

Turn off the heating system before painting the appliance. Excessively fast drying of the coating is facilitated by the heat of the operating radiator and heating pipes, and it does not have time to distribute normally, which leads to the appearance of irregularities on the surface (frozen drops and streams, marks from the brush).

If there is no chance of turning off the heating system, you can try to apply paint thin layer which is undesirable.

• In the trade there are paints from various manufacturers, designated as specially designed for heating radiators. Nevertheless, domestic finishing specialists insist that this is just a move in the marketing system, since temperature regime batteries usually does not exceed 80 ° C. Such heat is perfectly tolerated by impeccable paints and varnishes.
• Radiators are recommended to be coated mainly with alkyd enamels, which tolerate temperatures up to 90 o Celsius quite well, while maintaining their strength and endurance to wear. You can also paint batteries with enamels such as acrylic and acrylate, which have fast drying properties and do not have a too strong odor.

If, according to the intention of the buyer, the color of the radiator should match the tone of the wall wallpaper (see Wall decoration with wallpaper in the correct design), then there are several options for solving this problem.

• The best thing is to choose a paint for radiators to match the wallpaper, or, when buying, tint it (see How to tint the paint: we select the option).
• Another version is to paint the radiator with paint to match the interior, before covering the device with a selected primer. However, when choosing this method, one should not forget that wall paint loses its stability when heated. It is also not recommended to dry wet things on heaters painted with wall paint - chipping (peeling) of the coating is possible.

Radiators aluminum and bimetallic

Such devices are initially painted with powder paint under production conditions, and their home painting is mainly associated with either painting over scratches that occurred during transportation or installation of the device, or with a complete modification of an unacceptable color.

• It is relatively difficult to achieve the same smooth application by improvised methods. Therefore, if the question arises only in the selection of a shade, immediately buy a radiator of the desired color.
• If this is not possible, then there are two ways to solve the problem. One of them is to paint the device with high-quality alkyd enamel over the factory coating. Before this, the radiator must be treated with one of the special primers. The main thing in this place is the initial and subsequent thorough processing of the base from debris particles and its complete degreasing.
• Another option applies to cases where there are chips and other defects on the production painting - it would be best to clean the surface of the battery to the base with a grinder. After that, the metal is processed using a primer according to a non-ferrous metal, then it is painted with alkyd paint.
• In the role of an improvised tool for painting, you can pick up a high-quality professional brush or aerosol. However, when using aerosol cans, some difficulties arise; It is worth taking note of the financial side of the problem - the cost of an aerosol is much higher than enamel. With this method it is convenient to paint the removable parts of convectors, and you can use barbecue paints that can withstand a temperature that is stable up to 400 ° C.

Now you know perfectly well how to paint the radiator grille. So look at the photo and you can get to work. Use only high-quality dyes, then the coating will not require replacement for a fairly long period of time.

Today, the choice of heating radiators is very diverse. There are models aluminum, steel, bimetallic. However, cast iron batteries are still in great demand due to their affordable price, high strength and classic design. Modern radiators made of steel and aluminum are sold already painted. Resistant powder paints are used to cover them. Expensive cast iron radiators also come from the manufacturer in a painted form. Inexpensive products go on sale, as a rule, unpainted. However, with the current range paintwork materials It's not a problem. good paint plus diligence - and the cast-iron battery will have a completely presentable appearance. Even if it is not new, but has worked faithfully for more than a dozen years.

How to paint a cast iron battery?

Now in any store of paints and varnishes you will definitely find special paint for radiators. On the container with it, a battery is usually depicted. The main difference from wall paints is an increased level of heat resistance.

The most suitable for cast iron batteries are two types of paints:

• acrylic (or acrylate) enamel;
• alkyd enamel.

The advantage of acrylic and acrylate enamels is that they never turn yellow. After all, acrylic is, in fact, plastic. In addition, such enamels dry quickly and do not have a strong odor.

If the battery in the apartment rarely warms up to temperatures above 80 degrees, you can use any acrylic enamel (not heat-resistant). For example, the one that painted the walls. However, in this case, the radiator will have to be handled with care. Do not dry wet clothes on it.

If the radiators are very hot in winter, it is necessary to purchase exactly heat-resistant acrylic paint. This will ensure that the painted surface will not change color or crack.

Alkyd enamel, unlike acrylic, turns yellow over time, but does not crack or peel off, even if wet things are dried on the battery. Alkyd enamel is also good because it can be applied over old layers of oil paint.

If you plan to paint a new radiator or an old battery cleaned of previous layers of paint, you will need not only enamel, but also an anti-corrosion primer for metal.

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 old paint, you need to use a special remover ( chemical agent to remove old paint), carefully following the attached instructions.

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 the circulation of water. 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 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 an airbrush 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.

What color to paint the battery?

Radiator white color - classic. It is customary for us to place batteries under the windows, and they are almost always white. A radiator in the color of the window sill and frames is the most familiar and absolutely organic solution. However, it is far from the only one.

Very relevant today black batteries. There is an opinion that a black-painted radiator heats a little better than a white one. However, experts say that the difference, if any, does not exceed 1-2%. The black color of the battery is more a tribute to design than a concern for warmth. Such radiators can often be found in modern interiors, especially those that are decorated.

Battery in the color of the wall- the solution is less common, but, of course, successful. Of course, this does not mask the battery and does not make it invisible. However, thanks to this technique, the radiator does not stand out from the general space and does not look like something alien.

Photo from the project of designer Galina Yurieva

Not many dare to paint the radiator in bright color, contrasting walls. Making the battery an accent is a bold move. And very effective. This design option is suitable for a modern minimalist interior.

An interesting idea is to color the battery using the ombre (or gradient) technique. The end section is painted, for example, white. The second has a subtle color, and each subsequent section becomes more and more saturated.

Photo source: the-village.ru

Colored batteries are especially appropriate in children's rooms. Here you can safely be creative. For example, decorate the radiator with patterns, drawings, thematic painting. Or color the battery in the form of colored pencils, rainbows, etc.

The end of the heating season is the time to solve heating problems. In a private house, repair of the heating system can be carried out at almost any time of the year, but when it comes to apartments, difficulties arise. Getting Started repair work, you need to wait until the end of the heating season and make sure that water is drained from the system.

Replacing radiators is a relatively short, but very expensive process, which, unfortunately, not everyone can afford. Do not get upset ahead of time, old cast-iron batteries in terms of heat transfer are in no way inferior to modern heating radiators.

The catch is different, it takes a lot of time and effort to paint heating radiators to give them maximum attractiveness. But do not despair, you can do everything yourself.

Painting a cast iron battery will require the following tool:

• a small grinder with a nozzle in the form of an iron brush;
• manual brush for metal;
• primer for batteries;
• heat-insulating paint for metal;
• brush for painting radiators.

Preparing the radiator for painting

At the first stage, all old paint, hard-to-reach places are processed with a manual brush for metal.

After that, all dust is removed from the batteries, if necessary, everything is thoroughly wiped with a damp cloth.

Before applying paint to the radiator, if necessary, degrease the surface with any solvent. This is especially important if the battery is rusty. After the solvent has completely dried (a couple of hours), a primer material with heat resistance is applied with a special narrow brush.

After that, the batteries can be painted. If the primer coat is abandoned, rust will show through the water-based paint in places, even after applying 2-3 coats.

Painting a cast iron radiator

To date, manufacturers offer two types of heat-resistant paints for metal: water-based and oil-based. It is recommended to apply at least 2 coats of paint at intervals of 5-6 hours depending on the type of paint.

Before applying the paint, it must be thoroughly mixed so that there are no lumps. This is an important aspect.

It is not advisable to simply purchase paint for metal, as it turns yellow over time.

As you can see, painting old cast-iron heating radiators is a laborious process, but in the end the result is worth it.