Odorless paint for radiators. How to paint heating batteries: water-based emulsions, universal enamels, anti-corrosion primers How to paint batteries

Today, our dear reader and I have to figure out how to paint a cast iron battery. We will learn what paints can be used for painting, how to prepare the surface of a radiator, and how to apply paint to the prepared surface. Let's get started.

Before we get started, let's find out: is the result worth the effort?

Painting is contraindicated

Coloring cast iron batteries makes no sense in three cases:

1. If the radiator (new or one that has been heating for several years) will be covered with a decorative screen or installed in a closed box. Painting serves purely decorative purposes, since cast iron is a corrosion-resistant metal, and an extra layer of coating will only reduce heat transfer;

It is worth clarifying: the author is categorically against non-removable screens that cover most of the surface of the batteries, and even more so against the installation heating devices in blind boxes. In addition to a sharp drop in heat transfer, the owner also faces serious problems with the accessibility of connections when eliminating leaks between sections and on the connections to the heating device.

1. If the radiator is leaking between sections. The paint layer will not stop leaking, and rust marks will be even more noticeable on the new coating. Before applying the decorative coating, the leak should be eliminated by changing the intersection gaskets or tightening the nipples;

1. If some sections of the radiator do not heat for several years. The reason for this is usually silting of the outer sections, and over 10-15 years without washing, the silt acquires the strength of stone and is removed from the radiator only during annealing, which we will talk about a little later.

Painting is desirable

In what cases can painting batteries - cast iron or steel - radically change them? appearance?

• If part of the coating has peeled off or shows signs of abrasion;

• If the paint has turned yellow due to prolonged heating;

Help: color change is typical for paints with zinc white ZnO. Since 2007, their production has been discontinued: zinc oxide has been replaced by more stable and less toxic titanium white TiO2.

• If repeated painting of cast iron heating radiators over the old coating resulted in untidy sagging.

Paint selection

Now let's find out how to paint cast iron batteries.

The main condition is the heat resistance of the coating: in the system central heating The coolant temperature at the peak of cold weather can reach 95 degrees. The compliance of the dye with this requirement is indicated by the inscription “heat-resistant” or “for radiators” on the packaging.

Look for the word “heat resistant” on the packaging

It is worth clarifying: cast iron radiators are used not only for water heating, but also for steam heating. In steam heating systems, the temperature of superheated steam can reach 150-400 degrees Celsius. However, in our time such systems have survived only in industrial conditions, in old-built enterprises.

Here are some examples of corresponding paints:

Radiator preparation

How to paint batteries correctly - cast iron or steel?

Some manufacturers' instructions for using paints (for example, the last two in our mini-review) directly indicate that they should be applied directly to the metal. And even if this requirement is absent, the old coating must be cleaned.

There are three reasons for this:

1. The thicker the coating, the lower the heat transfer of the radiator;
2. Paints are compatible with each other only within the same family: for example, alkyd enamel does not adhere well to a base painted with oil paint. Meanwhile, you don’t always know the type of paint applied to the battery during the previous repair;

1. Old coatings are often decorated with untidy streaks, which are better to get rid of.

How to remove old paint with your own hands? Here are several methods of varying complexity.

• The front (visible) surface of the radiator can be cleaned down to the metal with a metal brush (manual or made in the form of an attachment for a power tool);

• Layering old paint easy to remove with a spatula, after pre-treating the battery with a universal remover and wrapping it in plastic wrap for ten or two minutes;

• Instead of washing, the paint can be softened by heating each section with a hairdryer or blowtorch;

This method has a serious drawback: heating will lead to burnout of the intersection gaskets and winding of threads on the liner to the radiator. You should only use a blowtorch or hairdryer if you are going to rebuild the radiator.

• Finally, the most radical solution is to anneal the battery in a fire. Several dismantled heating devices are lined with firewood and calcined for an hour.

In this case, the paint on the surface completely burns out, and the petrified deposits of silt inside the vertical channels and collectors turn into scale, which can be easily knocked out of the radiator with a rubber or wooden mallet.

Captain Obviousness suggests: in this case, after annealing, the cooled radiator is rebuilt and the gaskets are replaced. Annealed nipples are unscrewed with minimal effort.

If there are grease or oil stains left on the surface of a cast iron battery that has been stripped of paint, they can be removed with any solvent (gasoline, acetone, solvent, etc.). Manufacturers of alkyd enamels usually recommend applying them over the ground; in this case, cast iron is primed with one or two layers of glyphthalic anti-corrosion primer GF-021.

Painting

Unless otherwise specified by the paint manufacturer, the heater is painted cold: otherwise the coating will dry too quickly and produce untidy sagging. Tool - narrow brush or spray gun; in the latter case, the battery must be removed or at least reliably protected from staining the floor and walls by covering them with polyethylene. The paint is applied in at least two thin, even layers with intermediate drying.

The video in this article will show you more clearly how to paint cast iron batteries.

Attention: if, when applying the next layer, there are drips on the battery, after drying, sand them, and then apply another layer. Drips are usually caused by paint that is too thick (not thinned before use) or applied in a thick layer. Its normal viscosity should correspond to the viscosity of liquid cream.

Conclusion

We hope that our material will help you restore a second youth to your old heating appliances. Good luck!

The paint for painting radiators must withstand high temperatures, i.e. be heat resistant. It is also good if it meets environmental requirements, i.e. does not emit harmful or unpleasant-smelling substances when heated.

The role of paint:

• Giving an aesthetically beautiful look
• Corrosion protection
• Protection from aggressive environmental influences

How to remove old paint from a radiator

Before applying new paint, it is necessary to prepare the surface. To begin with, use a vacuum cleaner to remove large dust; fine dust can be wiped with a damp cloth. Grease stains are easily removed by solvents and dishwashing detergents.

If the old coating is well preserved, does not peel off, does not swell, and no rust stains appear through it, then for simplicity and to save time, you can simply walk over it sandpaper so that the new layer of paint adheres well to the old one.

If the old paint has a completely unpresentable appearance, then you will have to get rid of it.

You can remove the coating from the battery in the following way:

• A drill with an attachment in the form of a stiff brush - a brush
• Solvents - washes
• Sandpaper.

Mechanical means of removing old coating guarantee a large number of dust, and if used carelessly can damage the battery itself.

Paint removal attachments

Chemicals are safer in this regard, but you should work with them in a ventilated area and using protective equipment - gloves, a respirator, goggles, etc. Also, do not smoke or light a fire because solvents are flammable.

Typically, solvents come in the form of a thick liquid or gel. They are applied in an even and not too thin layer evenly over the entire surface of the battery. For application, metal or wooden spatulas or brushes with natural bristles are used. Spatulas made of rubber or plastic will simply dissolve from aggressive chemical exposure.

The gel is left on the surface for the time specified in the instructions, after which it is cleaned off with the same spatula along with pieces of softened paint. The remaining solvent is washed off with water.

Rust can also be removed by mechanical sanding or corrosion inhibitors. Large gouges or chips should be repaired with putty.

After this, dust and dirt from the old paint should be removed and the battery should be allowed to dry. Next, apply a primer suitable for the given type of metal of the radiator and the selected paint. It contains small sand-like particles, the role of which is to increase the adhesion (adhesion) of the surface to the paint.

There are also paints that already contain substances similar to the primer, which perfectly protect the battery metal from corrosion and adhere well to the surface.

Dyeing process

It is better to paint batteries outside the heating season, then the paint will dry evenly and there will be no smudges, cracks, swelling, etc. If this is not possible, then apply as thin a layer as possible. Ideally, if the battery is not yet installed, or you can remove it to paint everywhere.

Important ! All water based paints must be applied over a primer. When applied directly to the metal of the battery, you will have to deal with the rapid appearance of rust through the paint.

To keep the floor clean, you should lay unnecessary cloth or newspapers under the radiator. If the dye is applied from a spray can, you will also have to cover the adjacent surface of the walls with something.

Painting the battery with a brush

For work, it is better to choose brushes with soft bristles; they will create less splashes. A regular old toothbrush will help you get to those hard-to-reach places. To avoid getting dirty on an already painted surface, it is better to first paint the internal parts of the radiator. Paint should be applied from the top of the radiator downwards.

You shouldn’t try to immediately paint the battery evenly in one layer, it’s still unlikely to work. It would be better to use two neat thin layers, because one thick one will take much longer to dry and may leak. The time it takes for the dye layer to dry completely is usually indicated on the packaging. You should not apply the second layer ahead of time; the coating will turn out uneven and sloppy.

Painting can be done not only by hand, but also with a spray gun or from a spray can.

Battery paint in a can

Paint selection

Although for heating batteries and use ordinary paints intended for walls, floors and ceilings, but this is not The best decision. They are not designed for temperature exposure, and therefore will crack much faster and acquire a yellowish tint.

Heat-resistant paint for radiators

When choosing between matte and glossy paints, you should keep in mind that a shiny coating will greatly attract the eye and highlight all the imperfections and unevenness of the surface. A light matte finish will turn gray over time because dirt will accumulate in the porous structure of the paint.

Although the usual color of batteries is still white, this is rather a tribute to the Soviet past, when the choice of colors was not rich. In fact, white radiators will only look normal if the interior is in light colors. For bright or dark rooms, you should choose a different paint color.

Interesting ! The battery can be turned into a noticeable and eye-catching interior detail if you paint it in bright colors, draw patterns or entire pictures.

Painting aluminum radiators

Aluminum batteries themselves have a neat-looking and even finish and do not require additional painting. If the convection plates of the radiator are located very often, then painting them will significantly reduce the heat transfer of the device.

If their appearance hurts the eye, then it is better to cover them with a screen or force them with furniture. If for some reason these options are not suitable, then the radiators, of course, can be painted. But paints suitable for cast iron batteries will not adhere well to an aluminum surface. Such radiators should only be painted using a spray can. Moreover, this should be done in heating season, because on cold batteries when room temperature The paint will take a very long time to dry.

Important ! It should be noted that most manufacturers of aluminum radiators consider their unauthorized painting to be sufficient reason to terminate warranty service.

Types of paints

Alkyd

Alkyd paint for radiators can be organic, silicon-organic or water-based. In the first few hours after application, it has a strong odor, which then disappears completely. With the start of the heating season and appliances heating up, the smell may return briefly.

If you choose white paint, then it is best to purchase one that contains titanium pigment. Options containing chalk, although they will cost significantly less, will quickly turn yellow during use.

Acrylic

Acrylic paints for radiators look and feel very much like plastic. This coating holds up well and is easy to clean. If the acrylic dye has water base, he will be completely deprived unpleasant odor.

Hammer

Hammer enamels allow you to obtain shades of the same color and various options invoices A non-uniform coating will perfectly hide unevenness and other surface imperfections.

Preparation for application and the painting itself will be no different from usual. The only thing that is required is to sand the radiator to create a rough surface.

Water-based

Many people wonder if batteries can be painted. water-based paint. Of course, it is possible, because... it combines resistance to high temperatures, quick drying and no unpleasant odor. However, it is significantly inferior in durability to other species.

Powder

The so-called powder coating. The dry mixture is applied from a special gun due to the slight difference electrical potentials at the radiator and the powder itself. After application, such paint must be polymerized. Indoors, this can be done using a heat gun, or if the radiator is removed from the wall, it can be placed in the oven. There are also options for powder dye that hardens when exposed to ultraviolet light. However, the usual sunlight This is not enough, you need to use an ultraviolet lamp.

Silicate

Paint for batteries based on silicate resins and aluminum is designed to work even with very high temperatures, which in practice do not occur in a heating system. After hardening, the material forms a dense, durable, but plastic layer, due to which no cracks will occur during thermal expansion and contraction of the metal. This paint does not require prior application of a primer and has very high adhesion to the surface. The only disadvantages of this option are the high price and the strong odor that takes a long time to dissipate.

Serebryanka

Silver paint, a mixture of varnish and aluminum powder, has long been used for painting radiators. This paint can withstand high temperatures very well. It should be applied either over a layer of old coating or onto a base in the form of a primer. Since silver oil contains petroleum products among the varnish components, it has a fairly persistent strong odor, i.e. the room will have to be thoroughly ventilated.

Advice ! Automotive enamels in cans are very suitable for painting heating appliances, because... They are also designed for strong heating during operation and application to metal surfaces.

Conclusion

What paint to paint the heating radiators is ultimately up to the buyer to decide. You just need to carefully weigh all the advantages and disadvantages of each possible options. For a room currently occupied by people, would be better suited quick-drying, odorless paint for radiators.

In a non-residential space, paints that take a long time to dry, but have a longer service life, are also suitable. You should not save on material; it is better to give preference to proven and well-known brands. User reviews, which can be easily found on the Internet, will help you check how well the performance of a particular paint actually corresponds to the declared ones, and decide which paint for batteries is better.

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

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

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

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

Radiator paints and necessary tools

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Everyone knows Oil paint used to be a popular product, but with the development of the technological process it faded into the background.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Preparatory work and process of painting batteries

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

That's the whole principle of painting radiators.

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

Here are a few more useful tips from the professionals:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For panel radiators, both aerosols and regular paint, just take into account that it is necessary to paint the grille, and not just the panel itself.

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

The correct choice of paints and varnishes for heating system elements is an important and responsible step. Paint for radiators must meet high performance requirements: withstand temperature changes, be resistant to cracking and peeling, protect the surface from corrosion and mechanical damage. To ensure a long service life of heating radiators, you need to know what heat-resistant compounds in the best possible way suitable for these purposes.

Why do you need to paint radiators?

Renewing the paintwork on heating radiators is carried out in many cases. This is often done as a result of severe wear or damage to the old paint or when the finish has lost its attractive appearance. Before deciding what paint and color to paint heating radiators, you need to find out why such a procedure is being carried out.

Heating radiators in an apartment or private house are painted in the following cases:

• If the shade of the coating has changed. This is due to possible fading and thinning of the protective paint.
• If there are inhomogeneities in the coating - bubbles, chips, cracks and other paint defects.
• When conducting overhaul heating elements.
• To update the interior and appearance of radiators.

Not only the decorative component is of great importance, but also performance characteristics protective coating– resistance to temperature changes and high humidity.

Color range for heating radiators

White cast iron radiator- This classic version heating device located under the window. Painting the window sill white and window frames– the simplest and most affordable solution.

Batteries available in black and black are becoming quite popular. brown tones. There is an opinion that a battery painted in a dark color heats up faster and releases heat longer. Dark-colored batteries will be appropriate in industrial-style interiors.

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

Many homeowners decide to take a bolder step - paint the radiators in a color that contrasts with the walls. This design option will be relevant for interiors in the style of minimalism, modernism, colonial, rustic and art deco.

An original version of painting a battery using gradients or ombre techniques. For the outer section, a neutral color is chosen, each subsequent one becomes more and more bright and saturated with the addition of light grading shades.

Painting heating radiators in different colors- a good solution for children's bedrooms, as well as game rooms. Here you can implement the most unexpected ideas: apply patterns, drawings and paintings. Beautifully decorate batteries as rainbows, colored pencils or fairy-tale characters.

Is it possible to paint hot radiators?

When painting heating radiators and pipes, the surface temperature should be taken into account. It is definitely not worth painting appliances in winter, and especially during the heating season. Applying paints and varnishes to a hot surface can lead to accelerated drying of the coating and the appearance of minor defects in the form of sagging and stains.

In addition, when processing a hot radiator, the sharp smell of paint may increase, and ventilating the room in winter period is fraught with heat loss.

The best time to conduct repair work– a warm period when the batteries remain cold, and it is also possible to ventilate the room well.

If it is impossible to postpone painting the radiator until the beginning of the heating season, then you need to wisely choose working equipment and materials. For work, it is better to use a spray can, which allows you to quickly and evenly apply the heat-resistant composition to the surface to be treated. Bottom part structures and pipes should be brushed.

When choosing paint and varnish products, it is important to consider its quality and performance characteristics. For example, it is better to paint a hot radiator with alkyd enamel.

A more affordable and safer option to paint a switched-on radiator is to use a quick-drying acrylic compound. This coating is resistant to temperature changes and high humidity.

Choice of paint for radiators. comparison table

For coloring elements heating system high-quality paint for heating radiators is used, which corresponds to high requirements. It must be safe, resistant to overheating, cracking and fading. Experts recommend choosing the following types of paints for heating pipes and radiators:

How to clean a surface from old coating

Preparing the surface of radiators and pipes begins with removing the old paintwork. There are two simple ways cleaning radiators:

• The mechanical method involves using a brush with metal bristles or an attachment to an electric drill. Dismantling the coating is carried out down to the metal, so it requires a lot of time and physical effort. The only drawback is the difficulty of processing small parts or hard-to-reach places. A special attachment for the drill simplifies the cleaning process, and it also allows you to better process the entire area of ​​the device, even in hard-to-reach places.
• The chemical method requires the use of special chemical compositions based on acids and solvents that reduce the adhesion of the coating to the base. The surface is carefully treated with the selected composition according to the instructions until the paint is completely softened. Next, the old coating is removed with a spatula, grinder or brush.

Calculation of paint for pipes and batteries

One more important step is the correct calculation of the required volume of materials used for painting radiators, pipes and other elements of the heating system.

For the calculation, the initial data is used:

• Surface area to be processed.
• Consumption rate of a specific type of paint per 1 sq. m.

The paint consumption is calculated and indicated by the manufacturer on the packaging. Each element of the system has its own area, which is taken into account when calculating the volume of paint. Similar information is contained in technical specifications each heating device. If painting of pipes is required, it is necessary to additionally calculate the area of ​​each of them, multiplying the length of the pipe by its diameter and the number P.

The obtained values ​​(device area) and paint consumption per 1 sq. m are multiplied to obtain the exact volume of paint in units of calculation - liters. This volume is taken into account for applying one layer. If you need to paint in several layers, the paint consumption per layer is multiplied by the total number of layers.

Do-it-yourself painting of heating devices

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

1. Preparation of the treated surface.
2. Application of 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.
• Coarse sandpaper.
• Cleaning brush.
• Spatula with a metal tip.
• Primer for metal.
• Paint for batteries.
• 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 include the following activities: cleaning of old coating, removal of corrosion, degreasing and priming.

1. The surface is thoroughly cleaned: the old coating is removed, areas damaged by corrosion are sanded to a shine. Dirt is removed with a brush, and paint with a spatula or special chemicals.
2. After removing the paint, the surface is sanded with a brush with metal bristles, a special attachment for a drill or a grinder. When working with surface cleaning, personal protective equipment is used.
3. The cleaned surface is sanded with sandpaper and degreased with any available solution.
4. A primer with anti-corrosion properties is applied to the prepared surface for maximum protection against corrosion and increased adhesion of the paint composition to the base.

Features of surface painting

Most modern compounds are applied to a cold surface, so before painting hot battery needs to be cooled. To obtain a high-quality coating, it is recommended to paint batteries following a certain technology.

Liquid formulations

If the work uses an oil, water, water-based or other liquid composition, 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 with gloves.
2. The composition is applied in a thin layer to the internal surfaces and in hard-to-reach places, then the outer part of the heating device is treated. Smooth strokes are made from top to bottom, which will allow you to evenly apply the enamel to the surface.

Important! If visual defects appear after painting, re-painting is necessary.

Aerosol formulations

If odorless spray paint is used for painting, 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 manner from top to bottom.
3. The surface is treated in two layers to obtain a uniform coating.

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

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

It is very difficult to find a person who has never held a brush in his hands. Therefore, many people do not think about how to paint a battery, believing that there is nothing special in this process. In fact, without some attention, the radiator will become the same as before the repair: rusty, with peeling and swollen paint. This is why many are forced to update the appearance of heating elements almost every year, instead of learning how to paint the battery correctly. But then you can return to this task no more often than once every five years or even ten.

Which batteries can and should be painted?

Traditionally, any painted radiators, especially cast iron ones, need updating, as the paint on them begins to chip off over time, and open places rust appears. It not only stains curtains, but also destroys equipment.

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

Review of paints for radiators

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

Traditional paints and varnishes containing harmful substances, gradually move aside. Although they are quite effective - they give a long-lasting color, are applied evenly and are durable. In addition, the cost of such materials is affordable.

However, they can be replaced with more environmentally friendly materials - the same water-soluble paints . They are absolutely safe, dry quickly, apply smoothly and do not emit carcinogens. However, when purchasing, you should be careful - not all such products are suitable for use, since water causes metal corrosion. It is better to choose paints from it acrylic base, while taking into account that radiators will still require careful preparation surfaces. The disadvantage of these materials is also that they are not wash-resistant and can stain the curtains.

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

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

Required tools and materials:

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

Fast surface preparation

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

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

To prepare the surface for acrylic paint, you need to completely coat the radiator with an adhesive primer and let it dry. Otherwise, the metal will quickly begin to rust.

Careful surface preparation

In this case, the remaining paint is completely removed. This is done like this:

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

After these procedures, the radiator is wiped with a damp cloth in order to degrease and remove dust. If you paint it properly after this procedure, it will definitely look like new.

By the way, in order for it to work as if it had just been brought from the factory, you should do additional procedure. Namely: you need to remove it, drain the water, heat it up very much, let it cool, then disassemble it and clean it of accumulated debris and rust inside. Then, carefully assemble it back, using rubber cut from ordinary tires as spacers.

Painting

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

After this, you need to wait a day or in some cases 7-8 hours, depending on the quality of the product. Then you need to paint the radiator again in the same way. By the way, the second layer of acrylic paint (if you use it) can be applied immediately, without waiting for it to dry.

Is it possible to paint hot batteries?

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

If you doubt that you can quickly and accurately complete the procedure, it is better to wait until the end of the heating season. Or, if time is running out, do not immediately paint hot batteries, but first turn on the heated water supply to them. Moreover, if you cannot do this yourself, you can contact the Housing Office.

In order not to stain the flooring, baseboards and wallpaper on the walls during work, it is necessary to carefully isolate the areas using film, which it is advisable to attach pointwise with stationery tape so that it does not move. Newspapers are worse in this regard - they tear in the process when paint gets on them.

If there is a need to paint the battery more thoroughly, then it is better to remove it, since otherwise this will not be possible. If it is not possible to do this, then you need to start painting from the inside, where access is difficult, so the likelihood of getting dirty is reduced.

If you have never used paint, keep in mind that at first you will do it very slowly, you will be uncomfortable, everything will get in the way. Such is the specificity of this matter. Therefore, beginners should not paint hot batteries, since with a 90% probability the result will not be very good: stains, drips may remain, and the enamel will lie unevenly.