How to remove paint from a radiator: how to remove old paint from a radiator, how to remove, paint remover, how to clean paint from a radiator

Peeling paint on heating radiators significantly spoils the aesthetic appearance of both the heating system itself and the entire room. In addition, when carrying out painting work, before applying new enamel to the battery, the old one must be removed. Before removing paint from batteries, they must be thoroughly cleaned of dust. At the next stage, the radiators must be primed, and then, carefully, evenly apply new enamel to their surface in an even layer.

Most people (more than 40%) use radiators made of cast iron as their heating system. As a rule, they act as the main element of decor in a room, emphasizing the antique interior and design of the room. However, in some cases, replacing or removing cast iron radiators is not possible due to the nature of the heating system, which does not allow for its updating.

On a note! Before carrying out work related to removing outdated layers of paint from batteries, first of all, their surface must be cleaned of accumulated debris and dust. For these purposes, use an ordinary damp cloth or vacuum cleaner. If the paint is not flaking or flaking, you can use sandpaper to clean the battery.

Preparing the radiator for painting

Before you start applying paint to the heating radiator, its surface must first be prepared for painting.
The preparation process may take longer than the painting itself, but will result in a better quality paint job. Old, cracked paint and rust must be removed using a wire brush, coarse sandpaper or special solutions that soften the paint and weaken its connection to the surface of the battery. Removing old paint and rust creates a rougher surface that allows the new paint to bond better to the radiator surface.

Brushing disc brush.

Using manual mechanical cleaning tools (wire brush, sandpaper) is a long and labor-intensive process that can be sped up using a power tool. The most suitable tool in this case is a grinder with a special grinding wheel or brush. However, when using an angle grinder, you need to know when to stop and not overdo it, because

high rotation speeds allow you to quickly remove paint and rust, after which you can inadvertently begin to erase the surface of the radiator itself (if you use a cleaning wheel), which of course should not be done

The use of solvents to remove paint (so-called strippers) is the fastest way to remove old paint, but at the same time the most “harmful”.

Important! Special solvents for paint removal pose a danger to human health. Therefore, when using them, good ventilation of the room and the use of personal protective equipment (goggles, gloves, respirator or mask) are mandatory. Acrylic enamel “Rainbow” for metal and heating radiators

Acrylic enamel “Rainbow” for metal and heating radiators.

There are 2 main types of washes:

In liquid form;
In aerosol form.

Liquid-based removers are applied with a brush (this is their main drawback: the difficulty of applying to the internal parts of the radiator), after 10-15 minutes. the paint will soften and can be removed with a spatula or wire brush. After this, use a sponge to wash the surface to be treated with soap and water.

The solution with liquid is in a high-strength container, so it is prohibited to pour it into another container. A 6-section cast iron radiator requires about 0.5 liters. washes.

An aerosol-based cleaner is sprayed onto the surface of the radiator from a can. The advantage of the aerosol is that it can be applied to the most inaccessible parts of the heating device. As a rule, aerosol removers are universal means and are suitable for removing any type of paint for a heating radiator, regardless of the basis on which they are made.

Before spraying, you must carefully cover all nearby furnishings, the floor and the wall behind the radiator. 15-40 minutes after applying the aerosol, the paint softens and is easy to remove with any available means (spatula, metal brush, etc.).

Waterproof enamel for radiators VGT super white. Weight: 0.5 kg, enough for 5 m².

Advice! As an anti-corrosion agent, you can additionally use corrosion inhibitors, which slow down or completely stop the corrosion process of metal products. High-quality inhibitors are able to penetrate the radiator metal even through thick layers of corrosion. This allows you to reach the most remote areas of the heating device (blockages in the connections).

Removing paint by heating it

During heat treatment of the radiator, harmful substances are released, so for work you will need personal protective equipment (respirator, rubber gloves, goggles), in addition to this, it is better to carry out work outside, at least in a well-ventilated area.

To work, you will need a hair dryer, a wire brush and a spatula. Using a construction hair dryer, the surface of the radiator is heated until the old paint begins to swell. At this point you can begin to remove it. The disadvantages of the thermal method of removing paint include the fact that high temperatures can damage the intersection gaskets of the radiator.

Aerosol for radiators. White semi-gloss. 1 cylinder for 8 sections. With smell. Drying time 2 hours.

Thermal and mechanical cleaning method

The thermal cleaning method involves using high temperatures to remove old enamel from the surface of batteries. To do this, a jet of hot air is used, which can be obtained using a special construction hair dryer. When heated, the old coating will begin to peel off from the metal surface. To completely remove it, use a spatula or metal brush.

Advice! If several layers of paint are applied to the radiator, then in this case, instead of a hairdryer, it is preferable to use a blowtorch. However, when using such a lamp, combustion products that are dangerous to humans are released. Therefore, when using it. Work must be carried out outdoors.

The simplest in terms of execution, but at the same time the most labor-intensive and time-consuming, is the mechanical method of removing the old layer of enamel. The disadvantage of this method is that when using it it is very problematic to clean hard-to-reach places on the radiator.

The essence of the mechanical cleaning method is to use a variety of tools (spatulas, brushes, angle grinders, drills) to remove the outdated layer of enamel. This method also involves the use of coarse sandpaper.

Painting aluminum radiators

The need to paint aluminum heating devices occurs very rarely, but it is important to know and understand how to properly paint an aluminum radiator. The fact is that radiator painting is carried out by professional craftsmen at one of the production stages, and special powder paint is used.

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

However, during transportation or during installation of aluminum heating devices, 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 auto enamel. This paint composition dries 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, and the windows should be open. To obtain a high-quality result when deciding how to properly paint a battery, the sprayer is kept at a distance of about 30 cm from the surface to be treated. It is not recommended to keep the stream in one place, as smudges may form.

The right choice of coloring composition

Before you clean the batteries from paint, you need to go to a building materials store and buy a new paint composition there.

To paint heating appliances, it is necessary to choose heat-resistant paints, the basis for which can be:

Acrylic . Water-based compositions, which include acrylic polymer, remain as bright and odorless for a long time. They can be given any shade you like by adding the appropriate pigment to the base enamel. Acrylic paint intended for application to the surface of batteries is designed for heating temperatures not exceeding 80 ºС.
Alcides . The basis for such coloring compositions are organic solvents. The result is coatings that are stronger than acrylic ones. If you need to paint the radiator white or light color, it is better not to use alkyd enamel, since the surface of the devices will quickly turn yellow. Alkyd-based compositions can be used to paint batteries, but only in dark shades.
Heat-resistant varnish . Aluminum or bronze powder is added to it.
Silicone resin.

In order to give old cast iron radiators a more aesthetic appearance, two-component compositions are used. In them, heat-resistant varnish is mixed with powder, the color of which can be matched to silver, gold or bronze. Their cost is low, but at the same time they are well applied to devices and are durable.

Silicone coatings have similar properties, but such enamels are expensive. The process of applying them is simple, since they are sold in aerosol cans. Silicone-based compounds are sold in a wide range of colors.

When choosing a coating, first of all, take into account its thermal resistance.

Paint for cast iron radiators

If you decide to cover MS-140 cast iron radiators with glossy paint, then on their surface you will be able to see all the roughness, which, due to the shine, will become even more pronounced. Matte paint will make the batteries look more grey. It may seem like there is no way out, but the problem can be solved.

There are several options for solving this problem:

Choose multi-colored acrylic enamel for radiators. The fact is that white color looks organic only on light or completely white surfaces. But in all other cases, designers advise painting radiators in a shade close to the color of the walls. Therefore, for cast iron radiators you can freely use matte enamel without fear that it will turn gray and lose color. Hammer paint with a textured pattern performed well - after painting, defects on the surface are invisible.
Of course, there are times when the only solution is white paint for heating radiators. However, be prepared for the fact that radiators will require repainting after about 2-3 years.
Alternatively, defects in the surface of radiators can be pre-leveled with putty - polyester for cars or epoxy. Before puttying, the surface is degreased and primed. Then the radiator is sanded, dust removed with a dry cloth and painted. With this approach, both glossy and semi-gloss shades of paint will look equally beautiful. However, be prepared for a lot of hard work. Although the end result will please you.

Thanks to the presented options, you can more freely approach the choice of suitable paint for heating radiators.

Mechanical removal of old coating

The mechanical method of cleaning a heating structure from the old finish is considered the most labor-intensive, but also effective. Any hand or power tool will help. The most convenient one is an angle grinder, or grinder in other words. Instead of a disk, a wire brush is attached to it - a brush. You can replace the grinder with a screwdriver, drill or other strongly rotating tool. You will have to make an effort to carry out manual mechanical processing and get rid of dust, because there will be a lot of it, but after a couple of hours there will be no trace left of the old coating.

It is not always necessary to completely remove old paint from the heating system; sometimes it is enough to remove obvious “rags” with a spatula and sand them with sandpaper. It is impossible to achieve ideal smoothness of cast iron batteries; to do this, the surface must be well primed. Therefore, before choosing a cleaning method, you need to decide whether it will be carried out completely or partially.

Chemical solutions

This method is more advanced. If this method is used correctly, there will be no more questions about how old paint is removed. It is aimed at ensuring that any type of paint softens and is easily removed using construction spatulas, brushes, and scrapers.

In addition, you can prepare chemical reagents yourself or buy them at specialized construction stores. The range of these products is quite wide (alkaline or organic type), but it is necessary to take into account the texture and age of the paint that needs to be removed.

The advantages of this method are the low use of physical force, ease of use, very fast response and for all surfaces and types of paint.

There are probably too many disadvantages, but if you carefully use the instructions for using the reagent, correctly use means that protect against certain influences, and work in a well-ventilated area, the result will pleasantly surprise you!

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So, if you have purchased a chemical reagent, carefully read the instructions for use, wear gloves, a respirator, safety glasses, a suit that covers exposed areas of the body, allow the room to be constantly ventilated, or do the work outside.

Now, evenly, using a brush (a roller is also suitable), apply the solution and leave for the required amount of time. After softening the layer to be removed, remove the surface using spatulas, brushes or scrapers. If some of the paint remains, repeat the procedure again.

For example, if the surface (floor) allows, you can moisten it with plain water and generously cover it with soda ash, cover it with damp rags, maintain the humidity of the surface being treated for 24 hours, and then the swollen paint will be easily removed with a spatula.

Very often, inventive people use a mixture of three parts quicklime and one part soda ash diluted in water until thick. It is enough to apply this mixture for twelve hours and then, in the same way, with a spatula, remove the softened paint.

Some people also try using a liquid glass solution. It is bought ready-made, applied to the surface to be treated, allowed to dry completely, and, thanks to the properties of this substance, the hardened liquid glass eventually separates along with the surface on which it was applied.

Method No. 2

Removing the old layer of paint from heating cast iron pipes can be done with a special chemical composition - stripper.

The remover is applied to the entire surface and removed after a certain period of time. The first sign that the paint is ready to be removed is the formation of bubbles and “wrinkles”.

You can remove the swollen layer of paint with a spatula or a metal brush. If after the initial treatment the paint remains on the surface, then it is necessary to repeat the procedure by applying a new layer of remover. Finally, the surface is cleaned with sandpaper or construction sanding mesh.

After treating the surface with a remover, it is necessary to rinse the pipes thoroughly with water with the addition of alkaline agents in order to neutralize the acid. Then treat the surface with a primer and apply a new coat of paint.

How to remove old paint from radiators and completely remove any remaining coating?

Before painting batteries and applying a new layer of paint to their surface, the previous layer must be properly removed. To do this you will need to acquire tools such as:

Metal brush.
Coarse sandpaper.
Sanding attachments.
An electric drill or angle grinder (angle grinder), preferably with a wheel diameter of no more than 150 mm.

Don't forget about safety precautions. When carrying out work to remove paint and varnish from the surface of radiators, it is recommended to use protective, durable glasses, rubberized gloves, and a respirator. To quickly remove enamel, as an alternative to metal brushes and sandpaper, you can use special chemicals.

It is preferable to remove paint and varnish material from removed radiators outdoors. However, this is not always possible. Regardless of the chosen cleaning method, mechanical or chemical, during work it is necessary to use rubberized or thick fabric gloves, a respirator, and safety glasses.

Enamel removal work must be carried out with the heating system turned off. Mechanical cleaning involves the use of abrasive agents, such as sandpaper. Liquid remover can be used for removal in hard-to-reach areas of the radiator, such as on the fins. However, it is not recommended to use the remover at the joints of battery sections where there are gaskets made of rubber.

How to remove old paint from a radiator? There are many proven methods that can effectively remove the outdated layer of paint from heating system radiators. The most effective and most common of them are the following methods:

mechanical;
chemical;
thermal.

Peeling paint on a radiator only spoils the look of the room and needs to be removed. Before removing the old paint from the battery, it is cleaned of dust, and then primed and coated with new enamel.

More than 40% of the population still have old cast iron radiators at home. They can serve as an element of interior design, in which some “old-fashioned” is provided, or they can be in the room due to the impossibility of updating the heating system.

Before starting the main task, the work surface must be cleaned of dust and debris. This is done using a vacuum cleaner and a damp cloth. Provided that the old coating has a presentable appearance and is not peeling off, you can save time by using sandpaper and applying new enamel. But this is done only as a last resort, because in addition to aesthetics, the multi-layer coating takes away heat.

With a variety of tips on removing old paint from batteries, there are only a few that are effective and truly helpful:

chemical remover;
heat treatment;
mechanical removal of old finishes.

Preparatory activities

It is preferable to remove old enamel before starting renovations in the room, after preliminary preparatory work has been carried out on the walls and floor.

Before starting the enamel cleaning procedure, it is recommended to prepare the following tools:

metal brush;
coarse sandpaper;
metal spatula;
electric drill, grinding machine equipped with a wheel diameter of 150 mm;
vacuum cleaner;
a simple rag.

Before removing the paint surface from the product, it is recommended to stock up on safety glasses, rubberized gloves, and a respirator.

If there is a need to clean old enamel after renovation work has been carried out in the room,
you will need film or high-strength paper to isolate the workplace from dust and dirt .
It is better to remove enamel from removed heating batteries outdoors. Removal of old paint is carried out only after turning off the heating system.

How to remove?

Today, there are many ways to easily remove old paint from heating radiators.

The most effective ones include the following:

chemical;
mechanical;
thermal.

Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages. In this regard, before starting the procedure, you should familiarize yourself with all the methods.

Chemical removers

Using this method, old enamel is removed by exposure to a chemical composition. In hardware stores you can purchase a specialized composition and remover. It is available in the form of a spray and gel.

Gel

The most common type is gel washes. They consist of components whose action is aimed at destroying the facing layer.

After exposure to the gel, the process of peeling off the old layer of the paint surface occurs. As a result, the paint softens, becomes thin, peels off and is easily removed with a spatula. For work, it is better to use a gel remover that does not flow off a vertical surface.

When cleaning the old coating with a chemical composition in the form of a gel, it is difficult to treat the inside of the heating battery

The wash application procedure is carried out with care. The composition must be in a special container made of material characterized by increased strength

Instructions for cleaning a heating radiator using a chemical gel:

The chemical is applied to the product using a brush from the factory container. The battery is processed using broad strokes. The composition is applied to the radiator for 5-15 minutes. Contact time depends on the condition of the surface and the aggressiveness of the remover. The old coating layer is removed with a metal spatula or brush

It is important to ensure that the composition does not dry out. The heating battery is washed with soapy water and dried.

If everything is done in accordance with the instructions for use, there will be no traces of old paint left on the product.

The cleaning procedure must be carried out with care. To avoid harm to health from chemicals, you should use safety glasses, gloves, and a respirator.

Aerosol

Aerosol removers are suitable for removing any paint coating and do not harm the product. This type of product must be used taking into account the following safety rules:

cleaning is carried out in a well-ventilated area;
flooring and furniture should be protected from aerosol;
work is carried out in rubber gloves, sealed goggles, and a respirator.

Instructions for removing old paint from heating radiators using an aerosol:

Spray the product with an aerosol. One can is designed to treat a cast iron battery.
After 15-30 minutes, the old paint swells.
Further processing is carried out with a spatula.

It may not be possible to completely remove the old paint after the procedure. In this case, the treatment should be repeated after 2 hours.

The video will tell you how to remove old paint from a battery using a remover:

Mechanical method

The mechanical method is the most difficult, but does not require any money.

To work you will need the following set of tools:

to eliminate large swellings, it is better to use a drill with a metal brush;
You can use a grinder with a brush, a drill with an attachment, or a grinder with an abrasive wheel.

After processing, a small amount of paintwork remains. It can be easily removed with coarse sandpaper, a sharp spatula, a metal sponge, or a file.

How to remove thermally?

You can remove old paint from a cast iron battery using a thermal method. To carry out this procedure, you need to prepare the following set of devices:

blowtorch or hair dryer;
metal brush;
putty knife;
rags.

Before using a construction hairdryer, it is necessary to protect the walls with cardboard from thermal effects.

Before heat treatment, it is recommended to remove the heating batteries.

Instructions for removing paintwork:

Heat the surface to be treated until the old paint begins to peel off.
While the coating has not cooled down, it should be removed with a spatula and a damp cloth.
If a trace of paint remains on the radiator, the procedure should be repeated.

Please note that working with a blowtorch should be carried out outdoors.

Security measures

Removing paint from a cast iron radiator is always associated with the interaction of harmful substances and the human respiratory system. To protect yourself from inhaling dust and particles of material, you must always work in a respirator or gauze bandage.

The use of chemicals may cause harm if droplets of the material come into contact with clothing or clothing. Gloves and a full suit will help prevent such consequences. Eyes are protected with special construction glasses. They will also protect against solid particles of the flying coating. After the cleaning procedure, the room is well ventilated, surfaces are wiped of dust, and the floor is vacuumed.

Removing old paint from a battery is not at all difficult if you have even a minimum of information and no skills. Having studied the technology a little and what means exist for this, you can clean the devices in one day and start transforming them.

How to paint

How to paint radiators? The instructions depend on how much time you are willing to spend on painting and generally bringing the radiators to normal condition.

Easy way

The surface of the battery is prepared in two stages: first, the paint layers are heated with a hair dryer or gas torch and removed with a hard spatula; then the surface is cleaned with a wire brush.

The photo shows an attachment for a drill, which can simplify the work even more.

Dust and rust residues are removed with a damp cloth.
Then the paint, diluted to the state of rich milk, is applied in two thin layers, allowing each of them to dry completely (usually for at least a day).

There are few subtleties here, and, from the author’s point of view, their importance is exaggerated

Do not try to paint the radiator in one go if the paint layer is visible. It is better to spend a day drying and apply another layer, otherwise you will encounter sagging and uneven coloring. However, if this does happen, it’s not a disaster; it’s enough to selectively clean the surface area again and apply another THIN layer on top.
Is it possible to paint hot radiators? Advice based on personal experience: yes. But put VERY little paint on the brush at a time, QUICKLY rub it in as thin a layer as possible and ventilate the room well.

In this case, you will not be poisoned by quickly evaporating paint thinner, and you will not paint the radiator with untidy streaks (paint dries very quickly on a hot surface).

The right way

How to paint a heating radiator, completely returning it to the appearance of a new one, removing all the stains between the sections and the flaws of previous paintings?

The painting itself is done in the same way as in the previous case - with a brush, in two thin layers.

But the preparation of the radiator will be different:

After dropping the risers, remove the radiator and drain the remaining water from it.
Unscrew all the plugs - blind and straight. Remove the flushers.
Burn the radiator for at least an hour over a regular fire in the yard. Annealing with a hairdryer or blowtorch will be tedious and ineffective.
Disassemble the cooled radiator into separate sections using a radiator wrench: after annealing, this is easy to do.

Sections 1 are connected by nipples with oppositely directed threads: right 2 and left 3. To understand which way to turn the radiator key 4, just study the threads on the edge of the section after unscrewing the plug.

Tap each section with a mallet. At the same time, the rust that has accumulated over many years will spill out of it, cleaning the channels inside.
Clean sections with a wire brush. After annealing, the procedure will be quick and easy.
Reassemble the radiator using regular rubber gaskets. They are easy to cut from an old car inner tube. The outer size is slightly smaller than the end of each section. In this case, the compressed gasket will not protrude beyond the edges.
Mount, press by simply filling the riser and paint. You have a radiator that is free of contaminants and in factory-new condition, with the highest possible heat output and impeccable appearance.

The battery is not just painted: it will heat up no worse than a new one.

Selection and recommendations for using an inhibitor for a heating system

Using a hairdryer or blowtorch, heat the old paintwork on the radiator until bubbles appear. The paint will begin to peel, indicating it is ready for cleaning;
The paint is scraped off with a medium-sized spatula on a hot surface, since when the metal cools, the coating hardens again;
It is recommended to heat small areas of the radiator. It is important that the area of the battery treated with a hairdryer can be cleaned in one go before it cools down.

A primer for metal that is suitable for the applied composition must be prepared in advance. Its most popular brand is GF-021, for acrylic and alkyd paints. It is usually gray or red-brown in color.

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Paint for radiators. Criterias of choice.

All coloring compositions used for painting heating system elements differ in their physical and technical parameters from conventional paints and must fulfill certain requirements:

One of the main requirements is the absence of harmful chemical fumes under the influence of elevated temperatures. Each package must indicate the standards to which the paint corresponds. From Russian manufacturers - the norms of the current GOST. From imported manufacturers - European standards. In the absence of this marking, it is better to refuse to purchase the product in order to avoid harmful consequences.
The heat resistance of the purchased product must be more than 80 degrees. Otherwise, the paint will begin to crack and peel off.
If possible, you should purchase a quick-drying compound to speed up the painting process.
The paint must be corrosion resistant. This will increase the service life of the entire radiator.
Some types of paints have an unpleasant odor until they dry completely. This should be taken into account when painting residential areas. It is best to use these types of paints in rooms that can be well ventilated.
The paint must be moisture resistant for wet cleaning of the radiator.
High heat transfer for unhindered battery operation.

Without what tools and materials is high-quality painting of batteries impossible?

Tools and compounds play an important role in removing old paint. If you prefer quick machining, instead of sandpaper, purchase a drill attachment in the form of a brush with metal bristles.

If, before applying paint for radiators, you decide to remove the old one without excess dust, you cannot do without special removers, a paint brush and film. The latter is necessary in order to cover the battery treated with the composition: this way the reaction will go faster. Within an hour, using a regular spatula, you can easily remove the old enamel.

How to clean cast iron and other radiators?

Cast iron radiators are the most unpretentious in choosing a method for removing old paint. For work, you can use all types of processing.

The joints of the heating battery sections are connected using rubber gaskets, which should not be cleaned with chemicals. Otherwise, the rubber will be damaged, causing the battery to leak.

Old enamel is removed from an aluminum product using special neutral removers. They are applied for 15 minutes. Then the coating is easily removed with a spatula. It is not recommended to use mechanical processing for aluminum radiators to prevent scratches.

Removing the coating from bimetal requires care, since the product consists of aluminum and steel parts. To prevent deterioration in appearance, it is preferable to use chemical removers and avoid serious mechanical impact

How to clean internal pipes

To remove various deposits from plumbing or heating systems, internal pipe cleaning is performed. Many experts recommend carrying out preventive cleaning and flushing of pipes to remove scale and rust at regular intervals.

Currently, there are several methods aimed at increasing the throughput of pipes, with the help of which it will be possible to carry out preventive and cleaning measures:

Cleaning pipes with water hammer

Using this technique, high-quality cleaning of water and heating pipes from rust and scale is performed. Only specialists should perform such work. They also use appropriate equipment, through which rust is removed from internal surfaces. It is connected to the system, after which compressed air is released into the pipes.

Being under high pressure, the air flow most effectively removes any contaminants. Thanks to water hammer, there is no need to dismantle all communications, so cleaning activities can be carried out under any weather conditions and temperature conditions.

When carrying out these activities, you must comply with safety rules, which are regulated by relevant regulations, so it is better to entrust such work to professionals.

Using this device, a hydraulic shock is applied

Internal pipe cleaning using special products

Since during the active operation of pipes, rust and scale accumulate on their internal surfaces, which significantly reduces their throughput and also has a negative impact on water quality, some specialists clean communications using special means (citric acid, chemicals). With their help, pipes are cleaned of scale in communications of any length.

Chemical elements can, if used incorrectly, damage the integrity of pipes, so they must be used in full accordance with the instructions.

Cleaning the internal surfaces of pipes using sandblasting techniques

Cleaning the inner surface of pipes from scale, rust and other contaminants can be done by sandblasting. This procedure is carried out under controlled pressure using a continuous air stream mixed with abrasive. To apply this cleaning method, it is necessary to dismantle the heating or water supply lines, which is very problematic when they are located in hard-to-reach places.

Heating radiator painting

Now we have reached the main stage - direct coloring. Here it is advisable to adhere to the following rule: it is better to apply two thin layers of paint than one thick one.

It is unlikely that you will be able to get an ideal surface the first time, and if you apply a thick layer of paint, the effect will be the opposite: thick and unsightly smudges will form on the battery.

A brush with a curved handle allows you to reach the most difficult to reach areas of the battery

General dyeing technology

For painting, purchase at least two brushes: one regular, the other for hard-to-reach places with a long curved handle. With its help it is convenient to apply paint to the back walls and internal surfaces of the battery. Before working, fluff the bristles so that loosely attached hairs fall out.

First, the upper parts inside the battery are painted, then the lower ones. After this, proceed to the outer surface. It is also painted from top to bottom. If you start from the bottom, drops will fall onto the painted surface. The second coat of paint is applied only after the previous one has completely dried.

How long this will take depends on the paint; this parameter is usually indicated on the label. If the first layer turns out to be uneven, then when it dries, sand the surface, removing all unevenness and smudges.

Painting the battery should start from the top to avoid getting the paint on the painted areas (click to enlarge)

The nuances of painting aluminum radiators

All previous tips related to painting cast iron, copper and steel batteries. How to paint an aluminum heating radiator? But first, it’s better to answer the question: is it worth doing this at all?

Modern aluminum appliances are professionally painted in the factory with special powder paint. Home painting will not be able to provide a high-quality smooth finish.

In addition, if the radiator is still under warranty, then after painting at home, the manufacturer’s warranty obligations are terminated.

But most likely, it will hardly occur to anyone to paint a new radiator. If the device was damaged as a result of transportation or installation, chips and cracks appeared on it, which greatly spoil the appearance, you can use auto enamel.

It should be taken into account that car enamel paints most effectively and dries quickly only on hot batteries. Drying time at 130°C is 20 minutes, and at 20°C – up to two days. You need to work in a respirator and with open windows; you should spray at a distance of 20-30 cm from the surface. Do not keep the stream in one place for a long time, otherwise smudges will appear.

You can also remove chips and dents from an aluminum radiator using automotive putty. Pre-degrease the surface and treat it with a primer. Then apply the putty of the desired shade with a brush.

If you decide to completely repaint the battery, then it is not necessary to remove the old paint. Degrease and prime the surface and apply two layers of alkyd or water-based paint using a spray gun.

An alternative option for decorating a heating radiator is installing a decorative screen.

Paint removal methods

Chemical option

There is a wide range of chemicals available for cleaning surfaces from old paint.

Chemicals are available in different concentrations, but all liquids can be divided into 2 types:

aerosols;
liquid formulations.

For plate radiators, it is recommended to use liquid washes. First, the remover is applied to the radiator for 15 - 20 minutes. When the coating begins to bubble, remove the enamel with a spatula, and then clean off the residue with a wire brush. Finally, the surface is thoroughly wiped with a rag.

Chemical removers are effective only when it comes to radiators painted with 1 - 2 layers. If there are 8 - 10 layers on the metal, then each layer will need to be removed separately. It will take a lot of time and effort to get results.

Given the dangers of working with chemicals, it is recommended to avoid chemical cleaning when it comes to multi-layer coatings.

Another feature of working with washes is that the compositions can destroy the rubber intersection gaskets. As a result, the radiator will leak. Based on the above, joints should not be treated with solvent.

Aerosols

Aerosols are chemical paint removers. Aerosol chemicals are most practical to use for cleaning cast iron batteries. Spraying allows you to reach hard-to-reach surfaces.

Instructions for cleaning metal with an aerosol:

Spray the aerosol over the surface. To treat the radiator (its outer and outer parts), one can is enough.
After about 15 - 30 minutes, the finishing layer will become covered with bubbles. The reaction rate depends on the air temperature.
Remove loose paint from the battery. The easiest way to clean batteries from old loose paint is with a wire brush.

If the paint layer cannot be removed after the first procedure, it is recommended to repeat the cleaning after some time.

Thermal method

The technique is based on heating the enamel layer with hot air from an industrial hair dryer. Due to heating, the coating peels off from the metal. The dilapidated coating is removed using a spatula or a metal brush.

However, if you need to remove several layers of paint, a hair dryer is not the best option. In this case, it is recommended to use a blowtorch, which will quickly heat the old layer of paint to boiling point. Hazardous substances will be released into the environment, so work must be carried out in fresh air and in protective equipment.

Mechanical method

This cleaning method is the easiest to perform, but at the same time labor-intensive and time-consuming. It is especially difficult to clean off paint residues in hard-to-reach places, such as on the edges of batteries.

Mechanical cleaning consists of removing the enamel layer using a metal tool (trowel, brush, electric drill, angle grinder). Coarse sandpaper is also used.

It is recommended to clean the raised surfaces on cast iron batteries using special devices (for example, a wire brush for a drill).

Before starting mechanical cleaning work, it is recommended to take care of your own safety. During cleaning, a large number of small particles and dust are separated from the coating. To protect yourself, you should wear special glasses, gloves and a respirator. It is advisable to close all doors to adjacent rooms and open windows in the room.

Removing powder paints

If it is not so difficult to remove old paint from a cast-iron battery, then removing the powder coating is much more difficult. A smooth polymer surface will clearly prevent good adhesion to the new paint.

There is only one way to solve the problem:

Partial removal of paintwork using coarse sandpaper.
Surface priming.

When the glossy coating is removed, the surface must be degreased with white spirit or any other solvent. Subsequent actions depend on the type of new coating. For example, silicone or heat-resistant enamels can be applied to a bare metal base, but alkyd and acrylic paints require a well-prepared base to ensure adhesion.

The most popular brand of primer is GF-021. This primer is used before applying paints based on acrylates and alkyd resins. GF-021 is most often red-brown in color, but a gray primer of this brand is also available.

How to prepare the solution

The binder composition for laying a brick stove is made as follows:

You need to pour clay into a specially prepared container and fill it with a small amount of water. To ensure that it soaks well, leave the container for 12-48 hours in a dry and clean place, occasionally stirring the resulting composition;
after this, you can add sand and thoroughly mix the solution until the required consistency is obtained;
if you intend to add salt or cement, add them at the same time as the sand to get a homogeneous mass.

To make sure that the mortar for laying bricks is sufficiently plastic, you can proceed as follows:

we make a flagellum 20 centimeters long and 1.5 centimeters thick from the finished mixture;
we connect it into a ring using a wooden blank 5 cm thick;
We observe the flagellum - if there are no cracks on its surface, sand should be added, otherwise clay. If the composition stretches evenly, and only a few small cracks appear on the bend, you can begin making masonry.

Date: September 25, 2022

How to remove paint in hard-to-reach places

It is best to get rid of old paintwork in hard-to-reach places mechanically. To remove paint, you need to prepare medium-grit sandpaper and a wooden strip. The thickness of the rail, together with the sandpaper stretched over it, should allow it to pass between the transverse fins of the radiator.

If a chemical is used to remove paint at home, cleaning will have to be done with a narrow spatula.