How to paint the radiator?

Painting iron batteries - not so difficult process that it could not be done independently, while saving a decent amount. In addition, you will be confident in the quality of work.

What is needed to cope with this task? To high quality paint the battery, you will need a suitable paint, as well as knowledge of some technological "secrets" of the process itself.

Paints

With painting radiators special requirements are imposed on their coating: they must be resistant to the constant effects of high temperatures, abrasion, and also maintain consumer properties for a long time, that is, an attractive appearance. Best suited for painting iron batteries the following compounds:

• Alkyd enamel.

Pros: when heated to 90 degrees retain strength, do not "peel" resistant to abrasion.

Minuses: a specific smell is kept for a long time, the coating quickly turns yellow and can deform.

• Water-dispersion acrylic enamel.

Pros: fast drying, no smell after drying, color fastness, which can be varied with the help of universal colors.

Cons: limited choice - not all enamels of this group can withstand high temperatures.

• Acrylic enamels on solvents.

Pros: no pretreatment required before painting radiators, resistance to high temperatures and moisture, glossy surface, long preserving the original color.

Cons: The need to use a solvent, the inability to use a universal color scheme to change the shades of color.

Materials

To paint the battery, you need to have, in addition to the selected enamel:

• cleaner for old paintwork,
• sandpaper,
• primer with anti-corrosion properties and a set of brushes.

It will not be possible to do with one brush: for hard-to-reach places, a small one is needed, on a long handle, a wider one will suit for external surfaces, which will allow to put paint more evenly and save time.

Process

Painting of radiators better not to spend in the heating season. The application of enamel on hot metal will increase the smell in the room, besides the coating may be uneven. In the warm season, you can open the windows for airing, so that the smell of solvents does not harm health. If necessary, all the same paint the battery in the winter, to start, disconnect it from the heating system using the appropriate valves.

• Prepare the surface. Treat it with a tool to remove the old coating, maintain the recommended time, and then go through the emery paper, removing the old paint. Those places where it keeps tightly and does not depart, you can leave - the new enamel will fall on top.
• Rinse and dry the battery. Using brushes, apply a corrosion-resistant primer on it. The choice of soil depends on the condition of your battery, and the range of primers in the store. Sales assistant will help with the selection.
• Iron battery painting start from the inside and from above so that the flowing paint does not form stains. For work, use the appropriate size, thickness and length of the handle of the brush. For the best resistance of the coating to external influences and to maintain an attractive appearance, apply two thin layers of enamel for a long time. The second layer is applied after complete drying of the first.