Bathroom renovation website. Helpful Hints

How to paint a heating battery during the heating season. How and what paint to paint radiators

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 all the important points of 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 the old layer of paint, completely get rid of the soil. 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 water-based enamels, 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 for a 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 new life into them with the help of 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.
  • A very important factor is the temperature of the painted surface: 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:

    Hello, I have a question: all the water pipes in the apartment were replaced, including the risers, as well as the connections to the batteries with 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?

    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.

    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)?!

    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 on it. 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, the most complete operating procedure should be followed. 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!

    Hello! I need to paint a cast iron pipe with 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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Old batteries lose their aesthetic appearance over time, rust appears, cracks appear on the coating, paint peels off. Agree, changing the radiator in this case is not the best idea. It is much easier, faster and more economical to repaint the battery. Moreover, updating the appearance of the heater is quite easy.

We will help you in choosing the right enamel composition, explain how to prepare and how to paint the radiator correctly. We will also outline the nuances that should be taken into account when working with different types of radiators.

The proposed photo ideas will inspire you to choose an interesting solution and implement your design ideas.

There is not always a material, and in many cases a technical possibility to install a new radiator. It is easier to refresh the outside of the heating device if it is still able to serve. In the event that the battery has already had to be repaired or it does not heat well, then it is better.

The painting process as such is not particularly difficult, but this does not mean that you can buy any composition and immediately begin to restore the attractiveness of the radiator.

The paint must be selected according to certain parameters, and the battery must be carefully prepared. If this is not done, then the new coating will not last long, and soon you will have to repeat the process again.

An old cast-iron battery with peeling paint looks very unaesthetic. In addition, the material of its body undergoes oxidation and rust.

When choosing a composition, it is best to focus on options specifically designed for heating appliances. But if there is no such inscription on the label, you should carefully study the instructions and find data on its heat resistance.

Coating requirements:

  • Thermal resistance. The composition applied to the radiator housing must withstand temperatures up to 80-90 degrees and be flawless for the time promised by the manufacturer.
  • Adhesion. It is necessary that the composition has good adhesion to the surface to be painted. Did not exfoliate during heating and alternating heating / cooling.
  • Corrosion protection. The composition must contain anti-corrosion substances so that the coating in direct contact with the body does not cause its destruction.
  • Color fastness. An unconditional condition, because radiators are painted for aesthetic purposes, among other reasons.
  • Abrasion resistance. From direct contact with a variety of furnishings, dried things, etc. the coating should not thin.
  • Security. It is very important that the composition does not contain components harmful to health.

If during the repair of the room it is not possible to replace the old radiator, you can improve its appearance by applying fresh paint. This can only be done with cast-iron heaters or old-style radiators. It is undesirable to paint a more modern aluminum radiator with fins with your own hands - you need to apply a thin and even layer of powder paint on them, it is quite difficult for a non-specialist to achieve a smooth coating at home.

In order to avoid mistakes, before starting work, it is worth studying the recommendations, watching photos and videos of the process.

Any paint will not work for painting an old battery.

The tool has the following requirements:

  1. It must be heat resistant. Since the temperature of the radiator during the heating season reaches about 80 °C, the paint should not crack under such conditions.
  2. Possess anti-corrosion properties.
  3. Do not fade over time, be resistant to wear.
  4. Contain in its composition a minimum of toxic substances or be non-toxic.

It is not recommended to cover cast iron radiators with oil paint - it exudes a strong odor, dries for a long time, has a toxic composition, and therefore is considered obsolete.

Suitable types of paints:


Work surface preparation

Before you paint a heating battery, you should prepare it for applying paint.

Even if it is planned to paint a new battery, it is necessary to properly process it: clean it from dust and dirt, sand it and degrease it. This is necessary so that the applied coating lies evenly and is fixed on the surface as firmly as possible.
If these recommendations are neglected, there may be problems later: the dried paint will begin to crack, its integrity will be broken, the surface will turn out to be uneven. In addition, the heat transfer of the radiator will decrease.

Together with heating appliances, cast-iron pipes are also usually painted, then they also need to be properly prepared.

Action plan:

  • dust and dirt are removed from the surfaces with a damp cloth;
  • get rid of the remnants of old paint;
  • the places of the radiator damaged by corrosion are thoroughly cleaned;
  • using sandpaper, the working surfaces are sanded and then degreased with alcohol;
  • a primer is applied to the cleaned surface (it is advisable to use an anti-corrosion primer to protect the batteries from rust).

All incomprehensible points can be clarified if you watch a video with the advice of professionals.

Work should be done with gloves, open the windows and protect the respiratory tract with a respirator.

Ways to remove old paint

There are two ways to get rid of the remnants of the previous coating.
The first - mechanical - use a spatula, sandpaper or grinder. Even with the help of an electrical appliance, the process will be very laborious, so the second method is more often used.

It consists in applying a chemical wash. The solution is abundantly applied to all painted surfaces, the battery is wrapped in a film to increase efficiency, left for the time indicated on the packaging of a particular product. Then, using a brush with metal bristles and a spatula, the easily detached old layer of coating is removed.

General rules

You can only cover a cold radiator with paint - applying it to a heated surface will cause the liquid to bubble, distribute unevenly, and the dried-up battery will be covered with streaks and streaks.

It is right to do this before or after the end of the heating season. If it is necessary to carry out painting in the winter, access to hot water to the radiator is blocked using valves, and work begins after it has completely cooled down. Re-open the valves only after the paint is completely dry.

Coloring process

Start applying paint from above, otherwise the lower painted parts will be damaged by streaks. The whole radiator is covered with paint, including its rear part. For a high-quality and durable coating, it is necessary to apply 2 thin layers, making a break between them so that the first one has time to dry.

To facilitate the process of painting the radiator with your own hands, you can remove it - so there will be fewer hard-to-reach places, and it will become more convenient to work. In this case, it is better to use a spray gun. You can study the photo, which shows the process of applying paint with this device, to appreciate the ease of working with it.
It is recommended to dilute the paint to a more liquid consistency if painting with an airbrush is planned. This is done taking into account its type: water-based emulsion is diluted with water, and white spirit is added to alkyd enamels and varnishes.

When working, the jet should be welded from top to bottom, holding the device at a distance of about 30 cm from the surface to be treated.

You can also get a smooth and evenly distributed layer of paint using a small diameter foam roller. For places in which they are inconvenient to work, it is worth using a brush with a curved end, designed specifically for this purpose.

The paint is applied sequentially, without skipping, without picking up too much liquid on the brush at a time. A thick layer will look uneven, worsen the heat dissipation of the battery.

After viewing step-by-step photos of the staining process, a video in which experts talk about the nuances of work, and taking into account the recommendations above, you can easily and efficiently update the old coating on batteries with your own hands.

The choice of paint for the battery depends on the conditions in which the work will take place, as well as the financial capabilities of the landlord. Retail trade offers an unlimited selection of different coloring compositions, differing in the type of coloring matter, cost and consumer properties.

For painting metal products operating at elevated temperatures, the industry offers three main types of paint:

  • acrylic enamels on a water-dispersion basis;
  • traditional acrylic enamels;
  • alkyd paints.

When choosing a specific material, it is necessary to take into account the features of the operating conditions of the battery, namely, the maximum temperature regime during the heating season. The temperature of the coolant in the city network can reach 90 ° C, so the paintwork of the radiator must withstand such loads and at the same time retain its appearance.

When studying the technical indicators of paint, one should pay attention to the degree of wear resistance of a particular material and the uniformity of the structure. The presence of clots, lumps and foreign objects in the paint indicates an expired shelf life or a violation of production technology. It will not be possible to achieve an acceptable result with such a material; a smooth and uniform film on the surface cannot be achieved.

In addition to these parameters, it is desirable to choose a paint with increased anti-corrosion protection and a quick drying time. The issue of choosing paint is considered in more detail.

What color is better to paint and why

The color of the battery does not affect the quality of heat transfer to the room, and therefore it is unnecessary to stick to the traditional white color for a radiator.

What color to paint the cast-iron battery depends on the overall color scheme of the hall or kitchen. For a nursery, it can be multi-colored, bright and even funny colors, in the living room, the color of the radiator can be matched to the color of upholstered furniture, or, conversely, this element can be highlighted in contrast to the general tone of the wallpaper and flooring.

You can endlessly think of how to beautifully paint a radiator, how to get a bright, designer thing out of an ordinary object. For antique cast-iron sectional batteries, an accordion-shaped picture suggests itself, and for modern bimetallic and aluminum radiators, it is fashionable to use ombre coloring technology, when the dominant color is smoothly decomposed into semitones horizontally.

When planning a picture for a battery, you should consider how this element will be noticeable in the overall picture of the room. If the radiator is constantly hidden by curtains or furniture, you should not expend effort and invite expensive specialists to draw the original picture, in this case a plain coating in the general style of the room is enough.

Calculation of the required amount of paint

Manufacturers of paint and varnish products always indicate on the packaging the paint consumption per 1 m 2, and therefore, knowing the total area of ​​​​the surface to be painted, it is always possible to determine how much material is needed to apply one coating layer.

For new devices, this information is usually indicated in the product passport, and for older radiators and riser pipes, the painting area will have to be calculated independently.

To determine the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe pipe, you need to remember the formula for the circumference, which is equal to 2PR or P number (3.14) multiplied by pipe diameter. The resulting circumference should be multiplied by the length of the riser, which will give the desired result - pipe surface area.

When determining the area of ​​​​steel, bimetallic and aluminum rectangular batteries, there will be no difficulties - it is enough to multiply the width and height of the element, but to find the area of ​​\u200b\u200ba sectional cast-iron radiator, you will first have to calculate the area of ​​\u200b\u200bone section, adding the areas of individual elements, and then multiply the result by the number of sections .

To obtain the required amount of paint, you need to find the total area that is planned to be painted, multiplied by the consumption rate indicated by the manufacturer on the can. If you plan to apply more than one layer, the result should be multiplied by the number of layers.

Preparing for painting

Surface preparation before painting may be required not only for a used battery, but also for a new radiator that has scuffs or scratches. The main condition for high-quality painting is a thorough cleaning of the device from the previous paintwork and dirt.

You can clean the coating from the metal in the following ways:

  • mechanical when you have to remove the paint with a drill with special nozzles, a spatula, a sandpaper and a brush with a metal bristle;
  • chemical when solvents are used to soften the old paint layer;
  • thermal, using a building hair dryer, the coating is heated, after which it is easily removed with a spatula.

Before proceeding with the removal of the old coating, it is necessary to thoroughly rinse the heater, as dirt and fats interfere with effective cleaning of the surface. The treated surface is degreased and necessarily primed. The primer improves the adhesion of the coating and the metal, and also helps to remove small pores, leveling the area to be painted. The issue of preparing batteries for staining is presented in more detail.

Necessary materials and tools

Painting heating radiators begins with the preparation of the material and a suitable tool. Initially, care should be taken to purchase the appropriate type of paint work, as well as related materials. Would need:

  • paint in a can or in an aerosol can;
  • primer for metal;
  • solvent suitable for the type of paint.

To carry out the preparatory and basic work, you will need the following tools:

  • straight brushes, 50 and 100 mm wide;
  • brushes with a curved handle, 20 and 40 mm wide;
  • roller, 100 mm wide with a fine pile;
  • scraper and sandpaper to remove the old coating;
  • cardboard or polyethylene film to protect the floor and walls during painting work.
  • respirator;
  • protective glasses;
  • gloves.

Instructions for painting heating radiators

Before you paint the heating battery with your own hands, it is advisable to study the correct sequence of actions.

To independently paint the radiators in the apartment, you need to adhere to the following algorithm:

  1. Surfaces are painted from top to bottom.
  2. Before applying a new coating, the surface of the radiator should be treated with a primer and allowed to dry.
  3. Work begins with painting the back of the battery.
  4. At the next stage, using a brush with a curved handle, paint over the internal fins of the radiator.
  5. The outer parts are painted last.
  6. Staining is carried out twice, the final layer is applied no earlier than the first layer is completely dry.

Before applying the last layer, it is necessary to inspect the painted surface. If smudges or roughness are found, they are cleaned with fine sandpaper.

The nuances of painting cast iron, aluminum and bimetallic radiators

Of particular difficulty for novice finishers is the process of painting old cast-iron radiators in the house. Before you paint a cast-iron radiator at home, you should prepare several brushes with curved handles, as well as several ordinary brushes of flutes of different widths.

The sections are painted in turn from top to bottom, starting from the internal connecting ribs.

When a decision is made to renew the paintwork of aluminum or bimetallic radiators, it should be borne in mind that the manufacturer withdraws warranty obligations if the consumer changes the appearance of the device on his own.

It will be very difficult to get high-quality coverage at home. The manufacturer paints aluminum radiators in special workshops with powder paint, obtaining a smooth and even surface.

Most often, automotive tools are used to mask defects on radiators of this type: metal putty and car enamel. Full painting is also best done using aerosol cans.

Is it possible to paint batteries during the heating season

An important factor in high-quality painting is the surface temperature of the heating device. It is not recommended to start painting radiators connected to the heating system, since the paint applied to a metal surface heated to a temperature of over 60 ° C dries quickly, without providing the required density, and uneven staining is also possible.

In winter, it is not always possible to properly ventilate the apartment. At the same time, paint applied to hot metal emits a strong smell, which is difficult to get rid of for a long time. Therefore, it is best to start the process of painting batteries in the summer, when it is possible to organize natural ventilation, and the surface of the radiators has room temperature.

How to paint a heating radiator in winter, during the heating season? In this case, it is necessary to choose the right coloring composition. It is recommended to use odorless alkyd materials, or special types of water-based paints.

Aerosol paints are more evenly distributed over a hot surface, while the painting process is much faster than when working with a brush. Upon completion of work, the room should be ventilated, but a sharp drop in temperature in the room should not be allowed.

The issue of coloring in the winter heating period is considered in more detail in.

Often, residents of apartments and private houses ask themselves the question: "Is it possible to paint hot batteries?". The answer is quite simple - it is possible, however, not all coloring compositions available on the market are suitable for this.

What tools and materials are needed for work

Not always and not everyone has the opportunity to change batteries. A universal way out of this situation will be painting the radiators in any color you like. To work, you do not need to have certain skills, but you will need to purchase some materials and stock up on tools. The purchased paint must be resistant to high temperatures. This property is necessary, since in winter the radiators of the heating system heat up and become very hot.

In addition, the composition must retain its original color for a long period of time. A rather important factor is also considered the absence of a smell in the paint, so that after work it is not necessary to ventilate the living quarters. Before you learn how to paint, you need to figure out the paints that are suitable for this. So, in stores you can always find acrylic compositions. They are distinguished by the absence of a pungent odor and the ability to retain their color for quite a long time.

Another suitable composition is alkyd mixtures. They are resistant to high temperatures. Because of this, they are most often used to work with hot batteries. Among the minuses, the presence of a pungent odor stands out, so residents will still have to ventilate the premises.

Oil formulations are also often found in stores, but not many people buy them. This is due to the emergence of safer formulations of the first two types. All of these paints work in one way or another. Painting radiators with your own hands using these materials will give a positive result if you follow the operating instructions and dilute the paint with a solvent in the proportion indicated by the manufacturer.

To quickly complete the work and not be distracted, you will need to stock up on the necessary equipment. So, you will need:

  • fine-grained sandpaper;
  • a knife or other sharp object for cleaning radiators;
  • several brushes of different shapes:
  • small roller;
  • old rags.

With everything you need at hand, you can get to work. It is very important to stock up on rubber gloves and a protective mask, which will help protect the skin from stains and the respiratory tract from fumes.

Preparation and painting - we study the algorithm

Before you paint the heating battery with your own hands, study the plan for the upcoming work. Like all other repair activities, battery upgrades begin with preparation. First, you need to clean their surface from dust and stains. Also check the radiators for signs of corrosion. After cleaning the battery, wipe it with a damp towel. Once the radiators are dry, a thin layer of primer should be applied to their surface. However, be careful - often some modern compositions do not require preliminary surface preparation.

If there are old stains on the surface of the battery that cannot be washed off with ordinary water, then you can try to wipe them off with a special solution. To prepare it, take:

  • 1 kg of soda ash;
  • 1 kg of slaked lime;
  • 5 liters of water;
  • large bowl for mixing.

First, pour hot water into the basin and dilute soda in it. After that, gradually add lime to the mixture, stirring regularly. As a rule, this mixture quickly copes with even the oldest stains. After cleaning, you will need to prepare a place to work. To do this, cover the place under the batteries with old newspapers. Behind the radiator, install a piece of thick cardboard so as not to stain the walls. Apply paint to the surface of the batteries with a brush, moving the tool from top to bottom. Thus, when working on the radiators, there will be no drips. Try to keep the paint layer even and thin. Next, apply a few more layers of the composition to the painted batteries.

The second upgrade method is to remove the batteries

There is another way to change the appearance of the batteries. It is more time consuming, because you have to completely remove the radiators. However, as a result, you will be much better at cleaning the batteries from rust and dirt. First you need to reset the heating risers. After that, you will need to completely unscrew all the through and blind plugs, as well as remove the jumpers. Next, you need to anneal the battery (heat and hold at a high temperature) using a powerful household hair dryer. Then we disassemble the radiator into sections, using a special key for this. Don't forget to tap the radiators with a mallet to remove any rust. After that, the sections are cleaned with a metal brush.

In the next step, reassemble the battery using ordinary rubber gaskets. In this case, the size of the outer part should be slightly smaller than the end of each section. After that, install and connect the radiator to the heating network. Apply a primer to the surface of a clean battery and start painting. The algorithm of work is almost the same. The only difference is that the batteries will not be as hot as in the first case. Because of this, they will dry a little longer. Often, residents of houses paint radiators immediately after they are dismantled. In this case, it is possible to paint the surface both in front and behind the battery. In addition, there is no risk of staining the wall behind the radiator.

Radiator Painting Tips - Let's Hear the Experts

Many owners of apartments and private houses ignore the experience of specialists, trying to do everything on their own. As a result, the paint on the radiators cracks very quickly and falls off in whole pieces. To prevent this from happening to you, we advise you to study the recommendations on whether and how to properly paint hot radiators. Experts advise not to rush when working. Try to apply the paint so that there are no streaks on the surface. It is better to remove the excess parts of the composition in a timely manner or smear them over the battery.

To evenly apply the paint to the back of the radiator, you need to use a curved brush, designed specifically for painting hard-to-reach places. In the process of cleaning batteries with lime and soda, experts advise using a mask and protective gloves. In order for the residents of the house not to suffer, it is necessary to ventilate the premises in which the work was carried out. Many experts advise using the decoupage of radiators, which is very popular today. After work, your batteries will look very stylish. In this case, you will not spend much on updating.

For work you will need:

  • white matte paint;
  • acrylic paints;
  • decoupage paper with a pattern;
  • varnish with increased heat resistance;
  • PVA glue.

To upgrade batteries, clean them. Then apply a thin layer of white matte paint to the surface. It will take at least 20 hours to dry. As soon as the composition dries, you can begin to glue the paper. After pasting, you can finish your elements - make a background or create an original drawing. At the end, it remains to apply a thin layer of heat-resistant varnish.