Repaint the radiators. How to keep home heaters in good condition. Rust removal. Which paint to use. Brush, spray. Stages of work. Maintenance. Costs.
Repaint the radiators it can be an easy job to do even for those unfamiliar with DIY.
When you have a few free hours, it can become an opportunity for these little jobs that give so much satisfaction.
Here’s how to proceed depending on the material it is made of.
Repainting the radiators: how to do it
First you need to understand if it will be necessary remove the radiators from the wall to do the best job or it will be enough to cover the wall.
In the first case, it will be necessary disconnect the heating, closing each valve which connects it with the radiator itself and provide for empty the water contained inside.
Read also: Rust color
Otherwise, it will be important to cover the part in contact with the wall with cardboard and sheets, so as not to stain it.
On the floor, plenty of newspapers to cover the floor will avoid any contact with the paints.
How to remove rust
One of the main flaws that drives to repaint the radiators, is the presence of the rust.
In addition to that unsightly factor, there rust it is a problem for people’s health, as it is harmful to the respiratory tract.
By means of a iron brush or with chemical solutions that can be purchased in specialized shops, you can provide for the removal of annoying residues.
Otherwise, it will be sufficient to dust the surface, remove any grease and treat lightly with the sand paper to prepare the heater to painting.
Repainting the radiators: which paint to choose?
The next step is thepaint application.
Once you have ascertained the type of material with which the radiator is made, aluminum, cast iron or steel, the product to buy must be heat resistant, therefore able to withstand high temperatures when it is in operation in winter.
Then, the use of brushes suitable will make the job much easier: flat for flat and regular surfaces, long and with curved part for the interstices.
Spray paint
An ideal variant when you want to proceed with painting is the use of spray paints that allow you to get to the bottom of some more hidden parts.
It might interest you: 10 things to do before turning on the radiators
By vaporization of color, you will be able to have a more homogeneous final result, where with the brush it was not possible to arrive. However, it is necessary to be precise, as the spray, if not well directed, could go on walls and surfaces, thus dirtying where not expected.
Repainting the radiators: work phases
For the best possible work, certain certain operations must be carried out in sequence and with the right attention.
Do you want design advice on how to furnish? Join the group
- with a flat brush for the linear and frontal areas and one with a curved tip for the cracks, the first coat of paint is spread evenly;
- leave to dry for at least 4/5 hours;
- pass with the second hand;
- let it dry again, again for about 4/5 hours;
- to make it more homogeneous, wipe with sandpaper to remove any inaccuracies.
Maintenance
To keep the radiator in good condition for longer, it is useful to provide aconstant maintenance work in time. In addition to taking care of the aesthetic appearance, a clean radiator helps to diffuse the heat more into the air.
In addition to removing dust with a damp cloth, it can also be washed.
With the heating system off, remove the heater from the wall and lay it on the ground, taking care to place a waterproof sheet and a low basin over it.
On the surface of the radiator, run a solution of water and a mild detergent, in order to remove the most extreme dirt.
Repainting the radiators: costs
As mentioned, theoperation painting do-it-yourself is very cheap.
Endowed with good will, it will be sufficient to go to a paint shop to buy the suitable products: the price on the market for heat-resistant paints varies from € 10 to € 50 depending on the quality of the product.
Then, materials to carry out the work, cloths to cover, brushes and tools for sanding, will complete the purchases.
Repainting the radiators: image gallery
In the gallery of images you will realize how beautiful a freshly painted radiator can be and, perhaps, with some original solution.