How to paint a heating battery?

Cast Iron Battery Painting - not so complicated process that it could not be carried out independently, while saving a decent amount. In addition, you will be sure of the quality of the work.

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

Paints

At painting heating batteries special requirements are imposed on their coating: they must be resistant to constant exposure to high temperatures, abrasion, and also retain consumer properties for a long time, that is, an attractive appearance. Most suitable for cast iron battery painting following compounds:

• Alkyd enamels.

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

Minuses: a specific smell lasts for a long time, the coating quickly turns yellow, and can be deformed.

• Waterborne acrylic enamels.

Pros: quick drying, no odor after drying, color fastness, which can be varied using universal colors.

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

• Acrylic solvent enamels.

Pros: no preprocessing required before painting heating batteries, resistance to high temperatures and moisture, a glossy surface that retains its original color for a long time.

Minuses: The need to use a solvent, the inability to use universal colors for changing color shades.

Materials

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

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

One brush cannot be dispensed with: for hard-to-reach spots you need a small one, on a long handle, a wider one is suitable for external surfaces, which will allow you to put the paint more evenly and save time.

Process

Painting radiators it is better not to spend it in the heating season. The application of enamel on hot metal will enhance the smell in the room, in addition, the coating can turn out uneven. In the warmer months, you can open the windows for ventilation so that the smell of solvents does not harm the health. If necessary, nevertheless paint the battery in 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 with sandpaper, removing the old paint. Those places where it holds tight and does not move away can be left - a new enamel will lie on top.
• Rinse and dry the battery. Use brushes to apply soil that protects against corrosion. The choice of primer depends on the condition of your battery, and the range of primers in the store. A sales assistant will help with the selection.
• Cast iron battery painting start from the inside and from above so that the dripping paint does not form streaks. For work, use the appropriate brush handles in size, thickness and length. For better resistance to external influences and maintain an attractive appearance for a long time, apply two thin layers of enamel. The second layer is applied after the first has completely dried.