The paintwork of the radiators in the apartment will significantly improve their appearance and provide reliable protection against corrosion. However, the correct choice of paint, surface preparation and application method depend on factors such as:
- metal from which heating devices are made;
- the presence and safety of factory paintwork;
- design of radiators;
- the cost of paint and solvents;
- manufacturer's warranty.
It should be borne in mind that an excessively thick paint layer can significantly reduce the heat transfer efficiency of painted batteries.
Features of the painting process
Manufacturers of heating appliances consider their coloring as a violation of the conditions to maintain the warranty. Therefore, the presence of damage or peeling of the factory paint during the warranty period is a manufacturing defect. In this case, instead of self-repair, it is better to contact the seller regarding the replacement of defective batteries.
If the warranty period has already expired, and the surface of the radiators requires updating or restoration, then the type of metal from which the devices are made should be taken into account. The fact is that aluminum, steel and bimetallic sectional batteries are painted at the factory with polymer paints, followed by heat treatment.
Such a coating is characterized by high strength, but has very weak surface adhesion. To paint such products at home without removing the factory paint is almost impossible, and cleaning a metal surface will require considerable effort.
The recommended option for restoring high-quality coating of aluminum or bimetallic products is the use of epoxy primer and expensive enamels. However, this processing method requires significant financial costs and certain painting skills.
The simplest coloring is for cast-iron radiators of the M-140 type and steel convectors. In most cases, this equipment at the factory is only primed and specially prepared for subsequent painting. Paint is recommended to be applied 2 times with a continuous coating to protect the device from corrosion.
Requirements for paints and varnishes
When deciding which paint is best for heating radiators, it is necessary to determine the technical characteristics of the materials, which should provide:
- heat resistance of the coating not lower than 80 ° C and resistance to color fading;
- resistance to mechanical abrasion;
- high thermal conductivity;
- moisture resistance;
- lack of toxic substances;
- quick drying.
The paint may be glossy or matte. When determining the required gloss of a coating, it is necessary to take into account that even the smallest irregularities and defects are noticeable on a glossy surface.
For cast iron surfaces and complex designs of convectors it is recommended to use matte compositions, and glossy paints are well suited for bimetallic and aluminum sections.
Types of paints used
For painting batteries, one of the three types of paints and varnishes is most often used. It:
- acrylic paints for radiators;
- oil coatings;
- alkyd compounds.
In addition, at home, you can find the use of hammer enamels and silver powder from aluminum powder. In the conditions of factory production, polymer and epoxy mixtures are used to protect the surface, followed by heat and air treatment.
Acrylic water-based compositions
Paint for odorless heating radiators is made on an astringent basis of PVA glue or polyacrylates. Since polyvinyl acetate glue dissolves in water, it is not recommended to use the first group of aqueous emulsion paints for battery repair. The coating will be characterized by poor resistance to external influences and will require replacement within the first year of operation.
Acrylic enamel is a flavourless paint for batteries, which forms a thin, strong and durable layer on the surface. Usually, the compositions are made in white color, for the change of which water-based pigments can be used. The dried paint layer resembles matte plastic, which is easily washed with water and does not crack under the influence of temperature.
Oil
Paint and varnish based on drying oils and natural oils are considered traditional and have recently been used everywhere. They form a coating that is quite resistant to negative influences and affordable for most owners of apartments and private houses. A large number of color shades allows you to solve design issues.
Among the shortcomings of oil paints, experts note:
- coating durability up to 5 years;
- the presence of sharp unpleasant odors during painting;
- long duration of complete drying;
- increased layer thickness, reducing thermal conductivity;
- drip drips are possible.
When choosing oil paint, you need to pay attention to the indicators of heat resistance. Not all compositions of this type are designed for operation at elevated temperatures. Improper paint selection can lead to a quick change in color tone, cracking and peeling of the surface layer.
Alkyd Resin Enamels
In their performance, alkyd coatings are superior to oil and acrylic compositions, but only if they are specially designed for painting heating radiators. Therefore, when buying, you must carefully study the instructions for the use of materials and only after that stop your choice on the necessary shade.
The best heat-resistant alkyd paints are on an organic and organosilicon basis. The addition of silicon increases the possible operating temperature and in some formulations it can exceed 400 ° C. They can be used for painting heated surfaces such as heating boilers, chimneys, stoves, central heating pipes with superheated water.
A wide variety of solvents and modifiers used in the manufacture of alkyd paints, provided the market with a large number of these polymer compositions.
When dried, these paints and varnishes emit toxic substances. Therefore, when working, it is necessary to provide the necessary ventilation of the room, and even better - to paint on the street.
Aluminum powder
Serebryanka is one of the most affordable material. To prepare it, you need to take BT-577 bitumen varnish and add aluminum powder. At the same time, an increase in the amount of powder reduces the mechanical stability of the coating and the maximum operating temperature.
Hammer
The peculiarity of such paints is the original color shade that imitates a heat-treated metal surface and high adhesion, which guarantees the durability of the coating. The use of these materials eliminates the need for pre-priming and reduces purchase costs. In their composition, these coatings practically do not differ from the described alkyd paints.
Aerosol packaging
Sale of paints in aerosol cans can be considered as an alternative to traditional methods of applying coatings on heating radiators. For their preparation, light solvents are used, which provide a thin, quick-drying, even layer. During the painting process, do not bring the can too close to the surface to avoid sagging.
Selection recommendations
When determining what paint to paint heating batteries, pay attention to the inscriptions and the packaging printed on the packaging. Conscientious manufacturers will definitely indicate that this composition is intended for painting radiators and heating pipes, as well as compliance with the State Standard.
The best paints and varnishes are made with the addition of titanium dioxide.
The presence of crushed chalk in the composition can provoke a change in the color shade as a result of constant temperature heating.
Thicker paints can reduce material consumption during staining, while ensuring a continuous even coating. therefore the mass or specific gravity of the composition is an important technical indicatorto pay attention to.
The choice depending on the material of the radiator
It is recommended to choose a certain type of paint and processing technology for each metal.
Cast iron
The surface structure of cast iron batteries guarantees excellent adhesion to all types of paintwork. Therefore, when choosing a material should be guided only by data on heat resistance and external indicators of coverage.
Aluminum, steel and bimetal
Factory dyeing of such products involves powder spraying followed by heat treatment. To improve the adhesion of the surface layer, you can use epoxy primer or provide the maximum possible cleaning of the section from the factory coating.
Well-known manufacturers
Among the most common brands offering paints and varnishes for heating radiators are:
- DUFA - Germany;
- TIKKURILA - Sweden;
- Enamel for TEKS radiators - Russia;
- SNIEZKA - Poland;
- BELINKA - Slovenia;
- LACRA - Russia.
When choosing paint for several heating appliances, it is recommended to buy products from one manufacturer and refuse to mix different varieties. Color changes can be achieved using special dyes added to the paint.
Amount of paint needed
Almost every manufacturer of paints and varnishes indicates on the packaging the estimated paint consumption when applied to a smooth prepared surface. Thus, to calculate the required amount, it is enough to just get the area of the surface to be painted before going to the store, and then correlate it with the information on the label. There is no universal flow rate.
We recommend taking 10-15% more paint so that there is a margin in case of unforeseen situations.
The amount of consumables will increase dramatically in the absence of soil, the presence of dust and pollution. In addition, the use of a spray allows you to save paintwork in comparison with the use of a conventional paint brush.