Several ways to carefully and quickly remove old paint from a radiator

Over time, the paint on the heating battery swells and cracks due to exposure to high temperatures.

To restore the original appearance, it is necessary to remove the old paintwork, then reapply it.

This process requires time and a certain skill. How to remove the old one paint with a cast iron or aluminum heating radiator at home, we will tell you in the article.

Preparatory activities

It is preferable to remove old enamel before starting renovations in the room, after preliminary preparatory work has been carried out on the walls and floor.

Before starting the enamel cleaning procedure, It is recommended to prepare the following tools:

• metal brush;
• coarse sandpaper;
• metal spatula;
• electric drill, grinding machine equipped with a wheel diameter of 150 mm;
• vacuum cleaner;
• a simple rag.

Before removing the paint surface from the product, it is recommended to stock up on safety glasses, rubberized gloves, and a respirator.

How to remove?

Today, there are many ways to easily remove old paint from heating radiators.

The most effective ones include the following:

• chemical;
• mechanical;
• thermal.

Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages. In this regard, before starting the procedure, you should familiarize yourself with all the methods.

Chemical removers

Using this method, old enamel is removed by exposure to a chemical composition. In hardware stores you can purchase a specialized composition, remover. It is available in the form of a spray and gel.

Gel

The most common type is gel washes. They consist of components whose action is aimed at destroying the facing layer.

When cleaning the old coating with a chemical composition in the form of a gel, it is difficult to treat the inside of the heating battery. The wash application procedure is carried out with care. The composition must be in a special container made of material characterized by increased strength.

Instructions for cleaning a heating radiator using a chemical gel:

1. The chemical is applied to the product using a brush from the factory container.
2. The battery is processed using broad strokes.
3. The composition is applied to the radiator for 5-15 minutes. Contact time depends on the condition of the surface and the aggressiveness of the remover.
4. The old coating layer is removed with a metal spatula or brush. It is important to ensure that the composition does not dry out.
5. The heating battery is washed with soapy water and dried.

If everything is done in accordance with the instructions for use, there will be no traces of old paint left on the product.

The cleaning procedure must be carried out with care. To avoid harm to health from chemicals, you should use safety glasses, gloves, and a respirator.

Aerosol

Aerosol removers are suitable for removing any paint coating and do not harm the product. This type of product must be used taking into account the following safety rules:

• cleaning is carried out in a well-ventilated area;
• flooring and furniture should be protected from aerosol;
• work is carried out in rubber gloves, sealed goggles, and a respirator.

Remedy instructions old paint from heating radiators using an aerosol:

1. Spray the product with an aerosol. One can is designed to treat a cast iron battery.
2. After 15-30 minutes, the old paint swells.
3. Further processing is carried out with a spatula.

The video will tell you how to remove old paint from a battery using a remover:

Mechanical method

The mechanical method is the most difficult, but does not require any money.

To work you will need the following set of tools:

• to eliminate large swellings, it is better to use a drill with a metal brush;
• You can use a grinder with a brush, a drill with an attachment, or a grinder with an abrasive wheel.

After processing, a small amount of paintwork remains. It can be easily removed with coarse sandpaper, a sharp spatula, a metal sponge, or a file.

How to remove thermally?

You can remove old paint from a cast iron battery using a thermal method. To carry out this procedure, you need to prepare the following set of devices:

• blowtorch or hair dryer;
• metal brush;
• putty knife;
• rags.

Before using a construction hairdryer, it is necessary to protect the walls with cardboard from thermal effects.

Before heat treatment, it is recommended to remove the heating batteries.

Instructions for removing paintwork:

1. Heat the surface to be treated until the old paint begins to peel off.
2. While the coating has not cooled down, it should be removed with a spatula and a damp cloth.
3. If a trace of paint remains on the radiator, the procedure should be repeated.

Please note that working with a blowtorch should be carried out outdoors.

How to clean cast iron and other radiators?

Cast iron radiators are the most unpretentious in choosing a method for removing old paint. For work, you can use all types of processing.

Old enamel is removed from an aluminum product using special neutral removers. They are applied for 15 minutes. Then the coating is easily removed with a spatula.It is not recommended to use mechanical processing for aluminum radiators to prevent scratches.

Removing the coating from bimetal requires care, since the product consists of aluminum and steel parts. To prevent deterioration of the appearance, it is preferable to use chemical removers and avoid serious mechanical impact.

General recommendations

Removing paint from a heating battery using any method The following general tips make it easier:

1. The chemical remover must be kept in its original container throughout all work.
2. Rubber joints should not be treated with chemical compounds.
3. Mechanical processing should be carried out in conditions of good air circulation.
4. Before carrying out mechanical treatment, it is forbidden to apply a remover.
5. If the product is covered with three or more layers of paint, then the chemical method is not advisable. It is better to use a mechanical or thermal method to remove the coating.
6. When using chemical compounds, protection with a respirator, fabric and rubber gloves, and sealed goggles is required. The room should be well ventilated.

Conclusion

Despite the labor intensity, it is best to remove old paint from heating radiators mechanically.

If one layer of paint is applied to the product, you can use a chemical remover. The thermal method is carried out with the battery removed. It is better to clean outside.