Enamel for heating radiators makes the equipment more presentable and protects against corrosion. You need to choose it correctly, since products are bimetallic, steel, aluminum and cast iron. Not every material can be painted at home. With the wrong choice of dye and painting technology, after a short time, the enamel for heating radiators will turn yellow or peel.
Paint features
Compositions for painting heating pipes and radiators in their characteristics and properties to some extent differ from standard paints. Therefore, before applying it is important to study their operational and technical characteristics.
Enamel must be safe for people and animals, that is, do not vaporize toxic elements throughout the entire operational period. When buying a product, you should carefully study the composition and its compliance with accepted norms and standards. European enamel must comply with European standards, and Russian paint must comply with GOST standards. When incomprehensible technical specifications are indicated on the label, then you should not trust the manufacturer, since it is unlikely that the product meets safety standards.
Enamel heat resistance should not be less than + 80 ° . Otherwise, it will crack, begin to turn yellow and exfoliate. Moreover, this indicator is considered the minimum acceptable. The higher the heat resistance, the better. It is important that the enamel composition dries quickly, because this factor significantly speeds up the work, because painting is carried out in several layers.
The anticorrosive properties of enamel will protect the surface of heating radiators from aggressive external influences. Manufacturers take this into account in the production of compositions for metal coatings. Certain products, until completely dry, most often emit an unpleasant pungent odor, so they can be used in rooms that can be carefully checked.
Moisture-resistant properties of radiator enamel are needed for unhindered wet cleaning using detergents. Its thermal conductivity should be high, or it will reduce heat transfer from heating radiators.
For painting pipes and radiators, enamels are produced on different bases, each of which is characterized by its negative and positive features. All this should be considered before painting, so that later there are no surprises.
Heat-resistant enamels for heating radiators are:
- Alkyd.
- Acrylic.
- Silicone.
- Oiled.
Alkyd paints
Alkyd enamel for heating radiators consists of a pigmented dispersion and special additives, which are in glyptal or pentaphthalic varnish. Such tools are quite in demand, because they differ in many advantages that allow you to protect the surface of the batteries well from the negative effects of external factors, and also give them an aesthetic and neat appearance.
Almost any alkyd enamel can withstand elevated temperatures. This parameter is indicated on the packaging of each specific product. The surface painted with such a paint is characterized by even gloss and perfect smoothness. Over time, it does not exfoliate and does not turn yellow.
Alkyd enamels have a fairly high wear resistance. They are available in different colors, so if you want, you can always choose the right shade for the interior of the room, in general.
But such enamels also have features. Firstly, alkyd-based paints with white spirit are characterized by a pungent unpleasant odor. Not only can it be stored for several days after painting, but also at first when the batteries are heated. Secondly, each layer dries long enough, so the period of work is stretched for a rather long time. Alkyd enamels are produced in the form of aerosols.
Hammer paints
This kind of enamel is a subtype of alkyd. With it, you can create a textured surface and mask defects using only paint. All kinds of pigments allow you to create a stamped texture, the effect of a blow with a hammer and other interesting solutions.
Oil paints
Oil enamels for heating radiators are made on the basis of various organic oils. More recently, it was considered the only tool for coloring batteries. These paints create a strong and dense layer on the surface, which perfectly resists various mechanical influences and can withstand elevated temperatures.
Today, oil enamels have almost been abandoned, since many other compounds have appeared that are devoid of their shortcomings:
- Unpleasant specific smell. It accompanies the process of painting and drying surfaces. It also appears during the operation of heating radiators (with strong heating).
- High density layer. This significantly reduces the heat dissipation of the sections. If the layer is too thick, then during the operation of the heating system, the paint peels off or cracks.
- Difficulty applying. It is difficult to apply the oil tool with an ideally uniform layer due to the composition.
- Inadequate corrosion protection. The product does not have sufficient protective properties, so after some time you can notice the rust emerging on the surface.
- Loss of shine and yellowing over time.
- Long drying time and a high likelihood of smudges when staining.
Acrylic heat-resistant enamels for heating radiators
This variety of paints and varnishes is suitable for coloring equipment of the heating system, since a dried layer gives the surface a perfect evenness and smoothness that will look like plastic. Acrylic paints practically do not smell during the staining process or when using batteries.
When buying acrylic enamel for heating radiators, you should study the packaging, paying attention to the purpose and manufacturer. The focus is on the temperature that the product can withstand. Not every acrylic paint can be used at temperatures above + 80 ° C.
Acrylic enamel for heating radiators dries quickly. The instructions indicate the setting time and complete drying - it can vary from 10 minutes to 1.5 hours in the first stage, and up to 5 hours in the second. Obtaining high-quality coating is possible only when protecting radiators from moisture throughout the entire drying period.
Acrylic products are characterized by an average consistency in density. They almost do not leave smudges and do not crack. Enamel is applied on a primed cleaned surface in 2 layers. Otherwise, the effect will not be achieved. A significant disadvantage of the tool is considered to be poor resistance to mechanical external influences.
Silicone paints
Silicone enamel for heating radiators is able to maintain performance even with strong heating of the heating system. It is made on the basis of silicone resin mixed in an aqueous or organic solvent. After the layer dries, the surface acquires a semi-gloss shine. Paint can even be applied on an unprepared surface. It is resistant to abrasion and mechanical stress, is durable. The main significant drawback of such a variety of enamel is considered a fairly high cost, so it is not as popular as other types.
Matte and glossy paints
Any heat-resistant paint is matte or glossy. Which enamel to choose depends on the quality of the surface of the heating equipment. Suppose, for cast-iron batteries with rough outer walls, it is better to choose a glossy product, the luster of which will partially hide irregularities. In addition, gloss is easier to clean and retains its attractive appearance for longer. But matte paint will emphasize surface flaws, it does not hide porosity, so the radiators will be very dirty all the time. As a result, in a short time after staining, the battery will become not white, but grayish. Matte paint is more difficult to apply on any surface.
Selection of heat resistant paint
In the process of selecting enamel for metal and heating radiators, it is important to carefully study the information on the label. It may indicate:
- What surfaces is the product intended for.
- The drying time of the layer.
- Ability to use in the living room.
- At what temperature can the coating be operated.
- Shelf life.
Lacra
It is an acrylic heat-resistant paint for protective and decorative use. Its universal composition is suitable for coloring materials of various types. Enamel for heating radiators "Lacra" is highly resistant to heat, so the appearance of the battery will be preserved for a long time. If necessary, the enamel can be diluted with water, but it should not be more than 5% of the total volume. The coating can be done in one or two layers. Each subsequent layer is applied only after the previous one dries. The paint is sold in containers of 2.4 and 0.9 liters.
"Prestige"
This enamel is available in 0.9 kg containers. This tool is intended for painting all kinds of metal surfaces. Its distinctive feature is resistance to temperature changes, which can reach up to 100 ° C. Also enamel for Prestige heating radiators is characterized by the absence of an unpleasant odor and rapid drying (only 1 hour), and complete drying occurs within 24 hours. If necessary, the product is diluted with ordinary drinking water.
"Rainbow"
This product has found its purpose as a finish coating for water heating pipes, radiators, as well as metal surfaces. This paintwork material has excellent coating and adhesion to a metal surface. Also, the composition is characterized by excellent resistance to external influences. Enamel for Raduga heating radiators can only be used in a well-ventilated area. It is necessary to work with rubber gloves.
"Halo"
The paint is used for decorative and protective coloring of elements of water heating systems that operate at temperatures up to 120 ° C. Distinctive features of enamel for heating radiators "Halo":
- Drying speed.
- Lack of pungent smell and yellowing over time.
- Possibility of coloring radiators at their temperature up to + 45 ° .
- Resistance to detergents.
- Resistance to temperature up to + 120 ° .
- The presence of a corrosion inhibitor in the composition, which makes it possible to apply the product on a metal surface without a preliminary primer.
"Alpina"
This enamel dries quickly due to its elastic properties. However, it is characterized by excellent resistance to mechanical stress. The increased resistance to abrasion makes it possible to use detergent abrasives when caring for radiators on which this enamel is applied.
"Pros"
This enamel from the Russian manufacturer has a short drying time. It can be used to paint new batteries or an old, cleaned coating. The composition is white. By consistency, it is similar to sour cream. Paint does not contain smelling solvents.
"Parade"
This is another domestic enamel. For its production, foreign components and equipment are used. If desired, you can use the tint to change the initially white color. Apply paint with a roller or brush.
Dufa
This acrylic dispersion enamel is made in Germany. In addition to metal, it can be used to paint mineral surfaces and wood. Due to the increased content of titanium dioxide, temperature stability is reached up to + 90 ° C, and the water base ensures no odor.
Staining recommendations
Before painting the heating radiator, it must be prepared. The surface is washed away from contaminants and dried, after which they are sanded with fine sandpaper. Before processing, the old paint is removed in any way possible.
Experts say that on the chips of the old coating or at the places of its removal visible recesses will remain. To eliminate this drawback, it is recommended that they be cleaned and filled with metal putty. Then, after drying, this place is treated with sandpaper, leveling the entire surface.
The second stage involves a primer. This important job is especially needed when acrylic enamel is applied to bare metal or to the putty layer. Soil grade is selected for metal. The primer for wood and other materials is not used as a base. After applying the primer, it takes time to solidify it. It is indicated on the packaging of the product.
The last step is staining. A part of the wall and floors is hidden behind the radiator. The coating is applied in two layers with a roller, spray gun or brush. The best option is a spray gun, since it ensures the penetration of paint into hard-to-reach places.
Painters recommend not to paint hot heating radiators, since not every enamel is suitable for these purposes. In addition, the smell will be stronger, so work is best done in the off-season.
Reviews
All of the above white enamels for heating radiators are widely used in the construction industry. Some are more popular, others less. This is due to their different characteristics. Many users prefer alkyd and acrylic enamel, highlighting their resistance to cracking and abrasion, ease of care for the painted surface. In addition, these species have many variations of shades. Reviews of enamel for oil paint heating radiators are also mostly positive, but there is a meager selection of colors and a long drying period.
Today, many manufacturers produce enamel for odorless heating radiators, which can be of different types. A wide range allows users to choose the best option. With the correct use of odorless enamel for heating radiators, you can achieve long-term preservation of the attractive appearance of the system.