Enamel for heating radiators makes equipment more presentable and protects against corrosion. You need to choose it wisely, since products are bimetallic, steel, aluminum and cast iron. Not every material can be dyed 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 off.
Paint features
Compositions for painting heating pipes and radiators differ to some extent from standard paints in their characteristics and properties. Therefore, it is important to study their operational and technical characteristics before use.
Enamel should be safe for people and animals, that is, it should not evaporate toxic elements throughout the entire operational period. When buying fundsthe composition and its compliance with accepted norms and standards should be carefully studied. European enamel must comply with European standards, and Russian paint must comply with GOST standards. When the label contains incomprehensible specifications (technical specifications), then you should not trust the manufacturer, since the product is unlikely to meet safety standards.
The heat resistance of the enamel should not be less than +80°C. Otherwise, it will crack, turn yellow and peel off. At the same time, this indicator is considered the minimum acceptable. The higher the heat resistance, the better. It is important that the composition of the enamel dries quickly, because this factor significantly speeds up the work, because painting is carried out in several layers.
The anti-corrosion properties of enamel will protect the surface of heating radiators from aggressive external influences. Manufacturers take this into account when producing compositions for metal coatings. Certain products are more likely to emit an unpleasant pungent odor before drying completely, 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 must 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 taken into account before painting, so that there are no surprises later.
Heat-resistant enamelsfor heating radiators are:
- Alkyd.
- Acrylic.
- Silicone.
- Oiled.
Alkyd paints
Alkyd enamel for heating radiators consists of a pigmented dispersion and special additives that are found in glyptal or pentaphthalic varnish. Such tools are quite in demand, because they have many advantages that allow you to well protect the surface of the batteries from the negative effects of external factors, and also give them an aesthetic and tidy appearance.
Almost any alkyd enamel perfectly withstands high temperatures. This parameter is indicated on the packaging of each specific product. The surface painted with such paint differs in equal luster and ideal smoothness. Over time, it does not peel off and does not turn yellow.
Alkyd enamels are characterized by rather high wear resistance. They are available in different colors, so if you wish, you can always choose the right shade for the interior of the room as a whole.
But these enamels have their own peculiarities. Firstly, alkyd-based paints with white spirit are characterized by a pungent, unpleasant odor. Not only for several days after painting, it can be preserved, but also at first when the batteries are heated. Secondly, each layer dries for a long time, so the period of work stretches for quite a long time. They produce alkyd enamels in the form of aerosols.
Hammer colors
This type of enamel is a subtype of alkyd. With its help, you can create a textured surface and mask defects using only paint. All kinds of pigments allow you to create a embossed texture, the effect of a hammer blow 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 means for coloring batteries. These paints create a durable and dense layer on the surface, which perfectly resists various mechanical influences and withstands elevated temperatures.
Today, oil enamels are almost abandoned, as many other compounds have appeared that are devoid of their shortcomings:
- Unpleasant peculiar smell. It accompanies the process of both staining and drying surfaces. It also appears during the operation of heating radiators (with strong heating).
- High layer density. This significantly reduces the heat transfer of the sections. If the layer is too thick, then during the operation of the heating system, the paint will peel off or crack.
- Difficulty of application. It is difficult to apply an oily product in a perfectly even layer due to the composition.
- Insufficient corrosion protection. The tool does not have sufficient protective properties, so after some time you can see rust appearing on the surface.
- Loss of shine and yellowing over time.
- Long drying time and high chance of smudges whenstaining.
Acrylic heat-resistant enamels for heating radiators
This type of paint and varnish composition is suitable for painting heating system equipment, since the dried layer gives the surface perfect evenness and smoothness, which will look like plastic. Acrylic paints practically do not smell, both during the dyeing process and when using batteries.
When buying acrylic enamel for heating radiators, you should study the packaging, paying attention to the purpose and manufacturer. The main attention is paid to the temperature that the product can withstand. Not every acrylic paint can be used above 80°C.
Acrylic enamel for heating radiators dries quickly. The instructions indicate the setting time and full drying - it can vary from 10 minutes to 1.5 hours at the first stage, and up to 5 hours at the second. Obtaining a high-quality coating is possible only if the radiators are protected from moisture throughout the entire drying period.
Acrylic products have a medium consistency. They almost do not leave smudges and do not crack. Enamel is applied to the primed cleaned surface in 2 layers. Otherwise, the effect will not be achieved. A significant drawback of the product is considered to be poor resistance to mechanical external influences.
Silicone paints
Silicone enamel for heating radiators is able to keepcharacteristics even with strong heating of the heating system. It is made on the basis of silicone resin mixed with an aqueous or organic solvent. After the layer dries, the surface acquires a semi-matt sheen. The paint can be applied even on an unprepared surface. It is resistant to abrasion and mechanical stress, and is durable. The main significant drawback of this type of enamel is considered to be a rather high cost, so it is not as popular as other types.
Matte and gloss paints
Any heat-resistant paint can be matte or glossy. Which enamel to choose depends on the quality of the surface of the heating equipment. For example, for cast-iron batteries with rough outer walls, it is better to choose a glossy product, the shine of which will partially hide the bumps. In addition, gloss is easier to clean and retains its attractive appearance longer. But the matte paint will emphasize the flaws of the surface, it does not hide the porosity, so the radiators will be very dirty all the time. As a result, after a short time after staining, the battery will not become white, but grayish. Matte paint is harder to apply to any surface.
Choosing 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 say:
- For which surfaces the product is intended.
- Duration of layer drying.
- Available for residential use.
- At what temperature canexploit cover.
- Expiration date.
Lacra
This is an acrylic heat resistant paint for protective and decorative use. Its universal composition is suitable for coloring various types of materials. Enamel for heating radiators "Lacra" is characterized by high heat resistance, 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 has dried. 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 distinguishing feature is resistance to temperature changes, which can reach up to 100°C. Also enamel for heating radiators "Prestige" is characterized by the absence of an unpleasant odor and quick drying (only 1 hour), and complete drying occurs within a day. 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, and metal surfaces. This paintwork material has excellent painting and adhesion to the metal surface. Also, the composition is characterized by excellent resistance to external influences. Enamel forheating radiators "Rainbow" can only be used in a well-ventilated area. In this case, it is necessary to work with rubber gloves.
Halo
The paint is used for decorative and protective painting of elements of water heating systems that operate at temperatures up to 120°C. Distinctive features of enamel for heating radiators "Oreol":
- Quick drying.
- No strong odor and no yellowing over time.
- Possibility of coloring radiators at temperatures up to +45°С.
- Resistant to detergents.
- Resistant to temperatures up to +120°C.
- The presence of a corrosion inhibitor in the composition, which makes it possible to apply the product on metal surfaces without prior priming.
Alpina
This enamel dries quickly due to its elastic properties. At the same time, it is distinguished by excellent resistance to mechanical stress. Increased resistance to abrasion makes it possible to use abrasive detergents when caring for heating radiators on which this enamel is applied.
Profi
This enamel from a Russian manufacturer has a short drying time. It can be used to paint new batteries or an old cleaned coating. The composition is white. It is similar in texture to sour cream. The paint does not contain bad smelling solvents.
Parade
This is another domestic enamel. Foreign components and equipment are used for its production. If desired, you can change it initially with the help of colorsWhite 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. Thanks to the increased content of titanium dioxide, temperature stability up to +90 ° C is achieved, and the water base ensures no smell.
Color recommendations
Before you paint the heating radiator, it must be prepared. The surface is washed from dirt and dried, after which it is sanded with fine sandpaper. Before processing, the old paint is removed in any way possible.
Experts say that visible indentations will remain on the chips of the old coating or in places where it was removed. To eliminate this shortcoming, it is recommended to clean them and fill them with putty for metal. Then, after drying, this place is treated with sandpaper, leveling the entire surface.
The second stage involves a primer. This important work is especially needed when acrylic enamel is applied to bare metal or to the putty layer. The brand of soil is selected for metal. A primer for wood and other materials is not used as a base. After applying the primer, it takes time for it to harden. It is indicated on the product packaging.
The last step is coloring. Part of the wall and floors are covered behind the radiator. The coating is applied in two layers with a roller, spray gun or brush. The best option is an airbrush, since it providespenetration of paint into hard-to-reach places.
Painters recommend not to paint hot radiators, because not every enamel is suitable for this purpose. In addition, the smell will be stronger, so it is better to work 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 enamels, 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 choice of colors and a long drying period.
Today, many manufacturers produce odorless enamel for 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 a long-term preservation of an attractive appearance of the system.
