To/not clean hot water radiators?

New home owner

We've recently bought a home built in 1938. It has been well maintained and updated however the hot water radiators have numerous layers of paint that are dirty and some are chipping - base layers are lead I am sure.

I am interested to know: What is the process to have the radiators "sandblasted" to remove these layers of paint? What is the benefit/if any? And what can we expect as an approximate cost?

Al Letellier_9

paint on rads

The benefits will be mostly cosmetic in nature. The efficiency gain will be minimal unless there's a lot of paint on them. As to sandblasting, you will have to remove the radiators from the house due to the mess it makes. Removal, sandblasting, repainting and reinstallation can run alot depending on the size and quantity. Put a wire brush to them and repaint them in place. Don't worry about lost heating capacity as they are most likely oversized to begin with.