Suggestions on removing paint, then repainting steam radiators

Mike T., Swampeast MO

I've had very good success using a pressure washer with a zero degree (rotating) nozzle. Won't say that it removes every last bit of paint, but it gets the vast majority and whatever is left is <I>very</I> well-adhered.

In most cases there's little if any paint deep inside as it takes an angled brush and lots of patience and time to completely coat a radiator. Other than the original coating (which sometimes covers the entire radiator), later coats are usually "just where a straight brush can reach".

No need for special "high temperature" paint--just NEVER use latex over bare iron! After a coat or two of oil-based primer you can switch to latex, but from then on ONLY latex can be used.

John_153

How do I remove paint, then repaint steam radiators?

Hi, after disconnecting and dragging them outdoors, what�s the best way to remove all the paint from steam radiators? Will a power washer do the job? Home Depot doesn't rent sand blasters . How the heck do you get to remove the paint between the tubes? I have health concerns as I have several small children and the paint is chipping and I want to learn how to strip and repaint them. If anyone can also recommend a safe paint for steam radiators (& suggestions as how many coats to use, if primer is needed, etc., my little gremlins and I would appreciate it. Thanks!

John_102

paint removal on rads

Do a search on this topic & check the library. Recent photos & discussion of using a pressure washer.

I called around & found an industrial paint contractor who did a beautiful job (sandblasting) for what I feel was a fair price. The radiators look like they were just manufactured yesterday (they're 1920's Corto's).

I had him prime the rads with a high quality solvent-based primer. I'll spray finishing coats on myself, although I may see what he would charge for the next batch.

It took a bit of search (some sandblasters didn't want to bother, others didn't seem to think they could do it). The only real issue was geting the beasts out the door & into the truck (and then back again). They're like cats - they don't always obey when you order them out the door & up the ramp. It's the 5 or 6 footers that scare me - these 3 or 4 foot rads are only about a 1/4 ton each - a piece of cake.

Good luck.

jim lockard

my thought

I have a monuments maker (tombstones) that will sandblast Rads if brought to him. I then take the sandblasted Rad to the Auto body shop and have them paint em up. Best Wishes J.Lockard

Mike T., Swampeast MO

On the "Resources" tab at the top banner, go to "Hot Tech Topics". Then look for three articles titled, "Stripping Radiators", "Painting Radiators" and "Bronzing Radiators".