Removing Paint from Radiators

Billy_13

hey guys.

Nearly all of the ornate cast-iron radiators in my home were painted over by the previous owner. I know they didnt use lead-based paint because they were painted sometime between 2001-2006. I dont have any companies in the area that will remove the paint or refinish the radiators. I have three options. Let me know what you think is best, especially if any of you have experience with this.

1. Remove the radiator, take it outside, and use the pressure washer with the 0 degree spray


2. Use emory cloth and sand the radiator by hand; or with power tool


3. Remove the radiator, take it outside, and use the air compressor to sandblast the radiator
(I have no experience with this option.)



I'll take any advice you guys have. Many thanks!

DanHolohan

This will help

It's from the Systems F.A.Q. section of the site:

Painting Radiators

scrook_2

Or...

Take'm to an auto engine rebuilding shop and have it hot tanked -- it'll be clean enough to eat off of afterward. Try the pressure washer or the sand blast first.

Mark Z_2

Removing paint from Rads

Billy, where you located. I'm on the isle of long NY and found a guy that sandblasts and powder coats for the military. Rads from late 30's look absolutely brand new. Stay away from Epoxy thou, experienced a rad done in white that yellowed after just 3 yrs. However, there are sandblasters out there. Thereafter w/o pwd-coat you can spray them yourself w/ a commercial sprayer w/compressor, I'm sure they'll look great. Best deal I got thou, was that I paid cash for the blast/pwd-coat where they picked up and delivery the finished goods. Just thinking of humping all those rads still makes me cringe. Best of luck. Let me know if you need name and number for the guy that helped me.

best regards, Mark Z