Clanking Radiator

Patricia

> Hello,
>
> I just moved into a charming 1920's house in Newport. There is one radiator that clanks and no amount of bleeding will get it to stop. Can you direct me to a book or article that deals with such a problem?
I'm also getting ready to paint this radiator. The old paint has chipped a lot and I think just painting over the chipeed paint will look poorly. Can you direct me to an article or book to help me decide on how to
> prepare the surface for painting?
>
> Patricia
>
>

Mike T., Swampeast MO

Radiator stripping

1) Sandblasting--monument (gravestone) works generally have the most powerful equipment. Extremely effective--MUST be primed with oil-based, rust-inhibiting primer AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. Makes a perfect surface for powder coating--an exceptionally durable finish. Holes MUST be plugged!!!!

2) Pressure Washing--Zero degree (rotating) nozzle. Works quite well. If the radiator was originally bronzed it will leave much of this intact and you won't expose much bare metal. You really should prime (and paint) with oil-based paint.

3) Chemical stripping--again PLUG HOLES! Buy lye in bulk and build a plastic lined trough sufficient to soak at least half the radiator. Scrape and rinse. Multiple applications often required.

4) Heat--FUTILE!

5) Chemical stripping in place--HORRID mess!

6) Wire brushing/"tapping"/etc.--Tries the patience of ANYONE--you'll never do more than one this way!

Below rad pressure washed, primed with flat alkyd paint, "bronzed" with mica/linseed oil/cobalt drier mix. Two-tone red & gold.

Steamhead

Clanking Radiator

is this a steam or hot-water system?

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