Old Radiators

Helen M. Corino-Coen

Several years back I painted our very ornate radiators off-white. Unfortunately, the paint began to peel the following year. Now I want to re-done this mess but this time correctly. So:
(1) How do I remove the peeling paint?
(2) What type of uncoat is necessary?
(3) What type of paint should be used?

Constraints:
(1)This is a me,myself and I job
(2)Radiators cannot be moved - I just can't do that

I have eleven of these treasures - most with great design work including cherubs. Any information is greatly appreciated.

Thank You

Helen M. Corino-Coen

Mike T., Swampeast MO

Old House Journal

Many years ago in their "good old days" did an article entitled, "Thrilling Tales of Girls Stripping Radiators".

Sorry to say, but all of the stories involving stripping them in place had unhappy endings, from "Impossible" (heat guns, etc), to "Never Again" (chemicals/mechanical).

I believe these were actual (if tongue-in-cheek) stories.

Sandblasting, pressure washing, soaking in paint remover (lye), really are the only viable options for so many radiators.

Some reasons for the paint failure:

1) Continual switching between oil and latex paint.

2) Poor adhesion due to improper cleaning.

3) Too many layers of paint--even if 1) and 2) don't apply.

If you insist on trying, mechanical means are probably the best: wire brushes for large, loose areas; dental picks for detail; "peening", i.e. tapping with the ball end of a ball-peen hammer for better adhered, non-detailed areas. If you're exceedingly patient (and they're not too large) you might be able to do a couple before conceeding defeat.

I'd suggest you wait until heating season is over, hire someone to disconnect (if you're not certain how to do this); "bribe" some local, single muscle with home-cooked food and beer to cart them outside; rent/buy a pressure-washer with zero degree nozzle; prime with flat oil paint; bronze; reinstall.

Write me direct if you would like some more details.