steam radiator refurb question

John Morrison

I would like to get my radiators cleaned up, can anyone point me in the right direction? I would like to get them sanblasted and painted properly. I am also interested in replacing the valves that open and close. The handles are mostly broken, I thought I saw some that had a thermostat built in to shut off the steam when the room reached a certian temp. Has anyone used these? any comments on them? Thanks.

btw I am in Northern NJ

Mike T., Swampeast MO

Monument works (headstones, etc.) generally have the most powerful sandblasting equipment.

If the paint layers are rather thick and flaking you can use a pressure washer with a zero-degree nozzle. Many old radiators were originally bronzed and later paint jobs aren't particularly well-adhered because rads are notoriously difficult to clean.

Steam rads operate at a temp a bit too high for most common paints. High-temp automotive primer is a very good base coat. If sandblasted, prime as soon as possible as the surface will rust rapidly. Some spray paints (for the final coat) are suited to the temperature--check the label carefully. While flat paints are a bit more effective at radiating, they are MUCH more difficult to keep clean.

If you're interested in a "recipe" and instructions for making your own bronzing, write me direct.

If in a larger city, powder coating makes an extremely durable surface. I believe sandblasting is a "must" if powder coating and you don't prime.

Search this site for "radiator handle." I recently posted a link to a company offering "4-in-one" handles that will fit most old valves.

John Morrison

Thanks for the info. Does anyone know of a company that will do this for me. These things weigh a ton and I don't want to lug them in and out of the house.