Painting Radiators

Jim_80

Anybody have experience with painting vs. powder coating for rad finishes?

I had a small bathroom rad powder coated mainly because I was worried about the humidity from the shower accelerating any peeling of a painted finish.

The powder coating doesn't have the depth or detailing of a good painted finish but it does seem to be durable (have had it installed for 2 years, and no peeling).

Just wondering if anyone with experience with both recommends one over another.

Thanks,
Jim

Mike T., Swampeast MO

It takes time and patience, but you can completely paint thin fin tube radiators. Took about 5½ hours for this one.

I prime before bronzing with a color that approximates the final. Exception is with gold when I either use a terra-cotta (to deepen) or buff (to brighten)--guilders do the same thing. Use ONLY oil-based paint! Flat is best, but I can't find anymore so had to use "low gloss". I prefer a true paint to a primer as the primers are a bit thin.

A brush as shown is an absolute necesssity. This is a 1" synthetic artist's brush of decent quality. I bent the ferrule to about 30° with needle-nosed vice grips. The commercial radiator brushes I've seen are all MUCH too wide.

Profile on this rad is different than others I've seen. The name "LOBAN" is embossed on the tapping plugs. Any idea of the maker?

Unknown

Looks great Mike,,,,

thanks for sharing. Just goes to show what some "elbow grease" can do for these "old-lads"!!

Ron Schroeder

WOW Exellannt workmanship

and who said that radiators can't be a thing of beauty.

Mike T., Swampeast MO

Should have final picture tomorrow after the bronzing. Just started a little while ago. Never know if it will take one coat or two until it's sat overnight.

My back is yelling at my LOUDLY for moving that rad outside and back in by myself yesterday and I can't stay in one position for long...

Brad White_9

Neat-O

Once again, Mike, you show the world what radiators should look like...

I was always told gloss holds up better, you said flat. (Yes, mine are glossy, you bet.)

Curious why that might be. Always learning. Thanks for inspiring.

Brad

Ron Schroeder

Glossy is great

where humidity is a problem and is easier to keep clean, but much has to do with personal preferance and I seem to take a shine to semi gloss, gives a muted sheen that i just right in my minds eye.

Mike T., Swampeast MO

Gloss Paint

YES, definitely use gloss if the paint is the final finish! WAY easier to clean.

I'm using flat or flattest I can find since this is actually a primer for the bronzing.

Mike T., Swampeast MO

Thanks Dave.

Didn't have a digital camera the last time I stripped, painted and bronzed a rad. Thought I'd show it step-by-step with a few photos.