Bronzing Radiators

DanHolohan

Mike, would it be okay with you if I added the recipe to Hot Tech Topics so that it's always available?

Mike T., Swampeast MO

Here's the rad freshly bronzed and in approximate final location. May require two coats in some areas, may not. It needs to dry for a couple of days. The final appearance is always somewhat mottled.

The dead men used actual bronze (and other metals) for their bronzing. Now we have mica. Here's a source. There are many others--price here seems very good. Note those with "glitter" in the name probably will not mix.

To make your bronzing paint, you only need the mica, boiled linseed oil and cobalt drier (available at any art/hobby store).

To eight ounces of linseed oil add about ½ ounce of cobalt drier. Then mix in enough mica for a consistency about that of heavy cream. 3-4 ounces (by weight) is usually right. Some colors take less, some more. You don't want it too thick as you want it to flow very freely from the brush.

Apply in a single stroke--avoid brushing over the same area more than once. As soon as it's not covering fully, reload the brush. Stir VERY frequently, as the mica settles out of suspension quite rapidly.

Let dry a day or two. If the appearance is too uneven, use another coat--usually just in the reasonably visible areas. Some areas with some colors may need three coats.

8oz of powder will be enough for all but truly gigantic radiators.

By far best if you've primed with flat (or low-luster if you can't find true flat) oil-based paint tinted to an approximation of the final color. Buff (pale yellow) works well under bright gold, terra-cotta under antique or darker gold.

You can make a much thicker paint and avoid the priming step, but to my eye the thinner coat gives a better appearance.

It's dust-free in a day or so, but still a bit delicate. Best to let it sit at least a week before installing. Once the rad heats, it dries fully and seems extremely durable. It will however watermark if you leave a cold glass on the rad for a long time...

Appearance does change somewhat as it cures. Most of the initial gloss goes away. Some colors wind up more metallic-looking than others. Lighting direction and level affects the appearance of all.

Brad White_9

Amazing, Mike, as always.

Looks almost like polished steel. No one does radiators like you do.

Is the bronze to reduce output or just for good looks? You may have mentioned this once but I forget.

Unknown

Really Great Mike...........

is that the only one you have to do like that? Must be a "good" customer, if I tried to do work like that here nobody would pay for-it! Loooooooking Gooooood though!

Mike T., Swampeast MO

This is for me--like you said, few would be willing to pay. I'd have to charge at least $250 for a rad this size and that wouldn't include draining, removing, replacing and filling. I just hope that any future owner will appreciate the attention to detail and the HIGH value that I placed on the radiators!

Have done seven already for this house and have eight more to go. I bronze the rads as each room is complete. 3-5 more years at my present rate. Still have the library, family room, kitchen, laundry and main hall.

Mike T., Swampeast MO

Definitely not to reduce output--I just really like the look.

Ingredients were actually listed in this batch: titanium dioxide, mica and iron oxide. I really have no idea of the emissivity but suspect it's higher than the old stuff using bronze, aluminum, etc.

Brad White_9

Mike

When is the Open House to celebrate completion? Lay down some poly tarp to catch the drool and crack the hors d'ouvres...

Mike T., Swampeast MO

Sure. You might want to combine the three recent posts, "Stripping Radiators", "Painting Radiators" and "Bronzing Radiators".

Mike T., Swampeast MO

2010 - 2012

There's a huge amount of cabinetry and built-ins to go:

16' x 16' library (including ceiling) in cherry. Includes a window seat with built-in "hidden" blinds, mantlepiece and corner curio (domed top and curved back).

About 40' of base cabinets, 32' of wall cabinets, 16' of floor-to-ceiling cabinets for the kitchen--probably in butternut.

16' x 10' walnut entertainment center in the family room.

Decent-sized laundry with lots of custom built-ins.

DanHolohan

Done,

and under those three titles, each with a link back to the Wall. Thanks for sharing!

Brad White_132

2010-2012... AM or PM?

I will pencil it in

Butternut, cherry, well, you are in the heart of our hardwood industry, I suppose. Heating, philosophy and heating philosophy aside, these are the posts I enjoy most. Incredible and inspiring. Thanks for sharing.

Mike T., Swampeast MO

Still lots of lumber available in this area at decent prices. Quite a bit of tree farming as well. Not just pulp and pine--nice hardwoods.

Cherry is outrageous here as well. I've been collecting it for years and have some beautiful stuff.

Bruno Verachten

Pic doesn't work

Sorry guys, but the picture can't be seen anymore!