Cast iron radiator finish

ER · September 2007

Here's one that I investigated near me. I had them sandblast a radiator but decided not on the black oxide. They commented that you would want to clear coat it as well.
Maybe a similar service is available where you are.

http://www.austinmetalfinishing.com/blackoxide.htm

Paint is pretty cheap compared with 2 hours of someone's time.

Eric

Alex_C · September 2007

Cast iron radiator finish

Hello,

I just got my hot water radiators sandblasted to bare cast iron. I know that that most people would paint them to prevent rust but I would prefer to obtain the authentic look of blackened old cast iron (some sort of chemical patina).

I thought of gun oil but the label says that it can emit toxic vapors when heated (not good for a radiator).

Does someone have an idea on how to obtain that kind of finish ?

ALH_4 · September 2007

Bronzing

Mike T posted information on bronzing radiators a while back.

Eric Johnson · September 2007

Here's one

I don't know how they did it, but it sure looks nice. This is in the Jerome Hotel in Aspen, CO. Took it on vacation; embarrassed my wife in the process.

Jim Bennett · September 2007

How about ....

Stove Black. Not quite sure what it is but they used it on old cast iron stoves. Should be able to handle the heat.

Here is a pic of an old stove my buddy restored.

Jim

John_102 · September 2007

Sweet parlor stove!

My current steam obsession was preceded by a wood stove obsession. Ask my wife how I looked after breaking through the ice & ashes into the lake one winter night (while disposing of the hot coals).

Stove black is a petroleum or silicone based paste of lamp black or some kind of carbon. It looks great & no doubt will protect cast iron fine; BUT you'll need to re-apply it a couple of time a year & it rubs off (although enough buffing will reduce that somewhat). I don't know how you would get it applied & buffed into all the cracks & crannies of a radiator. I'd vote against stove black.

But that's a great looking stove.

Jim Bennett · September 2007

Thanks...

for the info John. I wasn't sure what stove Black was, all I know is my buddy's stove was not much to look at until he applied it.

The transformation was amazing! That sad looking pile of rusty metal had a great luster that highlighted all the scrolling in the cast iron. Made me want one myself! My wife cured me of that.

My friends family used to own the company that made that stove. He has a treasure trove of memorabilia from that era and the stove was his crowning acquisition.

Jim

Cast iron radiator finish

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