My wife and I just bought a 1918 Arts & Crafts style home in Norfolk, VA…we have radiators throughout– the good news is they work; the bad news is they’re all painted. Would anyone happen to know what the best way is to strip the paint in order to bring them back to original finish. Secondly, is it really worth it? (better heat?)
Thanks,
Jose
Replies
This question will draw more answers at Breaktime (2nd button from in 2nd row of buttons above), but I'll give it a shot, anyway.
Paint stripper is probably about the best you're going to do, if you want to do them in place, I think it would be a huge mess. If you're willing take them apart and put them back together, sandblasting would be quick and effective, and all the mess would be in somebody else's shop.
The original finish was paint, either at the factory or very soon after installation. Cast iron needs some kind of protection from surface rust, unless you live in a really dry climate. In addition, the emissivity of paint is higher than that of bare metal, and the insulation value of multiple layers of paint is negligible. The only reason to strip your radiators would be esthetic.
For more details on emissivity and radiator paint, Google for "radiator paint emissivity", without the quotes.
If your boiler is original equipment, upgrading it is probably your best investment for increasing efficiency.
I am in agreement with Uncle Dunc. Paint remover is the only thing that will bring back the original look. Sand blasting is expensive, but much quicker as indicaticated by Uncle Dunc. I live in a house that was built in the 1940's and I didn't sand blast the radiators but did in fact, used a paint remover and steel bristles, then painted it with an aluminum paint designed for radiators. Right now, I have one coat of paint and induces heat tremendously. for aesthetic look I built a radiator box matching with the look of the house.
If you opt for new radiators, check out the current issue of Inspired House magazine (Issue #7). The Inspired Ideas section (p. 22) shows a variety of choices available for radiators.
- Anne
p.s. Here are some others you may want to check out:
http://www.burnham.com/radiator/index.cfm
(click on Slenderized, Radiant, and Classic)
http://www.runtalnorthamerica.com
http://www.steamradiators.com
Edited 10/11/2004 11:43 am ET by Anne
Thank you all for your helpful insights. Regards, Jose
A fabulous product that I've been using to strip paint and varnish is called Dynamic Paint and Varnish Remover. I got mine from a Benjamin Moore dealer up here. I was able to strip 35 years of oil paint off the insides of our doors (jams?) in about 45 minutes. I ended up restoring all the natural wood trim in our house. The stuff is fantastic and cleans up with water, and it's very inexpensive compared to most big name brands, also there are no fumes, but you do have to wear rubber gloves when using it. The old paint bubbles up almost instantly and can be scraped or wiped away!