How to choose paint for batteries and heating pipes: an overview of the main types, their comparative characteristics and real reviews

The appearance of radiators or heating pipes does not always match the external design of the room. To solve this problem, you can hide them, or change the color tone. The last option is much simpler. That is why paint for batteries, pipes and heating radiators has become popular: a review, reviews, a comparison of various types will help you make the right choice.

Requirements for the composition of paint for heating

First, you need to decide on the basic operational data. Any odorless paint for radiators must have certain qualities, which are determined by the parameters of the system.

The main requirement is safety for humans. Those. regardless of external factors, the paint layer should not emit harmful elements. In addition, the possibility of applying to a steel surface is considered. In some cases, this requires the application of an intermediate base for better shrinkage of the protective layer. Such qualities are possessed by acrylic paint for heating batteries.

Manufacturers often indicate the capacity characteristics of paints and varnishes. In particular, it can be applied to heating elements. In addition to this, the following requirements for paint for hot radiators should be followed:

• Maximum exposure temperature without loss of appearance and shade. It can reach + 600 ° С. But for heating, models with a critical thermal effect equal to + 450 ° C are quite suitable;
• Abrasion resistance. After final drying, the paint for hot heating pipes should not thin out with minor mechanical stress;
• Standard resistance to detergents in heating operation. Those. it is undesirable to acquire those compounds that can collapse during cleaning the room.

Is it difficult in practice to independently change the color of the radiator and pipes, in what cases is it necessary? Most often, colored paint for heating radiators is required to restore the appearance after long-term use. In this case, it is necessary to choose the correct type of paint, which may differ in composition and method of application.

You can change the shade of the paint and varnish composition using a pigment. But it must also be calculated for the heating system.

Types of paint

Alas, a large assortment of paint products is more of a problem than a help in choosing. Often there are annoying mistakes that entail negative reviews about paint for heating batteries. In order to avoid this, it is recommended that you familiarize yourself with the types of paint compositions before purchasing.

Acrylic paints for heating

For the production of these enamels, acrylic resin is used in combination with a number of organic fillers. It is an ideal paint for odorless heating radiators at relatively low exposure temperatures - up to + 90 ° C.

After being applied to a metal surface, it acquires a characteristic glossy sheen. It can last for 3-4 heating seasons. It will gradually disappear, but the original shade will remain.In addition, acrylic-based paint for plastic heating pipes is best suited for this material of manufacture. It does not contain aggressive solvents typical of other formulations.

The features of acrylic compounds include:

• Long service life... Subject to the application technology, it can be 25-30 years;
• Does not change its properties under the influence of direct sunlight, in particular - infrared radiation;
• Choice of painting technology - roller, brush or spray.

To create a durable layer, Dufa radiator paint is recommended. Despite the relatively high cost, it is guaranteed to retain its properties even under extreme temperature conditions of heating operation. The average cost of Dufa Glanz is 2.5 liters. is 455 rubles.

Dufa radiator paint has a shelf life of 12 months. In this case, the temperature should not be less than + 5 ° С. Otherwise, it will lose its properties.

Alkyd paints for heating

Ambiguous reviews about paint for alkyd-based heating radiators have become the main factor in their unpopularity. The main complaint is the pungent odor that lasts 2-3 days after being applied to the surface of a radiator or battery.

The basis for the manufacture of this type of paint is an alkyd resin obtained by cooking vegetable oil with alcoholic or organic acids. The result is a thick composition that, after application, is not afraid of exposure to high temperatures, water and many types of chemical compounds.

It belongs to the types of paints for hot radiators. However, along with this possibility, one must be prepared that before the final cooling of the protective layer, the specific smell will increase. This is due to the composition of the coating. But at the same time, if it is necessary to apply colored paint for heating radiators, alkyd paint will be the best option.

Specific properties of alkyd compounds:

• High threshold of heat resistance;
• At the initial stage, slight fading is possible, and as a result - a change in shade;
• The surface is easily leveled. Painting is carried out with a brush or roller.

When choosing, you should pay attention to the composition and consistency. It is best to choose a ready-to-use paint for hot heating pipes in a liquid state. If you purchase pasty compositions, you will need to dilute them with solvents, which is not always practical.

Alkyd paints can be oil or enamel. It is best not to use the latter as paints for radiators because of the smell and fragility of the layer.

Heat-resistant paints for heating

Analyzing most of the reviews about paint for radiators, it can be noted that not all of the above types are suitable for solving specific problems. In particular, paint for heating radiators Tikkurila is not used to protect solid fuel heating boilers, in which the surface temperature can be higher than + 100 ° C.

If it is impossible to use acrylic paint for radiators, alternative options can be found. These include powder technology for applying a protective layer. It consists in the use of special compounds, which, after a short-term thermal exposure, can withstand a significant increase in temperatures up to + 600 ° C. However, in practice, this will require special equipment.

For home use, you will need a special heat-resistant paint for water-based heating radiators. It differs from traditional ones not only in composition, but also in performance:

• The presence in the base of a metal powder made of aluminum or zinc. The latter should not be used indoors.Designed to distribute heat evenly over the paint surface, prevent premature aging and swelling;
• Adding silicone epoxy or silicone acrylic components to the composition;
• Possible difficulties when removing the paint layer;
• The use of such paint for plastic heating pipes is unacceptable. It has a negative effect on polymers.

One of the best types of heat-resistant paint is Mipatherm 600. It can withstand long-term thermal exposure up to + 600 ° C. However, the cost per liter is the main factor in its massive unpopularity. Currently, the price for this odorless paint for heating radiators is 680 rubles / liter.

It is best to turn off the heating system before painting. Despite the assurances of the manufacturers of protective enamels, the best result is achieved when applied to a metal surface at normal room temperature.

Painting technology for radiators, pipes and batteries

After choosing the optimal composition for the formation of a protective surface, you can proceed directly to painting. However, before that, you must read the operating instructions and take into account all the nuances. So, water-based paints for heating radiators have a rather long period of final solidification. Therefore, it is recommended to use them outside the heating season.

Before performing this procedure, it is advisable to read the recommendations from professionals. They are as follows:

• The work is best done in summer. At this time, you can provide normal ventilation to ventilate the room without lowering the temperature in it. The same applies to odorless paint for heating batteries, since it requires certain conditions for high-quality drying;
• Protective equipment must be used - a respirator, work clothes and waterproof gloves;
• It is not recommended to apply paint to hot heating radiators;
• It is possible to change the shade of the composition only with the help of special pigments, which must also be heat-resistant. It is best to purchase paint and dye from the same manufacturer.

Considering these factors, you can proceed directly to the painting procedure. It is worth remembering that the final drying time for odorless radiator paint is often less than that of alkyd paint. It is best to paint radiators prior to installation.

Preparatory stage

The surface of the pipe or battery must be thoroughly cleaned first. To do this, you can use a metal brush or a grinder with a special attachment. If the initial layer of acrylic paint on the battery is of good quality, special solvents should be used.

For these purposes, the so-called "washes" - SP6, B52 or branded solvents for Tikkuril heating radiator paints are suitable. Usually, to bring them, you should do the following:

1. Clean the surface of the pipe or radiator as much as possible from the old paint layer. At the same time, the integrity of the structure should not be affected or the thickness should not decrease.
2. Apply thinner and wait about 5 minutes.
3. Repeat mechanical cleaning.

Thus, the surface of the heating element must be completely free of the old coat of water-based or enamelled radiator paint.

Cleaning plastic heating pipes from paint should only be carried out using a chemical method. Mechanical stress can lead to their deformation.

Heating system painting

Before applying acrylic paint to the radiator, prepare a bonding base. For this, primers are used, which are designed for better adhesion of the paint and varnish composition and the metal surface.

Almost all types of primers are not designed for hot heating pipes.That is why you should first turn off the system, and then proceed with the application of a protective layer. To do this, you need to do the following:

• Protect floors and walls from possible paint ingress. This is especially true for using a spray gun as the main painting tool;
• After applying the first layer, you should wait some time for it to dry beforehand. This is one of the recommendations of the Dufa paint manufacturers for heating radiators.

This completes the painting process. Some reviews about paint for heating radiators talk about a change in shade during the drying process of the protective layer. This is typical for all paints and varnishes.

To remove the powder paint layer, a mechanical method should be used in combination with special solvents.

Heating paint prices and customer reviews

One of the main consumer qualities for any product is the price. It directly depends on the characteristics of colored paint for heating radiators, as well as its manufacturer. Currently, there are a number of companies that specialize in the production of heating paints. These include Dufa, Tikkurila, Hansa.

Domestic manufacturers mostly offer products designed for extremely high temperatures. It is only used in industry and manufacturing processes. Therefore, for painting heating elements, products of foreign brands are used.

However, in addition to the cost, it is recommended to familiarize yourself with real reviews about paint for heating radiators:

• Old radiators have long lost their appearance. The paint peeled off in places, partially fell off altogether. Therefore, we decided to do the prevention of appearance. For this they chose the expensive paint Tikkurila Empire. Honestly, the price pays off - after the first season, the pipes and radiators are as new;
• Hansa aerosol was purchased to update the look of the aluminum radiators. Alas, they overlooked that it had the wrong shade of white - 9016. Our radiators had it according to RAL. Closer examination shows the difference;
• Out of ignorance and natural greed, I purchased battery paint from a dubious manufacturer. Alas, after several days of torment, I had to buy much more expensive, but normal. - Dufa. And literally half a day of work was enough to make sure that it was better to pay a good price and get an equally wonderful result.

What paint is recommended for specific radiators or heating pipes? It all depends on their material of manufacture and the operating modes of the system. Therefore, it is first recommended to read the instructions from the manufacturer, and then select the best option.

In the video material, the specialist will advise which paint to choose and what to look for: