The range of paints and varnishes for painting pipes is wide. They all differ in their characteristics and method of application. The most important selection criterion is durability. Correctly selected paint will protect the pipeline from rust and highlight the individual characteristics of the room.
Paint requirements
To choose the right paint and varnish, you need to understand its functions. The main task of the paint is to protect pipes from corrosion. Decorative properties are also important - the color scheme of the pipeline should not stand out against the background of the general interior of the room.
It is also important to consider the operating conditions. The temperature in the heating system ranges from 40 ° C to 80 ° C. The paint must be resistant to these values and not emit harmful substances into the atmosphere. Also, the coloring agent should be odorless.
For these reasons, we can conclude that the paint should have the following properties:
- Resistant to temperature surges. Possibility of holding up to 90 ° C.
- Abrasion resistance.
- Resistance to aggressive environmental influences.
- Possibility of laying on a rusty base.
- Complete safety for human and animal health. No smell.
- Wide color palette.
All these conditions are met by special paints marked "for radiators".
Selection of paints and varnishes
Oil products are not suitable for painting pipes and risers. They dry for a long time, have an unpleasant odor, and fade over time. A corrosion inhibitor must be present in the coloring composition.
The following types of paints are suitable for heating iron pipes:
- Alkyd enamels. These are common formulations that have a low cost. They have an unpleasant odor when pipes are heated, they can fade over time. Dry after 24 hours.
- Acrylic enamels. The composition contains organic solvents, which is why there is a slight specific smell. They have a wide color palette of glossy and matte shades and dry in one hour. It may be necessary to prime the metal surface of the pipe prior to application. The brightness of the color is maintained throughout the entire period of operation.
- Water-dispersive compositions. These are the safest types of paints. They have a long service life and brightness of the coating. Dry quickly and odorless.
Popular brands include Haitskorperlak, Mipatherm 600, GF-0119 enamel, UNIPOL primer-enamel.
The choice of color depends only on the design of the apartment and premises, as well as the preferences of the owners. There are paints for silver, bronze, copper, as well as products with the ability to apply patterns. Dark colors have the best heat transfer.
The amount of paint depends on the consumption per running meter. This value is multiplied by the area of the painted surface of the pipes, and a margin is added. The estimate is calculated in advance.
Instructions for painting pipes
In order for the result to be durable, you need to properly paint the polypropylene pipes, following the technology.
Before painting pipes, it is necessary to prepare the surface. The quality and durability of the coating depends on the correct cleaning of the pipes. You need to work in personal protective equipment - glasses, gloves, work clothes.
Cleaning algorithm:
- Protection of walls, floors and surrounding objects with old newspapers, oilcloth, film. This will protect things from getting paint for heating pipes on them.
- Cleaning pipes from an old layer of paint and dust. Thin layers can be left and cleaned with sandpaper only. White spirit and other slightly alkaline solutions are used to degrease surfaces. A thick layer of paint can be removed with rinsing solutions, a building hair dryer, a grinder with a brush attachment.
After cleaning the surface, a layer of primer is applied if there are no special protective components in the paint. When using 3-in-1 paints and varnishes with rust converter, no pre-priming is required.
Work should be carried out in a well-ventilated area, even if odorless paint is chosen for heating pipes. This is due to the fact that it contains substances that are not recommended for inhalation. You also need to work in a respirator.
Paint application
There are several ways to paint pipes:
- With a brush. This is the most common and affordable way of painting. The substance is applied in a thin, even layer without drips. It is important to choose a good brush, as in cheap products, bristles fall out, which can remain on the surface to be painted.
- Roller. Suitable for painting open pipelines in the basement, as well as the front surface of heating circuits. Provides an even paint application for pipelines.
- Spray can. This is the fastest and most convenient way to apply paint. The mixture is sprayed for a few seconds onto the prepared surface. Expensive aerosol cans create a beautiful decorative finish.
- Spray gun. Professional spray guns are used by specialists who often perform this type of work. The sprayer makes it possible to quickly apply paint in an even layer with minimal consumption. This is the fastest drying option.
After the paint has completely dried, you can use the pipeline.
Painting recommendations
Experts have developed a number of tips that will help even a beginner to paint a pipeline:
- Remove the old coating carefully, taking care not to damage the pipes.
- Paint remover is a toxic substance that should not be inhaled. To open a container with such a mixture, you will need to gently hold the bottle with the throat away from you. It is necessary to provide good ventilation in the room so that harmful substances escape to the outside.
- If it is possible to dismantle parts of the heating system, it is better to paint on the street outside the house. This will make your work easier and safer. The detachable device can be rotated to either side to reach and paint hard-to-reach areas.
- Painting should be carried out when the heating system is turned off. If the pipes are hot, the paint will lay in uneven layers, and streaks and swellings will appear.
- In case of work performed during the heating season, close the valves on the radiators and wait for them to cool down. The pipes will still be hot, but it will be possible to paint the batteries evenly and efficiently.
- Coloring should be done with smooth, gentle movements from top to bottom to get a thin layer.
- The surface must be painted on all sides. Otherwise, the unpainted part will rust faster.
Even a beginner without work experience can independently paint water supply and heating pipes. It is only important to choose the right paints and varnishes, thoroughly clean the surface and choose a convenient method of application.
