Painting cast iron radiators

So you have sourced some wonderful reclaimed cast iron radiators, or you want to refurbish your Victorian period radiators, but what is the best way of bringing them back to their former glory? What is the best way of painting cast iron radiators?

Below are a few tips to achieving a stunning yet hard-wearing finish on cast iron radiators.

1. DON’T power coat!

Some companies offer a powder coating service on cast iron radiators. This method can produce a fabulous finish, BUT... cast iron radiators are not designed to go through the high oven temperatures and prolonged baking process involved in powder coating. Many experts advise against this option as there is a very real risk that the seals between sections will be damaged during baking which will lead to leaking radiators. For this reason, powder coating will invalidate the manufacturer's guarantee on modern cast iron radiators.

2. DO use cellulose or acrylic based paint

There is no need to use expensive specialist radiator paints. You can achieve a perfect finish using cellulose-based paint or acrylic-based spray paint. For instance, car paint is perfect for radiators as it is designed to cope with extremes of temperature and be tough enough to withstand relatively intense wear and tear. If you like the look of powder coating, then a similar looking end result can be achieved by using products like "Plasti-kote", a spray paint available from many DIY stores.

3. DON’T use water based paint

If you use water based paint on cast iron you will almost certainly end up with orange “rust blooms”. Some “specialist” radiator paint is water based and even has a picture of a cast iron radiator on the tin but use this at your peril!

4. DO spray paint rather than brush paint

Cast iron’s textured finish is forgiving, so a good paint finish is easily achievable. If you are planning on painting the radiators yourself by hand, then we recommend using spray paint as it is difficult to reach into the middle columns and achieve a consistent finish using a brush.

For more information on painting cast iron radiators, then speak to an expert such as Feature Radiators. http://www.featureradiators.co.uk/ 01274 567789

What to look for when buying cast iron radiators

What should I look for to ensure I get good quality reliable cast iron radiators?

There are now some superb reproduction cast iron radiators on the market and some inferior products worth avoiding. Here are just a few pointers worth looking out for:

Always check that the radiators have been tested to the European Standard EN442. This provides assurance that the product has passed rigorous testing and is deemed fit for purpose. EN442 is also verification that the heat outputs stated are accurate.

All good quality radiators will come with a manufacturer’s guarantee against manufacturing defects. Make sure the manufacturer is reputable and well established and looks set to stay in business long enough to honour your guarantee should you need it.

For floor mounted cast iron radiators, look for integral feet, which are part of the casting, rather than bolt on extras. This adds to the authenticity of the product and to its overall look.

Finally, to complete the look, choose valves, which are in keeping with your radiators – there are now many period style valves on the market which benefit from modern technology.

For more information contact Feature Radiators, http://www.featureradiators.co.uk/, 01274 567789