In the renovation course, the actor comes across the painting of radiators using spray guns. Therefore, the advantages of spray painting are presented below. This spectrum includes clarifying the benefits of painting with a spray gun, what equipment is needed, and preparing and carrying out the work.
What are the advantages of the spray gun over the brush?
The spray gun has many advantages over a brush. In principle, it concerns the quality of paint application and execution speed. Thus, the paint application is more uniform, and there are no “streaks” or paint noses to discover, which, on the other hand, a brush could leave. Refinishing then becomes necessary, which would then mean additional sanding and painting.
Other advantages are that, especially on radiators, you can sometimes find corners that are difficult to access but easier to reach with a paint gun.
The necessary equipment
Equipment includes various elements. You can divide this into equipment, paint, personal protective equipment, and protection of the environment.
The first piece of equipment is a spray gun with HVLP or LVLP technology. A nozzle that is between 1.3 and 1.4 mm is recommended for this.
Furthermore, it would help if you had a compressor and connecting hose. It should have a pressure build-up of 2 to 3 bar and ensure a permanent air supply.
You can paint well with special radiator paints such as water-soluble acrylic paints or alkyd resin paints, but acrylic paints are more suitable. Such water-based paints belong to an environmentally friendly heater paint and do not have such a long-lasting odor, as is often complained about the alkyd resin paint.
You still need the appropriate solvent (= primer) depending on the supplier. For the preparation of the radiator belongs sandpaper (fine) and in case of rusting coarse as well as rust remover to it, which of course modern radiators should show less. But sometimes, it is so intense that you can only remove the rust with a wire brush.
As far as personal protection is concerned, it would help if you always used a respirator and gloves. In addition, tightly fitting safety goggles are recommended, and work clothes get dirty if necessary.
It would help if you sprayed in a place that is well ventilated but not too windy. A carport with a windbreak, an open garage, and airbrush exhaust systems could be these places.
The best tip is to hang the radiator with two chains and hooks. Then you can paint all sides in one operation.
If this is not possible, you need to paint radiators on the floor. The surrounding area must be protected over a large area to do this. You may think of newspapers, but they have proved their worth not directly on the radiator but only at a distance.
Surfaces such as metal plates, cardboard, or solid PVC mats are better because they do not swirl around like paper and thus could adhere to the fresh paint. You need masking tape to protect the connections and the handle.
Important preparations
To begin with, the first thing you do must get the radiator ready to spray. This means sanding and cleaning until no rust remains. Otherwise, you would only whitewash the area, and the radiators could eventually rust through completely.
Then make everything free of grease and dust. You should mask the handles, connections, etc., tightly with masking tape. Then hang up the radiator or place it on one side on the respective protection.
Now mix the colors with the thinner. Follow the instructions for the use of the paint.
Painting radiators with a spray gun: this is how it’s done
First, check the paint jet by doing a spray-out on a newspaper. When spraying, always start from the side or outside the radiator. Only then spread evenly over the radiator. The same applies to the swing-out.
Always make even and complete passes along the radiator. These are from one side to the other or from top to bottom.
It would help keep a safe distance from the radiator to develop no runnings. A distance between 20 and 30 cm is ideal.
It is recommended that you make a second or third pass to apply the paint thoroughly. In addition, by proceeding carefully, you are less likely to cause the color to run.
If you have sprayed the radiator horizontally, let the side dry and then paint the other side.
FAQ
Is a spray gun useful for painting radiators?
The answer is quick to give and is “yes.” Because the technique is fast, neat, and gets everywhere, you have problems with a brush or paint roller. It also reduces the risk of developing runny noses, which often occur on the edges and curves with a brush or roller.