Stripping/Repainting Traditional Cast Radiators

[reubin78]

Looking for advice on the best way(s) of Stripping/Repainting Traditional Cast Radiators.

Is this something that a typical DIYer can handle or should I seek professional assistance? I have previously had cast fireplaces and door stripped/dipped and it is a clean, quick, relatively low cost solution compared to the effort to strip by hand. Is there anything similar for radiators (possible sand-blasting and power coating)? What are the typical costs/risks?

We are located in the Staffordshire Moorlands (nr. Stoke) - does anyone know of or can recommend local firms that could assist?

Thanks for reading

 

[footprints]

Never done it but I would guess sandblasting or bead blasting would be safer than dipping which might affect any sealing between the sections and perhaps cause corrosion too.

 

[Nige F]

Why strip them ? just paint them with a water based satin - save £hundreds . I did use grate polish on one that had never been painted , but it took a long time for it to stop coming off on the polishing cloth - I put the rad in where it wouldn`t be brushed against when walking past

 

[reubin78]

Rads are in various conditions but most are chipped or have flaking paintwork. The shape makes it hard to clear by hand.

 

[ALCPlumbing]

Whatever you decide to do make sure you cap off all the holes. A block of flats I work in with a communal heating system had real problems as one nob got his old cast iron rads sand blasted. They ended up full of sand and has caused major circulation problems within flats other than his own.

 

[Dan Robinson]

Whatever you decide to do make sure you cap off all the holes. A block of flats I work in with a communal heating system had real problems as one nob got his old cast iron rads sand blasted. They ended up full of sand and has caused major circulation problems within flats other than his own.

Is he currently looking to have a SE Vokera fitted?

 

[Nige F]

Rads are in various conditions but most are chipped or have flaking paintwork. The shape makes it hard to clear by hand.

Fair enough - go for the blasting , but be wary of powder coating as the baking process might damage the seals between the sections - on old rads they are only paper and a smear of joint paste ! .I think most powder coaters wouldn`t gaurantee no leaks - you can ask .