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Spray painting steel column radiators...

7 years ago

Is this a job I could do at home with a can of paint? Not only am I trying to stretch my budget (after painting my living/dinning in little greene) but I can't seem to find anyone in Lancaster to do it.

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Comments (5)

PRO
Feature Radiators
7 years ago
You can do it in theory, but it isn't an easy job as it is a column radiator it will be really hard to get an even coverage particularly between the sections and there will be a lot of surface area to cover. Also you will need a few cans of spray paint and the cost could end up creeping up (I know from experience!). For the radiator pictured above I would expect you would need an absolute minimum of 4 cans. Instead, have you thought about asking a car spray place to do it for you? We have had customers that have done this in the past.

However, if you decide to do it yourself, we would recommend you lightly sand the radiator down with a fine sandpaper/wet and dry paper in order to key the surface. Then apply a thin primer layer and at least 2 thin layers of top coat. We would recommend using a cellulose or acrylic based spray paint or I have used Plasti-Kote in the past which you can buy from B&Q and I got a good finish. The key to a good finish is taking your time and doing very thin layers with at least 72 hours drying time between coats.
Amy Brook
Original Author
7 years ago
I've emailed one, no response. I know of a great car place but they're a bit thick (in the nicest possible way) so I'll have to physically go in to explain. Sounds like this isn't a job I could DIY, especially since I have a toddler to chase as well
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PRO
Feature Radiators
7 years ago
I think prob best to be honest. I did a cast iron one myself and used 5 cans at £16 each and still could have done with more paint so in the end I didn't know if it was worth it. Good luck!
Susan
7 years ago
I managed to do five myself with the sprayer. I sprayed red oxide first as we had stripped them, then I used the colour (grey). My husband slightly thinned the paint with thinner to make it spray easier and I used less than three litres. I had never done anything like it before.
Amy Brook
Original Author
7 years ago
Hrmmm. Honestly I detest radiators, everyone seems to think this type is nice but they seems so chunky but lacking the characteristic of cast iron

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