The battery indoors performs not only the direct function of heating appliance. The radiator can quite become the interior element which is gracefully decorating the house. And old, with the peeled-off paint, but batteries, still sound on utilization properties, easily can be changed, instead of cardinal replacement having recoloured in original design architectural form. How to choose suitable paint?
The end result and, of course, esthetic component directly depends on the choice of painting enamel. In every respect not the last role will be played by characteristics and paint indicators guaranteed by the producer for batteries. First of all it is necessary to pay attention to these indicators:
- thermal stability (paint has to maintain to plus 80-100 °C of heating of heating appliance);
- wear resistance;
- environmental activity;
- toxicity;
- effective life, integrity of the package;
- recommendations of the producer about application.
The majority of the modern paints intended for coloring of radiators differ in really model utilization properties therefore they without fear can be selected according to the taste and color preferences.
Types of paints for room batteries
Acrylic enamel. Becomes on the basis of organic solvents. Its fast drying (some – only 10-15 minutes) is provided due to evaporation of solvent from composition of paint, however it almost does not leave smell. The battery covered with acrylic enamel finds glossy, a little plastic reflection and high wear resistance. Special attention when choosing acrylic for the battery should be paid on the maximum temperature recommended to producers since most often acrylic LKM are recommended for surfaces up to 80 °C. Enamel is conveniently applied without smudges. The main shortcoming – susceptibility to blows and damages (gives chips).
Alkyd enamel. The main feature – wide choice of color gamma. The radiator surface painted by alkyd enamel does not react on any external influences, sharp temperature differences, it is not erased over the years. In its structure dispersion and coloring pigments and also varnish basis. Because of white spirit in structure, has pungent smell which completely disappears only week later after coloring. If the battery too heats up further, the smell can will return. Despite this, heat-resistant alkyd enamel is better than others maintains the most high temperature without exterior loss (the maximum is specified on packing). The radiator will find ideal smoothness, pleasant gloss which will please in the color suitable under room interior (including very bright or with impurity of nacre, gold, spangles, bronze shade and with other patterns). Is suitable for pig-iron batteries.
Water dispersible paint. It is the choice of modern people - sellers of construction materials say. It is safe since in structure there are no chemicals possessing caustic smell. It dries literally in several hours. Important point - on jar with paint there has to be mark: intended for heating batteries in living rooms and apartments.
Silicone paint maintains any critical temperatures of heating services. In its basis silicone (pitch). Externally gives opaque reflection. It is considered one of the most durable. The structure is irresponsive to mechanical damages, deleting. Though it is one of the best options for batteries, but its price is too high.
Oil paint. Perhaps, it is the latest option which should be considered. This type of paint practically was couples decades ago out of competition when updating batteries, but today it has practically left counters since has low demand in view of insufficient indicators of durability and wear resistance. Shortcomings: high content of hazardous substances, caustic organic oils in structure, too high and at the same time uneven density when drawing and, as a result, decrease in heat emission of the battery. In several years the battery should be recoloured since it has lost gloss and has faded. And, above all – in cracks rusts appear. Its big advantage – low cost. So the oil paint will be suitable for the budgetary covering of pipes and struts for short operational term.
What choice to make
- Structures of options of paints for radiators very strongly differ in parameters from normal types of paints. First of all, the chosen structure should not bear danger both at its drawing, and at further operation. That is the producer has to guarantee marking that further the put layer will not allocate any toxic evaporations during the entire period of operation (that is it is more preferable than paint with marking "it is made in accordance with GOST", but not according to the specification – specifications since safety of the last is guaranteed by nothing).
- That the covering of radiator has not cracked, has not turned yellow, has not got down, it is necessary to choose paint with thermal stability indicator higher than +80 degrees.
- It is better to choose quick-drying paint since the double layer (usually batteries are painted in two layers) can take away a lot of time for repair.
- The paints allocating caustic smell in the course of drying can be chosen only for well aired rooms.
- The indicator of moisture resistance is important in need of carrying out in regular damp cleaning.
- The heat conductivity of paint is higher, the heat emission of devices of heating is better.
So, to make right choice of paint for the electric heater, it is necessary to decide on desirable parameters, gloss, color, to learn the maximum temperature of your heating services. And, of course, attentively and captiously to study packing and also to listen to the recommendations of experienced builders.