A radiator is part of a type of heating system. The series of pipes that make up the radiator are heated up and project that heat into the air. Cast-iron radiators are typically older models. Unlike other home heating systems, your cast-iron radiator sits out on the floor, usually against the wall. This means it can get in the way during certain home improvement projects, particularly painting. If you get paint on your cast-iron radiator, try to remove it as soon as you can.

  • A radiator is part of a type of heating system.
  • The series of pipes that make up the radiator are heated up and project that heat into the air.

Protect yourself. Wear long sleeves, gloves and goggles when removing paint from a cast-iron radiator.

Remove some of the paint with a wire-bristled brush. This process is known as wire brushing. A razor blade may often be used for large chunks of paint.

Sandblast the paint. This will require the use of a sandblaster, which blasts steam and sand at the surface of the cast-iron radiator to remove the paint particles. The power of the sandblaster you use should be at least 45.4 Kilogram per square inch.

Cover the cast-iron radiator with a paint removal alkaline compound if other techniques don't remove all of the paint. The gel or paste should be applied to the radiator and then wiped off, along with the paint, when the label instructs you to do so.

  • Remove some of the paint with a wire-bristled brush.
  • The gel or paste should be applied to the radiator and then wiped off, along with the paint, when the label instructs you to do so.

TIP

Apply a corrosion-inhibiting primer as soon as you remove the paint. This will prevent corrosion and rust from forming.