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How do I strip all the layers of paint off the retro cast metal radiator?

I have moved into a flat which has a retro cast metal radiator. The previous residents, over the years have painted layer upon layer on it. :-S So much so, in fact, that the couplings on the adjoining pipes are completely caked and it has not been possible to undo them. =/ This is also the case for the actual radiator couplings (where the control knob is and the opposing side) ie. where the water pipes go into and then out of the radiator itself. It is a beautiful example but this is marred by the many, many, many horrible thick layers of paint!! :-( :-S :'( =/ As part of my redecorating plans, I would like to completely strip it back to the bare metal and then prime or coat it more appropriately!! :-D I have absolutely no idea, of how to go about this important task and would greatly appreciate anybodys' help and advice!! :-) B-)

Adrian M. James
October 2009

D.I.Y, General D.I.Y

If you're a tenant of the flat your rights over the radiator may be limited by the agreement with the letting agents or landlord. If you own the flat then fine...

If it were mine I would wait until the summer when the radiator isn't required, remove it from the system and use one or several of three methods - Chemical Paint Stripper - Caustic Soda - Sand Blasting. Of these I would probably prefer caustic soda. The issue would be making a water-proof bath (box lined with heavy gague polythene sheet) big enough to take the radiator. Couple of hours in the box and the paint would just fall off Sand Blasting may be impossible because of the size and expensive - Chemical stripper would be expensive and it would be difficult to reach all the nooks and crannies. There may be specialists who could do it for you - try yellow pages.

Good luck...

Peccavi
October 2009

The best way is to turn both of the valves off, drain the radiator down and remove it from the wall or stand. After that you'll need copious quantities of a caustic paint stripper such as Nitromors to get the paint layers off.
Failing that, you can take the rad to a firm that does sand blasting....much quicker that way and much less mess for you!

John
October 2009