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Batteries have never painted a space; they often get on the nerves of apartment owners. But simple irritation will not lead to good results; some effort must still be made to ensure that the overall picture pleases all family members. The heating season is about to begin, so you need to act quickly and approach this issue wisely.
Match the wall color
There is an unspoken rule: the radiator and the wall must be the same color. If it is not observed, then the heating radiator stands out and externally spoils the interior. A reasonable solution is to make the substrate, the wall and the battery itself in one color. Moreover, these do not necessarily have to be classic shades. Dark options look good, and bright colors will add some spice to the space (in the good sense of this expression).
How, how and what color to paint a cast iron battery?
from September 26, 2015
Today the choice of heating radiators is very diverse. There are aluminum, steel, bimetallic models. However, cast iron batteries are still in great demand due to their affordable price, high strength and classic design. Modern radiators made of steel and aluminum are sold already painted. Durable powder paints are used to coat them. Expensive cast iron radiators also come from the manufacturer in painted form. Inexpensive products usually go on sale unpainted. However, with the modern range of paints and varnishes this is not a problem. Good paint plus diligence - and the cast iron battery will have a quite presentable appearance. Even if it is not new, but has worked faithfully for decades.
In contrast
Heating radiators do not always need to be hidden; sometimes they can act as art objects or decorative elements that decorate the space. Playing with contrasts will help to achieve a good effect, for example, if the wall is made in neutral colors (gray, white, black), then it is better to highlight the battery with a bright shade (yellow, red, green). Thus, it will become a spot of color that attracts the eye, a stylish accent that you don’t want to hide at all.
Screen to help
When you don’t want to repaint anything and don’t have time to update the battery, then in this case it’s worth considering types of camouflage under a special screen. They come in metal, glass, wood, and plasterboard. When choosing these options, you need to carefully weigh all the pros and cons. The positive side of such camouflage is the harmonious fusion of the battery with the interior. The downside is that any screen will impair heat circulation in the room, so in rooms with an area of more than 20 square meters this option is not recommended.
Original alternative
If an old heating radiator is a source of great irritation and does not fit the interior concept at all, then it is better to replace it with something more interesting and original in design. Today this will not be difficult, although a creative battery may cost more than the classic version, but it will definitely give pleasant emotions, surprise guests and delight with its appearance for a long time.
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Batteries in the interior of an apartment or private house are a necessity. The harsh conditions of our climate require the installation of a high-quality heating system that will ensure comfortable living throughout most of the year. Radiators are difficult to classify as interior decorations. This unsightly part of the communication lines of the heating system spoils many sophisticated interiors. However, radiators can be easily turned into stylish decor with simple manipulations. Let's talk about how to hide batteries in the interior.
What is decoupage and how did it appear?
Today, photos of decoupage heating batteries can be found everywhere - both on the Internet and in the catalogs of designers who so kindly offer their services in such a simple matter at a high cost. Why pay more if you can do it yourself, although more on that a little later, but now let’s dive into history to see when decoupage appeared, and also what they were used for.
Art originated in China at the dawn of the 12th century, and subsequently smoothly migrated to Europe, where it was most widely used in France. The method is based on cutting out various shapes or patterns from fabric, leather or paper, and then gluing them onto some surface.
In those days, decoupage was performed on:
- cabinets;
- chairs and armchairs;
- beds;
- even bedside tables.
In general, as soon as China shared the art, Europeans immediately began to apply it wherever possible. Well, today this method has smoothly transferred to radiators, allowing owners of private houses to decoupage heating radiators with their own hands without the help of designers.
The history of radiators
A couple of centuries ago, fireplaces and stoves, which were heated with coal or wood, were responsible for heating the house. In many Russian villages these units are still preserved and are still used for their intended purpose. The first prototype of the heating system is considered to be the Roman hypocausts. They were a set of channels that ran under the floor and connected to the stove. Warming up of the premises occurred due to hot air. Roman baths were heated with water running through copper pipes. The liquid was also heated in the furnace. Thus, in Ancient Rome there were two types of heating systems: steam and water. The ovens themselves were first made of clay, then of stone and brick.
Think about it this summer
It is worth considering changing the heating system in the summer. Then you can choose a more interesting option that matches the decor of the room, for example, a vertical solution.
Don't forget about bathrooms, where you can install a shiny chrome towel rail. Modern design is distinguished by its flexibility; batteries can be selected to suit any style and any room.
In the summer, you can not only replace, but also update and repaint old batteries, breathing new life into them.
Types of radiators
Heating radiators are classified according to size, design features and materials of manufacture. When choosing a battery, they are first assessed by its performance, and only then by its appearance. Based on the type of construction, units are divided into three types:
In sectional ones, existing sections are removed or new sections are additionally installed. Thus, you can independently regulate the battery power. They are inexpensive, but they heat up quickly. Sectional radiators are difficult to clean. Panel models have a wide range of sizes, which allows you to choose a unit for a specific room. For example, for a small kitchen you can purchase the same compact radiator, which is also easy to hide. However, they are not compatible with high pressure systems. And finally, tubular batteries. The simplest and most popular option. They consist of tubes (as is clear from the name). Usually the segments are located vertically, but there are also models with horizontal placement. The level of heat transfer depends on the diameter of the tubes. Rounded ends prevent dirt from accumulating on the surface. Depending on the location, batteries are classified into:
The most original option is considered vertical. Their height significantly exceeds their width and usually such a unit does not need to be hidden: it is successfully integrated into a loft, high-tech or modern style.
Bimetallic
The radiator consists of an aluminum box and steel tubes hidden underneath it. This is the most common type, which is widely installed in apartment buildings. Bimetallic batteries can be 100% or 50%. In the first case, the tubes are completely made of steel, and in the second - only partially. Such radiators last a long time, and the need for maintenance occurs very rarely. They heat up quickly and are lightweight, allowing you to install them yourself. Compact radiators fit well with modern design.
Methods of stylistic decoration
The simplest option for disguising an unsightly radiator that does not fit with the stylistic decision in the design of the room is considered to be a screen. This is most often a ready-made panel with holes that is used to cover the battery. It can be suspended or built into a special box, that is, it can completely hide the radiator. Screens are made of glass, MDF, metal. There are also wooden panels that look like “wicker”. The color of their surface is selected to match the furnishings of the room. Glass is ideal for modern “high-tech” styles. Metal screens are often made with forging elements. Floral motifs will fit in an original way into country or classic style. Radiators can be decorated not only with the help of screens. The simplest, budget-friendly methods include painting. Colored radiators are combined with the shade of curtains, walls, or make the radiator an accent of the interior. Sometimes the unit is covered with strips of wallpaper, thereby completely masking the surface. Black, gray, white radiators are combined with loft, minimalism, high-tech, futurism and avant-garde. Sometimes fabric curtains are used, which are attached to the windowsill. A similar cozy solution in the style of Provence, eclecticism, ethnicity or classic looks appropriate. Using putty, the drawing is given additional volume. Copper radiators are decorated with artificial patina, aging the surface.
In some cases, radiators are skillfully decorated to look like a “fireplace”. On the sides of the battery there are shelves for books and decorations. It’s worth remembering: the deeper the battery is hidden, the more it will affect its performance.
The importance of preparation
As in any serious matter related to repairs, the main attention should first be paid to proper preparation for this process. Otherwise, the result may turn out much worse than expected.
Timing
The preparatory procedures last even longer than the painting itself.
The first thing to remember is that all work on painting radiators should be carried out after the end of the heating season. Otherwise, it will be very difficult to achieve excellent results.
If this is not possible, then you need to at least turn off the hot water. You can contact the housing office specialists for help. When the batteries have cooled down noticeably, it's time to start working.
Cleaning
Before applying paint, all surfaces should be cleaned of dust and accumulated grease.
Radiators are no exception. To remove dust, you can:
Fat accumulated on the battery must also be cleaned. To get rid of it, just use regular dishwashing detergent and a sponge. After the battery has been washed, you need to leave it to dry.
Removing peeling paint
There are several ways to clean a radiator from paint that has peeled off and peeled off over time.
Brush
It is quite possible to remove old paint using a metal scraper. But this is a very labor-intensive process and will take a long time. Of course, if there is no alternative, this method will be quite useful.
Bulgarian
A grinder with a special attachment (in the form of a metal brush) will greatly simplify and speed up the process of cleaning the old layer.
Removing all coating is not optional. It will be enough to get rid of the cracked areas.
Chemicals
Using special chemical compounds, it is very easy to wash off the old paint from the radiator.
There are several types of such solvents:
Working with chemical compounds is not safe. Due to fumes, procedures must be carried out in a ventilated area. During work, it is imperative to use goggles and gloves, and, if possible, a protective respirator. Before use, it is a good idea to make sure that the metal from which the radiator is made will not react with the chemical composition, otherwise the surface of the battery may be damaged.
