Categories: Bathroom

How to Re-Paint an Old Radiator Cover | Ask This Old House

Ask This Old House painter, Mauro Henrique demonstrates how to safely repaint a radiator cover that tested positive for lead paint.

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Time: 2-3 hours
Cost: $120+
Skill Level: Beginner (no lead present) / Professional (lead present)

Tools:
220 grit sandpaper [https://amzn.to/2MaX2dM]
HEPA vacuum [https://amzn.to/3qzBQNs]
5-in-1 painter’s tool [https://amzn.to/3p50DJ7]
Small foam roller [https://amzn.to/3qSQrUD]
Small painter’s brush [https://amzn.to/3c1hQPY]

Shopping List:
Lead paint test kit [https://amzn.to/3sHKNGq]
Lead paint protection kit [http://thd.co/3p744ir]
Tarp [https://amzn.to/3615hjT]
Radiator paint [https://amzn.to/2Kzxw1o]

Where to find it?
Before doing any work on a house built before 1978, Mauro recommends testing for lead paint. The test kit he used was a LeadCheck Swap, which is manufactured by 3M (https://www.3m.com/). The test comes with easy-to-follow instructions.

Because the radiator cover tested positive for lead paint, Mauro had to switch to a full lead protocol, which any certified contractor will know how to execute. Since it’s easier to work outside, Mauro moved the work area outside and protected it with plastic drop cloths. Then, he and the homeowner wore goggles, gloves, coverall suits, booties, and an N100 respirator. This PPE can be found at most home centers as individual pieces, and they sometimes come in a full kit. For this project, Mauro and the homeowner used Supertuff Lead-Based Paint Protection Kits, which are manufactured by Trimaco (https://trimaco.com/).

For paint, Mauro used Ecos Radiator Paint in White (0000) (https://www.ecospaints.net/). He applied it using a foam roller and a brush, which can both be found at any home center or paint store.

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About Ask This Old House TV:
From the makers of This Old House, America’s first and most trusted home improvement show, Ask This Old House answers the steady stream of home improvement questions asked by viewers across the United States. Covering topics from landscaping to electrical to HVAC and plumbing to painting and more. Ask This Old House features the experts from This Old House, including general contractor Tom Silva, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, landscape contractor Jenn Nawada, master carpenter Norm Abram, and host Kevin O’Connor. Ask This Old House helps you protect and preserve your greatest investment—your home.

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How to Re-Paint an Old Radiator Cover | Ask This Old House
https://www.youtube.com/user/thisoldhouse/

Quentin Peters

View Comments

  • Questions:
    1. Why did you not use a paint remover? Sanding and scraping appear to leave a lot of lead paint.
    2. Is it expensive to buy a new cover? Dispose of the old one that is covered with Lead paint?

  • Why does the dudes face in the thumbnail look like it’s been photoshopped on a body? Lol

  • So because the cover wasn't completely stripped back and all paint removed, there is still going to be lead paint to deal with in future.

  • Okay.................
    We played with mercury, drank water out of the garden hose, never wore shoes until I was 15 and still managed to turn out normal, I think.

  • Great PPE for going to do groceries too, If she says ok one more time Im going to jump out my window.

  • It looks. . . EXACTLY the same. . . Only her pocket book is $900 lighter. . . .Lead waste disposal, zero VOC paint. . . . Nice work TOH!!

  • Looks terrible. Should have sent it out to be sand/bead blasted, and professionally powder coated.

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