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Stripping Radiator Covers is a Big Job

House Doctor | Gary Dymski

January 22, 2004

Q. I recently purchased a 75-year-old home in Middle Village that has ornamental metal radiator covers. One of the covers has been painted with many coats of enamel and is peeling in large chunks. Is there a paint-stripping product I can use that is not terribly toxic? -- Toni Beers, Brentwood

A. Twin Chemicals Inc. in Woodstock, Ga., actually sells a soy-based paint stripper called Pronto Supersoy ($280 for a 5-gallon pail). I'm not sure how well it works, though. You can it buy online atwww.twin-chemicals.com or by calling 800-442-4958. The stripper should be used in temperatures above 60 degrees. If you've ever stripped paint from wood or metal, you know you're in for quite a job. It might take as many as five coats of the soy-based stripper to complete the job, according to the folks at Twin Chemicals.

Another nontoxic option might be to use washing soda, a sodium carbonate powder that can be found in the laundry soap aisle at supermarkets.

According to Annie Berthold-Bond, author of "Better Basics for the Home" (Three River Press, 1999), an effective paint stripper can be made by mixing the white washing soda with water to make a thick paste. Spread the paste over the metal covers and let it work into the paint for several hours, even overnight. Wear rubber gloves and spread the paste with a plastic putty knife. Keep the paste moist by misting it with water. The next day, rinse with water and try peeling the paint.

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You probably should spot-test this on a small area of the cover, perhaps on the inside portion.

Another option would be to take the lids to a shop that specializes in furniture repair and restoration. These shops often use several kinds of paint strippers and probably have the necessary equipment to strip your covers to bare metal.

A little warning: If you are stripping paint from woodwork, walls and radiator covers, you're probably going to uncover some lead paint along the way. Up until the 1960s, most paint contained lead, which can be harmful to children and pregnant women. Lead paint test kits are available at home centers and hardware stores.