EVERY RADIATOR GOES THROUGH OUR RIGOROUS RESTORATION PROCESS
THE RESTORATION PROCESS WE USE TO RESTORE OUR ORIGINAL CAST IRON RADIATORS HAS EVOLVED OVER TWENTY YEARS OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT. THIS REPRESENTS THE MOST THOROUGH AND EFFECTIVE RESTORATION PROCESS IN THE INDUSTRY. IT’S WHY EVERY HERITAGE CAST IRON RADIATOR COMES WITH OUR UNIQUE LIFETIME GUARANTEE.
The first stage of the restoration process is to carefully remove the old radiator fittings. We replace the old fittings with new cast iron bushes that are compatible with modern thermostatic radiator valves. However, in the cases when original radiators are required to be reconnected using their original bushes, the original fittings are left in place throughout the restoration process.
All radiators are dipped & submerged in a large tank filled with caustic solution. When heated, this solution effectively strips all paint from the outside and attacks any built-up sludge and debris on the inside of the radiator.
The radiator will be left in the tank 2-4 days depending on its condition. During this time, the old coats of paint are removed by the caustic solution, stripping the radiator back to its bare metal, creating the base for us to work with later.
The radiators are removed from the tank and jet washed with a high pressure jet washer using a mixture of sand and water. This ensures the removal of even the most persistent paint and rust without the overly abrasive nature of sand blasting. It is at this stage we apply a specialised nozzle that fits within the radiator to blast the inside, removing any stubborn silt or debris. The radiator is now fully restored to its original pristine condition and ready for priming.
Now the radiator is thoroughly clean, it is time to refit new cast iron bushes to meet the customers requirements, ensuring the radiator is ready to receive its new valves
The radiator is now ready to be pressure tested. Radiators are filled with water to simulate how it will perform whilst connected to a fully working central heating system. We test the radiators under much higher pressure than a conventional heating system in order to ensure a very high margin of safety. Testing the radiators using this method whilst stripped down to its bare cast iron condition, allows for any leaks to be easily detected. In these cases, the radiator is returned to the workshop where technicians carry out any necessary repairs. We have thousands of radiators in stock so spare sections are easily available. Once we are fully satisfied the radiator has been successfully tested, the radiator is signed off and is ready for painting or polishing.
We have a dedicated 40ft spray room, allowing us to paint up to 7-10 average size radiators a day. We use a high quality primer along with a specialised heat-proof top coat to ensure the protection and durability of the final paint colour. This will avoid any discolouration from happening during the life time of the functioning radiator. The high quality wet spray paint system we use, allows the radiator to retain its natural texture and beauty whilst guaranteeing a durable coating.
Unlike powder coating which although is considered a hard wearing finish, unfortunately gives cast iron radiators a modern, more plastic looking appearance, and due to the brittle nature of powder coating, if chipped cannot be repaired.
Customers can request any colour. We have a range of stock colours or alternatively we colour match radiators to leading brands of paint such as Farrow & Ball, Little Green Paint Co, Sanderson and Paint and Paper Library. There is no extra charge for this service. However, in the case of Ardenbrite Paint being the customers’ choice, there is an additional charge in order to cover our own costs incurred.
A data base of your colour and paint batch number is retained in case of repeat orders.
The final step of the process. Every radiator is meticulously checked over once it leaves our paint shop to ensure it is in perfect condition. Radiators are individually shrink wrapped, laid on wooden pallets with a thick layer of cardboard separating each one. Over the years this has proved to be best way to safely transport radiators. Our thorough and rigorous tried-and-tested restoration process means that every Heritage Cast Iron Radiator will provide decades of good service and comes with our unique Lifetime Guarantee.
