It is generally more elegant to paint the copper pipes in order to preserve the aesthetics of its dwelling. By painting them the color of the baseboards or the wall, these unsightly tubes will go unnoticed. If the process is relatively simple, it is advisable to respect the steps necessary for its realization to be sure to obtain a perfect result. Let’s discover them together.
Prepare the site
No project is successful without good preparation.
We equip ourselves with the right tools!
To paint your copper pipes, you will need materials:
- A tarp to protect the space and especially your floor from dripping paint;
- Rubbing alcohol to clean and degrease copper pipes;
- A clean old rag to apply methylated spirit to the pipes;
- Steel wool to remove old traces of paint from copper pipes and thus promote the adhesion and good performance of the new paint;
- Your paint, acrylic or glycerophthalic;
- An undercoat for ferrous metals;
- A paint tray to deposit your paint, mix it well and facilitate its application;
- A round brush to paint the lengths of copper pipes without difficulty;
- An angled brush to reach the spaces between and behind the pipes more easily and without the risk of painting the wall, the skirting boards or the floor.
Preparing the copper pipes
Both new and old copper pipes tend to have grease residue on the surface. Grease is a substance that does not allow good paint adhesion; it forms a layer that isolates the support and the paint does not take, because it does not reach the surface of the pipe. It is therefore imperative to remove it by degreasing.
To do this, you just need to protect the wall behind the pipes and the floor by placing a piece of tarpaulin there.
Then pour rubbing alcohol on a cloth. If you don’t have one, you can substitute it with other degreasers like scarlet water, acetone or nail polish remover. Clean the entire surface of the copper pipes with the soaked cloth, including the spaces between the pipes. Rinse with a cloth dampened with water, then let dry or use a clean, dry cloth.
If your copper pipes are already painted or if they retain traces of paint, use steel wool to remove it. If the surface is too uneven, a little sandpaper will smooth it out.
Dust the copper pipes well to allow you a good grip of the paint.
Painting the pipes
Choose an acrylic or glycero paint, preferably satin, because it is more resistant to heat.
Remember to protect your wall and floor with a tarp.
If you want to extend the life of the paint, apply a special undercoat for non-ferrous metals. Wait until it is completely dry.
Then apply a coat of your paint. Use the round brush or a round brush to paint the lengths of pipes. The angled brush will then allow you to reach the more difficult to access spaces such as the back of the pipes and between the adjoining pipes. The application must be done in the direction of the length, avoiding the formation of packets and drops. Let the paint dry well, then apply a second coat in the same way if necessary.
To your brushes!