When choosing a traditional cast iron radiator, one of the most beautiful and traditional finishes is to choose hand-polished. “When choosing a hand-brushed finish for your cast iron radiators, it is always a good idea to make sure that the technique used to polish the radiator is performed primarily by hand, the old-fashioned way, to ensure a smooth, non-scratch finish” – Helen Proctor, Paladin Radiator.
Basically, for hand burnished finishes, polishing cast iron as a metal to a high luster must involve the use of the ancient technique of hand polishing as machines can be so harsh on cast iron losing some of cast iron’s natural beauty and to ensure that decorative radiator details are not flattened or damaged. The hand polishing technique provides an extra touch of detail on the decorative radiator and creates a great natural look for any style cast iron radiator.
A hand polishing process reveals and polishes the original cast iron surface, polishing the coolant down to the bare metal. It’s a particularly nice finish however the exposed metal is exposed to the air so the cooler will require some minimal TLC to remove rust spots that are caused by moisture in the air. The best way to preserve the beauty of a hand-polished file and preserve the mold’s natural luster is to create a barrier of air and moisture. It is recommended to achieve this to apply an oil-based barrier to the surface of the coolant. Every 6 to 8 weeks, take a soft polishing cloth, lightly spray it with WD40 and dust the radiator on all the polished areas, this will ensure that the polished radiator remains rust free and enhances the original shine. Baby oil or linseed oil can also be used as a substitute for WD40, as these oils work in the same way as WD40. It is recommended that an oil-based barrier be applied once every 6 to 8 weeks, as over time, people and household pets touch or brush the radiator, which leads to a thinning of the oil film leaving the exposed metal exposed to air and moisture.
If rust happens, don’t panic! The easiest way to remove light rust stains is to take a soft, dry cloth, lightly spray it with oil, and simply wipe away the rust. Please note to use a soft cloth, as a scrubber or cloth with a rough surface will scratch the bare metal surface giving an unsightly finish once buffed. The cloth should also be dry, as adding moisture to the cloth will cause rust.
The traditional method of hand polishing is polishing the sides, top and front of the cast iron radiator, and it is mainly these areas that are visible and easily accessible for cleaning. The back of the radiator is not polished The back of the radiator once installed is difficult to access and also difficult to access the back for cleaning and rust prevention.
The hand polished finish does require a small amount of regular maintenance to keep the polished look to its best but it is a stunning choice of finish and really shows off the cast iron radiator to its best advantage. A beautiful, natural finish is definitely worth it.
