You can do either, sandblasting would certainly be easier

Thank you very much for your suggestion, John,

This might be a dumb question but can sandblasting be done on site, or does it have to be done in a shop?

The reason I ask is that a few years back we needed brick (inside the house) to be sandblasted and were told it could be done, but that it would be super messy. That made us back out of the option, but perhaps new techniques have since evolved?

Thanks you for the link to FPE.

Sandblasting/mediablasting and powdercoating are a great finish for rads. Powdercoat places always have sandblasting equipment, but may not have a big enough oven, depending on how massive the rad is.
I can also recommend using an auto body shop, and automotive enamel. We did a houseful of rads via that method once.
If you have a steam system, verify that the paint/coating you choose is good to 400 degrees. OTOH, Hydronic systems don't get above 180 or so.
Casey

I'm currently redoing my master bedroom and need to repaint the register (hot water - not steam). I sanded it down and was planning on painting it the same color as the trim (BM semi-gloss interior white).

Is it okay to use standard paint if it already has paint on it? Or do we need to use a different type of paint to handle the heat and best adhere it to the metal?

Any pointers would be greatly appreciated.

Never put a latex on cast iron. You must use a rust-inhibiting primer. We usually use a spray-can red oxide, then high-heat paint when doing them on-site (some rads just can't be moved due to size). This covers all the bases, and eliminates surprises. You could paint them with regular oil paint, but heat may discolor it. Latex will let rust bleed through, even if they show no rust just now.
Casey

Thanks so much for the tip! We'll definitely follow that advice, since all of the rads in the house have some rust on them.

Anyone have tips on tools to use for removing chipping paint on the rads where hands and sanders can't reach?

Tapping with a straight screwdriver tip will chip off paint. I stripped a very large rad with this technique once, over several days. I could only chip paint for a few hours at a time, because of the tedium. But it works and you can reach all the way to the inner surfaces with a long screwdriver.
Casey

Ah! Casey. LOL! You've made my day!

Here I was thinking I was the only one obsessing enough about chipped paint on radiators to spend hours picking at it with a lobster pick. It is just like bursting those bubble wrap bubbles. Strangely satisfying.... Hummmm...

But it sure works and it beats sanding by a long mile. I find the paint chips off best when the radiator is hot.

sombreuil_mongrel toolbabe

You guys are nuts!!! LOL

In my defense, I will say that I was on the payroll for that bit of work; I was the restoration carpenter (and paint-chipper) on that house for 3 years. That was steady work.
Casey

Hmmm....as tempting as that sounds (to someone as OCD as myself), I think my husband might go over the deep end if I spend another 3-4 days just on the register. I'll give it a try though for the worst areas.

Thanks for the advice and the good laugh.

I know this is a really old thread, but I was wondering if grill paint wouldn't fit the bill.

I know this is a really old thread, but I was wondering if grill paint wouldn't fit the bill.