Radiator Paint - Recommendations?

[72BLUE]

I need to paint my Stag radiator. The tanks, tubes and fins are in good physical order but the paint is peeling a little on the fins and is patchy on the brass tanks. The rusty steel frame is the worst bit and is the main reason I am giving the whole a refurb.

I have some black rustoleum paint that I am going to use on the steel frame, but was wondering if anyone out there has experience of a suitable paint for the brass tanks and fins/tubes?

I have read some mixed reviews of the Eastwood radiator paint, so was wondering about other options?



Eastwood paint spec:
Standard engine paints are too thick for use on a radiator because they can interfere with heat transfer, and block air flow between the cooling fins. But Radiator Black Satin is specifically formulated for your radiator, heater core and air conditioning condenser.
Withstands 150°C (300 degrees F), also suitable for heater cores.
Acrylic enamel (85% gloss)
340g aerosol. 1 can covers about 6 square feet.
Available in Gloss or Satin Finish.



Cheers
Keith

[Jeff]

Hi Keith,

I used black heat resistant paint ideal for rads, did a good job, looked terrible before the paint went on.

Jeff.

[72BLUE]

Can you remember exactly what paint it was Jeff?

I have seen reference to 'VHT' paint which is for exhaust manifolds, but I understand that this only cures with extreme heat and if you apply it to other parts it never hardens off and remains 'sticky'. Then there is 'high temperature' paint which sets of OK under normal temperatures. The VHT paint is apparently too thick for the fins and tubes?

I have seen on the 'net that some folks use barbeque/stove paint........... did you use that?

Cheers
Keith

[Jeff]

I might still have some, I'm going out now but will take a pic and post it asap.

[022Dave]

Hello Keith,

I had good results from an aerosol can of black barbecue paint.

Dave

[Jeff]

Keith, this is what I used with great results, matt black covers up well, only used a small amount, loads left in tin.

The rad should only get to about 90 degrees temp so don't need VHT stuff even though this is.

Jeff.

[72BLUE]

Thanks for posting the pic Jeff, much appreciated!

I spent yesterday afternoon getting the old paint off the rad, what a pain in the proverbial! God knows what the paint was, but it clogged the abrasive mesh sheet I was using and seemed to be bitumen based!

I uncovered a nice brass manufacturers plate, will stick a pic of it on a new thread.

Cheers
Keith