Painting Radiators

Jordan Baker · #1 22-09-05, 06:36

Hi everyone.

Can I use the same paint thats on my vehicle on the radiator? Im using a Urathane automotive paint. Or should use a high heat enamel. I think I remember reading somwhere that I shoudl use a special rad paint as it dosen't trap the heat.

Any ideas

Lynn Eades · #2 22-09-05, 07:51

Optimum heat transfer is from bare metal to the air, but you willwant to balance that with corrosion and asthetics. I would think your rad shop should be good for advice.

Phil Waterman · #3 22-09-05, 14:50

Good Question, I have always understood that radiator paint was a special paint that had good heat transfer properties. Some paints actually insulate which would hurt the efficiency of the radiator. From what I can find it seems that it is the “thinness” of the paint that is the issue.

Quick Google Search would seem to bear this out, but it is hard to find a definitive technical answer.

One source is http://www.eastwoodco.com/jump.jsp?i...mType=CATEGORY but there is also a Canadian company that came up in the search, but I lost the link.

chris vickery · #4 27-09-05, 13:27

Jordan, go to your local auto supply store and ask for rad paint.
I thought you had your rad rebuilt? They should have painted it for you.

Jordan Baker · #5 27-09-05, 13:31

Thanks for the tips and suggestions.

Yes I did have the rad rebuilt. They did paint the core with the rad paint. They left the tank and frame upainted becuase they weren't sure what colour I wanted it. i shoudl have been more specific but it was the tanks and frame Im unsure off what to paint it with.

Bob Carriere · #6 01-10-05, 05:10

Some part of my failing memory tells me the coating they "use" to spray paint repaired radiators was some kind of tar based bitumen coating used primarily to prevent the old copper fins from corroding so fast.

The spray was done as a very light coat and may have been water base similar to the coating of railroad ties...... in fact radiators would have been taken out of the water tank after soldering was checked for leaks and the black spray was sprayed on after only a brief blast from an airline... no attempts were made to fully dry the core before spraying....... those were the days before environmental concerns......

Phil.... do you remember that far back..????

Bob

Alex Blair (RIP) · #7 01-10-05, 15:22

Quote:

Originally posted by Bob Carriere
Some part of my failing memory tells me the coating they "use" to spray paint repaired radiators was some kind of tar based bitumen coating used primarily to prevent the old copper fins from corroding so fast.

The spray was done as a very light coat and may have been water base similar to the coating of railroad ties...... in fact radiators would have been taken out of the water tank after soldering was checked for leaks and the black spray was sprayed on after only a brief blast from an airline... no attempts were made to fully dry the core before spraying....... those were the days before environmental concerns......

Phil.... do you remember that far back..????

Bob

Bob..
I think you are right..
The present day driveway sealer is the same stuff..
Solubile in water, mixed thin and sprayed on and dried,,,
Guarenteed not to rip,wear,bag at the knees or leak...
Can also be painted on or dipped....
See you this afternoon at Bobs Bar and Grill...
Hamond ,Ontario..