Radiator Paint

[shew01]

I replaced my radiator a while back because it had a leak in its upper neck, and I couldn’t find anyone to repair it. All the radiator shops I contacted near me only replace radiators nowadays.

I finally found a radiator shop about an hour away what still repairs radiators, and I got it repaired today. However, the guy didn’t want to mess with painting it.

Would this paint be suitable for painting the radiator?

Rust-Oleum 241169 High Heat Ultra Enamel Spray, Black, 12-Ounce https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B001UE7M..._eEdRFb10EXH8T


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[alexiskai]

Pretty sure you can use any paint you want. An unpressurized radiator can never get above ~212° due to the laws of physics. I'd focus more on choosing something that's aesthetically what you want (gloss vs matte) and will adhere to the surface.

[oldforder]

Actually, an unpressurized radiator with 50/50 antifreeze in it can get much higher than 212but not that much to worry about.

[alexiskai]

Good catch, should've said 223°

[Fhane]

Use a paint that goes on thin. Maybe Rustoleum Bar-B-Q. The thick enamels will act as insulation and stop the transfer of heat and the engine could over heat.

[Purdy Swoft]

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I avoid heavy paint build up on the radiator . Paint will insulate . I try to just barely cover the radiator with semi gloss black paint . Type or shade of black is a matter of choice , I guess .

[Ernie Vitucci]

Good afternoon...Were the radiators painted originally...I seem to remember in 1963, my 30 Coupe Radiator did not have any paint on it...perhaps it was a replacement...even in those days...Ernie in Arizona

[Paul Mike]

Radiator paint is a special paint so that it does not limit heat transfer.

https://www.eastwood.com/ew-radiator...sol-12-oz.html

[J Franklin]

A light coat of lacquer is what I use.

[duke36]

Our local Home Depot generic flat enamel, $1 / rattle can for the core. Easy to blend and touch up. It doesn't come out thick and not much acetone in it like Rustoleum and the others. Place cardboard on either side of the radiator and/ or mask if core is mounted.

[Charlie Stephens]

Originally Posted by Paul Mike

Radiator paint is a special paint so that it does not limit heat transfer.

https://www.eastwood.com/ew-radiator...sol-12-oz.html

Paul is 100% right on this one, there is a special paint for radiators.

Charlie Stephens

[J Franklin]

Originally Posted by Charlie Stephens

Paul is 100% right on this one, there is a special paint for radiators.

Charlie Stephens

If you ca't get that, use lacquer. It is a very thin coat, where enamel leaves a relatively thick coating.

[katy]

Originally Posted by Paul Mike

Radiator paint is a special paint so that it does not limit heat transfer.

Ditto