Aluminium Radiator Paint?

[Ricardo 0]

I'm after painting my aluminium radiator, preferably black.

 

I've some Engine Cylinder Black but this needs curing at very hot temps. Not sure if it would cure at around 100-110 DegC.

 

Anyone know of what's best for Aluminium Radiators?

[kyepan 291]

would advise against this as the paint will act as an insulating layer, stopping heat transfer and leading to overheating.

[Tom Fenton 1,548]

+1. Don't do it.

[Ricardo 0]

I don't think a thin layer would insulate and black helps dissipate heat (provided the fins don't get clogged ), in the "real world" you could paint it pink, orange or green, because the dominant mechanism of heat exchange of an automotive radiator and the atmosphere is convection not radiation. It just does not get hot enough to radiate a lot of heat by radiation. Fans are installed to increase air flow to increase convection"

[Ricardo 0]

Radiator Paint

 

But want to know if anyone has done it on alloy! I know plenty have on steel brazed rads.

[welshpug 1,666]

if people say don't do it why does my Ordonez o.e rad come painted black?

[Ricardo 0]

if people say don't do it why does my Ordonez o.e rad come painted black?

 

Wellput Welshpug...

[Daviewonder 533 3 Cars]

I would recomend using this:

 

 

Really good stuff, Ive used it on pretty much everything you could ever want to paint, never had any issues with it.

 

also its perfectly safe to paint your rad hence nearly all non alloy rads come painted when you buy them.

[Ricardo 0]

I would recomend using this:

 

Firecote VHT

 

Really good stuff, Ive used it on pretty much everything you could ever want to paint, never had any issues with it.

 

also its perfectly safe to paint your rad hence nearly all non alloy rads come painted when you buy them.

 

Does it cure at lower temperatures? I have some VHT paint that will only cure at engine's running temp, so it won't cure on the rad. Halfrauds recommended using their High Temp paint instead of VHT.

[Daviewonder 533 3 Cars]

Yes, I sprayed my rear beam with it when I reconditioned it as it was the only paint I had knocking about at the time, it dries really quickly and the beam still looks new 18 months later Ive also painted my engine mounts and sump on my current project.

[Ricardo 0]

That'll do me then....Cheers Daviewonder