Painting an aluminum radiator?
 

I have a couple of the Chinese aluminum radiators and I do like them and the price. About 225.00 and free shipping. Before I install this next one I would like to paint it a satin black. Scuff up the tanks with scotchbrite? What do I prime with? Does paint on the fins hinder cooling? Any advice? Thanks. GB

Painting an aluminum radiator?
 

I looked into this once, and what I found while was there is "special" radiator paint available the radiator shop and repair guys suggested the idea is they simply like to use a well thinned out black paint, basically.

Re: Painting an aluminum radiator?
 

Go to a paint store and get some alodine. It is a conversion coating which prevents corrosion, and more importantly for you, acts as a primer. It leaves a very thin film. Thinned black paint would work over this, test for compatibility. Eastwood does or did have "soecial" radiator paint.

Re: Painting an aluminum radiator?
 

paint holds very well to aluminum. you dont need any special prep.


with that said, yes it does hinder your cooling to some degree.


my suggestion would to be to put on a very light coat.......


I was a house painter for years and aluminum loves and holds paint well.

Re: Painting an aluminum radiator?
 

Wonder how the black paint for Bar-B-Q grilles would work. It's thin and covers good.

Re: Painting an aluminum radiator?
 

Rattle can satin black lacquer.

Re: Painting an aluminum radiator?
 

Aircraft have been painted forever using a binding primer. Aluminum boats also. Newc

Re: Painting an aluminum radiator?
 

I was told you should use self etching primer on aluminum. Is that not necessary?

Re: Painting an aluminum radiator?
 

Any time I want a satin black finish on bare steel or aluminum I use this.
No sanding, just de-grease to clean, no top-coat required.
https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...8&d=1643403362

Re: Painting an aluminum radiator?
 

I will be in town this afternoon. I think I saw some self etching primer by rustoleum a couple months ago at our hardware store. Maybe a light coat of that and some bbq black. And the scotchbrite can't hurt, right?

Re: Painting an aluminum radiator?
 

Just read the label carefully as some BBQ type paints need to get very hot to cure the paint.

Re: Painting an aluminum radiator?
 

IMHO, I like what post #9 recommends, makes sense.

Re: Painting an aluminum radiator?
 

Have to agree with post #9 above.

Re: Painting an aluminum radiator?
 

Some claim black-anodized aluminum radiators are where it's at for the ultimate in corrosion resistance, lasting beauty & high thermal emissivity. 8^)

Re: Painting an aluminum radiator?
 

Eastwood sells radiator paint. Kind of pricey.

https://www.eastwood.com/ew-radiator...in-finish.html
Also available from Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Eastwood-1034.../dp/B003CRM9CU


IIRC there is at least thread on the HAMB about painting aluminum radiators.

Re: Painting an aluminum radiator?
 

Eastwood's shipping is out of this world.

Re: Painting an aluminum radiator?
 

Amazon says free delivery but takes 6-10 days to ship. Probably have to add at least a week on top of that for the actual shipping cross country. And then it has to get on the ferry to Orcas Island. Maybe get it but Easter?:cool:

Re: Painting an aluminum radiator?
 

Too late for an anodized rad.....

Re: Painting an aluminum radiator?
 

Tommorow gonna pick up the primer and bbq paint..... If my wife gives me a little rope it may be running by Sunday night. But... I am not gonna push the issue because she is pretty GD cute.

Re: Painting an aluminum radiator?
 

I put BBQ paint directly onto a couple aluminum radiators; seemed to hold up well. Even when removing bugs from the one in my roadster.