Question on radiator

[87 town]

Okay, this is dumb and I really think I know the answer, but just wanted to double check.
Doing some engine detailing and wanted to know if I could put a light coat of maybe silver or black paint over the "fins" of the rad? I think not, but was curious if any of you have ever done this and if it would be a problem or not. I feel that any paint would serve to clog up the fins which need to breathe, but not really sure how this works? Give me some confirmation....
ALSO, any good spray cleaners out there that I could spray on and hose off which may bring my color back to the original aluminum?
Used engine degreaser and simple green and armour all wheel cleaner so far. It cleans okay but hasn't given me back the color I'm looking for.
Any info is appreciated...:)

[87 town]

I just answered my own question here. Eastwood.com sells this rad paint. I copied the printed add below. I thought there may have been something out there for this.. You can actually spray over the fins. See below.....I also imagine an auto parts store may have it also.

Radiator Black Paint Aerosol 12 oz

Standard engine paints are too thick for radiator use because they can interfere with heat transfer and block air flow between the cooling fins. Also, standard paint tends to flake off radiator tanks. Radiator Black helps solve this problem. This acrylic enamel factory-finish (85% gloss) withstands 300ºF., sprays on thick enough to cover completely, yet thin enough to not interfere with heat transfer. Great for heater cores and air conditioning condensers, too! Each 12 oz net wt. can covers 6 sq. ft. Most radiators require 2 cans for full coverage. Buy 3 or more and SAVE!




Item# Product Qty Price


10040 Z Radiator Black Gloss Paint 12 oz
$10.99

[CheeseSteakJim]

This raises an interesting question, however. What if you want to paint it in a color other than black? I wouldn't mind a red radiator...

[87 town]

This raises an interesting question, however. What if you want to paint it in a color other than black? I wouldn't mind a red radiator...

Eastwood only seems to have gloss black or satin black. I guess this is a special lightweight paint. Maybe another mfg may have other colors??
Glad I'm not the only one who wants a nice clean rad....:)

[gadget73]

Stove paint will also work, but its flat black usually. Its not as thick as engine paint.

[Red91SiT]

Stove paint will also work, but its flat black usually. Its not as thick as engine paint.

A light coat of high temp, or regular paint will work fine, with ever so slight performance drop (expect less than .5º change)

If you want the absolute best performance, get it anodized. You can get pretty much any super pretty color you can imagine.

[87 town]

Stove paint will also work, but its flat black usually. Its not as thick as engine paint.

You me like "Krylon" BBQ grill paint which will handle up to 1200 degrees?
I have a can of that already I have used on some other parts where heat may be an issue. I have seen gloss black, flat black and a grey. This paint does seem to be thinner and not as tacky.
Is this what you mean by "stove paint"? I just want to shoot a couple of "very" light coats to freshen it up.

[gadget73]

Yeah, thats stove paint. Usually it says BBQ grill and woodstove use, etc.

[87 town]

Yeah, thats stove paint. Usually it says BBQ grill and woodstove use, etc.

That is what I used in a flat black. New Life!
Thanks