Removing Radiator Paint

[RocketChild]

I've been thinking about going all out on a case mod for my next box and I'm looking into some of the element for its style points. My radiator will likely be exposed (maybe behind a screen), but if it is exposed, I'd like to have it nude without the black paint, showing its matte aluminum finish.

I know that the paint is supposed to help protect from oxidation/rust in cars, but with the materials PC rads are made out of, I don't think that would be a big deal.

So, is there a way to clean off all the paint and expose the bare metal or should I just contact DD and see if they'll pull one off the line before it gets dipped?

I'd rather get one straight from DD without the paint if they'll go for it.

[WarriorII]

You could call & ask, that'd prolly be best.

Save you a lot of work. - General all around PAINT STRIPPER. :eek:

Although, Black Paint actually helps disipate Heat.
(from my experience with automotive radiators/HC's)

An unpainted surface will oxidize.

[CGR]

What radiator? Their heater cores are not painted.

[Mycobacteria]

you could sand blast it...

[muddocktor]

you could sand blast it...

No, you don't want to use sandblasting as sand is way too abrasive. If you want to blast the paint off, use something like walnut or pecan shells instead. Or maybe glass beads and bead blast it.

As far as paint stripper goes, check first to make sure the paint stripper doesn't attack the fin or tank metal first. You don't want your radiator to dissolve from using the wrong type paint stripper for sure. :eek:

[CGR]

You could soak it in paint remover for a while, as long as you plug the bards so none can get inside.

Again though, DD has cores that are unpainted, so you could just use one of those if needed.

[RocketChild]

The blasting options sound like it will damage the fins. I found a link (http://209.85.141.104/search?q=cache:YoGcrOZvDWwJ:www.finishing.com/205/63.shtml+removing+radiator+paint&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=9&gl=us&client=firefox-a) where someone suggested soaking the whole radiator in a specific mixture.

I have wondered if I would actually do my radiator a disservice by removing the paint, just because maybe it does aid in heat dissipation. Besides, paint does hide all those little manufacturing imperfections you get with brass and copper....nothing like spending a week lapping it though :screwy:

Maybe DD has a custom paint they can apply at a price...Only one way to find out.

Edit: I did forget that DD offered Heaters that were naked.

[saxile]

you won't get the "paint" off with paint-stripper, the "paint" isn't paint, it's baked on enamel and very hard to remove. Standard paint would hurt the cooling of it as it doesn't breath as well as enamel does. Check Primo-chill, they offer their's in several different colors along with naked.

[Spawn-Inc]

the paint/enamel does prevent the heat dissipation a little bit BUT if you do remove it then the metal will rust/oxidise and will then just act like the paint and trap a little bit of the heat in. so i would just leave it as is or else get a rad that hasn't been painted.

[voigts]

I doubt that the color of the paint is going to really make a difference in how the radiator dissipates heat.

I spray painted both of mine using hammered finish paint, and they turned out great. I however put very little paint on the fins so as not to clog them up. You could use a hammered aluminum paint to get a similar effect.