paint a brass radiator?

[NutmegCT]

I have a brass radiator and the paint is flaking off the top and off the frame.

I've never repainted brass. After I get the loose paint off, is there any special prep needed before repainting?

Thanks.
Tom

 

[jsfbond]

Yes; look into the POR product line for metal treatment before painting to help the paint stick. Use Marine Clean first, then Metal ready to "Etch" the surface. from there you can build up with primer to topcoat.

 

[JPSmit]

FWIW I took the paint off my overflow tank - polish and clear coat - looks distinctive

 

[NutmegCT]

JS - is the POR Metal Ready treatment needed because the metal is brass? Or is it needed for any metal? I know that Metal Ready is recommended before using POR15, but didn't know it was recommended for metal treatment before *any* type of painting.

J-P - How'd you get all the paint off that tank? chemical stripper, rotary stripper, wire wheel, etc.? And of course, any picture of the final result would be appreciated!

Thanks.
Tom

 

[jsfbond]

I put my radiator through the beadblast cabinet @ my Father-in-Laws garage (after degreasing)I was very tenative on the fins. The purpose of the metal ready is to roughen the surface to hold the paint. The bead blasting did the same. Dupont also has metal treatments for Aluminum and other metals.

 

[jsfbond]

I would use a mild chemical stripper. Then you could polish the heck out of the tanks, mask them off, then blast and paint the core. That would also look great.

 

[Steve_S]

Metal Ready is simply acid. It is not needed to paint your radiator. Just get it clean and spray on a durable coat of paint. If your paint of choice requires a primer, I'd use a thin coat of self-etching primer. Remember that the more paint you pile on the radiator, the less heat will be able to escape.

You can always have the tank boiled out, which is not only good for the insides but will strip the old paint from the exterior as well. Be sure to clean the exterior surface thoroughly before painting.

 

[JPSmit]

J-P - How'd you get all the paint off that tank? chemical stripper, rotary stripper, wire wheel, etc.? And of course, any picture of the final result would be appreciated!

Thanks.
Tom

overflow tanks are smaller than the whole rad, but, repair, paint stripper, steel wool, polish and now, waiting for clear coat.