I was reading the Bundy catalog

Charlie from wmass

in Dan's library as I just got a few Bundy radiators and I saw in there an option to electroplate the radiators. Has anyone looked into this? With all the talk of radiator color I was curious how chrome or copper plated radiators would work.

Jamie Hall

Good grief

a copper plated radiator?  I have enough trouble keeping the assorted copper cook ware and what not polished... !



It would look kind of neat, though...

Mark Eatherton

It depends on what you want....

Metallic colors will reduce the output of the radiator, so if it is over sized, paint it gold, silver or copper. If you are borderline for BTU's, make it a flat, non metallic color.



I had a nice shiny copper radiator on the ceiling of my office at one time, and sitting below it felt good, but it never really seemed to kick out the heat I'd have thought it should. In a flash of genius (prompted by my wife not liking the metallic look on the ceiling of my office), I painted the radiator flat white to match the ceiling. Before I did, I measured the differential in temperature, and it was 3 degrees F. After I painted it, the DT increased to 5 degrees F. It then felt like I was getting sun burned from the panel.



So, as with any hydronic heating question, the only correct answer is, it depends :-)



ME

Charlie from wmass

I fully understand how paint color effects

the heat out put. I am talking electroplating a radiator. The whole dipping in a bath and fusing a layer of metal to it.

Mark Eatherton

Same effect...

ME