paint

Brad White_16

of paint is what counts as far as emmisivity (the capacity to emit radiant heat) is concerned. Color does matter but the difference is academic. (Flat jet black is the perfect emmitter, but unless you are into Goth culture, you may want another hue.)

Even gloss white is up there on the emmisivity chart compared to metallic paint, so color is really in your court. Just not metallic.

Unless the paint is thick and obscuring casting details, or is flaking, cracking or chipped (also indicating too-thick a build-up), you can sand and paint over them as they are.

By "sand" I really mean to de-gloss and give "tooth" to the subsequent coats. "Wil-Bond" and other deglosser fluids make this a breeze. Follow directions! Time from application to painting is defined and USE VENTILATION!! One whiff of this stuff and -oops- there goes third grade! :)

As for final paint type, any quality gloss oil based (alkyd) seems to work well. Flats and latex/acrylics seem to chip more.

Personally I am partial to what is considered expensive paint but for high profile areas, worth it: "Schreuder" brand or others by "Wijzonol". These are made in Holland and are marketed by "Fine Paints of Europe" in Woodstock, VT.

The paints run about $85-90 for 2.5 leaders which covers pretty much like a US Gallon. But the gloss and finish is truly astounding. I am using this to paint some Runtal panels that are over 20 years old and they look like new.

David_33

radiator color

Last year I sprayed all my radiators silver. They look sharp. But I just read Dan's book and think I may have lowered their ability to radiate heat. Would any non metalic paint work better? Is darker better? Am I wasting my time? Thanks, David

ScottMP

Painted Radiators

Have been heating homes for a hundred years now, Don't loose any sleep about the color. Sure its a fun to discuss, but whether the average home owner would notice a difference ... ???

Scott

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