Please help a newbie paint a heatercore

touser3 · Post by **touser3** » Mon Sep 01, 2003 4:37 am

Hi all, i just picked up a nice heatercore from pep boys for my watercooling system and i would like to paint it a chrome color. I have never painted anything made of metal and any tips would be greatly appreciated! My questions would be what type of paint, how many layers, do i need a primer, clearcoat etc, does it need to be sanded, should i tape up the fins? Thanks in advance!

Easto · Post by **Easto** » Mon Sep 01, 2003 11:30 am

Leave it alone. The paint will only reduce it's effectiveness.

lonewolfz28 · Post by **lonewolfz28** » Mon Sep 01, 2003 1:45 pm

I rough up the tanks and sides a little with some 600 grit sandpaper. Then I mask off the fins and fittings. I do however many coats I need to get a good smooth finish using Duplicolor automotive paint.

As far as reducing its effectiveness, they seem to work just fine as long as you don't clog up the fins. It still radiates a lot of heat from the tanks even with the paint on it.

touser3 · Post by **touser3** » Mon Sep 01, 2003 3:13 pm

Thanks for the replies. I think i will just paint it black as a chromed look is nearly impossible without just going and having it chromed. And i doubt that just painting the sides, top and bottom will effect the cooling to any noticable degree.

suesman · Post by **suesman** » Thu Sep 11, 2003 9:23 am

I would look into VHT Paints. I used these to paint the headers, brake calipers & radiator tanks on my Acura 2 years ago & it has yet to chip, fade or degrade in any way.