Whats the best way to repaint a flaking aluminium radiator? Got a patch of paint falling off, on the side not the matrix, and it doesn't look like it was etch primed so tarting up with a rattle can will last about five minutes. Can the whole thing be vapour blasted or something similar and made to look like new and if so what finish? Presumably powder coating and ceramic is out because it'll clog the matrix. What's best to do? Ta.
I use cold zinc galvanising paint and then repaint over that. Surprisingly cheap from Screwfix and it works a treat. I have used it on several radiators, most have which have been from Ducati's and it has stood the test of time. No Nonsense Zinc Galvanising Spray Paint Silver 400ml | Specialist Paints | Screwfix.com Preparation of the radiator will need to be carried out thoroughly and I blow mine through using a degreasing fluid in a paraffin spray gun and then thoroughly dry it and blow out all the dirt from the fins and crevices and carefully rub down any spots that are flaking or bubbling.
I painted mine black with a high temperature paint as I am not too keen on the Silver colour. So far it's lasted a few years with no sign of any problem.
That should be fine although with a Ducati radiator the fins are not that close together compared to some high efficiency cores, so you could use a cheaper alternative and it will still be fine as it will not clog the fins. Also some radiator paints, including possibly the one above, are alcohol based so it might be wise to test it on a small area first to make sure it will not affect any base layers of paint.
