Metal finishing Q&As since 1989

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Copper paint for hot water radiators

I would like to paint or apply some material that would make my Hot water radiators appear to be copper? Removing them would be a nightmare...any suggestions?

Thanks,

John Beckman
- Denver, Colorado
2003

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John,

If the radiators are metal, talk to your paint store to see what paints can handle the heat- THAT IS # 1- ideally a bonding primer on most surfaces is a good start, first brush off any loose paint there may be on the surface. The different layers of lead paint or old oil paint that may be on there will add to the patina effect at the end.

Get a good copper paint, Benjamin Moore online supposedly has one- it will be in a powder form. I think the ratio is 1-3 (one being copper pigment 3 being water based polycrylic) Minwax makes a good one [Minwax Polycrylic [affil links]]. You will have to put many coats as it doesn't cover well. Then if you want you can take a medium hue greenish blue paint-thin it down and wipe it on for accents- good luck!

Liza Haas
- Jacksonville, Florida
2003

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Benjamin Moore & Co. does not market a copper paint in powder form. According to the folks at Benjamin Moore & Co., a line of Metallic Paints are retailed in Canada and soon will be available in the U.S. They will not be in powder form.

Best Wishes,

Garrison Kellor
- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
2004