Painting iron radiator in place

People paint radiators in place all the time**. Why not go to a paint store and see what kinds of brushes they sell?

And the important thing is to decide on the color. IIUC, white and light colors make them less effective, but I've been wrong before. And although I asked once, I never understood the difference between metallic colors and black. Afaik, they should never be painted at all, because the paint stops the heat radiation and requires more conduction first.

Or just dust them and buy radiator covers. They have a nice flat top good for lots of things.

They are a bear to paint with a brush. The easiest way is either a rattle can or a Power Painter or similar device. You can simply put a piece of cardboard behind and under them to keep the overspray from messing up the area around it.

JK

How about using an air brush from Harbor Freight ($10)? I have used these before to paint inside the rear louvers on my Volkswagen. They are small enough to get into the space you are talking about. My guess is that they will probably work the best with oil based paint.

- Robert