Painting copper pipe

[UTH]

I need to paint the copper pipes my towel rail is connected to (there's a kink so can't just use a plastic pipe cover type thing)

I don't need £40 worth of paint as it's such a small area that needs painting

Would this work? https://www.emodels.co.uk/abteilung-502-20ml-ghost...

I know I need oil based paint on a copper pipe (according to Google) so I thought modelling paint might do the job?

[Chris Type R]

UTH said:

I don't need £40 worth of paint as it's such a small area that needs painting

Can you not use radiator paint ? Pretty sure it's cheaper than £40.

[beanoir]

You don't need oil based paint for copper pipes, primer and top coat as you would your woodwork (satin or gloss) is perfectly ok and will last.

[Dogwatch]

Radiator paint is probably best. Some paints don’t like the heat and discolour over time.

[JimbobVFR]

I used Hammerite radiator paint which was less than a tenner for a small half litre tin.

Did the pipes to the hall rad about 5 years ago and they still look white and clean (unlike the rest of the hall)

[crankedup5]

Yup, Hammerite is great for copper pipes wether they are piping hot or cold.

[UTH]

Ok thanks guys I'll have a look for some.

I need grey ideally, a quick glance doesn't throw up many options but I'll look a bit deeper when I have a minute.

[Ham_and_Jam]

UTH said:

Ok thanks guys I'll have a look for some.

I need grey ideally, a quick glance doesn't throw up many options but I'll look a bit deeper when I have a minute.

You’re overthinking this. A decent primer and good wood paint will be more than ok, especially grey which won’t discolour.

I’ve done mine many times over the years with no problems.

[darreni]

If you have any, use bullseye 123 as an undercoat. In fact, if you’ve not got any, it’s worth buying some as it will let you paint on pretty much any surface with no issue.

[4Q]

I've always just painted them with whatever I was painting the skirting boards behind with without any issue.

[UTH]

Ham_and_Jam said:

UTH said:

Ok thanks guys I'll have a look for some.

I need grey ideally, a quick glance doesn't throw up many options but I'll look a bit deeper when I have a minute.

You’re overthinking this. A decent primer and good wood paint will be more than ok, especially grey which won’t discolour.

I’ve done mine many times over the years with no problems.

Probably true, Google sometimes sends you into over think mode.

Cheers

[LocoBlade]

Mask up and use radiator spray paint, gives a lot smoother finish than most brushed on paint.

[g7jtk]

Just use emultion paint then clear coat if you want it shiny

Edited by g7jtk on Friday 29th April 06:40

[LordHaveMurci]

g7jtk said:

Just use emulation paint then clear coat if you want it shiny

What does it emulate?

[Flibble]

I used humbrol enamel (the little model making tins), worked just fine, paint is still solid after a few years.

[UTH]

Flibble said:

I used humbrol enamel (the little model making tins), worked just fine, paint is still solid after a few years.

I think that’s the sort of thing I first had in mind when I wanted a £3 option instead of £40.

[Evoluzione]

You're right to do your research, i've seen white paint go greenish on copper pipe many times.

[Fallingup]

anonymous said:

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[guitarcarfanatic]

Bit late to reply, but Tikkarila sell sample pots for most of their paints. Pretty sure some of their speciality paints would work well here - you could get a primer sample and a finish sample for about £15 delivered and the sample pots are a good size (and colour matched to your colour of choice). Just check out their website.

[PositronicRay]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

I think this sounds cracking, anyone tried it?