chrome radiator - pealing matt coating - advice

JeffMason

Hi All,

Working my way around new house DIY - got to column radiator in bathroom, which I'm hoping to save... It seems to have a matt dulling coating varnish on it, but half is peeling off and I wanted to try and remove all (or most) of it and reveal the shiny chrome underneath. Soap and water doesn't do much and scratching at it with fingernails is better...

Any advice on what this coating is (I've googled different wording but found no leads) or the best way to remove it?

Thanks!

casper_gutman

Sounds odd. A radiator with a matt coating would usually be powder coated over the top of the base metal. They certainly wouldn't usually be chromed if there was going to be another coating over the top.

Could this be a previous occupant's poor quality DIY effort, in am attempt at changing the look of the radiator? 

FreeBear

If it is a chrome plated finish on the radiator, then you'd want to chemically strip any protective finish. Sanding is going to damage the chrome and cause problems down the line with rust...

I suspect you have a lacquer coating over the top of the chrome. In which case, most paint strippers will remove it. Try a stripper on a small hidden area first. Once stripped & cleaned, it would be wise to spray it again with a high temperature lacquer to stop moisture penetrating the chrome and causing the steel underneath to rust.