Dimplex storage heater burn mark

Eldi_Dos

mathilde said:

The sad thing is, it works like a champ (clearly) so if only there were a safe purely cosmetic solution! It's right in the front hall so no way I'm leaving it as is.

What you could try in a small test area.Nail varnish remover to see if the residue from the coat can be removed or at least become less noticeable, if this does make a difference you can then go over the whole panel with a fine grade steel wool.

If nothing works to a acceptable standard would a radiator cover be to your taste.

Swipe

You could also get a quote from a local powder coaters for the top and front panels. They might be able to re-coat them both for £30-£50

WIAWSNB

mathilde said:

The sad thing is, it works like a champ (clearly) so if only there were a safe purely cosmetic solution! It's right in the front hall so no way I'm leaving it as is.

Mathilde, what exactly happened?
What type of coat was it?
Was it damp?
What actually transferred to the panel - an actual layer of material?
Did the coat melt?
And, how hot does the radiator become around the grille and top? If you touch it, do you go 'ooh', or 'ouch' or 'aaaargh!'?
Does skin get left behind?
I'm not going to 'tell' you what you should do since everyone has a different level of DIY ability, and risk aversion. 
But, if you could answer my Qs above, it might prompt a counter suggestion.

Swipe

As there is coat material on the plastic control knob cover, it appears it's melted material from the coat that has been deposited on the surface. I'd first go down the acetone and spirit based solution route, as suggested earlier, and try it on a small area. If you are able to dissolve the deposits and it looks OK underneath, I'd unscrew and remove both panels and go to town on it. The two control knobs will just pull off to allow you to remove the top panel once unscrewed.

danrv

+1 for the Acetone or nail varnish remover route. It's possible that the marks are on the paint surface rather than in (stained).
Maybe try and scratch a bit off carefully with a DIY knife to see.

mathilde

The polyester lining of the coat is actually melted into the heater cover. It's a storage heater so it gets much hotter than a water radiator. I mean, hot enough to melt polyester in 30 min or so. I don't know the temperature. 

QrizB

mathilde said:

The polyester lining of the coat is actually melted into the heater cover. It's a storage heater so it gets much hotter than a water radiator. I mean, hot enough to melt polyester in 30 min or so. I don't know the temperature. 

That sounds wrong. The casing should never get too hot to touch, so never above 85C and preferably not above 60C.

But most polyesters melt at 250C, which is frying-bacon temperature and would take your skin off. Even lower-temperature formulations dont melt until 130C or so, which is still dangerously hot.

Maybe you do need a replacement heater after all?

mathilde

I'm so grateful for everyone's help.

Yes I think there was something awry with the heater anyway because it was too hot to touch AND in any event it's *stopped working* this evening.  Likely due to the overheating. Gives out no heat at all despite still being turned on as usual. Usually its roasting this time of day (see above). 

So my options are now:
1. Calling the website linked above (thank you) I can get a factory refurbished replacement installed and old one taken away for £586. 24 month warranty. 

Can't get a new storage heater in same place because the wiring would have to re-done for two sources.

Or

2. Plug-in panel heater for £75, then a local electrician can de-install old E7 and install (well, fix to wall) panel heater for £280. Electrician says he can't take away old heater bc too heavy so I'll need to figure something out.

The panel heater would be on only once in a while, if I have guests coming in from the cold or something. I'm rarely just in the hallway.

QrizB

mathilde said:

Electrician says he can't take away old heater bc too heavy so I'll need to figure something out. 

The old heater will be full of bricks, which are intended to be removed as part of the de-installation.

If it's "only" 26 years old it shouldn't be full of asbestos!

mathilde

Yes, thankfully out of the asbestos period!

I guess I'd just have to lug bricks to the tip or something.