McCONNELLS

SURFACE PREPARATION
HEAT RESISTANT PAINTS

“The heat resistance of a paint film” is generally referred to when discussing paints to be applied to
radiators, steam pipes, boilers, metal chimneys, etc., and relates to the temperature a given paint is
capable of withstanding without discolouring or breaking down.
Discolouration usually occurs as a darkening of the medium when subjected to heat, and the degree of
darkening will vary according to the type of medium and the temperature to which it is subjected.
Certain pigments are also susceptible to heat, but the temperature at which discolouration occurs can
vary considerably.
A paint film may discolour to a marked degree yet still provide a protective coating to the surface onto
which it has been applied. However, this discolouration can spoil a colour scheme, or affect an
“identification colour” to the extent that a dangerous error could occur through wrong identification
during maintenance work.
In many cases it has been found that standard paints are suitable for low temperature surfaces such as
hot water radiators, etc., and although some discolouration may occur at approximately 65oC (250oF) in
white and very light pastel colours, the discolouration may not be apparent in the darker colours such as
browns and black.
After laboratory trials, carried out for 100 hours on a clean iron pipe with a point source of heat giving
graduated heat from warm to hot along its length, and using various types of paint finishes, the following
results were obtained:-

Gloss (White & Brilliant White)

0 oC - 54 oC (32 oF - 130 oF) No discolouration
o o
54 C - 82 C (130 oF - 180 oF) Very sight yellowing
82 C -121 C (180 oF - 250 oF)
o o
Slight yellowing
121 oC -149 oC (250 oF - 300 oF) Turned to cream colour
149 oC -177 oC (300 oF - 350 oF) Turned to stone colour. Film beginning to lose gloss.
177 oC -204 oC (350 oF - 400 oF) Very dark stone colour. Film lost gloss.

Aluminium Paint
0 oC - 204 oC (32 oF - 400 oF) No change in lustre.
260 oC (500 oF) Slight Yellowing

Eggshell (White)
38 oC (100 oF) Slight Darkening
93 oC (200 oF) Dark, dirty appearance
149 oC (300 oF) Very dark brown colour. This paint cannot be considered
satisfactory even on surfaces of low temperature.

Matt Emulsion (Brilliant White)

0 oC - 99 oC (32 oF - 210 oF) Quite satisfactory.

Apart from the actual resistance of a paint film, it should be noted that the radiation and heating
efficiency of a hot water or steam heating system depends upon the type of paint applied to the radiators
and heating pipes. Bright metal surfaces, aluminium paint, bronze paints and gloss enamel paints (as will
be seen from the following figures) give minimum radiation, whilst matt finishes and metal surfaces in a
rusty condition give maximum radiation.
1
TECHNICAL ADVISORY:
The information contained in this Technical Data sheet is based on many years experience and usage of the product. However, all
recommendations and suggestions are made without guarantee, since the conditions of use are beyond our control.
More detailed Technical Data Sheets are available on request.

www.mcconnellspaints.com Industrial Coatings, Adhesives and Paint

Manufacturers Ireland
 McCONNELLS
SURFACE PREPARATION
HEAT RESISTANT PAINTS

Taking the amount of heat radiated from a new pipe as 100 units, the following relative figures have been
observed for the heat radiated under the following conditions from a pipe tested under steam at 200 psi.
pressure.

New pipe 100 Painted glossy white 100.5

Fair condition 116 Cleaned with potash again 116
Rusty and black 119 Coated with cylinder oil 116
Cleaned with caustic potash inside and out 116 Painted dull black 120
Painted dull white 120 Painted glossy black 101

It would appear that the above figures demonstrate that the colour of the pipe has little or no effect on
the radiation of heat, but that radiation varies considerably in relation to the glossiness or dullness of the
surface. The figures demonstrate therefore, that there is no serious loss of efficiency through making
pipes and radiators harmonize with the general colour scheme of the rooms in which they are placed.

The method of painting radiators and hot water pipes should be to keep the elasticity of the film build-up
as similar as possible, otherwise unequal expansion of the different coats in the paint film might cause
cracking and subsequent flaking. This may be achieved by the use of a good adhesive primer such as Zinc
Phosphate Primer, followed by two coats of the required finishing material (i.e. omitting an undercoating
in the case of gloss finishes).

Before priming, the metal should be thoroughly prepared to remove all rust, dirt and loose material. It
should then be subjected, if possible, to mild heat 38 oC (approx 100 oF) to dry off any moisture which has
condensed on the surface and in the pores of the metal, and the primer applied whilst the metal is still
warm.

Special heat resisting paints such as our Firglo 393 do not require primers, as these may disintegrate
at lower temperatures than the finishes themselves, but it is absolutely essential that the metal is
perfectly clean and dry before the paints are applied. Firglo 393 is applied direct to the clean dry
metal.

When choosing paints for particular purposes in industry, their particular properties should be considered
in order to maximise the use of the paint.
Ensure that the material to be used will, first and foremost, withstand the degree of temperature to
which it is likely to be subjected. Paint can be used to prevent loss of heat through radiation or it can
increase radiation. Decorative effect, durability and economy should also be taken into account before
the final decision is taken. The surface temperature to be encountered should always be stated when
ordering paints. Further details not within the scope of this data sheet can be obtained from
McConnells Technical Department.
Revision reference: 2 Issued on 22/08/2009.

2
TECHNICAL ADVISORY:
TECHNICAL ADVISORY:
The information contained in this Technical Data sheet is based on many years experience and usage of the product. However, all
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More detailed Technical Data Sheets are available on request.
www.mcconnellspaints.com Industrial Coatings, Adhesives and Paint
Manufacturers Ireland