Radiator paint issues

[DP42]

Having issues with a newish column radiator, still in warranty that's starting to craze/crack. Manufacturer blaming contact with wet towels (not possible to drape over because of height) and use of noxious cleansers....duster????

Any idea what causes this type of defect ?

Thanks

 

[Pickwickpick]

Looks to me like it's started rusting which has then cracked and split the paint as it the rust layers swell, which would indicate they hadn't prepped it properly before enameling/painting it. How old is it?

 

[Chuck]

Is the crazing just in that region? If so the key question is where did the water that formed the rust come from?

If it's localised to the region shown in your photo, my first guess would be a very small leak either a pin-hole or a weld/seal. The leaked water is then creating rust under the coating, which is straining the coating, which is cracking, etc.

Anyway, tell the manufacturer that their proposed explanations are ruled out by the specific circumstances (assuming that's the case) and that you have concluded that a manufacturing defect is the only reasonable explanation. If they don't wish honour their warranty you'll be making a claim against the company from which you bought the radiator.

After that it's a straightforward consumer dispute, letter of claim, threat of small claims court, etc. It'll boil down to how much you value your time. Personally, I'd write it off to experience and buy another from a different manufacturer and move on with my life.

 

[Last Plumber]

I would disagree with the manufacturers on that. Most new rads are powder coated these days and for moisture to pass through it and rust the rad beneath is highly unlikely in my opinion.
It is possible as @Pickwickpick said that the prep was poor and corrosion had already begun. It is possible that as the rad heats and expends it cracks the powder coat and that allows moisture in?
No expert on powder coating but it may be worth looking into.

 

[townfanjon]

Seen loads like that , no good powder coated .

I darent ask , where did the rad come from ? Internet ?

 

[DP42]

Seen loads like that , no good powder coated .

I darent ask , where did the rad come from ? Internet ?

No, local plumbers merchant recommended manufacturer/brand, and professionally fitted

 

[Riley]

Then I’d be back at the merchant point of sale

 

[AMGasServices]

I had a similar issue the manufacturer agree for me to get it fixed. In the end the radiator cost me £5.

I’d advise you to get the radiator sand blasted and then power coated to a color of your choice. From a local reputable company.

 

[Best]

I have seen that happening on radiators that had faulty paint from factory. Took a few years for paint to deteriorate.
Also identical looking problem caused by putting soaking wet clothes or towels direct onto rads.
That looks more like a factory paint fault to me.

 

[Chalked]

You have a moisture problem in that room for it to rust like that. Make sure your extraction is working, or open a window.
But that cracking is a manufactured fault. Poor quality powder coating, and looks like stress fractures on the sections,
I would be challenging the non payout.

 

[king of pipes]

I have seen this on a few occasions it's hard to prove but it could of been a fault in the paint process ie grease left on the bare metal for example when it was coated , I have also seen them rust from the inside out due to swarf being left in the radiator from its manufacturer I always flush them before fitting and put 2 litres of quality inhibitor in the system . My advice get it replaced it the easiest option . Kop

 

[OffshoreGas]

I had a similar issue the manufacturer agree for me to get it fixed. In the end the radiator cost me £5.

I’d advise you to get the radiator sand blasted and then power coated to a color of your choice. From a local reputable company.

I'd avoid powder coating, its not a thermosetting plastic and will soften if heated. I learnt this the hard way, ours ended up all stippled from having a towel over them while on.

 

[AMGasServices]

I'd avoid powder coating, its not a thermosetting plastic and will soften if heated. I learnt this the hard way, ours ended up all stippled from having a towel over them while on.

Thank you for the advice it’s been done now. I was told the coating can stand over 100 degrees.

Although I’ll bare that in mind.