Cornel - Bare Metal Lacquer Products
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Bare Metal Lacquer finish different from a standard grey painted radiator?
Unlike a uniform grey paint the Bare Metal Lacquer finish is a clear protective coating applied directly over the raw mild steel which means every radiator is unique featuring visible weld lines manufacturing marks and natural tonal variations that create an authentic industrial aesthetic rather than a flat colour.
Is the clear lacquer sufficient to protect the raw steel from rusting in a bathroom environment?
While the high quality clear lacquer provides a robust seal against moisture mild steel radiators in bare metal finishes are generally more susceptible to surface corrosion in high humidity environments than powder coated ones so for bathrooms you must ensure excellent ventilation and wipe down the radiator regularly to prevent water standing on the surface.
How does the heat emission of the Bare Metal Lacquer finish compare to a painted white radiator?
Theoretically metallic finishes can have slightly lower emissivity than white powder coated surfaces but in practice with the Cornel Bare Metal Lacquer the difference is negligible and you should simply size the radiator based on the listed BTU output which already accounts for the finish performance.
Can I paint over the Bare Metal Lacquer finish later if I want to change the colour?
Technically yes but the lacquer is a smooth hard surface so you would need to thoroughly sand and key the surface to ensure the new paint adheres properly however doing so would effectively ruin the premium raw finish you paid for and would void the manufacturer warranty.
What cleaning products should I avoid to prevent damaging the clear lacquer seal?
You must strictly avoid using abrasive scouring pads wire wool or harsh chemical cleaners containing bleach or strong acids as these can scratch or degrade the clear lacquer layer exposing the raw steel beneath to oxygen and moisture which will rapidly lead to rust patches.
Why do the weld marks and grinding spots vary between different radiators in this range?
The visible marks are a natural result of the manufacturing process where sections are welded together and smoothed down and since the Bare Metal Lacquer is transparent these "imperfections" are intentionally left visible as part of the industrial character meaning no two radiators will look exactly the same.
Does the 4 column Bare Metal Lacquer model require stronger wall fixings than the 2 column version?
Yes the 4 column model holds significantly more water and has more steel mass per section making it much heavier so you must ensure it is mounted on solid masonry or reinforced timber studs often using wall stays to prevent it from pulling away from the wall at the top.
Is the 10 year guarantee valid if surface rust appears due to a deep scratch?
The guarantee covers manufacturing defects like leaks or lacquer failure but it does not cover corrosion resulting from external damage so if you deeply scratch the radiator through the lacquer layer you must repair it immediately with a clear touch up lacquer to prevent rust from spreading.
How do I match the radiator valves to this unique industrial finish?
For the Bare Metal Lacquer finish most customers opt for matching "Pewter" "Satin Nickel" or "Black Nickel" valves which complement the raw steel tones without clashing unlike bright chrome or white valves which can look too modern or stark against the industrial metal.
Why is the Delta T 50 rating used for sizing these industrial style radiators?
The Delta T 50 rating is the industry standard based on a boiler flow temperature of 75