Touching up copper radiator fins

[-rascal-]

My Swiftech H220 finally came in.

I carefully inspected the entire unit, and there didn't seem to be any issues other than very minor bent radiator fins. Copper radiators are more delicate than aluminum so it's totally understandable. Plus, Swiftech does say that having a bent fin or two is normal. 

 

I decided to do some minor work on it by carefully straightening up some of the bent copper fins with a pair of tweezers, thin sewing needles, and wooden toothpicks. After all that is said and done, I realized some of the original black paint on the radiator has come off (since they apply a thing layer anyways), exposing the copper.

 

To me, it seems that having exposed copper is not something you want, so I wish to fix that. I'm afraid it will begin to discolour and/or oxidize as time goes by.

 

Now, the big question is:

Is it okay to use Acrylic Paint on copper?

Members on the forums here suggested using a black Sharpie pen. Would that be a suitable solution as well?

 

If I do decide to use Acrylic Paint, it will be a very thin amount - almost quite literally just touching it with the paint brush.

 

 

Any tips?

[W-L]

My Swiftech H220 finally came in.

I carefully inspected the entire unit, and there didn't seem to be any issues other than very minor bent radiator pins. Copper radiators are more delicate than aluminum so it's totally understandable. Plus, Swiftech does that having a bent fin or two is normal. 

 

I decided to do some minor work on it by carefully straightening up some of the bent copper fins with a pair of tweezers, thin sewing needles, and wooden toothpicks. After all that is said and done, I realized some of the original black paint on the radiator has come off (since they apply a thing layer anyways), exposing the copper.

 

To me, it seems that having exposed copper is not something you want, so I wish to fix that. I'm afraid it will begin to discolour and/or oxidize as time goes by.

 

Now, the big question is:

Is it okay to use Acrylic Paint on copper?

Members on the forums here suggested using a black Sharpie pen. Would that be a suitable solution as well?

 

If I do decide to use Acrylic Paint, it will be a very thin amount - almost quite literally just touching it with the paint brush.

 

 

Any tips?

Black Sharpie will the the easiest and quickest way to get it done, and if your just touching up the copper with acrylic paint shouldn't be a problem probably suggest a metal paint if you have some on hand since they have better adhesion but wouldn't be a huge factor since just a minor touch up. Other than that like you said keep paint really thin.

[Ghost]

By painting fins you are making them useless. It's like putting an insulator on them. Hence the paint they use is very very thin.

[-rascal-]

Hmm...I suppose I'll go with the Sharpie, and if I must, I'll use a thin, thin layer of acrylic paint.

I'm not too concerned about the asthetics. The main reason to paint it over is to prevent any discolouration and/or oxidation when copper is exposed for long period of time.