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Not sure if this is the right forum to ask but I want to paint my aluminium heatsink a matte black color to improve emissivity(?) but not sure how to go about it.
Rod Elliott (ESP) suggests a thin layer of matte black automotive type lacquer is very good (link below) but will this stick to aluminium or does the heatsink need to be etched first?
Any thoughts on the above or other tips?
Thanks
Follow Ups:
As for ME...I wouldn't do it...however, you can get high temp Bar-B-Que spray paint. Good luck..
Why do you want to paint it? Is it overheating now? If not, leave it alone. A small fan makes far more difference than color. Just the slightest bit of air movement makes a huge difference.
Black or dark colored heat sinks are most often anodized, not painted.I would question the effectiveness of paint vs just leaving the aluminum bare. Wouldn't a coat of paint actually hinder the dissipation properties of the bare aluminum by blocking cool air from reaching the aluminum... or blocking the heat from reaching the cool air?
I'm just guessing but it's something to think about. Somehow I don't think paint is the right answer.
Edits: 09/29/15
The highest emissivity coating on a heat sink is black oil paint, second is a dark varnish, third is black air dry enamel and fourth is black anodized aluminum.
Black oil painted surfaces can have as much as about 25% more emissivity than black anodized sufaces.
Paint IS the right answer if you are looking for the best ability to get rid of heat. This is shown on page 6-1 of the National Semiconductor Voltage Regulator Handbook. This is a fantastic resource, and you can download it for free in .pdf form, the download link is below. It was out of print for years, so download your copy while you can!! It's FULL of great stuff to learn.
Perhaps that's why power trannys are coated as you described.
Thanks Jim! That IS good info. And thanks for clearing up the question on heat sinks.
The design and resulting surface area (fins and ribs on fins) has
the largest impact on dissipation than color. I would not bother
with paint. But if you must, you can get aluminum primer (also
used on un-aged galvanizing) at a paint store. Or get it bead/sand
blasted. You can use stove paint if you think it will get that hot.
Edits: 09/29/15 09/29/15
VHT, Eastwood, PJ1, Moeller and Rust-Oleum all make paint for heat applications. I'm sure there are others also.
This might work!
Are they currently un painted?
Un-installed?
then get them Anodized - lot charge ~$50.00 +/- 50%...
otherwise I am not sure I would worry - unless you live near the coast (Salt water not fresh)
Happy Listening
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