Metal radiator cover tops are discolored from water damage

I have metal radiator covers and the tops are discolored from water damage from plants. What is the best way to fix this and still come out with the same finish as the original cover? I'll send a picture along later.
  6 answers
  • Marion Nesbitt Marion Nesbitt on Nov 16, 2016
    There are many high heat spray paints available in various finishes. I'd try to match as close as possible.
  • Darlene dynka Darlene dynka on Nov 16, 2016
    I agree with Marion. The exposed side of my stove was rusty and ugly. I painted it with engine paint from an auto store. It looks good and is holding up well.
  • William William on Nov 16, 2016
    Waiting for the photo! Are they textured, wood grain, painted, etc?!
  • Pam12569674 Pam12569674 on Nov 17, 2016
    The quick fix for me would be to put a table runner along the top. Then you can wash it as often as needed.
  • Jane Mahoney Lynch Jane Mahoney Lynch on Nov 18, 2016
    Here is a picture.
  • William William on Nov 18, 2016
    Looks like wood grain over metal. Wash the cover with vinegar, water, and a few squirts of dish washing liquid. Wipe and dry. Put a dab of white toothpaste on a damp cloth and gently rub the water spots. Wipe the toothpaste off. For the scratches. Use a clean cloth, brown paste shoe polish. Rub the cloth in the shoe polish and lightly coat the cover top in in a circular motion. Let it set for a few minutes, then polish it with a clean cloth. The polish will fill in the scratches and polishing will blend the surface.
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    • William William on Nov 19, 2016
      Stubborn stain! Take a cloth and dampen it with straight vinegar and place it over the stain. Let it sit for at least an hour. After an hour, remove the cloth and wipe off with water. You can use paper towels. If that doesn't work, mix a paste of baking soda using a concentration of about 3 parts baking soda and 1 part water. Baking soda is another safe, natural product that softens hard-water scale without damaging paint. Add a few drops of white vinegar to your paste for even greater strength. Apply the baking soda paste to a sponge and gently scrub the hard-water scale. Allow the solution to penetrate the hard water for about 30 minutes before proceeding. Wipe the area with a damp sponge to rinse away the baking soda and hard-water remnants. Apply the solution a second time if necessary.