Yes, I wiped down the tanks and sides. I then used a scotchbrite pad on the tanks and sides, to give them a little "scuff". I then covered the fins with some paper. I sprayed the uncovered parts self etching epoxy primer, two thin coats. After drying, used satin black, two coats on the primed areas. I then removed the paper over the fins and gave it a thin coat, just to give it a uniform color. I didn't use any special paints, heat or radiator, to paint.