Painting Radiators?

Thanks for the informative reply. You have saved me a lot of headache (and proably heartache). My radiators are hot water but it seems that most of your post still applies. Unfortunately, stripping isn't much of an option because I really want to avoid removing the radiators at this point and I don't believe they have ever been removed for cleaning/repair, etc. (judging by the paint around the fittings). Based upon what you said and the age of the house and the fact that the last time the radiators were painted was probably more than 25 years ago, I believe they have a standard oil-based house paint (probably with lead).

Given all that, it seems that my option are to 1) use an oil based paint and have it tinted the same color as the latex wall paint (or whatever the decorating boss/wife wants!), or 2) spray with a heat resistant spray paint. Do you have any suggestions or input as to which option I should take?

Thanks again and I apologize for the long post but I have never painted radiators and I want to get this right.