Radiator down pipe cover

[Ggbob]

Hi there, I'm in an old home that we had renovated but we didn't replace the radiators. I've just noticed that one of the copper down pipes is now showing a shiny silver metal colour. This wasn't always like this. I've not seen it before (we've lived here 3 years). I don't know whether some old white paint was recently dislodged when vacuuming and now revealed the metal.
I'm freaking out because this is my son's room and I'm scared of it being lead pipes. My partner has some paint and will paint over it today. I've attached a photo. Desperate for some reassurance and some advice because I'm freaking. The rest of the pipe is clearly copper so it looks quite weird to me.

 

[Elkato531]

Looks like excess solder from when the pipe was extended. It could be leaded solder but on heating pipes it is really nothing to worry about.

 

[Ggbob]

Looks like excess solder from when the pipe was extended. It could be leaded solder but on heating pipes it is really nothing to worry about.

Ok, thank you for prompt reply. Is it ok to paint over? Unfortunately my son likes to touch everything, so presumably if he touches it that could be dangerous?

 

[denso13]

Is it ok to paint over?

Yes.

Unfortunately my son likes to touch everything, so presumably if he touches it that could be dangerous?

No, not at all.

 

[Madrab]

Is your son young? If so then just get some pipe covers for them, it'll keep wee fingers away from the hot pipes.

 

[Ggbob]

Is your son young? If so then just get some pipe covers for them, it'll keep wee fingers away from the hot pipes.

Yes, three years

 

[Madrab]

Yes, three years

Talon Snappit Pipe Cover & Collar

The quick and easy way to achieve an immaculate pipe installation. Using the Snappit pipe cover is the best mess-free alternative to paint - it's a rigid pipe finish that's perfect for covering unsightly copper pipework.This innovative Snappit comes in a smart white finish, complete with...

www.toolstation.com

 

[ChrisJP]

Talon Snappit Pipe Cover & Collar

The quick and easy way to achieve an immaculate pipe installation. Using the Snappit pipe cover is the best mess-free alternative to paint - it's a rigid pipe finish that's perfect for covering unsightly copper pipework.This innovative Snappit comes in a smart white finish, complete with...

www.toolstation.com

But those pipe covers fit only 15mm copper pipe, and the OP's picture appears to show a larger pipe than that. Painting the pipe would be completely fine - I would use something like Hammerite which adheres well to metal

 

[denso13]

and the OP's picture appears to show a larger pipe than that

Looks clearly 15mm to me, It's feeding a radiator.

 

[Elkato531]

Its 15mm pipe. Paint the pipe, fit covers or leave it alone. Whatever the OP chooses to do, this is not a safety issue to worry about where children are concerned.
If you have a kid who touches everything and puts stuff in their mouth, they are going to be exposed to much more dangerous stuff around the home and they will still be perfectly ok (probably).

 

[Ggbob]

We are painting it. Thanks for everyone's help!