Painting Engine Cover - Couple Questions....

[Hannibal]

I just recieved my Vararam CAI kit and noticed (via pictures on this site) that it includes a bright red coupling likely meant to connect the new intake portion to the MAF/MAS unit. It adds a nice splash of color to an otherwise semi-dull engine bay. With this in mind, I thought about tweaking my engine cover a bit and decided to search this site for ideas.

I've seen some GREAT paint jobs on the engine covers done by some members here. Far more elaborate than what I think I can handle. Thankfully, I am OK with being a bit more conservative so I think I can handle what I am proposing.

I want to paint the center section red (to match the cars exterior) along with the raised portions on the side part of the cover. Obviously, this will require a good tape job but my questions are:

1) Type of paint.
2) Process.
3) Clear coating necessity.

I originally bought some Duplicolor Caliper paint to do my calipers over the weekend. At the last minute, I purchased the G2 kit as I've had wonderful success with it. Calipers are done and now I have a full kit of Duplicolor left untouched.

Can this be used to paint the engine cover? It is high heat resistant, etc. Would it be glossy enough as is or would it require some high gloss clear on top? Would it be appropriate in the first place?

Is sanding required or is the semi-textured finish enough to create a bond?

Would it need priming? If so, anything in particular in terms of type? Brands?

What kind of spray paint is recommended?

Clear coat? Gloss finish?

How many coats?

I've done many a set of calipers but outside of that, my painting experience is limited. Any information would be great.

[jatrex17]

1 wash cover
2 scuff with scotchbright pad
3 wash again
4 use Bulldog Adhesion Promoter
5 2-4 coats of paint(ive found Krylon to be some of the best spray can paint)
6 clear if you want a gloss finish(though it will not turn out perfect)

EDIT
I completely forgot this is for the engine bay. You will want to use High Temp paint.

[1sweetG8]

I just got done with mine. All I can say is be patient. I used Rustoleum 500F engine heat paint, and primer. Although I am very happy with the way it turned out, the paint was really thin so you really had to be careful not to apply too much so that it wouldn't run. I sanded mine to make it smooth, but you may not want to do that. (it's a lot of work). Then I used 3 coates of primer and let that cure for 7 days. Next I masked off the middle and then dummy valves on the engine cover and sprayed the piece black. (I ended up doing 4 coats of color for the black as well as for the red) Let that cure for 7 days, and finally did a reverse mask so I wouldn't get any red on the parts that I painted black. I used Enamel so I didn't need to use clear coat, and the piece is very shiney. The camera makes the red look too orange, but in person it's definately red.

I am planning to go with a Vararam CAI too, my car also has the black and red interior so I wanted to pull that same theme under the hood

Hopefully you will be able to view my pictures with this link

http://s1033.photobucket.com/albums/...ver%20Painted/

[hoss]

if you use rattle can paint, just make sure you keep the brake fluid away from it when you're checking your fluids. it'll eat right through.

i've seen some really thick rattle can on one w/ no problems. watch out if you scuff too deep b/c their can be a fiberie problem that can occur and it'll need sanded out and done again.

red scotchbrite pad should be fine.

[peterg22000]

Originally Posted by jatrex17

1 wash cover
2 scuff with scotchbright pad
3 wash again
4 use Bulldog Adhesion Promoter
5 2-4 coats of paint(ive found Krylon to be some of the best spray can paint)

EDIT
I completely forgot this is for the engine bay. You will want to use High Temp paint.

what he said... only the top of the motor doesn't get hot enough to require high temp paint.

Originally Posted by jatrex17

6 clear if you want a gloss finish(though it will not turn out perfect)

if you want it PERFECT, have someone that paints for a living do it.


also, I've done two, and the silver paint on one stuck fine and on the other it peeled off, so I would recomened NOT trying to paint over the silver paint, strip that off first.

[mikemaj82]

i want to do this but i know I'm gonna have trouble masking off the certain parts.

[Hannibal]

Originally Posted by mikemaj82

i want to do this but i know I'm gonna have trouble masking off the certain parts.

Though I won't be able to tell you how it turned out for a couple of days - but what I did was simple and seemed to be effective in covering what I wanted covered.

The straight lines are easy - just line up the tape, etc. On the curves or raised areas, take the 3" wide blue painters tape and lay it across the area loosely. Take your finger/finger nail and work the tape into the joint/crease. Rub it back and forth to create a seal and to force the tape into the seam. Be careful not to cut the tape with your nail. Make sure the tape is well secured on both sides (you don't want it moving while cutting).

Take a VERY sharp blade (exacto, straight edge, etc) and place into the seam against one edge (the engine covers have good seams to follow). Pull slowly through the seam and cut the tape. Stop if you notice the tape bunching up as the blade might not be cutting well.

Take your time and use plenty of tape.