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So my friends and I were having some beers last night and they say that high temp enamel (autozone paint) is the best for decorating the engine bay.

What do you guys think?
Also, if I wanted to do this, do I strip the valve covers and heads to bare metal and than paint? Are there primers I'm suppose to apply?

I have experience painting the exterior of cars but no experience with engine components.

You never have to strip any paint that's sound unless there's a compatibility issue i.e. lacquer over new enamel paint. Secondly, if after you paint the engine you warm it up the paint will bake itself to a nice shiny sheen IME. There is a self etching primer that's about $18 bucks a can that works well on questionably clean areas.

Juans_93_MX3 wrote:So my friends and I were having some beers last night and they say that high temp enamel (autozone paint) is the best for decorating the engine bay.

What do you guys think?
Also, if I wanted to do this, do I strip the valve covers and heads to bare metal and than paint? Are there primers I'm suppose to apply?

I have experience painting the exterior of cars but no experience with engine components.

Is it acrylic enamel based paint?

After all my research, nothing compares to powdercoating except anodizing. Paint simply does not have the durability or chemical resistance. It's why I invested in a huge powder coating oven.

if you want better quality and durability and dont mind spending a bit of money go with powder coat. if you want good results with the possibility of having to redo the work every few years and spend almost nothing go with high temp enamel.

There is difference from one paint to another paint. You can't generalize every paint. I generally stay away from rattle can paints (acrylic enamel) At least I'd recommend going with acrylic urethane or for a bit more money you can just buy urethane paint. It'll last long and has excellent chemical resistance and UV protection.

You can have fairly good results with Duplicolor VHT. Even when it is rattle can paint, it's almost like a paint/powder coat hybrid, and works really well, if you don't mind the stink while baking it. Other than that, I agree with Onlytrueromeo: nothing beats powdercoating.

Ok. So how much should I expect to spend to get my valve covers, I/M and heads powder coated?

Cant I get away with buying a cheap used oven, and the gun? Powder coating doesnt seem too much of a hard job. I have done paint jobs on cars before

I went on YouTube and found some cool videos

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ql-MFcSc ... re=related
(How to make your own cheap powder coating oven)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OABJHFVAieM
(powder coating basics)

You're PCing the heads?

onlytrueromeo wrote:After all my research, nothing compares to powdercoating except anodizing. Paint simply does not have the durability or chemical resistance. It's why I invested in a huge powder coating oven.

Does this mean you're taking requests? I never knew you had an oven... Any chance you have some extra valve covers laying around? I'll be looking for beautification materials next spring for my KL.

A used electric oven can be had for around $50 in most areas. It has to be electric since I've been told the open flame and gas could react with the process and cause bonding issues. As with painting, surface prep. is key. Also like with painting, you will need a compressor, gun, etc. I find PCing to be easier than painting, at least in regards to getting a consistent product. To DIY, you're looking at about $200 for the gun, oven & powder, more if you need a compressor. The prep materials are more, depending which route you choose to go. Most likely you will have chemical contaminants in both the heads and the covers which will come to the surface with heat.

If you are only looking to do a few pieces, it may not be worthwhile for you to delve into powdercoating. I would then recommend paint or finding a shop to do it for you. (Which will cost close to the price of materials). If you want to do more over time, then you should look at options.


MrMazda92 - Not taking requests, or even able to PC at this time. Still have not run the required 220 in my house yet since I need to run a subpanel to my garage. After my wedding in 2 months, I hope to have enough money/time to get back to it!

I have already PCed a bunch of honda parts and sold them which funded my purchases. I plan to coat every bit of everything in time.

MrMazda92 wrote:You're PCing the heads?

Yeah, cant you do that?

Juans_93_MX3 wrote:

MrMazda92 wrote:You're PCing the heads?

Yeah, cant you do that?

I can't see any reason you couldn't, I just don't see it often with KLs. I'd love to see the finished product though! What colors do you have in mind?

onlytrueromeo,

Congratulations on your coming wedding! Driving off into the sunset in an MX-3, huh?

Thanks for the heads up, I was being semi-sarcastic actually I won't spend a penny on beautification until I've hit my performance goals, since all show/no go isn't my thing. I'd take all go and no show any day.