Question about painting an engine...
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 245
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Question about painting an engine...
Hello,
I have always painting my engines using "engine paint."
I want to paint my engine a color that is not available in "engine paint" and was wondering if anyone has had good luck using a regular automotive paint?
Would it work to use a single stage urethane to paint the engine? I would hate to go to all the prep and paint work only to have it flake/fade after installing the engine for this summer.
Thanks,
Jeff
I have always painting my engines using "engine paint."
I want to paint my engine a color that is not available in "engine paint" and was wondering if anyone has had good luck using a regular automotive paint?
Would it work to use a single stage urethane to paint the engine? I would hate to go to all the prep and paint work only to have it flake/fade after installing the engine for this summer.
Thanks,
Jeff
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 89
Likes: 0
I cant say anything about autopaint, but the por-15 stuff, has a self leveler compound in it, and you can paint it with a brush, and it comes out like you sprayed it. They sell the basic engine colors, so there should not be much of a problem getting the color you want. This is waht I am going to do.
C6 the C5 of tomorrow
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 6,665
Likes: 2
From: Twin Cities Minnesota
Automotive paint is the best paint out there.
Just use a 2 part epoxy primer and then the base and a catilyzed clear.
It will stick better, last longer fade less and resist brake fluid, oil gas better too.
Just use a 2 part epoxy primer and then the base and a catilyzed clear.
It will stick better, last longer fade less and resist brake fluid, oil gas better too.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 6,362
Likes: 7
From: Brazos TX
Cruise-In IV Veteran
Cruise-In V Veteran
I used standard 2 part urethane automotive paint on top of a 2 part epoxy primer and it has worked fine. Although it was a base/clear system I didn't shoot the clear on. It looks fine and has a good shine. Under the hood doesn't get enough direct sunlight on things to need a clear coat. I put about 15,000 miles on it so far and have had no problems. The piant I had mixed was a color match to the body color, with the metallic and everything.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,381
Likes: 416
From: N J
Originally Posted by BORDERBUM72
I cant say anything about autopaint, but the por-15 stuff, has a self leveler compound in it, and you can paint it with a brush, and it comes out like you sprayed it. They sell the basic engine colors, so there should not be much of a problem getting the color you want. This is waht I am going to do.
I use the POR 15 engine paint also with a brush. Seems to holed up better than the spray bombs that I have used in the past and it comes in many different colors. 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 2,010
Likes: 3
From: Moon Twp. PA USA
Got a new oil pan (5 Qt.) in today plain steel covered with oil. What do you recommend to clean off the exterior oil prior to painting? What kind of primer to use on bare metal before spraying with Chevy orange paint?
Thanks,
Thanks,
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 30,183
Likes: 313
From: Lake Norman NC
On bare metal, which is where i would prep the engine to before painting..I always like to use a brand name self etching primer..it gives a good solid seal. Epoxy works great too, but you can get self etching primer in a can at any auto store. Then spray on urethane. I wouldn't spray too much, because urethane does get brittle, and could chip easy if your not careful; however, it does shine nice. 
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Race Director
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 10,362
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From: San Diego - Deep Within The State of CONFUSION!
Heck, hot rods are built all the time with a matching engine and engine bay. They use the same paint on the block that they used on the body. All the time.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 2,010
Likes: 3
From: Moon Twp. PA USA
Originally Posted by Redshark6974
On bare metal, which is where i would prep the engine to before painting..I always like to use a brand name self etching primer..it gives a good solid seal. Epoxy works great too, but you can get self etching primer in a can at any auto store. Then spray on urethane. I wouldn't spray too much, because urethane does get brittle, and could chip easy if your not careful; however, it does shine nice.
Thanks,