ABing engine components

[DLF]

I've seen a few airbrushed engine components like Air cleaners and rocker covers etc.

Are there specific special paints or preparation that needs to be done, or can the surface be prepared and painted with the same process and products the same as any other metal surface.

:steering:

Thanks

Darryl

[ABD]

I'd treat engine parts as I would any other project, (plastic,metal,whatever) Only diff depending on the part (Air cleaner compared to valve cover for example)..Obviously the valve covers are gonna get hotter than the cleaner...I've heard of peeps getting away with regular paints with no issues...I wouldn't risk it myself, I'd use some kinda automotive high heat stuff....But as far as prep, sandpaper and degreaser as usual, I'd say.

[Cowboy]

Like Dell said . But One thing to consider IF You use something that Has a Hardner Such as Imron Or Uro,s With a Clearcoat that contains Iso,s . The Heat from the Engine Can release the fumes that contain the Iso,s & Toxic fumes . Not so much with the airbreathers & such, But the Engine parts thereselves Such as Valve covers , Block , or any part directly connected to the Block or heads . Trust Me Been there done it . Just want You to be aware of the risk.

[REDTAIL]

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l128/1redtail/underhood.jpg


this is a a radiator cover i did a well pack it gets pretty hot but so far no problem the fellow i been doing some smaller engine parts for had his valve cover powder coated i have a set of ford valve covers i plan on painting

im going the laser temp sensers and see how hot they actually get before
i do the job

RT

[0patience]

You should find that most engine parts aren't going to see much more than 250-300 Degrees F, With exception of the exhaust parts, which could see 800-1500 degrees, depending on the condition of the engine, what mods they are running and how hard they are running it.

Most engine paints are "high heat" acrylic enamel.
You might stop at your local parts store (NAPA, Carquest, AutoZone or Schucks) and take a look at their Chevy Orange engine paint.

I use POR Engine enamels on all my engines.
http://www.stoprust.net/POR-15-Engine-Paint-Kit-p-9.html
Or Dupli-Color, they make some cool anodizing colors that hold up just fine on engines.

[DLF]

Hi Guys

Thanks for the input.

My intention is to paint over the factory black (which is still in great condition), so just , sandpaper ,degreaser and then standard HOK paints.
I think this should be fine for the air cleaner.

With regard to high heat products, does this mean that the entire project should be done with high heat stuff , or could I use some high heat stuff for the primer and base coat and do detail with normal HOK base?

[Strictly Attitude]

high heat even over the high heat base coat

[ABD]

high heat even over the high heat base coat

Yup that's how I'd go about it...Like CB mentioned above, heat can make paints do funny things...Might as well be safe from top to bottom with a paint that isn't affected by it.....Might be able to get away with normal paint just fine..But do ya really wanna risk having to sand it off and redo a few months down the road?..Just the risk ya take, could go either way. Do overs suck IMO..hahaa!

[0patience]

The problem I ran into with standard paints on engines is the paint has a tendancy to turn brown.
Not a real appealing brown either.

Oil pans, valve covers, timing covers and air cleaners see the least amount of heat, but will still see temps around 180 degrees. Because most of them are tin (sheet metal), the heat dissipates pretty well on them.

I have had success with Duplic-color's specialty paints on the valve covers.

[jlay]

I have painted a few valve/cam covers and on quite tuned cars i have only used normal paints 2k solids and base coats all went ok the only trouble i have ever had is with the etch primer if it gets too hot it can blister. but i have also painted blocks and cylinder heads and over time have had colour change around the exhaust route. But this was only contained to close areas (austin mini everything is tight and hot when you add a turbo) but as said if you can get a paint that is meant for high temperatures in the effect you want this is probably your best option.

[pyrofighting]

HOK paints should take heat up to 350 degrees. I have painted some engine parts recently (valve covers, oil pans) and they hold up just fine. I am planning on painting the block next. I was told by HOK tech line to keep the mil thickness to a minimum. 1 coat of primer, couple coats of color, 1-2 coats of clear.