Painting an engine - Lateral-g Forums

DRJDVM's '69 · #1 02-07-2008, 09:05 AM

With my new 434 small block, I wanted to paint the block the same color as the car. I've heard that alot of guys use standard auto paint to do it and it holds up just fine.

Other than getting things wickedly clean, is there anything else I need to do to get it to hold up? Should I epoxy prime the block first ?( I have some DP90, which is black, so probably not the best primer color under red). Should I use base coat/clear coat or a one stage ??

Obviously I'd like this to be a one shot deal and have it hold up a long time...

ItDoRun · #2 02-07-2008, 12:42 PM

I painted mine 15 years ago using a base coat/clear coat application from PPG, and it still looks as good as it did when I sprayed it. The ticket is getting it REAL clean. Also, the clear coat makes it super easy to clean. Good Luck!

cetchup · #3 02-07-2008, 02:51 PM

The DP90 will be a good choice to start with, also, black is the ideal color
choice for a heat producing engine. I'm not sure how well that works when
you cover it with red , but still good choice. If the red doesn't have metalic
or pearl in it , I would use single stage. DCC## Nothing wrong with clear if
you want, but one step less and quicker.

1967bigdaddy · #4 02-21-2008, 07:27 PM

Covers quickly and give it a nice bright red look. Black will take to many coats to really look red, because red is kind of translucent.
And you don't want alot of build up on the engine. Possible adhesion problems later. I'll be doing one this way in about week, just as soon as I get my timing chain in.

Good luck.

BBC69Camaro · #5 02-22-2008, 06:40 AM

I have had pretty good luck with Por-15. If the prep is done properly, gas, solvents (including laquer thinner and brake clean) won't harm it at all, nor will pounding on it with a hammer. Very durable paint, the prep is killer however, has to be perfectly clean and you have to follow their directions to the letter.