12 replies to this topic

[matt050990]

Hey all

I'm planning on painting my new engine Iver the next few weeks. After a few tips,

How much paint would I need? I'm applying with brush.

Would I need a primer on before paint or will just engine enamel be enough?

Can a manifold be painted?

Any other top tips appreciated.

Much ta
Matt

[jagman.2003]

Advice from me:

 

How much paint would I need? I'm applying with brush.

I usually find the 250ml tins are plenty. 2-3 coats should do it. Should be plenty left for a refresh later.

Brush is fine as long as you can reach all the crooks & nannies.

Would I need a primer on before paint or will just engine enamel be enough?

No primer is needed. But you must use a proper engine lacquer.

It's important you get the engine as clean as possible. Get all old loose paint off.

A good degreaser & a wipe down with white spirit should get you there.

 

Can a manifold be painted?

Yes, but I would recommend a high temperature paint. The manifold gets alot hotter than the engine.

It won't last for ever but it is better than nothing. It will also smoke a bit when curing on first engine run.

Edited by jagman.2003, 22 June 2015 - 03:13 PM.

[matt050990]

Spot on, cheers mate!

[johnR]

I believe you can use hammerite on engines although I used a proper engine paint.

It may be best to have a cast manifold blasted before painting, then don't hold it with bare hands before you paint it with a high temp paint and put it in the oven or run the engine to cure it immediately.

John

[Guess-Works.com]

Painting an engine is no different to painting a car, the end result will depend on the quality of preparation. So, strip, clean, degrease, prime (etch primer), when you've Don that you could paint it with anything.

[matt050990]

Cheers for the replies lads,

The engine has been pained previously and is starting to flake in places so will go over and I've it all a good clean and rub down.

Ill paint it in proper engine enamel as want a nice hard coat that will shine for a while.

 

Is there any certain areas to avoid painting?

[Mini 360]

Dont need to use engine enamel in my experience.  I throughly cleaned the block, degreased with acetone, primered up and then sprayed it Rover Flame Red.  A proper red unlike the orangey red you get from the enamels.  Dried ok, has lasted since rebuild including a few dramatic overheating days

 

Engine temps never get high enough to destroy it so I see engine enamel as a pointless product.

[matt050990]

Dont need to use engine enamel in my experience.  I throughly cleaned the block, degreased with acetone, primered up and then sprayed it Rover Flame Red.  A proper red unlike the orangey red you get from the enamels.  Dried ok, has lasted since rebuild including a few dramatic overheating days

 

Engine temps never get high enough to destroy it so I see engine enamel as a pointless product.

Cheers mate, noticed engine enamel was more pricey but presumed it was what was needed.

Ill make sure I get a decent quality paint and not the cheap quality crap.

[bluedragon]

One of the differences that a proper engine enamel should provide is that it resists chemical spills well (i.e. spilled brake fluid, or prolonged contact with engine oil/lubricants without discoloring or peeling.)

 

However, whether the enamel is really of such quality or just a repackaged sheetmetal paint is a matter for research to determine.

[Steve220]

Nitromorse is good at getting all the old paint off. I always use halfords satin black on my engines. Never come off in the years I've been using it. Only use vht paint on exhaust manifold if you do, for some reason, feel like painting it.

[matt050990]

I don't really want to paint the manifold but it seems as if it will be letting the rest of the engine down as its all grubby and stained.

 

Any tips on cleaning it up?

[Steve220]

Wire brush - either on a drill or by hand.

[matt050990]

Okay cool. I was going to wire brush the engine itself too to get all the flakes paint off so will give it a go then too