12 replies to this topic

[Daniel_moody25]

So my block is off at the machien shop at the moment and when it's back I will be wanting to paint it. What engine paint can you guys suggest? I've used halfords engine enamel before and have to say I didn't like it.

[Angusmini]

I've used a few different ones in the past with mixed results..

 

1) Halfords - As you say, I didn't like it at all.. started flaking off pretty soon after painting even after maticulous prep!

 

2) Hammerite -  I used brush on hammerite on my mini block, and I have to say it's held up incredibly well! Has been on for over 2 years now with no real signs of going anywhere anytime soon! The first few times you run the car and it gets warm the paint will go soft again (I found) and will smell a bit, but after that it sets like a rock and is easy to wipe down in the future. Also, as it's pretty thick, it goes on nicely! (EDIT: Although the hammerite will only really work well on the block (which has a high iron content), it doesn't work anywhere near as well on other metals I've found, so don't go sticking it on your rocker cover or anything!) If you're interested, I think I made a post ages ago about when I did some engine detailing (that was using hammerite)

 

3) Por-15 - Probably your best option IMO.. Paint is thick and the colour is great.. Used it on a 924 engine and very happy with the results! (It's only been on for a year, but still looks great!) Especially considering your block is out of the engine currently so you can do a really good of cleaning it down and prepping it before painting!

 

Hope this helps!

Gus

Edited by Angusmini, 19 December 2015 - 03:26 PM.

[Coxie]

I would skip all the off the shelf halfords etc paints and go to your local automotive paint supplier.
Often better quality paint and cheaper.
Get them to mix you up 1/4 litre of etch primer and 1/2 litre of whatever colour you want.

[MrBounce]

I got my tin from one of the mini trade stands at L2B. Have to say it looks really good.

All I did was degrease the engine then masked it and painted in on.

Edited by MrBounce, 19 December 2015 - 04:07 PM.

[Daniel_moody25]

I've used a few different ones in the past with mixed results..
 
1) Halfords - As you say, I didn't like it at all.. started flaking off pretty soon after painting even after maticulous prep!
 
2) Hammerite -  I used brush on hammerite on my mini block, and I have to say it's held up incredibly well! Has been on for over 2 years now with no real signs of going anywhere anytime soon! The first few times you run the car and it gets warm the paint will go soft again (I found) and will smell a bit, but after that it sets like a rock and is easy to wipe down in the future. Also, as it's pretty thick, it goes on nicely! (EDIT: Although the hammerite will only really work well on the block (which has a high iron content), it doesn't work anywhere near as well on other metals I've found, so don't go sticking it on your rocker cover or anything!) If you're interested, I think I made a post ages ago about when I did some engine detailing (that was using hammerite)
 
3) Por-15 - Probably your best option IMO.. Paint is thick and the colour is great.. Used it on a 924 engine and very happy with the results! (It's only been on for a year, but still looks great!) Especially considering your block is out of the engine currently so you can do a really good of cleaning it down and prepping it before painting!
 
Hope this helps!
Gus

Thanks this is very helpful, I had come across the por-15 which looks good but hadn't found any reviews yet, so I may go for the one then. Is there any primer needed for this or just prep the engine, nice and clean, degrease then just brush on?

[Angusmini]

 

I've used a few different ones in the past with mixed results..
 
1) Halfords - As you say, I didn't like it at all.. started flaking off pretty soon after painting even after maticulous prep!
 
2) Hammerite -  I used brush on hammerite on my mini block, and I have to say it's held up incredibly well! Has been on for over 2 years now with no real signs of going anywhere anytime soon! The first few times you run the car and it gets warm the paint will go soft again (I found) and will smell a bit, but after that it sets like a rock and is easy to wipe down in the future. Also, as it's pretty thick, it goes on nicely! (EDIT: Although the hammerite will only really work well on the block (which has a high iron content), it doesn't work anywhere near as well on other metals I've found, so don't go sticking it on your rocker cover or anything!) If you're interested, I think I made a post ages ago about when I did some engine detailing (that was using hammerite)
 
3) Por-15 - Probably your best option IMO.. Paint is thick and the colour is great.. Used it on a 924 engine and very happy with the results! (It's only been on for a year, but still looks great!) Especially considering your block is out of the engine currently so you can do a really good of cleaning it down and prepping it before painting!
 
Hope this helps!
Gus

Thanks this is very helpful, I had come across the por-15 which looks good but hadn't found any reviews yet, so I may go for the one then. Is there any primer needed for this or just prep the engine, nice and clean, degrease then just brush on?

 

If you look on their website they have absolutely everything you should need if I remember.. Degreasers, primers etc etc! Depends on how much you're willing to spend/how far you want to go as although I rate it, it is pretty expensive!

[dklawson]

Be careful when calling a paint "POR-15".  In most circles, POR-15 applies to their paint-over-rust product.  Their engine paint is different.  It is an enamel and it is VERY good.  It is tough with high solids content for good color coverage in two coats.

 

Because the POR engine enamel is not their paint over rust product it is fairly easy to apply. For ANY brand of paint, degrease the engine MULTIPLE times.  Wire brush away any loose paint and rust.  You can use rattle can primer if you want, only a thin coat will be needed.  With the POR enamel, brush it onto the block.  Two coats separated by a day or so will give good coverage.  If you want to apply it to smooth surfaces like the rocker cover, thin the POR enamel by about 50% with mineral spirits or turpentine.  Air brush or spray the paint onto the smooth surfaces in very thin coats to avoid runs.  After the paint fully dries (several days) you can buff it by hand if you want to get a higher gloss on the smooth metal parts. You won't need to do anything to the paint brushed on the castings.

 

My car's engine is shown below painted with the POR Austin-Healey green engine enamel.

https://sites.google...ompartment1.jpg

 

 

[limby2000]

I used E-tech caliper paint (enamel),mixed with universal thinner at 4-1 then put it on with airbrush.They do it in various colours. Heat ,petrol and brake fluid resistant.

Attached Files

•  rps20151219_223008_581.jpg   62.11K   17 downloads

[Bungle]

i just used the cheap Halfords engine enamel , been on there now for 6 years with no problems

 

[The Crusher]

I got my tin from one of the mini trade stands at L2B. Have to say it looks really good.

All I did was degrease the engine then masked it and painted in on.

 

Nice blue.  Who makes that rocker cover?

[Steve220]

Regular spray paint. The engine doesn't get hot enough to cause an issue.

[MrBounce]

 
Nice blue.  Who makes that rocker cover?

That's a standard MG Metro one shotblasted then given 2 coats of primer and 2 coats of Rover Platinum Silver from a rattle can. It has MiniSpares t-bars on it.

Edited by MrBounce, 26 December 2015 - 10:07 PM.

[Stu1961]

Used the stuff MiniSpares sell seems pretty good

 

http://s1195.photobu...G_3346.jpg.html