Painting engines

[gs.davies]

Any tips on paining the engine? Brush vs Aerosol vs getting a compressor and thinning it and spraying it?

[mk1]

I have used brush, aerosol & sprayed using a compressor. Best results were achieved using aerosol. Main thing is to make sure that the whole thing is as free from oil as humanly possible. Then a give it a good few coats or it will drop off.

[gs.davies]

Daft question but do they usually need a primer coat or do the engine paints go straight on?

[mk1]

I always put it straight on. M

[dklawson]

Thoroughly degrease the engine (multiple times). Allow the block to completely dry. Primer is optional. I typically haven't bothered to use it.

I brush paint blocks and spray smooth items like valve covers and sheet metal bits.

[Old English White]

Thoroughly degrease the engine (multiple times). Allow the block to completely dry. Primer is optional. I typically haven't bothered to use it.

I brush paint blocks and spray smooth items like valve covers and sheet metal bits.

I've generally done the same. I did use a primer on the rocker cover before I sprayed I sprayed that with engine paint but I'm sure BMC never bothered! I just didn't want brush marks to show on the rocker cover.

[abri]

Can one get a decently smooth finish on a clutch housing using a brush?

[Gareth Brandt]

Aerosol no primer

[mk1]

That looks pretty much perfect Gareth!