Painting over Chrome Valve Covers???
 

As the title states, Can you paint over chrome valve covers? I would of course try to scuff them up. Or is this just really not a good idea. I'm not a chrome guy and had just though about putting a satin black or something coat of paint on them. Sort of as a cheap temporary fix until I find something else I prefer.

Any hints or advice in attempting to paint over the chrome would be appreciated.

Re: Painting over Chrome Valve Covers???
 

Why not just see if someone wants to swap? Painting on chrome doesn't usually stick well, if it's good chrome anyways. It's hard to deeply scuff chrome and not make it peel. Since chrome is a hardened layer, if you scratch it deep enough to make paint stick, it may begin to crack and flake off, yet if you don't scratch it deep enough, the smooth surface will not hold paint for an extended period of time and you will find yourself pulling them off to paint them again. Search your local CL, valve covers are in abundance for SBC's you could pick a set up for under $40. Or if you want something fancy, find an old set of Mickey Thompson covers, they are usually wrinkle finish black with brushed aluminum fins on top. They hold paint well.

like these....

Re: Painting over Chrome Valve Covers???
 

I have some edelbrock chrome valve covers, that were looking a little scuzzy. I lightly sandblasted them, and then hit them with epoxy and paint. They have been on the car for at least 15 years, and still look fine.

Re: Painting over Chrome Valve Covers???
 

If you sand blast them it will stick. I did this to an old air cleaner that had gotten slightly rusty and it worked great. I just used the shop blast cabinet.

Re: Painting over Chrome Valve Covers???
 

I don't really have access to a sand blast cabinet and my little portable one doesn't really work all that well. Would something like 400 grit paper work?

Re: Painting over Chrome Valve Covers???
 

400 grit, scuff and shoot. I've done it plenty of times and it works great.

Re: Painting over Chrome Valve Covers???
 

Thanks! This is what I'm going to attempt.... should I try to use some sort of self etching primer or something before the paint? also, should I use engine paint, or doesn't it have to be?

Re: Painting over Chrome Valve Covers???
 

I would prime, and use hi-temp engine paint as well.

Re: Painting over Chrome Valve Covers???
 

definitely use etch primer.I have used base/coat clear coat with no problems on valve covers and breathers.