Engine paint recommendations

[Daubs]

Been searching the forums for tips on painting my engine. I realize that prep is [/B]very important.[/B] Make sure completely clean and dry. Couple of quesitons for the pros:

1. This is a GM crate engine that is painted black. Should I rough up the black paint with sandpaper or wire brush before putting on the GM orange? (obviously clean the engine after sanding / wire brushing). Or just hit her with orange.

2. Paint recommendations? I've seen Duplicolor high temp paint at local parts store (500 degree paint), and Eastwood carries some engine enamel (300 degree). POR-15 makes engine paint, but will it work well without POR-15 base coat? (and if I POR-15 my engine, will I be able to remove head bolts...I've heard that stuff dries rock hard).

Or is there other brand of engine paint anyone can recommend? Thanks, D.

[Fred T]

I've had good results with the Plasticote engine paints. Por-15 needs bare metal to work properly, their engine paint is a regular, high solids paint. Duplicolor is now owned by Krylon, but I don't know about its quality.

Surface prep. Once a paint has cured, scuffing is needed. Scuffing a glossy surface is always good practice. It gives the new paint some tooth to grip.

You will need two coats to get a decent color, black is hard to cover.

[Shock_Me]

We just painted a new "black" crate motor. We used POR-15 engine enamel as a top-coat without the POR-15 base. I spoke to the tech dept. at POR-15, and they recommended scuffing the black paint with a Scotch pad dipped in Marine Clean, (which they also sell). After the motor is scuffed and clean, rinse down with water and allow to completely dry before top coating with the engine enamel.
Turned out great for us. We used two coats, and the finish is very nice and glossy.
Don't know about lasting durability though because we haven't fired her up yet.

[lngbed71]

I painted mine with POR-15 engine enamel. The only prep I did on this motor was wipe it off with thinner to clean it up a bit. It's been on there for 5 years now. I didn't buy the extra marine prep, scuffing stuff, gobbledygook. Wipe and paint...that was it.

My .02, hope it helps
JK

[oj70chevy]

lngbed71 Thats a great looking truck.

[lngbed71]

Thanks dude

[ScottH]

Does anyone recommend using a primer? Most likely will use sprany can paint, and was wondering if engine primer would help (67 motor, not rebuilt).

Thanks.

[Fred T]

Primer isn't needed when you scuff the existing paint. Most of the rattlecan engine enamels are formulated to use directly on bare metal, too.

[Daubs]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I purchased Dupli-color engine enamel with Ceramic today. It's rated to 500 degrees. Plan to scuff, clean and let dry over night. Hope to have some paint on by Monday...mother's day weekend will put clamps on some of my truck work...but that's okay.

[Ont67shortbox]

I used brake caliper paint, it was available in a number of colours and rated to 900 degrees