Which paint for engine?

Hey guys. I am planning to paint parts of my engine while I have it apart. I had a couple of questions before I start:

1. What is a good way to prep the engine surface without soda-blasting? I have cleaned it with degreaser/soap and water. I have some sanding tools that would work fairly well (for in between fins too). Should I sand and use my power washer to prep?

2. As far as paint is concerned, what kind of spray paint should I use? I have seen Rustoleum high heat engine spray paint at my local Autozone. Would that work alright? I have seen people discussing using VHT brand high heat paints. Is that better?

3. When painting, what method is best? A couple of quick, thin coats, or more than that? How long should I wait in between coats? It is in the mid 70s this week with relatively low humidity.

Thanks guys.

What color? Silver? Flat, gloss, satin black?
On or off the frame?
R.O. is a flat only. Don't like, takes forever to dry.
VHT is great! No gloss.
PJ1 has a gloss black!
Plasti-Kote has a nice gloss!

It's all in the prep!
Follow the can's directions! They all seem to be different.

I want to dot head and block with aluminum color and the rest in black (probably gloss instead of flat).

It is all off frame. Engine covers removed and polished.

I noticed that PJ1 on the Z1 site. Supposed to be close to factory type paint. Might try that for the black.

Thanks.

.

Damn Martin, do you even ride that bike..... :laugh:

Seriously speaking, gorgeous!

martin_csr wrote: Not the engine, but I've painted the engine covers, wheels, muffler stays & brackets, and other parts w Duplicolor Engine Enamel w Ceramic. It comes in various colors, including black in gloss, semi-gloss, & low-gloss. I used semi-gloss black & baked the parts in the oven to cure. It has held up well - no chips or anything. As a side note, bar-b-que grill paint works good to deter rust on the back side of steel parts.

But I'd guess the VHT or something else is better.

Squeeky clean!! Looks great Martin! Ed

im interested in okatars gun kote method, the problem with any paint on aluminum is it doesnt grab, you need to use a zinc chromate primer to etch the alum and then paint with color, im not sure where to find high heat zinc primer, maybe try my nieghbor caswell

Found ceramic added engine aluminum color paint at NAPA that was a dead-match for my engine. Just the cylinder block and head were painted this past Spring, and the finish has held up well, and the cost was very reasonable. There are detailed application instructions printed on the label wrap.

I still have the can...Duplicolor DE1615 Aluminum

I wouldn't paint mine personally. Either media blast or powder coat. Just my opinion of course, and I'm sure many will disagree.

Here's mine media blasted:

Nice Austin! And you don't have to worry about chipping the paint.

I wonder if an option where some type of aluminum/metal Stain would work?

Downfall of paint, stain, powder coat is if it comes out like crap, what a PITA to fix.... :pinch:
I'll just leave mine alone.... Bling-Bling thank you much...

Austin, we need to hook up for a ride some day soon, weather is turning for us finally....

Austin, are your casings soda blasted too? I'm getting my engine done soon with a view to painting all but the side casings & yours looks immaculate!

Daveo, if its any help im going to try PJ1 Satin, i've already used it on my starter motor & behind it when it was out & it seems to take a long time to dry, mind you im in Ireland, its 17 degrees centigrade here at the min & humid, thats pretty warm for here at this time of year. Mine might take more time to dry than yours.