Can I simply RATTLE CAN my engine black?

650Dude wrote:

SWest wrote: Have you a SS wire brush wheel? Once done you can't go back.
Steve

Yes Ive got every tool under the sun, but I dont want debris on the bike before i paint it. I used steel wool once and there were shavings everywhere. I think Im going to use scotchbrite.

I was talking about not painting it. A regular wire wheel can leave burnish marks on the metal. A stainless steel wheel won't. I think a bare engine looks cleaner and it would be a shame to paint it. I did mine but didn't have any choice. Like I said, once done you can't go back.
Steve

[/quote]

Nice job. Im going to paint it like this I think, not the WHOLE thing on second thought:

SWest wrote:

650Dude wrote:

SWest wrote: Have you a SS wire brush wheel? Once done you can't go back.
Steve

Yes Ive got every tool under the sun, but I dont want debris on the bike before i paint it. I used steel wool once and there were shavings everywhere. I think Im going to use scotchbrite.

I was talking about not painting it. A regular wire wheel can leave burnish marks on the metal. A stainless steel wheel won't. I think a bare engine looks cleaner and it would be a shame to paint it. I did mine but didn't have any choice. Like I said, once done you can't go back.
Steve

Sure I can go back. Zip Strip paint remover!

Will stain the aluminum.
Steve

SWest wrote: Will stain the aluminum.
Steve

Do you think painting it black will devalue it?

SWest wrote: Will stain the aluminum.
Steve

True with a lot of strippers.
Bead blasting will clean it off
But that is a lot more work
Dave

650Dude wrote:

SWest wrote: Will stain the aluminum.
Steve

Do you think painting it black will devalue it?

If I were the buyer it would.
Steve

Probably don't need the clearcoat but I used several coats of the black and then several coats of the clearcoat for both bodywork, tank, and engine. Just read the directions on the can and follow religiously. If you are in doubt get one can of each and try it on something else you have laying around.

SWest wrote:

650Dude wrote:

SWest wrote: Will stain the aluminum.
Steve

Do you think painting it black will devalue it?

If I were the buyer it would.
Steve

After some thought overnight, I have decided to CLEAR COAT the engine ONLY!

From the topic post: "Im so sick of trying to polish these stupid fins."

Before painting, especially an engine, you have to thoroughly prep the surfaces. For the fins there are probably plenty of you/tube videos.

I don't understand why you need to polish the engine more than once every 5 or more years, so the idea of painting it with anything would never cross my mind. Perhaps you are using some sort of cleaner that corrodes the engine? To me, a clean KZ650 engine with no paint or clear coat looks good and is much easier to maintain than a painted engine. Ed

650Dude wrote:

SWest wrote:

650Dude wrote:

SWest wrote: Will stain the aluminum.
Steve

Do you think painting it black will devalue it?

If I were the buyer it would.
Steve

After some thought overnight, I have decided to CLEAR COAT the engine ONLY!

I believe you're making the right choice. Kaw did clear coat the aluminum parts on my bike. Had to strip the fork legs to polish them. Once done I didn't clear coat them again. They yellow over time and without it they polish up easily. Now they spray them with silver paint. Cheap,cheap, cheap.
Steve