stupid paint question :-)

OK I have a real stupid ( read novice ) question. Where can I find a how-to on painting in between the fins on aluminum valve covers? Do I need to etch the aluminum first, what type of paint and an easy way to mask. I figured I didn't need to reinvent the wheel on this one... Any help is appreciated, Mike

 

I did some early 70's Vette covers over ten years ago and they are still holding up.
I just sanded the corrosion (white stuff) off and used spray engine enamel.
Masking tape is available in several widths to mask the fins.

 

Paint the fins and the valleys between the fins (that way you just have to mask the general area of the fins, not each and every fin) ... after painting, lightly sand the paint off the tops of the fins. The paint that remains is the effect you want I think (the valleys and the sides of the fins will still be painted, the tops of the fins will not).



Good luck

 

I used normal rustoleum on my caddy's covers. Taped off the big parts and wiped the fins down with acetone to get the paint off.

 

Thanks guys for taking the time. thats pretty much what I figured. will post pics of the motor soon

 

you can paint everything and use acetone on the fins. It will wipe off the paint. no sanding needed

 

I would spray a coat of self etching primer down on the bare alum. Much better adhesion. You can get it in spray cans now. Put on one light coat, let dry 20mins or so, then follow with your topcoat, no sanding needed.