what is the engine paint everybody is using is it the stuff form the store or is it auto paint that is made for high temp.
I just use the Engine Enamel that comes in the spray can from the parts store. Easiest solution if you don't need a custom color.
I don't need a custom color just seen some on here that look really nice unlike what I've done with the stuff for the parts store. Just looks glossier
I used regular solid 2k automotive paint with a etch primer and a epoxy primer under. I´ve driven 1300 miles this summer without any effect on the paint. Manne
You can get a decent gloss if you prep correctly and use primer, etc. Other people on here have used regular catalized paints (urethane or enamel) with success.
Do a search. Plenty of info on what you can and cannot use, and the ways to properly prep the surfaces on an engine for paint to last!
Krylon makes one called "Engine Color",,seems like its getting harder to find though. This is 'Chrysler Red'.
+1..... Acrylic enamel or polyurethane enamel car paint with a good prep and epoxy primer works fine and holds up well. The way some heads are made there will be some burning of the paint at the exhaust ports no matter what you do, but the paints I mentioned tolerate that heat really well. If you use acrylic enamel, adding an appropriate catalyst will make it more durable. One disadvantage to using glossy paint is that it makes the castings look rougher. Flattening or carefully dry spraying the paint can help. Metal finishing a block isn't the easiest job, but any time spent smoothing up the castings makes things look better with glossy paint. A customer supplied Bill Hirsch Pontiac engine paint for a job I did. It went on without a problem and looked ok. It was a little glossy so a couple final coats of dry spray made it look more like factory. It ended up looking fine, but since the job was subcontracted to me I don't know how it held up to heat and time.
Rustoleum also has some cool colors for engine paint.. Colors like Grabber Green, Daytona Yellow..Etc...
put some hammertite bronze on mine. Don't know if hammertite is available anymore, but it is superior to the Rusteoleum hammered finish paint. Still looks good after 6 years.
I use engine paint from O'Reilly's and even though it costs more than hardware store paint it is worth it because it has more pigment and covers better.
I agree with everyone on here that it's all in the prep.Did the best I could with limited time,think it turned out ok For the 6 in my bro's car and on all engines I've done I used Dupli-color engine enamel high heat.JMO I've also used Hammertite and definitely recommend that as well,personally I prefer to use it on floor pans and engine compartments though.
It's still all in the prep. If you don't spend the time on that, no amount of money will give you a good paint job.
Just remember, trying to find a minor oil leak on a glossy engine, especially a dark color, can put you over the edge. Personal experience.
Of all the rattle cans I've used I like the Duplicolor engine paint the best. Good coverage and nice gloss. Seems like it's holding up well with about 1500 miles on it. Used Ford Red on my Y-block like it should be. MIKE
The Jalopy Journal
