Quote:
Originally Posted by DSM_421
I know most people will powder coat it or even anodize it, but I want to do it my self, and for basically free.
So I did a quick search and didn't come up with anything too useful on how to paint a valve cover.
I just want to hear a quick run down from someone who has either done this them selves or is pretty familiar with painting. I my self have never painted anything in my life.
I'm guessing a basic procedure would be to...
1. Brake clean the shit out of the valve cover.
2. Look for cracks and imperfections.
3. Sand the valve cover, then tape off what I don't want painted.
4. Lay a primer or base coat down???
5. Wait 15 minutes after step 4 and hit it with the color I want. (high temp paint obviously)
6. Wait 15 minutes and hit it with another coat.
7. Wait another 15 minutes, hit it with the final coat of paint.
8. Wait until dry, hit it with a few coats of clear, waiting 15 minutes between each coat?
Please feel free to add / remove / fix any of my steps. I have no idea really how to paint, just a general concept. I know this probably won't look the most professional, but to be honest I don't care I just want to have fun doing this.
Thanks!
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after and before shot of what the valve cover looked like
It is not shiny like powder coating but I think it looks damn good
I used a high temp primer and paint when I did mine
The primer was grey, I masked off the letters and painted the rest red. When I took off the letters, the grey letters were still there and by chance (didn't plan this) they match the timing belt cover.
I also used some paint stripper that was some real nasty shit but it took the old paint off really well. Didn't use brake cleaner
But basicly the steps you laid out are correct exept for maybe the timing. I thought I had to wait a while more for the coats to set. However I did the steps over a couple of days just to make sure the paint cured. I didn't use a clear coat. Maybe thats why it isn't shiny but I really like how mine turned out.
Mine is off of a galant. Before it was the typical grey color which didn't match my car. Plus my car is a mitsubishi, might as well say it on the valve cover. Looks better IMO
Sorry that the pictures are really big but you get the idea. I had fun painting it myself! you should definatly try it! Just remember be
patient don't rush the painting. You won't have it done in one day probably. Also wait for weather a little bit better then what we are having right now.