Parts Painting

[Walter R.]

Is there a process for painting parts that would make the finish more durable. Have just purchased a pair of unfinished valve covers and would like a process that would improve durability. Will be painting with aerosol on primed surface.

[Tom H.]

Re: Parts Painting

I don't hink there is much you can do to improve durability of spray can paint. Have you thought about powder coating ?

[Walter R.]

Re: Parts Painting

Is there a vendor that I could send them to to have powder coated. This is an engine part that will need to be chevy orange. I am trying to maintain as much originality as possible with the intention of being judged possibly at a later date. This would also be a factor in a decision to powder coat or not.

[Ridge K.]

Re: Parts Painting

Is there a process for painting parts that would make the finish more durable. Have just purchased a pair of unfinished valve covers and would like a process that would improve durability. Will be painting with aerosol on primed surface.

Walter, I've struggled with this issue for coming up on 40 years. So far, I have never found any heat resistant engine paint that is any more durable (scratch resistant) then the next.

I wish there was. I just don't believe there is....

Ridge.

[Joe L.]

Re: Parts Painting

Is there a process for painting parts that would make the finish more durable. Have just purchased a pair of unfinished valve covers and would like a process that would improve durability. Will be painting with aerosol on primed surface.

Walter-----


I've found that most of the better quality engine paints (VHT, Dupli-Color, Seymour, etc.) are pretty durable. After being exposed to engine heat, they heat-cure pretty well and are pretty hard and tenacious. Most of these are self-priming and do not require a primer coat. In fact, if you prime coat the part you will often end up with too thick appearing paint.

If you powder coat you will have a VERY durable finish. However, it will appear too thick and smooth to be like the original engine paint. Plus, while you can powder coat certain engine parts (e.g. valve covers, timing cover, oil pan, etc.), you can't practically do other engine parts (e.g. block, cylinder heads). You'll never find a paint that's going to color match the powder coat so you'll be left with an engine with "multiple shades" of Chevy Orange and appearing VERY non-factory-like.