VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1912-1928 Painting an engine

I bought several spray cans and 1 qt of engine paint from the Fillin Station. Can I use the paint from the qt can as it is and brush it on or sould I thin it and spray it on? The engine is still in the car and I have no plans to remove it anytime soon.

Thanks.

Do not brush the paint on, it's too thick and you won't like the way it looks. Best is to thin it to specs. and spray it. It will take you some time to mask and paper the engine compartment first but it will be well worth it.

Brushing onto the cast pieces is the only way to go, especially with the engine in the car. Spraying is the preferred method for the sheet metal parts. Takes some masking to keep paint where it is intended. Also need to make sure that the parts are grease and oil free before painting.

I have used NAPA Brake Cleaner to clean engine parts before painting. It worked well when I was detailing the engine in our NOVA. I removed the valve covers and sprayed the them and brushed the rest with a 1/2" brush.

I have tried both brushing and spraying on cast iron pieces, ie. the engine block and cylinder head. In my opinion, spraying was not only easier but it looked far superior as well.

I have used engine enamel spray cans from several vendors with good results, every bit as good as it came from the factory! Of course, preparation is 90% or more of every good paint job. That means you will be spending about 10 times or more time cleaning and degreasing the engine, not counting masking off what you don't want painted, as you do actually painting it.

I rented a high power pressure washer. It did an excellent job. So far I have found only spot that I miised and it's underneath where one of the springs bolts to the inside part of the frame. I'm sure I missed a few more spots but they'll be small and few between.

Since everyone is throwing in their respected opnions, I wanted to add mine. I used carb cleaner to remove grease from my installed engine. Of course you want to protect any painted areas you don't want paint removed as carb cleaner removes everything. Then used alcohol to remove any residue. Next, I brush painted it with a 1/2" wide artist's brush. Paint was easy to control and it came out looking great.

Went on the Air Capitol Tour in Kansas last weekend and was great! Forty one cars, three fire engines and one turck. It was a good weekend at the Closson's.
Good Luck, Maxie