Painting GS550 engine - primer needed?

[D-Mac]

You guessed it - another paint question!

I'm going to paint my GS550 engine (bottom end, cylinder, head, cover - everything but the side covers) with VHT high-temp case paint - black oxide SP903.

Places where this paint is sold state that no primer is needed, but on the can it suggests that primer can be used (and it gives a specific VHT suggestion of course). Various vintage websites seem split on whether or not to prime before painting an engine, and it's not clear whether or not folks using this type of paint are using primer.

Given that the cylinder and bottom of the engine are unpainted on the GS550, I'm thinking I should probably use primer first. Does this sound ok? Should I be concerned about overheating? (I know that paint is ok - I'm just concerned about how much more insulation the primer might provide).

Thanks!

[Sci85]

I've always used primer. Helps the paint stick better, provides a uniform base for even color, and helps fill in minor imperfections in the underlying metal. Regardless, 95% of a paint job is proper prep so spend most of your time there.

Good luck and post up some before and after pics.

[7981GS]

Don't paint if... the paint, the metal that you are painting or the temperature in the room, is below 60*.

Daniel

[bakirkwold]

I've always used primer. Helps the paint stick better, provides a uniform base for even color, and helps fill in minor imperfections in the underlying metal. Regardless, 95% of a paint job is proper prep so spend most of your time there.

Good luck and post up some before and after pics.

Prep is key! Use a primer. That's what I did one my tank and side covers.