Black Engine Paint and Any Advice

[GS700E Lover]

I searched the forum and did not find what I was looking for. I am sure it is out there, but it is easier to ask. What black engine paint do you recommend for engine painting? I prefer it in a can, but that may change with suggestions. For example, the engine is out of the bike and in an engine stand. Should I just have someone media blast it and have it done right or can I get it to look great with cleaning, sanding etc. myself and some good engine paint. What are your thoughts from those that have been through this?

Thanks

[NICK!]

I used to use VHT gloss black spray cans from the hot rod shop. Of course the cleaner the engine the better. I never glass beaded an engine just to paint it but I would spend hours and hours cleaning, scrubbing and scraping then after that clean everything with contact cleaner and a blow gun with good dry air. The more careful you are with prep the better the result will be.

They look better if the engine is dissassembled and painted (mask off any surfaces you don't want painted) and then when assembled the new gaskets stand out and make the job look factory.

Put the spray can in a tub of hot water for a while before you paint, this increases the pressure inside the can and makes them spray better. You'll need a few cans and a couple of coats. They look really good if you take your time. Follow the directions on the can as far as temperature and humidity go and let it dry for a few days if possible.

[tone]

As above but i use PJ1 engine case paint as its the only thing ive found thats as tough or tougher than the original finish

btw i ride in all weather on this fine island of ours & found that vht peels quite quickly, i also prefer to use the satin rather than gloss as it just looks better imo

[GS700E Lover]

Satin vs. Gloss

Do you like the satin because it looks more stock? I like things shiny, but I do not want it to look fake or detract from the rest of the bike...

Everyone else... What is your preference on finish...Gloss, satin, etc...

Thanks

[Skyboy8950]

I think it should match the lustre of your bike.

[tone]

Do you like the satin because it looks more stock?
Thanks

yes exactly that most of my bikes get highly modified but imho gloss black on engines just looks wrong, almost as if the owner is trying too hard if you see what i mean

no offence meant to anyone who likes shiny engines its your choice but it just dont do it for me

[groundshock]

I did a satin black on my engine.

Liberal dousing of simple green, hit it with the high pressure washer, two bottles of Eagle One Etching Mag Cleaner between additional high pressure blastings, and a final clean water rinse and thorough dry.

Followed that the next day with brake cleaner and compressed air, and hosed it down with DupliColor High Heat Satin Black.

Been fine all summer long and looks great. Beware though, it will take a few good heat cycles to completely cure. Dont touch it when it's hot, at least for a good 2 weeks.

If I had it to do over again though, Id probably go with a gloss black, as it likes to hold on to a little dust and it's a PITA to keep clean. At least with a good gloss you could just hose it off. Plus, my bike is all gloss black except for the engine and I think it would look better if it matched sheens.

[GS700E Lover]

I like gloss black as well. Thanks for the advice. If there is anyone else with some input I would appreciate it. I am painting the motor in an engine stand with no covers. I plan on taping everything off. I plan on cleaning the engine mostly by hand so not to get anything in the openings.

[Nessism]

The POR-15 products have an excellent reputation for durability, and chemical resistance. Most of these products are formulated to cure through the absorption of moisture through the air so they won’t be affected by gas and oil spills. This would be my choice if you are looking for a top notch job.

Good luck.

[Zook]

Check out Eastwood Products. They have lots of things for the classic car restorer. Might have something that will fit the bill.

[Headphase]

I use Granville Cylinder Black, as Tone etc. said, I use the satin finish, I tried a gloss engine paint, but it was way too shiny, it looked like it had been painted (if that makes sense)

Link to a UK supplier, so you can see what it is at least.

http://www.mandp.co.uk/productinfo.aspx?catRef=503950

So long as you really really really clean everything, then degrease it all with gunk or something, then clean it again a few times, then dry it, it'll come out a treat.

Watch out, these paints are usually very thin and runny, a wee bit goes a long way.

[Skyboy8950]

Can you get engines powder coated? I don't know if powder coating deals with heat...

[GS700E Lover]

Does the satin match what the engine color was originally? The 700 was the same as the 83 750 motor. I like shiny and it will have new chrome. But I also know what was meant by it looked painted and I do not want that.

[Nessism]

Can you get engines powder coated? I don't know if powder coating deals with heat...

Powder coat is an electrostatic process so it’s very difficult to get the coating down between things like the fins on an engine. Might work well on the crankcase halves but I think liquid paint is a better choice for the upper end.

[Skyboy8950]

I was thinking about powder coating my bike (tank, side panels, fenders) but remembered that some parts of mine are plastic. That doesn't work well with an electrostatic process. Sometimes you overlook the obvious...