Painting valve covers

June 19, 2018, 07:54:20 AM

Wasn’t sure where to post so I’m posting here. I want to paint my valve covers and need to know if I should use a primer first or no? I’m going with a krinkle hi temp paint ( black). What prep work should be done first to ensure best results? These are older Motorsport valve covers for an efi 5.0. And last where can I find gun metal grey paint in rattle can? Thanks in advance,
Ray

Painting valve covers

Reply #1 – June 19, 2018, 09:53:14 AM

If they are going to be bare metal from sandblasting or sanding them you will want to put some sort of direct to metal primer on them. I like to etch prime all bare metal, some prefer direct to metal epoxy. NAPA has etch primer in an aerosol can (as do many places).

Best results would be to clean them of all oil and such, blast them or get all the old finish off, prime and paint.

If painting over the old finish, clean them even better, sand them with maybe 400 or 500 grit paper or a red or gray scotch brite pad, spot prime any bare metal spots, paint.