Painting Engine Cover

[LongBeachCoupe]

Ok i found the threads in a search, but couldnt access them...

I want to paint my engine cover.... Black with Knight Rider in red going across...DIY? Can it be done? Difficulty rating?

[MisfitBrian]

Ok i found the threads in a search, but couldnt access them...

I want to paint my engine cover.... Black with Knight Rider in red going across...DIY? Can it be done? Difficulty rating?

It's not that hard. On my last car, I used hi-temp paint. I sprayed the whites 1st, then used a vinyl sticker to cover it when I sprayed the black. Then just peel the sticker off.

[mpbclutch33]

You can also use Petrolium Jelly or Vasoline on what ever you don't want painted. Just wipe off when done.

[LongBeachCoupe]

Wait... im confused..im looking for it to be all black, with knight rider in red... so id paint the knight rider on it first? i need to sand like always right?

[spockrock]

no I believe what he is saying is you paint the whole cover red. Depending on how you want to do it.

This is an example, I think since its an engine cover you might not want as many coats, but generally when I paint, I usually sand, primer, use really really really fine automative sand paper from hence forth, just make sure everything is even, then prime again, then light sanding again, red layer, sand, second coat of red. Then put the sticker down, Black coat, sand black coat, and then when everything is dry, peel the sticker off, what you get is red under the black. Its like using a stencil, but kinda backwards.

[LongBeachCoupe]

Im beginning to understand... seems like a waste to paint the whole thing red and then have to sand it all off though...

Misfit.. i know you do show quality work... can you give me a little more insight? should i paint it all red... then throw down a knight rider sticker to cover the red part i want to keep.. then sand the whole thing down and paint it black? i feel like around the edges it wouldnt be uniform... more info please! Thanks guys....

[quick_shift]

I wouldn't think you'd have to paint the whole thing red, just a rectangle chunk where you want Knightrider

[LongBeachCoupe]

But then i throw the decal ontop of the red knightrider... to protect it... but i want the black to go to the edge of the red... and wouldnt all the sanding i need to do rub thru the decal? id need to sand off the red paint around the decal... in little corners... inside the R and D of RIDER... will the details screw this up? thats where im stuck...

[spockrock]

sorry you don't have to sand, I lightly sand with automotive wet/dry sandpaper (1000grit +), all it will do it take out the little imperfections, you do not want to sand clear coat or the final coat of the colour.

What you want to do is paint the areas red that you need to it can be a rectangle it can be a blob. What you can do is paint the section of the engine cover red where the knightrider will be then. Place the knightrider sticker, over the red part then paint the whole cover black now. the sticker will act like tape, tape off parts you want to leave red, so when you peel the sticker off you will get that red knight rider lettering, I hope that makes sense.....

So what misfitbrian did was paint areas white, place skill sticker and misfits logo after white areas were dry, spray the whole cover black, let dry and peel the stickers off and now you have what you are going for.

[LegendRacer]

But then i throw the decal ontop of the red knightrider... to protect it... but i want the black to go to the edge of the red... and wouldnt all the sanding i need to do rub thru the decal? id need to sand off the red paint around the decal... in little corners... inside the R and D of RIDER... will the details screw this up? thats where im stuck...

if u want it red first, ud paint the ENTIRE THING red and then decal cover and then paint black over top

because if u just paint a little spot, you may get uneven coloring or paint texture (due to more layers of red)

[spockrock]

if u want it red first, ud paint the ENTIRE THING red and then decal cover and then paint black over top

because if u just paint a little spot, you may get uneven coloring or paint texture (due to more layers of red)

yes I failed to mention that if you do patches then you will get uneven colouring or texture.... I would suggest you paint the whole thing red, place the knightrider sticker on teh parts you want to keep red, and then paint the whole thing black, peel sticker and enjoy.

[missmedude]

It is not really hard. I painted mine with the nismo color.

[dangeris]

Hey LBC, When I painted my brothers V dub engine cover (as well as other components) I first sanded the pieces, sprayed on 2K primer, a couple of coats of paint, then a couple of coats of clear to protect it. I didn't use any flex agent on it as it was a rigid piece. It's been a couple of years now and it still looks awesome! In fact , I know he's won a couple of local car shows with his dub

[LongBeachCoupe]

the only question im having now is once its red... do i need to sand that off to paint it black? or just throw the black right ontop of the red paint?

[Mr. Music]

You can paint the black over the red. It might require two thin coats though. If it was red over black, that would be a different story...

[spockrock]

throw the black on top. But Lay down you sticker for the graphic you wish to create, before your put down the black. I am under the impression that there is some confusion still, I am sorry if there isn't.

[LongBeachCoupe]

And should i put the clear coat on after the red, or just wait till the black is done then do it all at once?

[Mr. Music]

Clear would be the last layer, therefore above the black. If you have any doubts, see if you can buy another engine cover on the dl from your nissan tech buddy and play with that one. If it comes out good, put it on your car, and if not, you have another shot.

[roeinondubs]

i did my boys gto cover ill try to get a pic for u. its not hard at all. do 2 coats of red so the black plastic doesnt show through, let it dry all the way. then lay down ur decal (use a atm card to get the air pockets out). then spray it black and let it dry all the way, do this 2 times in light coats. i would use the high gloss black it stays shinyer then the gloss black. then pill off the decal. wet sand with 1000grit and clear coat thats it ull be done

[LongBeachCoupe]

SMART THINKING!Im gonna hop on this as soon as i get a chance.. not this weekend but next week for sure... Ill post my results!

[nogears909]

anyone know if a paint shop can do custom color highheat paint? want to color match my dark slate

[08Coupe]

anyone know if a paint shop can do custom color highheat paint? want to color match my dark slate

I have seen plenty "air brushed" on V8 engines with headers and it didn't lift/bubble so I think regular paint would be ok..

[LongBeachCoupe]

Airbrushed... Hmm.... Now the gears are moving again.... lol i think ill stick with my plan thouhg

[Mr. Music]

anyone know if a paint shop can do custom color highheat paint? want to color match my dark slate

You wouldn't really need high heat paint for your engine cover. You can use engine enamel (usually withstands temperatures up to 500*F), which is available in a much broader range of colors and finishes.

[MisfitBrian]

SMART THINKING!Im gonna hop on this as soon as i get a chance.. not this weekend but next week for sure... Ill post my results!

Sorry for the late reply...I was sick yesterday. As stated, best to sand the cover 1st, primer, sand again, then shoot the red over the whole cover(2 or more coats). Next apply good vinyl sticker(s) for you template. The most important thing is to make sure the edges of the sticker(s) are firmly adhered or you will get overspray under the edge. Sand lightly, then clearcoat 2X. And most importantly...take your time. Don't rush between paint drying times.

[nogears909]

so i went to the paint shop and they said nowhere would be able to mix a metallic engine enamel. what if i used high heat primer, then regular metallic paint, then a high heat clear coat, think it would hold up?

[MisfitBrian]

so i went to the paint shop and they said nowhere would be able to mix a metallic engine enamel. what if i used high heat primer, then regular metallic paint, then a high heat clear coat, think it would hold up?

You really shouldn't have a problem with that. Just keep an eye on it after extended driving or high heat days.

[dangeris]

Yo Brian,..did you paint that yet?

[LongBeachCoupe]

nope... ive been busy... you know ill bring it to the top when i get around to it!

[nogears909]

i started painting mine on monday, takin my time so i should be done this weekend, will post pics