Engine enamel drying time

[Iain]

So I painted my engine block with 'Halfords High Temperature Engine Enamel' 10 days ago. I can still dig my fingernail in to the paint to leave a mark lol Used 3-4 coats to get a decent coverage within 2 hrs of eachother (like the tin told me to).

Why has this happened, and how can I speed up the curing process?!

[Stuart]

heat

[Benn]

Dont believe me then....

[Mike]

Its on to thick an the first coats cannot dry out as quick as they "should" :thumb: happens with all oil based paints when brush applied to quick so to speak.

Your best bet Iain is a hot air gun mate but it'll still take a while :(

[mowgli]

won't running the engine have the same effect as heat gunning???? enamel paint always needs to bake on....thats what enamel is

[Benn]

won't running the engine have the same effect as heat gunning???? enamel paint always needs to bake on....thats what enamel is


I did explain this, but he's not build it yet.

Iain, got a big oven? Could bang it in there for a while...

[peester]

lol cure's it like..

[Mike]

won't running the engine have the same effect as heat gunning???? enamel paint always needs to bake on....thats what enamel is

Ah very valid point.

Propane torch it is then im afraid.

[Iain]

Sorry Benn course I believe you lol

I've been out in the garage with a heat gun, just wondering if anyone has any great ideas from similar experiences. Heard good airflow helps too so guess I can leave it outside in the sun tomorrow.

I did apply it quite thick within one day, but it needed it to get good coverage on the textured engine block.

[Novasport]

Most engine enamels dont fully cure until the engine is run. Get it built and chucked in then run her up, its the only way you will get it to the right temperature without putting it in an oven.

[Iain]

It's ages off first startup lol Will be scratched like mad putting it in too if it's still soft!

[L14MNP]

Befriend a local kiln owner.

[Welsh Dan]

You should be able to get the short block in the oven so long as its not a small one lol.

[mowgli]

loon a q at the nats????????

or find someone with a powder coat oven

[Novasport]

Why did you put so many coats on, if its a good engine enamel you should only need one coat.

[mowgli]

its iains first proper engine build & he wants to make sure it is bang on

[Iain]

It needed about 2 thin coats and one thicker one to get a good even coverage of colour because of the texture?!