painting engine

[boyle_46]

I've just had my car resprayed and decreased the engine and box in going to paint the block with black hammerite but the alloy head and gearbox look grubby even after being degreased what's the best paint to use on them to keep I'm.looking fresh but not burn off, would it be fine to spray the cam box and head with silver and a blow over with lacquer or is it a waste of time

[turbojolt]

why not use a hammerite silver paint?

[novarally]

I used this stuff on my gearbox, lovely finish and seems to be lasting ok;

http://www.rustoleumspraypaint.com/product/painters-touch/

[Novasport]

Only issue with alloy is getting paint to stick to it. You need a specific paint for aluminium or etch prime it first.
You can clean alloy with acid, a good wheel acid would work but you will need to clean it well after and oil or seal the surface with a laquer to stop it corroding

[Benn]

Bits on my block are painted with Halfords rattle can. infact they are right behind the turbo and are still fine 2/3 years later....

I'd use Wickes direct to metal paint. Much much better the HAmmeright. Cheaper too. I've found you can paint it on to anything with the bare min or prep.

[novadave24]

years ago me and my mate painted his engine in Hammeright paint and it looked really good .

[Iain]

Shouldn't need any special paints for head and especially gearbox, but I find painted alloy looks worse than unpainted down the line unless you get a really good robust finish, I'd just clean and autosol them personally