Painting Natural parts

[GregP]

I am looking to paint some of the engine parts such as the water pump, head ,etc which are supposed to be left natural. I didn't want to use a clear coat since it tends to yellow with heat. I saw on another thread that VHT flat aluminum / aluminum matte was used but some thought it to dull and others used VHT cast aluminum which some thought to bright. Some combined the two spraying one over the other. Anyone find anything else that would work for the natural parts that would stand up to heat ? Anyone use any of the Eastwood products for this application?

Thanks,

Greg

[motorman7]

I like this. Use it some of my motor parts.

http://www.por15.com/POR-20-ALUMINUM/productinfo/P2H/

[cygnusx1]

VHT brake caliper paint stands up to almost anything. It is a bit brighter than bare aluminum at first but it does dull down with heat cycles and age. It's still much nicer than aluminum oxide pittting.

[5thhorsemann]

Be sure that whatever paint you use you pick one that isn't high build (low mill thickness) and disipates heat. The "natural" finish on the aluminum parts allows them to shead a ton of heat. And heat is no friend to the Z engine compartment.

[cygnusx1]

VHT is probably the thinnest spray coating that I have ever used from a rattle can. I am sure it's thermal barrier properties are negligible for automotive applications. Their engine paints make claims that they have low thermal barrier properties. From what I have seen, I believe it.

Edited February 21, 2012 by cygnusx1

[5thhorsemann]

I used the VHT exhaust paint on my header, it burnt off in a few weeks. when I get some fun money together I'll have it ceramic coated, but thats another subject. I've never had much luck painting the aluminum parts of a motor, usually polish that stuff or just leave it be.

[cygnusx1]

Exhaust, I agree, nothing in a can really works. Aluminum (non exhaust related), different story. My engine is going on 8+ years with the rattle can stuff, even the aluminum head painted with VHT is holding up. Polishing is nice too, but I like the cast look. I will do some sort of hot coating on the headers on my 240 someday too. I am tired of the rusty look.

That intake was painted 8+ years ago and it's over a turbocharger:

Here is 2003 when I first painted it:

Edited February 21, 2012 by cygnusx1

[5thhorsemann]

Looks NICE! Might change my mind on the painting those parts.