Painting engine block

[Calibra]

Hi

I was wondering what the best way is to paint my engine block?
The 15hp 2 stoke is going to be rebuilt.
The engine is already black.

Is it a case of putting it back together and then just spraying over the top of the old paint before fitting block in place?
Is there any special paint?

James

 

[Scott Danforth]

I use engine paint from the local auto parts store

 

[Bosunsmate]

I sprayed mine black as the white was looking dirty. I got just a normal can of spray paint. Not sure what i did wrong but i very much regret it as the paint keep smudging and flicking off even in cool parts such as the lower aluminium cowling
I think aluminium needs something called an etching primer.
Maybe i just got a bad can of paint but theres a head up that it can go bad

 

[HighTrim]

Prep is key. You cannot simply spray a can of paint over it and hope it will hold. It needs to be CLEAN! Full degreasing. I actually soda blast the whole thing, but that is during a full restoration. The primer must be a self etching primer, or zinc chromate. Anything else will fall off. Paint must be compatible with the primer, and you must follow the instructions regarding time wait, sanding between coats, etc.... You must also use a fuel resistant paint.