How to paint an aluminium engine?

[Bosunsmate]

Hi Im wanting to paint an evinrude 90 hp v4 ive being rebuilding. Ive tried spray on engine paint from an auto part store before and its stuck ok on but there are a multitude of white spots coming through the black spray.
What did i do wrong?
This isnt my motor so i want to do it correct on this one.
This motor has a covering of old grey paint on it
thanks

 

[jbjennings]

Re: How to paint an aluminium engine?

you must use self-etching primer, have the temp. above 70 degrees, low humidity, and get everything degreased totally. The paint must be compatible with the primer or it will crackle/bubble up. Make sure everything is clean CLEAN! You're painting a white engine with black paint? It'll take a LOT of coats to cover up that white without primer.
GOod luck,
JBJ

 

[Bosunsmate]

Re: How to paint an aluminium engine?

Im painting it red.
Does the primer need to be a special heat resistant type or just a type compatable with the top coat and aluminium?
thanks

 

[Chris1956]

Re: How to paint an aluminium engine?

Use a Zinc Chromate primer. It is green or yellow. Most any kind of overcoat enamel paint will be compatable.

 

[jbjennings]

Re: How to paint an aluminium engine?

The motor should only get about 160 degrees, so I have never worried about the heat. I think you're good. I hope you post a pic of it when finished! Seems they only stay perfect right before that first trip!

 

[Bosunsmate]

Re: How to paint an aluminium engine?

Thanks, il ring up a specialised paint shop and get the right primer and be glad at the same time to save some money not buying the more expensive engine heat resistant paint.
I sure will post pictures, Ive never painted an engine before but i quite like this engine, i think i like it more now than its owner

 

[Bosunsmate]

Re: How to paint an aluminium engine?



Very pleased with the results thanks.
The etch primer didnt say on the can that i needed to top coat it after spraying within about an hour or so so luckily i rang back the paint shop to check when i could paint it as i didnt want to wait over night to see how the top coat would look

 

[gm280]

Re: How to paint an aluminium engine?

Yes, Zinc Chromate is a must, but I also used a super catalyzed primer coat from an auto paint shop on top of the ZC. Then I sprayed on a few base coats of Acrylic Urethane paint (of my color choice) before spraying a few top coats of catalyzed clear for the final finish. My engine is now 100% impervious to fuel and oil and looks amazing as well… Actually looks like it was dipped in glass…

 

[Yesterday]

Re: How to paint an aluminium engine?

Looking sharp BM!