What type of paint to use to re-paint motor?

[lncovert]

I want to paint my old Johnson motor. What type of paint should I use to do this? Is there a specific brand I should use?

Also, the engine cover is a little cracked...anyone know how I can fix this? Thanks.

 

[Solittle]

Re: What type of paint to use to re-paint motor?

As with any painting job preparation is the key to a finish you wil be proud of. I used regular automotive primer and lacquer for mine. Automotive bondo will work for any cracks (think Corvette). I did change the color as mine were originally a metalic boring charcoal. These engines are 1987 1.6L V4s.

Oh and forget any kind of rattle can paint unless you are ina real hurry and not all that concerned with the look of the final finish.

 

[j442w30]

Re: What type of paint to use to re-paint motor?

Solittle, those engines look nice! How complex is it to spray automotive style paints? I am assuming you need to use an air gun to apply them, do you have to buy a bunch of thinners, reducers, and hardeners and stuff like that? Did you sand off all of the old paint and reapply a primer? Sorry for all the questions but I was going to use the Mercury spray paint to repaint mine but I would definetly spend the extra time and money if it turned out like that.

thanks

 

[lncovert]

Re: What type of paint to use to re-paint motor?

Solittle, your engines look sharp.

I have never done any automotive painting. Unfortunately, I don't have access to any sprayer, nor would I know how to use them if I did. Would it look half-decent if I just brushed the paint on or rolled it on? If so, what paint should I use? Something I can get from home depot or the auto store or order online? Is there a special marine paint just for engines?

 

[wire2]

Re: What type of paint to use to re-paint motor?

A brush or roller will almost certainly leave marks and you won't be happy with it. If you're not at least a bit experienced with spraying paint, better to take it to a body shop & let them do it. Will be much cheaper then buying a compressor, spray gun, air hose, paint, catalyst, thinner, face mask, masking tape.

 

[SandMan*]

Re: What type of paint to use to re-paint motor?

I paint as a hobby, with compressor and spray gun... I've painted motorcycles mostly.

As Solittle stated, surface preparation is key to a good finish.

You can get a decent finish with a rattle can IF you are incredibly patient and careful, and buy the right stuff.

If you dont have the compressor and spray gun (which are not at all complicated to use if you do some reading) a body shop will probably do it reasonably cheap if you use a common color like gloss black (they may have some extra kicking around, and an outboard doesn't take much materials) and if you do the preparation yourself it will be even cheaper as prep work takes the most time.

Just my $.02

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: What type of paint to use to re-paint motor?

You can get the original color Johnson paint made by Tempo, Just look for Tempo engine paint. Strip them down and shoot a light coat of green Zinc Chromate primer,then several coats of the engine paint.Tempo also makes a clear coat.Take your time and use light coats and you can get a nice looking job with spray cans.Thats how mine was painted.

 

[copeina]

Re: What type of paint to use to re-paint motor?

Letting the primer dry and knocking down the fuzz or high spots with a 3M scrubby pad will help the final finish also.

Take your time and good luck,
/Kris

 

[Solittle]

Re: What type of paint to use to re-paint motor?

I do have an air compressor and had, at the time these were done, a neighbor who had a reasonably good spray gun. It was one of those with the cup on top.

As to the prep - I did sand all of the paint off of the covers. I did this because for several years I tried the touch-up method with OMC rattle cans. The results looked fairly nice for a short while but then the paint would bubble. For the rest of the engines I did a fairly good job of sanding the paint but trying not to sand through the primer. Whan all sanding was done everything was given a good cleaning. Then came the primer coat. It was fairly thick standard automotive flat grey primer. That was then sanded until all was smooth. Finally the finish coat. This process was done about five years ago and still looks pretty good.

If you don't have access to an air compressor contact an auto body shop. The actual spraying of either the primer or finish coat takes very little time.

While I'm not a fan of rattle cans Gary got great results.