OK so I painted my engine cover about 6 months ago and for some reason in two small spots, it now looks faded and it is not glossy, so I am gonna do it over. I really would like a glossy look but I am not sure what paint I should go with due to the fact the first one didn't work out too well. Also because there is already paint on there, will I have to prime? I don't think I have to, but I would rather be safe than sorry. Also I have been hearing that you do not have to use a high temp paint, but I want to make sure that there will be no bubbling or cracking. So let me know what type of paint and brand to give me that long lasting glossy look I am looking for. And if I have to use a clear coat what type and brand. (I have never used a clear coat before!) FYI the stores that are around me is Autozone and Walmart, so it would be ideal if I could get the paint there, thanks!

 

krylon fusion spray paint for plastics. no need for primer or clearcoat. just sand off excessive paint already on the engine cover if there is any and clean it with soap/water before the paint job.

and no, you don't need high temperature paint. that's only for the valve cover or anything metal.

 

Ok so I know I will need a fine grit sand paper but but grit should I get? And the Krylon Fusion will give the glossy look I want. I want this to shine. I have put a number of LED's in my engine bay and it would be nice if the engine cover could reflect a little of this light.

 

there are several ways of going about sanding plastic. some would say you start with a medium grade and work you way down with increasingly finer sandpapers. personally, i would just wet sand with a fine grade to remove some/all of your old paint and give the plastic a very mild coarse texture. this helps the paint grip better.

http://mistupid.com/homeimpr/sandpaper.htm

here's a chart where you can determine what grit you'll need for plastic. go with a fine grade sandpaper or even finer. you know its safe for the plastic if you rub the sandpaper against your skin, and it doesnt brash it.

and about the shine factor. if the paint isn't as glossy as you need it, use krylon's clear coat. about 6 really fine (don't want to make it heavy) coatings with 15 minutes in between drying should be enough. if not, add more.

the painting is of off course if you use krylon's fusion. other paints might need primer.

 

So I don't mean to sound stupid but in order to wet sand, do I use regular sand paper and what water?

 

you use the sandpaper that you plan to sand the engine cover with water. soak the sandpaper before sanding it. that's wet sanding. it's suppose to act like a lubricate from scratching the plastic unevenly.

 

I have heard that this is a very good paint to use for the engine cover. What are your thoughts and would this even bond to plastic? http://www.duplicolor.com/products/engine.html

 

that paint was meant more for metal like calipers and the engine itself. while it'll do a great job in retaining color and chip/bubble resistance, i have no info how'll it stick to plastic.

here's a pic of my engine cover to give you an idea:

 

there's also metallic flake spray paints. walmart sells some. the rust-oleum brand i like the best.

 

But I would probally have to use a clear coat with the metallic paint to get a glossy effect right. You did a great job, but I am looking for a shinier finish. Looks awesome though and I love my Fugita CAI!!!

 

thnx.

yah, clear coat is still needed. it'll reflect better with metallic. remember to buy only clear coat from the same brand with the paint you intend to use. think this everything you need to know other than painting technique. good luck, and have fun!

 

Now that's a real engine.

C'mon Toyota, tC RS4

 

get 400 wet sand paper to remove the old paint down to the original plastic.......lower grit will just leave a lot of scratches that you wil lhave to work out later.......once you get to the plastic hit it woth 1000 grit wet sandpaper and then wash it off with dishsoap and water and dry with clean towel.......use a tack cloth to get off any dust or oils..........I use Krylon only as I have found other paint brands can have differant chemical makeups and the clear coat can crackle.....sucks to get your paint perfect and the clear it and it crackles.........light coats and several are the best way to do it........

also if you want your lights to shine and reflect in the engine then just remove cover all together and sand it withthe 400 then 1000 then 2000 and then polish with Mag polish........ti will shine like chrone.........